Tuition freeze would likely be unrealistic long term and the UT System is one of the best fiscally managed in the country presumably due to a certain amount of autonomy, but that doesn't nullify the chain of command.
The state has steadily defunded our universities and now Perry has the audacity to call for a tuition freeze. Fund our damn universities, then start talking about controlling tuition costs. He's already wrecked our public schools, now he's onto our universities.
I kind of think it's worth noting that the Board of Regents called for this. Granted they were appointed by Perry; but they've always been gubernatorially selected, like presumably all the other state system Boards. Also, once Powers goes, the Regents will have no problem finding someone who can come in and slash costs enough to make this "work." Senior administration at a University is a pretty sweet gig if you can get it: no teaching, non-profit performance metrics, biggest priorities are paid for by alumni.
But that's the point. Perry in particular has really started ruining our university systems with his regent selections. A&M has already been overrun by incompetent clowns on their board. UT is going through a similar phase. Historically, regent selections had some degree of merit involved in selection. Now they're handed out to people who gave Perry the most money. The system is broken and our universities will suffer down the road. Perry has done more to bankrupt this state than any governor in Texas history and our future generations will live with the consequences.
Perry's campaign against education is really amazing. It's happening at all levels there, and he really seems to have a beef with educating people, especially if they aren't wealthy.
You know, I absolutely despise Rick Perry as much as anyone... But I get the feeling that the majority of your claims are baseless and you couldn't back them up at all. If you prove me wrong I will gladly apologize.
Ok fine. Here's a look at what A&M has become. Tell me if this is good stewardship by the regents. http://www.theeagle.com/columnists/A-amp-amp-M-regents-failed-to-protect-university--7110238
And as for UT, this will give you a picture as to the types of people that Perry has appointed. (hint they're rich people who give him money) http://www.texastribune.org/texas-e...texplainer-can-regents-be-politically-active/
Rick Perry basically anally-raped the university system in Texas. ...but it's cool, wealthy people who deserve to go to college can still afford to.
The real breaking point was tuition deregulation. Since 2003, in state tuition in Texas has risen close to 100%. (I want to say the last number I saw was 92% but that was in 2011) Regardless, he balanced a budget deficit in 2003 on the backs of college students. Thanks Rick.
Texas has an impressive amount of full-service public universities compared to most states in this region; which actually keeps both the cost and acceptance standards within reach for a broad swath of students. If you don't fixate on BCS schools or "campus life," pick the right major, have either the discipline to pull off work study or you're willing to take on some debt and maybe buy a smaller house down the road, you can pay for a bachelors degree. That's how it's always been and probably will be after Perry.
This seems to contradict the initial thread's complaint about a tuition freeze. Some of these schools, UT in particular, have so much appeal to quality out of state students that the school really can't be blamed for trying to extract that value. Including them in Top 10% program, which I still think is overall a worthwhile enough initiative to diversify public universities, probably didn't help.
