Despite economy, research continues
Josh Kurtz
Issue date: 4/3/09 Section: News
Lowman said while the current pace of research growth at Drexel may not be as high as in recent years, he is "optimistic that we're going to keep growing."
While the University has not felt the effects of the recession as much as some schools, other colleges have had to make changes as a result of the faltering economy. According to The New York Times, over the previous seven years, Arizona State University has been expanding programs, enrollment and research. Recently, though, economic problems at the university have led to the school eliminating over 500 jobs, closing 48 programs and capping enrollment, among other measures.
Layoffs of varying degrees have also occurred at the University of Florida, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and the University of Vermont, among other schools.
According to Haas, there are many differences between a school like Arizona State and Drexel that have helped Drexel avoid some of the issues faced by Arizona State and other colleges. Specifically, as a private institution, Drexel does not have the same dependence on state funding as a public college like Arizona State does.
"We're dependent on having students come to Drexel. I think we'll know more about that in one month or so," when more is known about the following year's enrollment, Haas said, referring to a comparison with previous years.
"I think we've taken a different approach to research than they have," Lowman said.
Drexel has set up a web site to help members of the Drexel community learn about opportunities that the stimulus package may offer. Lowman credited Kenny Simansky, interim vice provost for research and vice dean for research in the Drexel University College of Medicine, for being the driving force behind the Web site.
While the University has not felt the effects of the recession as much as some schools, other colleges have had to make changes as a result of the faltering economy. According to The New York Times, over the previous seven years, Arizona State University has been expanding programs, enrollment and research. Recently, though, economic problems at the university have led to the school eliminating over 500 jobs, closing 48 programs and capping enrollment, among other measures.
Layoffs of varying degrees have also occurred at the University of Florida, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and the University of Vermont, among other schools.
According to Haas, there are many differences between a school like Arizona State and Drexel that have helped Drexel avoid some of the issues faced by Arizona State and other colleges. Specifically, as a private institution, Drexel does not have the same dependence on state funding as a public college like Arizona State does.
"We're dependent on having students come to Drexel. I think we'll know more about that in one month or so," when more is known about the following year's enrollment, Haas said, referring to a comparison with previous years.
"I think we've taken a different approach to research than they have," Lowman said.
Drexel has set up a web site to help members of the Drexel community learn about opportunities that the stimulus package may offer. Lowman credited Kenny Simansky, interim vice provost for research and vice dean for research in the Drexel University College of Medicine, for being the driving force behind the Web site.
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