Governor Bobby Jindal announced a bombshell in higher education Tuesday. He asked the Board of Regents to consider merging Southern University in New Orleans with the University of New Orleans. Jindal also is asking the Board of Regents to consider whether that merged campus should then be moved away from the LSU and Southern systems that currently govern them... and into the University of Louisiana system. The Regents will study the idea. That study should be complete by March 1st. What do you think about the plan to merge those two schools, and should it stop there? Or should other institutions be considered for possible merger as well?
This is a good start. There are other prime schools that could be merged along with specializing in their curriculum such as engineering or education,etc., all which would save money. However they should not stop there, but look at the "fat" upper management of the Louisiana school system. They could use a trim also.
Posted by: jock martin | January 19, 2011 at 06:52 AM
Better management of state funds is what we need. Louisianaians pay plenty of taxes. our tax base is plenty sufficient to run this state. it needs to be managed like a check book account. Spending should stop short of a -0- balance. The surplus spending is not just in higher education it is rampant all over the state. We need real finicial priority's and good management of the spending of all state funds. If we only knew how much money is collected from just the oil companys here in Louisiana we would all probably pass out. Our state is not poor is my point. We are poor at managing what we recieve. Tough cuts, yes! But, very much needed. Will it cost jobs? Yes! Will it save our state from bankruptsy, we can't afford not to find out.
Posted by: Coconut | January 19, 2011 at 07:35 AM
I like turtles.
Posted by: Zombie Kid | January 19, 2011 at 09:15 AM
After doing some research: http://www.stateuniversity.com/universities/LA/Southern_University_at_New_Orleans.html I agree with Jindal's recommendation.
The school has only 3100 students total so it could be easily rolled into the UNO system. And yes it should be moved out of the LSU/Southern umbrella and moved into the UL system.
Posted by: Mom | January 19, 2011 at 11:52 AM
merge that one , and any other....
KPLC...give credit to Jindal !!!!
Posted by: Swamp Charly | January 19, 2011 at 11:57 AM
MERGE, MERGE, MERGE!! It only makes sense, especially considering the dismal graduation rates of these two schools. As it now stands, it's a complete waste of taxpayers money to be running these schools as what amounts to a day care center. Either shape up or shut down!! Merging is only a stop gap measure but it's better than the status quo.
Posted by: Mike | January 19, 2011 at 12:00 PM
KPLC here's some local news that for some reasion you have decided not to cover. Today front page American Press "Firefighters retirement hike adds to city's financial burden". Seams like the City of Lake Charles which started the current budget year with a 4 million dollar deficit, will most likely see that deficit take a large increase. The city will need to go even deeper into it's financial reserves to cover the losses. Mayor Roach said "we are approaching a point where these rates are simply unafordable". Seams a large tax increase are severe budget cuts are facing the citizens of Lake Charles,is the only answer after years of mismanagement by the city.
Posted by: Buck | January 19, 2011 at 12:05 PM
EXCELLENT IDEA. However, I would guess that the black community will find some reason to complain and try to stop it.
Posted by: Mary | January 19, 2011 at 12:32 PM
Mary---
Why does race of any kind need to be brought into the discussion???
Can't we all just get along.
As for the topic yes it does make sense to merge them.
As for the firefighters, I wonder if the city knew this would happen when the renegotiated the fire fighters contract? And if so why did they not plan for it?
As your Mayor I will not submit a budget unless it is balanced PERIOD.
Posted by: DA GARDNER FOR MAYOR | January 19, 2011 at 01:16 PM
Hey Mr. Jock Martin,
You want to talk "FAT"? Take alook at this:
http://www.mcneesesports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=22000&KEY=&ATCLID=1529442
We kick paying students out of university housing and build the free athletes a $8,250,000 field house.
We can't blame any one but ourselves.
Posted by: Al Capone Jr. | January 19, 2011 at 04:34 PM
Wisdom abounds in Baton Rouge!!!!
Merge one loser with a loser and you no longer have losers....you have one gigantic loser..
Posted by: Moi | January 20, 2011 at 12:42 AM