Higher education: A track record of success

OU and OSU have spent the past few years addressing budget shortfalls with pay freezes, limited hiring, significant reductions in energy costs, cuts in spending on travel and training, delays or the elimination of capital purchases, as well as the use of technology to modernize and increase productivity. Through all these efforts, we have never wavered in our core academic mission.

We fully appreciate the challenges facing state leaders as they address many budget priorities. Higher education is one priority that has a proven track record and offers an outstanding return. An investment in higher education is an investment in Oklahoma's future success.

Boren is president of the University of Oklahoma. Hargis is president of Oklahoma State University.