UNC System President Tom Ross issued a statement today praising the NC State Senate’s Draft Budget for 2014-2015.

Here’s the text of Ross’s statement:

“The 2014-15 draft state budget released by the Senate Appropriations Committee offers clear evidence that the North Carolina Senate understands the critical role our public universities must continue to play in North Carolina’s economic future.

“Given the needs facing the State, we are grateful that the Senate budget recognizes the need to invest in areas that are key to the future of the university, as highlighted in our strategic plan.

“We support the efforts of legislative leaders to fund salary increases for state workers and look forward to working with them to address compensation issues for University faculty and staff.

While the budget process is far from complete, the Senate budget marks an important step forward for our students and our State, and it demonstrates support that is crucial as the University strives to remain the most valuable asset owned by the people of North Carolina. “

The proposed budget provides a recurring $1,000 annual salary-and-benefit increase for all full-time employees subject to the State Personnel Act.

There’s also a push in the Senate for UNC to dissolve “small, unprofitable institutions” such as Elizabeth City State University, which has seen enrollment drop from 3,307 in 2011 to 2,421 students in 2013.

Eight-one-point-five percent of the school’s students are African-American.

WCHL has reached out to UNC System President Tom Ross for comment about Elizabeth City State, and we’ll keep you updated.

UPDATE: UNC Vice President for Communications Joni B. Worthington sent WCHL a follow-up email that reads:

“For clarification, this draft budget provision, which may or may not be included in the final state budget, would require the UNC Board of Governors to study the feasibility of dissolving any constituent institution that fell below a specified enrollment threshold and to report its findings and recommendations to the 2015 General Assembly.

“With respect to Elizabeth City State University, UNC General Administration is continuing to work with the campus to address budget challenges, stabilize and build enrollment, and tailor degree offerings to fit its current enrollment and regional needs.

“We consider ECSU a vital member of the UNC system and critical to northeastern North Carolina’s economic and cultural well-being. “

Related Stories
‹
North Carolina Is Pursuing Its Own Restrictions Amid Trump’s Pushback Against DEI
Following the lead of several conservative states and the president himself, North Carolina Republican lawmakers have advanced their own bills that target diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
North Carolina Government Makes Big Tax Revenues Quickly from First Year of Sports Betting
North Carolina government cashed in early when it came to reaping fiscal benefits from authorized sports wagering in the ninth-largest state.
UNC Researchers Warn About Effects of Federal Funding Cuts on Cancer Discoveries, Treatments
Threats of federal funding cuts are already felt within research circles at UNC, including the labs of some leading cancer research.
UNC, System Schools Suspend Diversity Courses as Required Curricula After Trump Executive Order
UNC-Chapel Hill is suspending part of its mandatory curriculum around diversity to avoid any potential noncompliance with one of President Donald Trump's executive order.
UNC Trustees’ Oversight of Athletics Issues Limited for Concerns of Overreach
The UNC System president temporarily suspended the UNC-Chapel Hill trustees' authority over athletics for acting beyond their allowed duties.
UNC System Chooses Kenan-Flagler Alum, Former Domino's CEO as Latest UNC-Chapel Hill Trustee
Ritch Allison — who was formally selected Thursday by the UNC System — will fill the Board of Trustees seat left vacant by Dave Boliek.
UNC-Chapel Hill Cuts 20 Positions, Reassigns 27 Employees After System Changes DEI Policy
The flagship UNC campus eliminated the most positions compared its peers in the North Carolina System to comply with new policies.
After Diversity Pushback, Some Faculty Feel Left in Dark at North Carolina’s Flagship University
The Board of Governors revoked the UNC System's diversity policy in May. Some UNC-Chapel Hill faculty are concerned about what comes next.
North Carolina Elections Board OKs University ID on Phones for Voter Access This Fall
The North Carolina elections board on Tuesday approved the first digital identification that can be used to meet state voter ID requirements.
Here's What UNC President Peter Hans Said About Picking Lee Roberts to Lead UNC-Chapel Hill
The UNC Board of Governors approved Lee Roberts to take off the ‘interim’ tag to his role as chancellor of UNC-Chapel Hill on Friday. The vote by the board came after UNC System President Peter Hans nominated Roberts and gave an extended speech on the selection process, Roberts’ approach to leadership, and his own vision […]
›