By Joyce Kryszak
Amherst, NY – UB President John Simpson told about 2,300 university employees yesterday that the shake-up in Albany will not halt the university's long range plans.
UB held the university-wide event to update faculty and staff on UB's vision for the future through its UB 20-20 initiative.
That future, however, could be affected, at least in the short run, by the change in state leadership.
SUNY campuses are bracing for possible cuts in higher education funding. Simpson says they will work with what they have - and also work hard to get more state funding.
Simpson said he is already in touch with the Patterson administration advocating for UB's plans. That includes expanding UB by 40 percent over the next decade. Simpson said the growth is needed to catch up with, and stay competitive with, other public research colleges.
Still, in his speech, Simpson de-emphasized the push for growth. He said it's a tool to improve UB, rather than the end goal.
The event was intended to help the UB community better understand the objectives, as well as the status of the overall plan.
Simpson reaffirmed UB's commitment to all three campuses. As example, he pointed to construction of a new pharmacy building on the south campus. Edward Bednarczyk is chair of the School of Pharmacy Practice. He said the reassurances are welcomed.
Others shared funding concerns. But most said they believe UB will be able to realize the 20-20 vision in the long run.
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