He started by showing a brief video about WSU, including how WSU research helps Washington agriculture -- and the very first feature was the mint composting project I did when I was at CWU! It was fun to see my old friend and WSU colleague Lynne Carpenter-Boggs on the screen. Lynne (that's her in the picture, on the Scarab compost turner) and I were really proud of that project, which took a crop residue that was a huge liability and turned it into a multi-million dollar business over on the west end of Royal Slope. It's an excellent example of how CWU and WSU can and do contribute to our local economy and especially to agriculture.
Many of us were concerned last year that budget cuts at WSU would affect Extension programs in Kittitas County, but Dr. Floyd assured the crowd that that was not and will not be the case. (Here's how it works now: WSU pays the salaries of two Extension Educators, and Kittitas County pays their benefits and also pays for the staff and office facilities. The Kittitas County part of the budget is a little under $200,000, and this is obviously a good deal for the county. In return we get 4H information and education for local farming and ranching, among other things.)
Dr. Floyd talked about the budget cuts he's had to make at WSU, amounting to over 10% of the university's budget, and how in some ways the cuts have made the university better. But another round of similar cuts would be disastrous, he said.
Although he didn't draw the connection himself, Ellensburg and CWU have a relationship that's similar to the one between Pullman and WSU. The next round of cuts, if it comes and is large, will involve many peoples' jobs. In many cases at each university, both spouses of families work at the university. If one spouse loses his or her job, the entire family would probably be forced to move, and would have to sell their house at what would be a very bad time for house-selling.
Steve wrote:
ReplyDelete"Many of us were concerned last year that budget cuts at WSU would affect Extension programs in Kittitas County, but Dr. Floyd assured the crowd that that was not and will not be the case."
As I heard from a reliable source, WSU, with Floyd as President, had threatened to end funding for the Extension programs in Kittitas County. This was not because Floyd is anti-spending, but was floated as a kind of education blackmail because so much of our area is Replublicans and sometimes would spend less on public college education. Can you document otherwise -- that it was not Floyd's WSU that threatened to end our Extension programs? You really seem taken with Dr. Floyd. "A very impressive man, Dr. Floyd." (swoon)
Thanks for your comment. I was one of many people who were dumbfounded at the thought that WSU would significantly cut support for Extension programs.
ReplyDeleteI have an e-mail -- I'm sure many in our community saw it -- that was circulated in February of '09 about how WSU's Provost Bayly had suggested to a state Senate committee that deep extension cuts were being considered. I think I may have considered that a political strategy might have been at work, but then again Extension is crucial in every county in the state regardless of voting patterns. Later in the year, incredibly, King County cut funding for 4-H programs.
It does seem possible that one of the reasons for Dr. Floyd's tour of every county in the state is that he's trying to repair the damage that was done by the mere suggestion that Extension could be at risk. He certainly took pains to talk about how much he values Extension in general and in this county, and how WSU is working to be of more service to agriculture in the state.
Apparently WSU wasn't prepared for the response they got from those of us who understand how important Extension is. Everybody makes mistakes, and this was a good lesson for them.
Having spent many years working at universities, I have a rather jaundiced view of university presidents, and believe me, I come by it honestly. But I was impressed with Dr. Floyd, and surprised enough about it that I mentioned it. If you had been there, you might have been impressed, too.
With a search of "Provost Bayly close extension" I found source documents including the TVW video of the hearing.
ReplyDeleteDr. Bailey was officially representing WSU in a budget hearing. Does it seem that Dr. Bayly's background in veterinary medicine should make him WSU's policy-maker? Or was he carrying a message that was coordinated beforehand? You're implying very clearly that this idea, of cutting extension services, was concocted by Dr. Bayly without consulting with Dr. Floyd, and that led to Dr. Floyd having to repair the damage done by some loose cannon provost. Pfffftt. Any further research to support your version?