WAICU President Eric W. Fulcomer testified recently at a hearing before the Assembly Committee on Colleges and Universities.

WAICU President Eric W. Fulcomer testified at the April 17th hearing before the Wisconsin Assembly Committee on Colleges and Universities.

The informational hearing on the Higher Education portion of the proposed state budget also featured testimonials from Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman and Wisconsin Technical College System President Layla Merrifield.

President Fulcomer urged lawmakers to double funding for the Wisconsin Grant Program for students attending private, nonprofit colleges—from $57 million to $114 million—highlighting that Wisconsin currently ranks last in the Midwest in need-based aid for this sector.

He also emphasized the high return on investment these institutions provide, producing 23 percent of bachelor’s degrees while receiving 1.47 percent of state higher education funding. With no direct taxpayer operating support, private colleges play a critical role in the state’s workforce, graduating students who stay and work in Wisconsin, as well as being highly responsive to changes in workforce needs through innovative and market-driven academic programs.

He addressed declining college enrollment, a growing talent shortage, and persistent income gaps in access to postsecondary education, stressing that increased grant funding is essential to expanding opportunity and addressing the state’s workforce shortages.

In addition to the Wisconsin Grant, President Fulcomer also advocated for the Wisconsin Nurse Educator Program, The Wisconsin Veteran’s Grant for Private Nonprofit Students, teacher preparation and K-12 education, and enhancing dual enrollment opportunities for high school students.  

For more information, email WAICU Executive Vice President for External Relations Rebecca Larson.