Student brings budget concerns to Governor
By Brian D. Dickens, CSU student, Letter reprinted by permission
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
June 29, 2005
Governor Bob Taft
30th Floor
77 South High Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215-6117
Dear Governor Taft:
My name is Brian Dickens, and I am a student at Central State University. Governor Taft, the reason I am writing you is because I am quite disappointed about my school’s budget cuts over the next two years. President John Garland, Esq. has testified during budget hearings in Columbus about the cuts and how they will affect the university. I feel it is necessary for you to hear a student perspective.
First, I would like for you to consider why I chose Central State University. My first reason is because Central State is an HBCU (Historically Black College/University), and I believe attending an HBCU plays an important role in developing and educating black students. HBCUs promote academic and professional success and prepare their students well for their chosen careers. The history behind our black colleges and the contributions to society made by HBCU alumni are beyond impressive. As an African American student attending an HBCU, I receive opportunities I do not believe I would receive if I attended a majority school. Also, since most of my classmates and professors are black, I am quite sure I am going to at least get a fair chance at academic success.
Further, at a black college there are numerous opportunities for students to develop socially, professionally, and academically through organizations such as student government or programs related to their field of study. Students at Central State and other HBCUs also have an opportunity to build friendships that can last for the rest of their lives, and that too is noteworthy.
My high school principal attended this institution, and she assured me I would have an enjoyable experience, that it would be one of the best possible educational choices for me. Central is not too far from home, nor is it as expensive as some of the other black colleges. Cost is important because many African American students come from the low-income families.
As an African American student in this country, I think black colleges and universities are historical treasures as well as living reminders of the struggles and successes of African Americans. I choose to attend Central to continue the struggle into the twenty-first century and beyond.
Governor, while Central State did undergo some financial difficulties eight years ago, currently the university has made significant progress in becoming financially stable and viable. For example, since 2000, we have built two new residence halls, have attracted more students, and are now in the process of building a new College of Education and Natural Sciences Building. However, having a cut of $1.15 million is detrimental for the university. How can a school operate, much less grow, with its budget being continually cut? Granted, in the previous year the university has been able to operate on a budget cut, but how many times will we receive a cut before we are not able to operate as a university should? Not only will we not be able to recruit and keep our students, but how will we retain faculty? Salaries for our faculty members are already “significantly lower than any other public supported university and college in Ohio.”
I understand your budget also calls for the Water Resources Management Program not to receive state funding. That program is one of the highlights of the university. It provides students with educational skills and background necessary for water resources management careers in private industry, government, and nongovernmental organizations. Governor, there are only two undergraduate programs in our nation with such programs. Why is it necessary for you to cut funding to this one, the only undergraduate program at an HBCU?I urge you to reconsider the budget cut. The Central State University Board of Trustees and President Garland, as well as his executive cabinet, faculty, staff, and students can equip Central with the ability to thrive along with other HBCU’s in our country.
Please schedule a time to visit our beautiful campus. Please help us in our resolve. Thank you for your time and attention.
Respectfully yours,
Brian D. Dickens
Student, Central State University
cc: John W. Garland Esq. President, Central State University;
Margaret Spellings, U.S. Secretary of Education
.:. Top of Page