8/20/2009 - Jackson, Miss.

In his first regular meeting as Commissioner of Higher Education, Dr. Hank Bounds presented the revised budget recommendation, which the Board approved in light of the state's current economic situation and revenue forecasts. The original FY 2011 budget priorities included an appropriations request of $260.6 million over the FY 2010 appropriation. The revised priorities include an appropriation request of $42.9 million over the FY 2010 appropriation. The funds are requested to cover cost of living and inflationary increases only.

"We are committed to pursuing adequate, stable funding to move this university system forward," said Commissioner Bounds. "However, we must be practical, and we must be realistic considering the tough economic situation we face and the limited funds our Legislature will have available for appropriations."

View details of the FY 2010 operating budget and revised FY 2011 budget priorities.

The Board voted to support the University of Southern Mississippi's recommendation to select two parcels of land in the Cross Creek development as the preferred location for the university's new campus. This is the third land package within the Cross Creek development to be considered. The two parcels of land, which are separated only by a power easement, are situated such that the campus will be fully integrated into the new community, within comfortable walking distance of the town center, and visible from I-10. Plans for the Cross Creek campus include a multiphase development that will ultimately serve up to 12,000 students from south Mississippi and the surrounding areas.

In other news, the Board approved the initiation of a number of real estate projects and the naming of project professionals for other projects. The Board approved the ground leases and related documentation for a dormitory at Delta State University and a parking garage at the University of Southern Mississippi. Both projects are being financed through the legislatively approved private development delivery method.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Board President Scott Ross afforded the institutional executive officers an opportunity to speak about the good news happening on Mississippi's university campuses.

An archived webcast of the Board meeting is available for viewing online.

The Board's next regular monthly meeting is scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, September 16 and 17, 2009.

The Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning governs the public universities in Mississippi, including Alcorn State University; Delta State University; Jackson State University; Mississippi State University including the Mississippi State University Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine; Mississippi University for Women; Mississippi Valley State University; the University of Mississippi including the University of Mississippi Medical Center; and the University of Southern Mississippi.

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