Delta State University faculty and staff, along with members of the Cleveland-Bolivar County Chamber of Commerce, gathered at The Warehouse Thursday night for the annual welcome back party. Everyone enjoyed food, drink and the company of friends and acquaintances to kick off the new school year.
Faculty and staff gathered in the Bologna Performing Arts Center theater as Delta State University opened its 85th academic year at 10:30 a.m. Thursday.
The new school year kicked off with recognition, announcements and the State of the University address.
One of the chief concerns over the last academic year has been the university budget and how the institution would cope with cuts from state funding.
“I'll admit it is not easy to muster confidence these days in the strength of any higher education institution,” Hilpert said. “Budget woes plague all of us.
“We've dealt with $3.5 million in cuts during Fiscal Year 2009 and Fiscal Year 2010 and we're dealing with nearly $800,000 in cuts in Fiscal Year 2011,” Hilpert continued. “Because federal stimulus dollars end this year, the projection is for another $3.6 million in lost state funding for Delta State's budget in Fiscal Year 2012.”
These cuts total 30 percent of the university's state appropriated funding, stripped from the budget in a three year time span.
However, the university is expected not only to survive but to thrive.
“By any measure Delta State University is sound,” said Hilpert. “I am confident of that assessment and I want you, our students and our alumni and friends to be confident as well.”
Hilpert attributed the survival of the university to the resolve of its faculty and staff.
“In spite of the persistent frustration over state revenue shortfalls and a national economy that plods far too slowly toward recovery, you have kept your commitments every day to fulfill the mission of the university,” he continued.
“Though we have lived through disappointing and damaging in-fighting as we've worked to find solutions to the millions in state cutbacks, still you have taught classes, helped students, provided services and accomplished the tasks necessary for this university community to succeed.”
Before Hilpert delivered his annual State of the University address, several recognitionsß were made.
Dr. Wayne Blansett, vice president for student affairs, introduced the SGA officers who won election this spring.
Eckward McKnight, president of faculty senate, introduced the 15 new members of Delta State faculty.
Dana George, staff council chair, introduced the 50 new staff employees.
Luther Brown will be in charge of the environmental responsibility focused Year of Green.