Second Global Issues Forum still in hot dispute
By: Cat Vaughn, Corner Post staff

The second Global Issues Forum hosted by Chancellor Brady Deaton on Tuesday, March 29, 2005, in Memorial Union on the MU campus was arranged to discuss the importance of higher education on a global level.

The guest speakers emphasized two main points during their speeches: The effect of financing on higher education and the need of society to understand the importance of higher education.

Financing at MU plays a large role in education quality. Increases in tuition and student revenue have occurred due to decreases in public funding. In order to provide the best higher education possible, public funding support must be reinstated. MU’s public funding for last year was an averaged $8,600 compared to the mean public funding of $10,000 granted to most schools in the Association of American Universities.

Richard Wallace, the MU Chancellor Emeritus, said, “What can MU do for this state that others can’t?” The answer is that MU is “competitive on a national level in which no other Missouri universities compare to.”

Besides needing additional funding on campus, there is a need for the state and society to understand the importance of the university and higher education.

“They must understand the inherent value of this research university and land grant institution,” said Ron Turner, former MU executive vice president.

Many people, however, do not understand what a state public land grant research institution truly is. Such an institution is classified as a university capable of putting into motion a liberal education for producing classes. Without being informed, however, it is easier for the public to revoke funding and support for MU.

Previous years had shown new majors being formed by state funding and enrollment at the university was at all time high levels. Today, these accomplishments have decreased. Turner attributed this to an “eroding public opinion” of what higher education constitutes. “We must reverse erosion and bridge the gaps,” said Turner.

Mel George, MU professor emeritus, also spoke on the goals and importance of MU. George said that the business of education is one of a consumer industry; students pay and come to receive knowledge.

“It is our business of learning,” said George. “Some say we are preparing students for work in the 21st century. I say we’re preparing people for life in the 21st century.”

It is this goal of preparing students for life, which is gravely important to MU. It is only with time that the public will come to understand the importance of higher education in a global sense. Until then emphasis on education at the university will remain an important topic of discussion and dispute.

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