AUSTIN, Texas (KBTX) – Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp testified in front of the Senate Finance Committee Friday morning.
Leaders of Texas’s public universities made their cases to the committee as they look to secure more money for projects and programs, they said are essential.
One of the main topics addressed was the need for greater institutional enhancement funding. This is a type of higher education funding source offered by the state to help universities complete projects and manage their academic and staffing needs.
“Our universities use that funding mostly for faculty. We need to teach our students and eliminating it will have a heck of an impact on course offerings and class sizes,” Sharp explained
As the Senate continues to debate its budget, Sharp called for lawmakers to make a greater investment into higher education as the system continues to grow.
“I think that’s what we really have to think about here is the vision for the system and you said once to make because I said, ‘are you sure we want A&M to be that big?’ And you go, ‘We’re a land grant university,‘ and this is what our vision should be,” said Brazos Valley Senator Lois Kolkhorst.
Sharp highlighted two main requests for funding: Easterwood Airport and energy.
The Texas A&M University System owns Easterwood Airport.
Sharp told the committee the runway was built in 1941 and is in need of refurbishing. He estimated it has around 5-10 more years of usefulness.
The airport played a critical role in the disaster response during Hurricane Harvey, which Sharp said makes the need greater.
“Because of its location, the airport serves as a vital lifeline during emergency medical responses,” Sharp expanded.
The chancellor also requested funding for The Energy Proving Ground, the system’s partnership with four nuclear companies to develop reactors on campus.
Senator Charles Schwertner, who represents 11 counties including Brazos, spoke highly about the project.
Sen. Schwertner told KTBX, “With energy needs doubling over the near future in Texas, as the chancellor said, we’re not. We don’t have people bringing water or electricity. So, that proving ground, I think, is a potentially significant and vital future resource for the State of Texas.”
Sharp brought the conversation back to the students and faculty the system serves.
AUSTIN, Texas (KBTX) – Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp testified in front of the Senate Finance Committee Friday morning.
Leaders of Texas’s public universities made their cases to the committee as they look to secure more money for projects and programs they said are essential.
One of the main topics addressed was the need for greater institutional enhancement funding. This is a type of higher education funding source offered by the state to help universities complete projects and manage their academic and staffing needs.
“Our universities use that funding mostly for faculty. We need to teach our students and eliminating it will have a heck of an impact on course offerings and class sizes,” Sharp explained
As the Senate continues to debate its budget, Sharp called for lawmakers to make a greater investment into higher education as the system continues to grow.
“I think that’s what we really have to think about here is the vision for the system and you said once to make because I said, ‘are you sure we want A&M to be that big?’ And you go, ‘We’re a land grant university,‘ and this is what our vision should be,” said Brazos Valley Senator Lois Kolkhorst.
Sharp highlighted two main requests for funding: Easterwood Airport and energy.
The Texas A&M University System owns Easterwood Airport.
Sharp told the committee the runway was built in 1941 and is in need of refurbishing. He estimated it has around 5-10 more years of usefulness.
The airport played a critical role in the disaster response during Hurricane Harvey, which Sharp said makes the need greater.
“Because of its location, the airport serves as a vital lifeline during emergency medical responses,” Sharp expanded.
The chancellor also requested funding for The Energy Proving Ground, the system’s partnership with four nuclear companies to develop reactors on campus.
Senator Charles Schwertner, who represents 11 counties including Brazos, spoke highly about the project.
Sen. Schwertner told KTBX, “With energy needs doubling over the near future in Texas, as the chancellor said, we’re not. We don’t have people bringing water, or electricity. So, that proving ground, I think, is a potentially significant and vital future resource for the State of Texas.”
Sharp brought the conversation back to the students and faculty the system serves.
“Those kids, those professors, and all those folks, are going to be working with all of these nuclear companies designing it, improving it, training, workforce, things like that,” listed Sharp.
The Texas A&M University System also houses eight state agencies, including the Texas Department of Emergency Management (TDEM).
In between questions about the system’s project goals, lawmakers reflected on fond memories with the chancellor as his retirement date inches closer.
Sharp has led the system as chancellor for the part 14 years.
Sen. Kolkhorst appeared touched as she recalled the chancellor’s role in Hurricane Harvey disaster recovery.
“We look at you as chancellor and we are, you know, gig ‘em and all that great stuff and all the other things that we love about Texas A&M., But that was a really dark time, and I’ll always remember it and be grateful,” she added.
Sen. Schwertner joined his colleague, saying, “The university and the system have changed dramatically under your leadership to the better.”
Sharp is set to retire June 30 of this year.
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