Email This StoryAmendment allots funds to research
Nov. 5, 2009
$500 million will be split between seven universities
By Megan Keyser
Staff Writer
Texas voters approved Proposition Four on Tuesday, an amendment to the Texas Constitution that will establish a $500 million National Research University Fund for seven emerging research universities, not including Baylor.
According to the League of Women Voters of Texas voter guide, the fund is intended to help the following universities develop into tier-one research universities: Texas Tech University, University of Texas at Arlington, University of Texas at Dallas, University of Texas at El Paso, University of Texas at San Antonio, University of Houston and University of North Texas.
In order to receive part of the $500 million fund, each of the seven universities will be required to meet rigorous criteria, including benchmarks established by the Texas legislature and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, research spending, the number of doctoral degrees awarded and endowment levels.
Baylor alumna Diane Patrick, Texas representative on the committee of higher education, said the money will be transferred from the dormant Higher Education Fund to the new National Research University Fund. Patrick said money from the new fund will be distributed to universities according to each school's individual accomplishments.
In response to concerns about the fund, Patrick said the effects will happen simultaneously as the universities work toward achieving tier-one status. Patrick also said that as these universities grow in the area of research, they will leverage money from other sources. Marianne Lewis, director of public affairs at UTSA, said the university is happy with the election results.
"We're very pleased that the voters across the state thought this was important," Lewis said.
Lewis also said the fund will open a lot of doors for the university.
"I think it will help us grow our graduate programs," Lewis said. UTSA is working on developing more doctoral programs, and the funds established by Proposition Four will help current and prospective students see that the university is moving forward.
"We are staying ahead of the curve," Lewis said. "We're not stagnant."
Although Proposition Four will provide funding specifically for the emerging research universities, Lewis said it will also impact higher education in the entire state of Texas.
"I think it puts all of the institutions on a trajectory toward excellence," Lewis said. "It's like an affirmation for higher education."
Jon Engelhardt, dean of the School of Education, said expanding university research is positive for all Texas institutions of higher education.
"I think it benefits all institutions," Engelhardt said.
Patrick agreed and said the fund and the opportunities it will provide emerging research universities will has the potential to create jobs.
"Top tier universities attract industries and create them," Patrick said.
Although there are many positive perspectives regarding the new fund, there are some concerns about how big of an impact the $500 million can have on seven universities, according to the League of Women Voters of Texas voter guide. This is not a huge amount of money," Engelhardt said.
"It's not going to turn them immediately into a research university."
Engelhardt said the $500 million would have a greater impact if the fund focused on a few universities.
However, despite his concerns, Engelhardt said the fund is a promising change.
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