SOUTHEAST PLANNING

Southeast Missouri State University Regents recently approved a bevy of new academic programs and projects. Many of these programs place a renewed emphasize on technical training.

As part of this enhanced-mission plan, the university wants to construct a vocational-technical center. This vocational priority should extend the university's reach into the region, and build a closer association with public education.

But this progress carries a substantial price tag.

To support the numerous new programs and projects, the university would need additional state appropriations of $4 million in fiscal 1998, $3.46 million in fiscal 1999 and $2.24 million in fiscal 2000. Construction of the vocational-technical center would cost an additional $5.5 million.

The university also plans to open a new education center in Sikeston, much like the one that has enjoyed great success in Malden. The university hopes the local community will provide a building to house that center.

Sikeston has long tried to secure a community college. This higher education center would be another approach to accomplish the same goal of making college classes more accessible to the community. It will benefit Sikeston and the region.

Southeast wants to set up two more centers by the year 2000. The university's approach of taking college to the communities is a good one.

Residents throughout the region told university officials they wanted more access at a series of strategic planning hearings several years ago. The university listened and developed a system of long-distance learning through community education centers and televised classes.

Regents also recently approved a much-debated master plan, which would make the campus more user-friendly. The university will request $34.6 million for capital projects, including $12.5 million to renovate Academic Hall and $5.4 million to remodel the Art building. Long-range plans also include $13.6 million for a performing arts center.

Southeast expects to spend more than $70 million to operate the university next fiscal year, up from $65 million this year. State funding accounts for $39 million of the school's operating budget.

All these new fiscal requests must go through a rather extensive legislative process. University officials are well aware that the competition for state dollars is stiff. Hopefully, only those programs with merit will earn a green light.

It takes vision to run a university. It takes tax dollars to fuel that vision.