State funding projections provide yet another challenge. We were fortunate last year to receive special funding to improve learning technology. And Governor Engler's 1997 budget recommendations announced last week are encouraging for higher education, especially given the overall context of the State budget. The budget process, of course, is in its early stages. But we cannot expect future increases in State funding to take care of our needs.
State budgets are too tight and the economy of our State is still too cyclical.
Yes, we are under budget pressures. I strongly believe we can respond and prosper given all these pressures by being the very best at what we are. We are distinct in our mission. We are mandated by charter and by tradition to serve this state as its ONLY land-grant university. Let me say this very directly.