Miss. Valley State Pres. Says Proposed Merger Step Backward For State

By: Heather Burke |
Published: December 04, 2009

Governor Barbour is trying to save the state money and just announced another $54-million cut to the budget.
He's also recommending merging some state universities which continues to stir controversy.
It's up to lawmakers to approve the recommendation, which would consolidate eight schools into just five.
Among them Alcorn State, Valley State and Jackson State, which could become one. that merger is expected to save Mississippi about $35-million a year.
Under the plan, none of the campuses would close, but administrations offices would be combined and downsized.
"We think that before we make a decision that drastic, we really need to look at the unique missions and the unique missions that these institutions serve," said MVSU President Donna Oliver. "Then determine what is the best way to move forward."
Oliver says the Commissioner wants her to work on a plan for meeting the budget cuts.
"We think we can meet them," said Oliver. "We'll have to make some cuts internally, and still deliver a quality program for our students."
The governor is also recommending merging Mississippi University for Women with Mississippi State.