Graduate and undergraduate students need to be on the cutting edge of technology to compete in the job market. The Governor appointed Argersinger to serve on the Technology and Science Commission, which will craft an agenda for the state. Deferred maintenance is a big problem that has gotten little attention in the budget. Many buildings on campus are in disrepair. This is an issue that affects almost every campus in the state and is a high priority.
Image is one of the biggest internal issues here.
Argersinger explained that image is how feel internally and then communicate that feeling externally. SIUC's reputation is much worse within the state than outside. The state of Illinois needs to recognize and understand SIUC's excellence. It is imperative to get out the true story and launch an educational campaign. The university has done a great deal without much money, and that speaks highly of everyone here.