James Ramsey: Positioning the University of Louisville for an ‘uncertain future,’ bumpy roads - Kentucky Forward

Since 2002, our goal has been to place the university under a fiscal dome of protection, able to withstand volatility in our global economy and state budget. We undertook this path because we strongly believed that we would eventually encounter threats to what was previously our top revenue source – our appropriation from Kentucky state government. Under no circumstances did we want these looming financial challenges to stunt our unprecedented upward academic trajectory. As it turns out I was right – threats to our state’s fiscal position certainly did materialize. Over the years, we have been able to reduce the university’s reliance on taxpayer funding by diversifying our revenue streams. U of L has become a leader in creating a new model for ensuring continued progress at urban public institutions, even in the face of funding cuts from governments. Our mission includes providing access to an affordable higher education for all of Louisville’s diverse communities and people across the entire Commonwealth. Protecting that mission from external financial pressures is on my mind every day. http://www.kyforward.com/james-ramsey-positioning-the-university-of-louisville-for-an-uncertain-future-bumpy-roads/