Chancellor Bill Stacy asked that I share the following thoughts with the
campus.

"I am aware that the news coming from Nashville can be cause for alarm.
Please let me assure you that the University administration, the Govenor's
Office, and the Tennessee General Assembly are aware of the challenges
facing our campus and higher education across the state. I am hopeful that
when the legislators return to the arduous task before them, they can
create a budget that meets the needs of the citizens of Tennessee and will
address the ever increasing revenue challenge facing Tennessee.

We appreciate the position that it should be state appropriations that
provide money to higher education rather than student fees, but the absence
of either would be problematic for us all.  This is not the time, however,
for panic. Your system and campus budget officials are watching the news
from the Legislature and we have every reason to expect a resolution that
preserves current funding levels soon.

As soon as we have news to report, we will inform the campus.  In the
meantime, I ask that you continue the tremendous service you provide our
students and state.  I am proud of your accomplishments on behalf of UTC
and appreciate everything done to ensure that we are a better institution
than our financial resources alone would allow."

Bill Stacy, UTC Chancellor



Chuck Cantrell
Director, Office of University Relations
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
201 Founders Hall
Chattanooga, TN 37403

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Voice (423) 755-4363
Fax (423) 755-5299