By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
Fort Hays State University President Tisa Mason presented her annual state of the university report to the commission.
She started by noting that the annual economic impact in the region is more than $240 million, according to a study by the FHSU Docking Institute of Public Affairs.
The university is the second largest employer in Ellis County.
Figures presented show FHSU is the most financially efficient university in Kansas.
"It reflects years of stewardship over every single dollar entrusted to us," she said.
Still, Fort Hays State is facing a $2.4 million recurring cut to its state general fund by the Kansas Legislature for fiscal year 2027.
"When you cut funding from the leanest operation, you're not trimming the fat, you're cutting into the muscle," Mason said.
Mason said she is already hearing about another $2.3 million state general fund cut in fiscal year 2028. The university has also been called upon to put together a 10% administrative cut.
"I've been told by legislators that there is a bill coming forward that will restrict international enrollment. That will affect our global mission and will create a substantial loss of income to the university," she said.
FHSU has initiated a strategic budget realignment in light of the funding cuts.
"To protect our students' access, affordability and quality of education, we must prioritize core academic services. Unfortunately, this means reducing some outward-facing community services.
"While our focus remains on students, we want the commission to understand the community will also face the impact of some difficult decisions," Mason said.
The complete Sept. 24, 2026 Hays City Commission meeting may be viewed below, courtesy of Nex-Tech.