Wisconsin higher education leaders have recently underscored the importance of sustaining financial aid programs overseen by the U.S. Department of Education, particularly in light of potential reforms that may follow the inauguration of President Donald Trump. This discourse took place during a luncheon in Madison, where Jay Rothman, President of the University of Wisconsin System, reported that discussions with the state’s congressional delegation indicated that the complete dismantlement of the agency is “not highly likely.” Rothman expressed concerns about the impact of proposed funding changes on the financial support for the state’s most disadvantaged students.
The Role of Pell Grants
Eric Fulcomer, President of the Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (WAICU), emphasized the pivotal role of the Pell Grant program in supporting financially disadvantaged students. He noted that this program has existed since before the establishment of the Department of Education in 1979 and stressed the necessity for crucial financial aid programs to have a stable operational home within the federal government, which might involve relocation to another department, such as the Treasury.
Support for Technical Colleges
Layla Merrifield, recently appointed President of the Wisconsin Technical College System, also affirmed the significance of Pell Grants for students in technical colleges, highlighting the agency’s responsibility in managing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
University Budget Challenges
The discussion further touched on the University of Wisconsin’s proposed biennial budget request of $855 million. Rothman addressed remarks by Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, who previously indicated that the university would not receive a $1 billion allocation. He pointed to Wisconsin’s ranking as 43rd in the nation regarding financial support for the University of Wisconsin System, contrasting it with other Midwest states that rank within the top ten.
Salary Issues in Higher Education
Rothman noted a pressing need for salary adjustments, stating that faculty and staff salaries at the 13 universities fall short by 10% to 20% compared to similar institutions. This wage gap, he argued, presents a long-term challenge for the retention of talent within the university system.
State Budget Surplus
Tom Still, President of the Wisconsin Technology Council and moderator of the discussion, mentioned that the state is expected to finish its 2023-25 budget cycle with a $4 billion surplus. However, Rothman suggested that funding for the University of Wisconsin should prioritize future competitiveness rather than relying solely on current surplus figures.
Rebuilding Trust in Higher Education
Panelists also addressed concerns regarding declining confidence in higher education and emphasized the need for rebuilding public trust. Rothman noted the increasing importance of obtaining a four-year degree for long-term earnings. In contrast, Merrifield called for higher education institutions to better align their programs with immediate employment outcomes to enhance relevance and effectiveness.
Research Success at UW-Madison
The luncheon followed the release of annual research rankings from the National Science Foundation, which showed that UW-Madison climbed two positions to rank 6th nationally among 920 public and private universities. The university reportedly surpassed $1.7 billion in annual research expenditures for the first time, indicating a 13.7% increase from the previous year—a milestone recognized by Rothman as significant for both the state and the university.
(Source: Wisbusiness.com)