Lincoln University: Withheld funds could lead to layoffs
According to Lincoln University President Dr. Kevin Rome, the school could face layoffs due to withheld funds.
In a letter written to Lincoln University faculty and staff Friday, Dr. Rome said Governor Jay Nixon’s decision to withhold a portion of the state’s budget due to revenue growth concerns is also affecting $1 million that would have matched the school’s federal land-grant funding.
Dr. Rome wrote, “The loss of the $1 million, for which we successfully fought hard during this past legislative session, creates a $2 million deficit for the university this year, due to federal match requirements.”
These developments now have the College of Agriculture, Environmental and Human Sciences projecting seven months salary left in its federal fiscal budget. Due to this, a hiring freeze has been placed on the college. If the funds continue to be withheld, Dr. Rome wrote, “There is a very real possibility of layoffs in the spring.”
“While we remain optimistic the current Governor will released these funds, we must also be proactive and transparent in how we must move forward in the event that does happen,” Rome said.
Lincoln University faculty leaders told ABC 17 News they were concerned for what it may mean for other departments.
“The College of Agriculture Environmental and Human Sciences is the bellwether of Lincoln University, always has been, continues to be and if they are in dire financial circumstances, it makes the rest of us wonder what kind of shape we’re in,” Faculty Senate Chair Bryan Salmons said.
