Haeger credits many for commitment to education

President John Haeger is happy—and more than a little relieved—with the recently signed 2007-08 budget that allows NAU to pursue its commitment to quality undergraduate education and serving the state.

And there are many, he said, who deserve credit and thanks.

"Governor Napolitano held firm in her commitment to education priorities at all levels, and the legislative delegation from northern Arizona ensured that NAU had an equal place at the table with our sister institutions from urban areas," Haeger said.

He noted the support of Senate President Tim Bee and said that because of the efforts of Sen. Tom O'Halleran of Prescott, chairman of the Senate Higher Education Committee, "NAU had a unique opportunity to be represented as a key provider of higher education for the northern Arizona region.

"Senator O'Halleran has called Northern Arizona University an 'economic engine' for the region, and his support for the university is critical."

Haeger also credits District 1 legislative leaders from Flagstaff, Sen. Albert Hale and Reps. Ann Kirkpatrick and Albert Tom who supported the Executive Budget Office recommendations to increase funding for key priorities of the university. The president said Reps. Andy Tobin and Lucy Mason, also of Prescott, provided important leadership in the House budget discussions as well. The president also pointed to support from other legislative districts and the Yuma area.

Haeger reserved a final thank-you for faculty and staff at the university who prepared the budget and supporting documentation. "We made a strong and obviously effective case. In the end, we received the largest percentage budget increase (17 percent) of the three universities."