UA tops Federal Earmarks List

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Alabama
1

<p>Personally, I think the state of Alabama should be giving this money to UA, not the Feds, but perhaps this is payback for what the Union troops did to UA during the Civil War. </p>

<p>[UA</a> tops federal earmarks list | TuscaloosaNews.com](<a href=“http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20100430/NEWS/100429415/1007?Title=UA-tops-federal-earmarks-list]UA”>http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20100430/NEWS/100429415/1007?Title=UA-tops-federal-earmarks-list)</p>

<p>Notice how they talk of this money going to construct Phase 4 of the SEC, and another science building which will house a Weather Center.</p>

2

<p>For a long time, the weather thing has been at UA Huntsville. Are the moving it or do they plan to have two?</p>

3

<p>not sure</p>

<p>seems to be I remember this being a partnership between several state schools</p>

4

<p>No, more like Richard Shelby was able to get tons of pork barrel for his alma mater. I’m sure this has nothing to do with the civil war, and it shouldn’t.</p>

5

<p>I don’t mind when earmarks go to colleges for things like science buildings and such.</p>

6

<p>Me neither. Yes, it’s pork barrel politics, but at least we get something useful out of it and they’re not just dumping it in a chasm in Basra or something. I’m a little disturbed that this is being tied in to the Civil War, though. Really? You can’t think any other reason why it might be good to spend money on the University of Alabama?</p>

7

<p>^^^
It has nothing to do with the Civil War. </p>

<p>I’m sure it has more to do with the fact that Cummings Research Park is here and therefore more money needs to be spent building up its science and engineering programs. </p>

<p>Sen Shelby realizes that, and works to get more money for the state’s universities.</p>

8

<p>Relax everyone, I’m sure the civil war comment was a joke. </p>

<p>Richard Shelby is very influential and it benefits UA greatly that he is an alum. Pork barrel or not, it’s not like the money is being wasted bailing out another failed public business.</p>

9

<p>^^^</p>

<p>Right…or some museum dedicated to the deer mouse.</p>

10

<p>I was being tongue in cheek with the Civil War reference, but in principle, Im not for the Federal Government doling out education dollars. Without getting into a political debate, my point was that I wish the state of Alabama was willing to provide this kind of funding to its biggest schools. Regardless, great and bad things can come from things that may be wrong in principle. </p>

<p>I’m happy that UA is getting the money, I just have a philosophical issue with the Feds being involved in certain state affairs, particularly education. I think locals know best what is needed, so why not let the locals raise the money, etc.? But all kidding aside, other schools up north and in other parts of the nation have taken federal funding for years, so the fact that Alabama has recently been on the receiving end of so much Fed spending, might be a long due counterbalance. The signs point to the ending of earmarks, so Im glad that UA could get some before the practice ended.</p>

11

<p>Bread and Circuses!</p>

<p>I agree with you Atlanta, the state of Alabama should be providing the money, not the Federal Govt</p>

12

<p>I totally understand the concerns of the above two posters.</p>

<p>However, our research universities are doing things that benefit the entire nation - not just one state. I think that is what really justifies the spending.</p>

13

<p>Mom, </p>

<p>You mentioned Cummings Research Park, which is Huntsville, as on of the reasons for the Federal spending at UA. What connections do you think will occur between it and UA in Tuscaloosa? Are you thinking that there will be more cooperation and interaction between UA and UAH? That would be awesome.</p>

14

<p>Last Friday, I wrote to the COE mentioning that Georgia Tech and UAH have a presence in research park. I attached a news release that Auburn was going to open a research center there. I asked what were Bama’s plans. Hopefully, I will get a positive response! For all I know something is in the works, but I am unaware of it.</p>

<p>I’d suggest that others write to the COE as well with a similar question… IF they realize that there is an expectation for them to do more there, they will. Obviously, if there is a perception that students from GT, UAH, and Auburn will have more opportunities at Cummings Research Park, that could hurt Bama’s COE enrollment. </p>

<p>Dr. Kevin Whitaker, associate dean for academic programs in the College of Engineering, <a href=“mailto:kwhitaker@eng.ua.edu”>kwhitaker@eng.ua.edu</a></p>

<p>Charles L. Karr, Dean of Engineering - <a href=“mailto:ckarr@eng.ua.edu”>ckarr@eng.ua.edu</a> </p>

<p>Here’s part of Auburn’s new release…</p>

<p>*Auburn To Open Research Center In Huntsville
By Budd McLaughlin, The Huntsville Times
HUNTSVILLE – Auburn University is launching a research center in Huntsville that will partner with federal agencies and industry to advance national and homeland security, as well as space exploration.</p>

<p>The center opens July 1 and will match Auburn scientists in defense, aerospace, advanced manufacturing, life sciences, biotechnology and information technology with government agencies and industry in North Alabama seeking expertise in those areas.</p>

<p>“We’re excited to plant the Auburn University flag in Huntsville,” Auburn President Jay Gogue said in a statement. “The connection between Auburn and Huntsville has always been strong. The new center brings us even closer together and puts Auburn researchers in a better position to team with North Alabama leaders to strengthen the nation’s defense and space missions and help spur economic growth in the state.”</p>

<p>*</p>

15

<p>thanks for the address, I will email him</p>

<p>I might be seeing Dr. Karr speak tomorrow night, if I can make it to the Alumni meeting</p>

16

<p>^^^</p>

<p>Gosh…if he has a Q&A, then that would be a great question to ask…especially mentioning the Auburn thing…</p>

<p>I’m going to PM you…</p>

17

<p>I would be more concerned that Shelby is not going to be a senator forever, and Sessions is not close to having the same type of seniority as him. What happens when the sugar money runs dry and the competitive government grants aren’t coming in? Shiny buildings are nice, but if you don’t have money for equipment, supplies, grad students and post docs, you’re not gonna get much use out of them except nice pictures.</p>

18

<p>Feeno, </p>

<p>I agree, but this where the state should come in. At some point, the people of Alabama are going to realize the benefit in investing in Higher Ed. I sure wish someone would get Saban and Chizik to lobby for more Higher Ed funding.
Could make a real difference. </p>

<p>However, as for the money for Grad students, and post docs, the Alabama alumni are some of the most supportive in the nation. UA’s endowment is larger than UGA’s for example. I dont worry about funding for scholarships drying up.</p>

19

<p>I agree–I think that the state should take a more vested interest in UA (and Auburn, and all the other universities) rather than relying on federal money to support and build the school. True, UA has a huge alumni network, but UA has been more aggressive with their scholarship offers. I’m just wondering how long they can make this last.</p>