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Some people continue to blame Dr. Julio Le n for Missouri Southern s budget problems. In reality, however, a man in his 20th year as College president probably knows what is best for Southern. Many people have used Le n as the scapegoat for the College s difficulties. As the top man on the totem pole, he is an easy target. The source of the budget problems, however, lies within the state s economy. It s not the College president who has made money mistakes; it s the state government. For years, revenues in Missouri have been steadily decreasing, and now the state in suffering in the red. Unfortunately, state universities and colleges have faced the most withholdings and cuts in funding. And as one of the more cost-efficient colleges in the state, Southern seems to be suffering the most. True, in the past two semesters Le n, as well as other College officials, made the decision to raise tuition. While students were burdened with empty pocketbooks, there really was no other option. Next semester another 10-15 percent funding cut is expected from the state. This time around, however, the College has worked around increasing tuition again. Students can take a sigh of relief. But that does not mean students won t experience a lack in resources elsewhere. All departments at Southern are operating on extremely low budgets and will have to continue to do so. Le n, along with the College, is doing the best he can with what is available. So let s all stop blaming one man here. This is a state, as well as a national, economic crisis. Let s allow Le n to enjoy his 20th anniversary as College president rather than giving him more stress. |
