February 27, 2008
To: University of Tennessee Faculty and Staff
From: President John Petersen
Today, students and representatives of all five University of Tennessee campuses, the Institute of Agriculture, Institute for Public Service, UT National Alumni Association, UT Athletics, and Oak Ridge National Laboratory are joining me at the state capitol for UT Day on the Hill.
Our purpose is to highlight the value of the statewide university and to emphasize our legislative priorities for the coming year.
On Thursday, we will join representatives of the Tennessee Board of Regents and the Tennessee Higher Education Commission in a discussion with the House Finance Committee, the next key step in the budget process. On March 5, we will have that same discussion with the Senate Education Committee. In both those presentations, we will focus on key budget issues:
In the face of limited state resources, we are partnering with legislators and the Governor in seeking creative solutions to funding challenges. We appreciate the Governor's continued focus on educating Tennessee's young people, driving the economy and enhancing healthcare.
We recognize the challenge to keep fees and tuition reasonable while maintaining quality of programs and not losing ground.
I look forward to bringing you further updates as the budget process develops.
— John Petersen
