Marshall gains $2.5 million in funding

The state's Higher Education Policy Commission (HEPC) allocated approximately $2.5 million to Marshall as part of $9.2 million allocation to state institutions to bring them up to or above peer institution levels and to maintain schools that are already on par with peers.

The funding to the 16 state funded colleges and universities were made with two basic ideals in mind. First, to "equalize each institution at or above 76.9 percent of their peers over a period of four years," Jim Winter, HEPC director of finance, said.

Then, for schools that are already on par, to fund schools to keep up with peer institutions and inflation.

It is the hope of the HEPC that this funding for state institutions will continue for the expected four years, Winter said.

The HEPC had originally asked the state legislature to provide $7 million in additional funding for state schools, but the legislature provided $2.2 million in excess of the original request.

"We received a higher level of funding than we had asked for," J. Michael Mullins, chancellor of the HEPC, said. "When you compare West Virginia to neighboring states, they are seeing [educational] budget reductions while we are seeing increases."

Each college's board of governors will determine how the additional funding will be used. No members of Marshall's board of governors or administration were available for comment.

by SARA ARMSTRONG

news editor

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