Future of all postsecondary education in Alabama debated Thursday in Montgomery

The Alabama Commission on Higher Education will start developing a long-range plan for all postsecondary education in Alabama Thursday at Troy University Montgomery.

The Planning Advisory Council, consisting of representatives from institutions and the business community will meet at 9:30 a.m. to begin work on the “State Plan for Alabama Higher Education 2009-10 to 2013-14.”

Samuel N. Addy, director and associate research economist at the University of Alabama, will highlight the role that higher education plays in the state’s economic development.  His presentation is scheduled for 10 a.m. in the Civic Room of Whitley Hall. Robert T. Ashurst, senior consultant at Auburn Montgomery’s Center for Government, will discuss the priorities for higher education at 11 a.m.

“We will target a number of Alabama’s higher education issues such as accessibility, affordability, academic success, performance, research, and workforce development/economic advancement,” said Gregory G. Fitch, ACHE executive director.

“Council members have been sent surveys to complete and return prior to Thursday’s meeting,” said Pamela G. Arrington, ACHE’s director of planning. “The results will be distributed at the meeting showing specific priorities we need to address in the planning process.”

A timeline has been established to allow for quarterly reports to the commission board with implementation of the plan slated for next year.

“We are making every effort to involve and coordinate business and education interests in order to develop a comprehensive state plan that will meet the needs of Alabama,” said J.R. Brooks, ACHE chairman. 

The state plan will be released next spring at http://www.ache.alabama.gov