In the coming months and years, MSU President Michael Nietzel will be forced to stretch the financial resources of the university like never before.

How he decides to handle this conundrum will have far reaching consequences for current students, future students, faculty, staff and the university in general.

Even assuming the Missouri General Assembly follows the recommendation of Governor Jay Nixon to maintain current funding for four-year universities for the next fiscal year, climbing enrollment combined with a stagnant budget poses a significant challenge for the university’s number crunchers.

But with all this uncertainty, Missouri State University must take great care in maintaining its most important mission.

Academics.

While cuts may have to be made in areas such as administrative salaries, grounds keeping, research, minor building repairs and perhaps even athletics, the classroom must not be compromised.

Keep class sizes small. Recruit and retain quality instructors. Continue to offer degrees in a multitude of fields, even if some areas prove less cost effective than others.

And beyond anything else, work to make those educational opportunities available to all who seek them.

Keep tuition low. And continue offering scholarships to assist those who might not otherwise be able to attend.

The academic mission of the university must come first.

Available education.

Affordable education.

Quality education.

-Zach Becker
For the Editorial Board