For Immediate Release:                                                                               Contact:  Beth Mullen

May 22, 2008                                                                                                              (617) 722-1410

 

 

Berry Amendment for SalemState Included in FY09 Senate Budget

Commission will Study Whether Salem State College Becomes a University

 

Boston, MA – Senate Majority Leader Frederick E. Berry (D-Peabody) announced on Thursday that the FY09 Senate Budget that will contain an amendment to potentially benefit state colleges, including Salem State College.  The commission will study the merit of allowing state colleges to gain the name of university.  It will report its findings to the Joint Committee on Higher Education on or before November 15, 2008.

 

Berry said, “I have long favored Salem State College becoming a university because of the additional opportunities for students, area businesses, and the regional economy.  I am grateful my language was accepted, and I think this is a very positive step in that direction.”

 

The special commission will be chaired by the Secretary of Education, Paul Reville, and will also include the chair of the Board of Higher Education, the chairman of the State Colleges of Massachusetts Council of Presidents, the president of the University of Massachusetts, a selected member of the board of trustees of the University of Massachusetts,  a selected member of a board of trustees of a state college, a selected representative of the Massachusetts Teachers Association, and 3 persons selected by the Governor.  Throughout the investigation, the commission will study the appropriate scope of change as well as the costs to the Commonwealth and students, and overall impacts on the public higher education system. 

 

Patricia Maguire Meservey, President of Salem State College said, “Senator Berry fully understands the importance of education as the cornerstone to economic development. His amendment recognizes the need for a university on the NorthShore and that Salem State College is ready to assume that responsibility.”

 

State universities currently exist in 45 out of 50 states, including those generally viewed Massachusetts’ chief economic competitors.

 

 

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