CHARLESTON, W.Va. — State Higher Education Chancellor Dr. Paul Hill believes the state’s colleges and universities are at a tipping point.
“We cannot put much burden on students or they begin to walk away and say ‘I can’t afford it,'” Hill said during a recent meeting with lawmakers at the state capitol.
Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin’s proposed budget has a recommended $12 million in cuts to higher education. Hill told House Finance Committee members the fat has been trimmed and the only way to raise more money is to raise tuition but they know they can’t endlessly return to that option.
“We are stable at the moment but we really will have trouble if the budget continues to be reduced,” Hill said.
The chancellor also told committee members the HEPC will have an opportunity return plans WVU has for its new Beckley campus. He said the review would include how the move would impact Concord University and Bluefield State.
“If they offer a program at a new site there is a section of code that requires them to present that information and have it reviewed before the policy commission,” Hill said.