UI chief: Higher ed underfunded too long

MOSCOW, Idaho – The results of a lack of investment in public higher education in Idaho and the rest of the nation are becoming apparent with increased global competition, University of Idaho President Duane Nellis said.

Speaking Friday at his official inauguration ceremony, Nellis said the origins of the budget problems besetting colleges and universities go back further than the current recession.

“It’s been called a short-term problem by some, but in fact, our nation and our state’s disinvestment in public higher education has been occurring for several decades,” he said. “This is a reality to which some are only now beginning to awaken as we face global competition for American innovation and knowledge.”

Though the inauguration was Friday, Nellis officially started July 1.