Florida Board of Governors lauds UF in State of the System address

The State University System of Florida Board of Governors spoke about changes in higher education and rewarded universities that they say are doing the best.

The board meeting, which began Wednesday, continued Thursday at the University of Florida with the state of the system address.

Dean Colson, chair of the board, applauded the collaboration among the system schools and what they are accomplishing with few funds.

“We’re moving forward in difficult economic times,” Colson said.

UF President Bernie Machen said the Board of Governors will focus on transfers, accessing degrees and graduating students in a timely manner. He said these are benefits not only to UF students but to students elsewhere.

The board also rewarded four institutions—Florida International University, the University of Central Florida, the University of West Florida and the University of Florida—with $3.75 million each for successful information technology programs.

For the first time, UF received this award for its work in computer training and education.

The state legislature funds the budgets of UF and other system schools.

The address was not all praise, though. Colson mentioned there is a decline in funding, and, while partially made up with raised tuition, the Board of Governors is still a long way from its goal.

“I don’t think there’s any interest in the state,” Colson said, “to raise tuition right now.”

Rebekah Geier edited this story online.