West Virginia University President Michael Garrison and two University researchers praised Gov. Joe Manchin Wednesday night (Jan. 9) for his bold proposal to create a research trust fund for the state.
Gov. Manchins �€~Bucks for Brainsprogram will result in up to $100 million in crucial investment. It is directed specifically at research programs that will have a positive impact on jobs and health care in West Virginia,Garrison said.West Virginia University is ready to fully participate in this program. Our research faculty have already proven that they can compete nationally in several key areas, particularly biosciences, energy, biometrics and nanotechnology. They will be the key to this effort.
We also know from talking with our private and corporate partners that this is the type of plan they are ready and willing to supportand we know that the states $50 million commitment to make this type of investment will attract even more support to our core research programs.
Tonight, Gov. Manchin has put forth a plan that will have a real and substantial impact on the state for decades to come. People will look back on this as the moment when we turned the corner on our past and stepped into the future that our state and our children deserve. I am proud to be a West Virginian on this historic night.
Two well-respected research faculty members also said the program would be beneficial to their efforts.
Biometrics and nanotechnology are critical areas of research and development with major implications for our security and quality of life,said Lawrence Hornak, WVU professor of electrical engineering and co-director of CITeR and WVNano.We are excited about the promise the governors proposal holds for research-driven business creation and economic development in these and other important high-tech fields in West Virginia.
Dr. Scot Remick, director of WVU s Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center, added:This is a tremendous opportunity for West Virginia University and the state to capitalize on our research expertise.
When the state matches funds, private donors know that their gifts will mean even more. At the cancer center, we already know that such a program can work to encourage private donation. The Statler family was extremely generous with a gift that will be matched by the states Eminent Scholars Program. The result is breast cancer research and outreach care programs that will benefit people throughout West Virginia.
Garrison also expressed optimism that the governors proposed budget will help resolve longstanding salary issues on campus.
The governor made a commitment to provide us with funds to move faculty and staff salaries at WVU in the direction of full funding of the salary scheduleand closer to our peer institutions and competitors,he said.
The governor and the Legislature are fully aware of the pressing need we have at the university level to provide a competitive salary structure all across the institution. Were facing a wave of retirements over the next decade and will recruit across the country to provide our students and our research programs with the quality faculty they need. Im going to do everything I can to remind people in Charleston of the urgency of this issue.