Why Was a Capital Bond Issue Needed?
Oklahoma's public colleges and universities continue to experience record enrollments, serving more than 238,000 students annually. While our state can be proud of the excellent instruction in our college classrooms, campus facilities frequently do not measure up to the needs of the students.
On many campuses, labs are crowded and outdated. Basic functions like heating and cooling are often antiquated and inefficient. Needed classroom space and even entire buildings are left unused because they urgently need renovation to meet modern safety codes and access requirements.
Many of our aging college buildings are crumbling because of a chronic lack of funding for needed renovations. Our students are struggling to prepare for a demanding job market in buildings that are decades out of date.
In the last several years, enrollment has increased by tens of thousands of students, making the need for major capital renovation and construction even more compelling.
The presidents of all state system institutions worked together to develop a project list that represents only the most pressing needs and will improve instruction in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, disciplines of great importance in today's economy.
When businesses consider moving to Oklahoma or our own business consider expanding, the state's commitment to higher education is an important deciding factor. An investment in our colleges and universities is a clear and unmistakable signal that Oklahoma is ready to meet the education needs of the new century and places us in a position to attract companies and new jobs.