Forsee calls for more state higher ed support

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) -- University of Missouri system President Gary Forsee wants state lawmakers and Gov. Jay Nixon to boost financial support of higher education.

In a speech to the Missouri Board of Curators Friday, Forsee called for revival of a bond issue to finance campus building projects.

The former Sprint Nextel CEO cited a favorable financial market in his annual State of the University speech but told university curators that the "window will likely close this year."

The Missouri Legislature approved a plan last year to spend $600 million over two years on college construction projects and other capital improvements. Nixon later vetoed that measure to help balance the budget.

The curators' meeting took place at the Kansas City campus.