Baylor University President Ken Starr Thanks Legislators, TEG Supporters Following Announcement of Texas Equalization Grant Funding Levels

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Earlier this year, it became apparent that the Texas Equalization Grant (TEG) program was in danger of being reduced significantly because of state budget cuts. Concerned about the impact such cuts could have on Baylor students, University officials met with Texas lawmakers to make clear the importance of the program to Baylor students, many of whom are first-generation students with financial need. Baylor alumni, faculty, staff, students, families and friends also contacted their Texas state legislators and urged continued funding of the TEG.

Late last month, Baylor officials learned that the budget enacted by the Texas legislature will include more than $9.6 million in support of the TEG program at Baylor.

"This is welcome news for Baylor University students and for higher education in Texas," said Baylor University President Ken Starr. "We are deeply grateful to the Governor and the Texas legislature. We are especially thankful for our Baylor alumni who serve in the Texas Legislature and who fought on behalf of our students to ensure that the TEG program was not compromised.

"While we have said from the outset that we expected to make sacrifices during these difficult economic times, we give thanks for the decision of Texas lawmakers to fund TEG at a reasonable level. We are also thankful to those alumni, students, parents, faculty, staff and friends who chose to get involved in this discussion and urged continued support for this program that is of significant financial consequence to the many families who qualify for TEG funding."

In an email sent on April 12 to alumni, students, parents, faculty, staff and friends of the university, Starr stated, "In 1971, visionary leaders made a promise to future generations of young Texans when they established the Texas Tuition Equalization Grant (TEG) program. For 40 years now, the TEG has provided need-based, education-empowering grants to talented and deserving Texas students choosing a private university experience."

The TEG provides a modest grant to students with demonstrated financial need, many of whom aspire to be the first in their families to graduate from college. For these students, the TEG is essential in providing access to Baylor and its faith-based environment where students are provided a distinct education grounded in a worldview of eternal significance. The passage of this funding helps ensure that this important educational option will continue to be available to all Texas students attending private universities.

ABOUT BAYLOR

Baylor University is a private Christian university and a nationally ranked research institution, classified as such with "high research activity" by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The university provides a vibrant campus community for approximately 15,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest, continually operating university in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 11 nationally recognized academic divisions.
Media contact: Lori Fogleman, director of media communications, (254) 710-6275