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Advisory

Calendar Reminder -- Annual Spring Faculty/Staff Meeting
The Campaign for Alabama: Working for Reform

Calendar Reminder -- Annual Spring Faculty/Staff Meeting

UA's annual spring faculty/staff meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 23, at 11 a.m. in Sellers Auditorium of the Bryant Conference Center. All faculty and staff are encouraged to attend. The agenda will include an introduction of the 2002 McKinley winners and the presentation of the E. Roger Sayers Distinguished Service Award.

The Campaign for Alabama: Working for Reform

Shomari Thomas, 4, and his mom, LaShondra Cannon

Immediate past president of the UA Faculty Senate Steve Miller (left) reviews agenda items with Bill O'Connor, manager of the new Campaign for Alabama.

Former UA faculty member and administrator Bill O'Connor resigned last fall as president of the Business Council of Alabama to become manager of the Campaign for Alabama. This newly created organization is comprised of Alabama community leaders who have committed to finding fundamental solutions to the state's on-going financial crisis. O'Connor talked to the UA Faculty Senate steering committee last month to explain the realities in this state that motivated the organization's goals and plans.

Reality

In 1980, explained O'Connor, Alabama and North Carolina were a lot alike in agriculture, rural and urban areas, and other important characteristics. North Carolina decided that by 2010, it would rank in the top ten in education. "They have reached their goal," said O'Connor.

Eighteen months ago that state passed a $3.1 billion bond issue for higher ed alone. "The University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill received a check for $498 million -- twice the bond money allocated by the state of Alabama for The University of Alabama SINCE IT WAS FOUNDED IN 1831," O'Connor explained.

First on the Agenda

O'Connor and the Campaign say that Alabamians must make a choice: "Will another 'stop-gap,' temporary measure be implemented or will the state develop a long-term plan that will fix our funding problems forever?" To fix the problem for the long haul, Alabamians must be shown that the available dollars are being spent in the most efficient way and priorities have been set. After restoring public confidence, citizens, organizations and leaders must sell Alabamians on the need to invest more funds in state education and services through tax reform, said O'Connor, noting that Alabama per-capita tax payment is ranked fifty-first in the nation.

Higher Ed's Issues to Tackle

"Issues facing higher education include program viability, duplication of programs, productivity, graduating the right people and determining if the public is receiving a fair return on their investments," said O'Connor, who believes the University has been accountable in prioritizing expenditures and being active in the state's economic development.

Political and financial support is lacking for higher education, and the Campaign for Alabama hopes to change this reality.

To learn more about the Business Council of Alabama and the Campaign for Alabama, visit the Web site at www.bcatoday.org or contact Bill O'Connor at 334/220-0396.