Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Contact: Spence Jackson, 573-751-0290
Blunt, Higher Education Leaders Extol Lewis & Clark Discovery Initiative’s Importance to Students, Schools and Working Families
JEFFERSON CITY–Gov. Matt Blunt today met with university and college presidents from around the state who expressed their support of the Lewis & Clark Discovery Initiative and the limitless opportunities it offers for students, their universities and colleges, and Missouri’s working families.
“The Lewis and Clark Discovery Initiative enjoys the overwhelming support of our higher education leaders who recognize its great potential for students, their institutions, and working Missouri families,” Blunt said. “Never before has our state had such significant opportunity to enhance learning, expand research and create cutting-edge jobs for the future.”
University and community college presidents who attended the meeting include: Dr. Aaron Podolefsky, CMSU; Dr. Dean Hubbard, Northwest State University; Dr. Michael Nietzel, MSU; Dr. Julio Leon, Missouri Southern State University; Dr. Elson Floyd, UM; Dr. Barbara Dixon, Truman State University; Dr. Steven Kurtz, Mineral Area College; Dr. Evelyn Jorgenson, Moberly Area College; Dr. Hal Higdon, Ozarks Technical Community College; Dr. John McGuire, St. Charles Community College; Chancellor Henry Shannon, St. Louis Community College; Ms. Marchai Pfeiffer, Florissant Valley Community College; Dr. William Kennedy, Forest Park Community College; Dr. E. Lynn Suydam, Meramec Community College; Dr. Marsha Drennon, State Fair Community College; Dr. Neil Nuttall, North Central Missouri College; a Harris- Stowe Representative; and a Missouri Western State University Representative.
“These distinguished individuals know first hand the challenges that face higher education. It is a testament to the Lewis and Clark Discovery Initiative and its countless benefits that these leaders stand together to support our students, our campuses and our future,” Blunt said.
The Lewis and Clark Discovery Initiative will provide $335 million for capital improvement projects at colleges and universities across the state and $15 million for the Missouri Technology Corporation to assist with the commercialization of new technologies. In addition to this $350 million, contributed by MOHELA, the state will provide more than $25 million for student scholarships from general revenue to continue indefinitely and $60 million over a six-year period to fund Federally Qualified Health Centers.
The Lewis and Clark Discovery Initiative will work to maximize resources provided to higher education and create new opportunities for students and the economy. The bold initiative will help Missouri take its place as a leader in science and technology research and help create good, family-supporting jobs for current and future generations of Missourians.
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