Gov. Nixon touts funding increase, tuition freeze at UMKC signing ceremony

Calling the University of Missouri-Kansas City “a true national leader in educational collaboration,” Gov. Jay Nixon came to the campus April 28 to sign the state’s higher education funding bill.

Nixon praised UMKC’s creation of health sciences satellite programs for Pharmacy and Dentistry at outstate campuses as an example of University of Missouri System campuses holding down costs, finding efficiencies and serving the needs of Missouri residents.

The governor signed House Bill 2003, the fiscal year 2017 budget for public higher education in Missouri, which adds $71.3 million in additional state support to higher education while implementing a freeze on undergraduate tuition at public colleges. It is the fourth such one-year tuition freeze enacted during Nixon’s tenure. He said Missouri public colleges have performed better than any other state in the nation at holding down tuition increases during his two terms in office.

“With the signing of this bill, I am proud to mark another milestone for higher education in Missouri and our shared commitment to putting a quality, affordable college degree within reach for more families,” Nixon said.

Several UMKC students lined up behind the governor as he signed the legislation. Chancellor Leo E. Morton opened the program, thanking the governor and legislature for their long-term support of Kansas City’s university.

“We are committed to educating the next generation of professionals and leaders for our state, and doing so in a way that combines excellence with affordability. Our research develops new knowledge that can be applied to our challenges, and stimulate growth and progress for Missouri, and for the world. We are committed to serving our community in so many ways, from providing health care to the underserved, to strengthening our neighborhood institutions,” Morton said. “We could not do that without the support we get from the state as a public university. And the state has provided that support because we have demonstrated the value that we generate in return.”

Morton then introduced Ida Ayalew, the undergraduate student body president, as “a student leader who really demonstrates that value in human terms.”
Ayalew thanked the governor, legislature and citizens of Missouri for their role in supporting her education.

“Great citizens of Missouri, thank you for demonstrating the importance of supporting young people like me, who desire higher education, but do not have the financial means or family support to do so,” Ayalew said. “My gratitude to my fellow Missourians is beyond measure. Thank you, Missouri, for investing in UMKC, and in me.”