President Welty cites positive change, growth at Fresno State

California State University, Fresno President John D. Welty told faculty and staff today (Thursday, Jan. 12) that change and growth at Fresno State are gaining positive regional and national attention, and that the momentum will help fuel achievements in 2006. Welty made his remarks at the Spring Faculty/Staff Assembly on campus.

The president said he has been hearing “positive reports” as he meets with business leaders, legislators and educators. Commended are the university’s work in health care, agriculture, business, the arts and education, he said.

“The Craig School of Business is often mentioned as playing a leadership role in the invigoration of Central California’s economy. The positive economic impact of our programs in agriculture, water technology and engineering are often cited as setting a path for positive economic growth in California and nationally,” he said.

Welty also cited progress by the Strategic Planning Committee, which is working on an academic strategic plan and updating the physical master plan to address growth and development of the campus.

The president also was “encouraged” by the governor’s proposed budget, which would boost funding for the 23-campus California State University system.

“The proposed budget provides nearly $2.8 billion in state General Fund revenue to the CSU, which represents a 7.3 percent increase over the current 2005-06 budget year appropriations. It also includes $2.3 million for Master’s level nursing education and more than $1 million for math and science and other teacher education,” Welty said.

“At Fresno State, this means a 3 percent general fund increase, plus funding for new enrollment growth. Additionally, there is a 3 percent compensation pool that will be the subject of negotiations.

“Presuming that all of this is maintained by the Legislature during the budget process there will be no student fee increase in 2006-07. I know I can speak for students and parents who are relieved to have a break in the annual fee. Here in Central California, keeping an education at Fresno State as affordable as possible means much to our students and their families who often struggle to pay fees and meet the other costs of attending the university,” he said.

A copy of the president’s speech is available at www.FresnoStateNews.com.

Contact: Shirley Melikian Armbruster, (559) 278-5292 or (559) 593-1815.