June 28, 2019

MEDIA ADVISORY
June 28, 2019

UA President Jim Johnsen will hold a press availability on June 28

WHO: University of Alaska President Jim Johnsen.

WHAT:  Press availability to address Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s veto to the university budget. The presser follows the 11 a.m. Board of Regents’ emergency meeting, 

WHEN:  1:30-2:15 p.m. Friday, June 28.

WHERE: Sherman Carter Conference Room, 204 Butrovich Bld. on the UAF Campus. Journalists unable to attend in person can call into the presser at 866-832-7806, PIN 4590183#. 

WHY: President Johnsen will comment on the Governor’s operating budget and how a veto will impact the University of Alaska, review actions taken by the Board of Regents and answer questions from the media. 

BACKGROUND: The University of Alaska relies on public and private funding. This year, about 40 percent or $327 million of the university's annual budget comes from state appropriations. The remaining portion comes from tuition and fees paid by our students, research grants and contracts, proceeds from land development and private donations.

Since 2014, the state’s contribution to the University of Alaska’s budget has declined from $378 million to  $327 million this fiscal year. Budget cuts have reduced the university’s service to the state, impacted its reputation and targeted the affordability for our students. Since 2014, UA has cut programs, reduce the number of those who deliver the programs and increase tuition. 

Media kit, audio[BROKEN LINK] and video will be available at: https://www.alaska.edu/opa/enews/2019/628/.

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For more information, contact Monique Musick, manager of communications and marketing, at 907-450-8103.