Jessica Paugh, the newly appointed director of the Alaska Kodiak College, has announced that she will not be fulfilling her duties.
Ms. Paugh added that she finds the severe budget cuts to higher education in the state unacceptable, and she has decided to turn down the position. According to her, budget cuts have made the mission of the university and college directors in Alaska impossible.
Kodiak College went through months of research and failed invitations for the position before finding Ms. Paugh, and at first, she gladly accepted this career opportunity. However, once she realized how severe the budget cuts would be, she emailed the Alaska college, informing them that she will not be taking the job.
Alaska colleges underfunded
Unfortunately, recent budget amendments accepted by legislators have reduced the funding to Alaska colleges and universities by thousands of dollars.
What is even more concerning is that these budget cuts have made teachers and directors reluctant about the success of their classes.
Not only that, but many higher education institutions have been forced to reduce scholarships and grants for students. Reportedly, more than two thousand and five hundred scholarships have been canceled as a result of the reduced education budgets in Alaska.
While these changes are concerning, Kodiak College has announced that the school year will begin on time. The school has not yet appointed a replacement for Ms. Paugh.
However, the administration has assured students that the budget cuts will not have a negative impact on their studies. Hopefully, a new director will be appointed shortly, as the beginning of the school year is fast approaching.
