Budget shortfall leads College of Education to end search for new dean

Posted to On Campus by Josh Barone at 1:32 p.m., Jan. 16, 2009

In an e-mail to the College of Education faculty, staff, students and alumni Wednesday, Provost Brian Foster announced the search for the College of Education’s new dean will be canceled due to a projected budget shortfall of 15-25 percent. Rose Porter will continue to serve as Interim Dean for the next year.

Here is the full text of Foster’s e-mail:

Dear Colleagues:

I regret that we are in the position where we must cancel the College of Education Dean search.  We now face a projected reduction of the state appropriation of 15% to 25%, which will translate into a shortfall of $27-44 million for MU. The impact will be enormous.  As you know, a hiring freeze has already been implemented and other significant budget cuts are imminent.  Reductions in faculty and staff, eliminations of salary increases, tuition increases are all among the measures being assessed to address this shortfall.  In the context of these substantial shortfalls and the implications for so many on the campus, I reluctantly decided that it was necessary to cancel the College of Education Dean search.     

I want to thank the search committee and the College of Education faculty and staff for their tremendous effort in recruiting a fine pool of applicants. We are facing challenging times, and I know that you share my disappointment that we are not able to move forward with this search.  The College of Education is very important to the mission of this campus.  We are most fortunate that Rose Porter will continue to provide leadership for the College of Education as Interim Dean for the next year, and I am confident that each of you will continue to be supportive and resourceful in the days ahead.  

Warmest regards,

Brian Foster

Provost

President Gary Forsee

Vice President Steve Graham

Chancellor's Staff

Provost's Staff

Deans