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CREDIT MATH2.EKU.EDU

Eastern Kentucky University is moving forward with capital construction projects on its Richmond campus.  The school’s president says the governor’s proposed funding cuts will not sway EKU’s revitalization strategies.

Michael Benson says Case Hall and Case Annex will be demolished at the end of this semester to make room for a new dining facility.  Students and staff will be relocated to other buildings.  Benson says discussions of funding cuts for higher ed must not impact campus improvements.  “We can’t let our plans to revitalize campus and improve our infrastructure in any way be trimmed or checked,” explained Benson.  “We have to continue with those unabated.”

Benson admits housing and dining amenities can sway prospective students as they consider where to go to school.  “If we’re right on the cusp of luring that student but they see something at another place that they really like, we may have the best program in whatever they want but facilities in this day and age really in a lot of ways can carry the day for that prospective student,”  Benson noted.

Benson says much of the capital construction is being carried out through private-public partnerships or private giving.  He says Governor Matt Bevin’s suggested 13.5 cut over the next 28 months is a different issue.  He says that impacts EKU’s current operating budget.