UNK Announces New Budget Cuts to Meet $3.4 Million Gap

KEARNEY - 38 positions across the UNK campus will be affected by newly proposed budget cuts that exceed $3.4 million. Yesterday the University of Nebraska at Kearney Chancellor Doug Kristensen said that the Men's Baseball, Golf and Tennis teams will be cut, as well has 16 faculty, 2.5 administrative and 16.5 staff positions. The budget gap was caused by decreased state appropriations, declining credit hour production, and scheduled salary and benefit increases. "We have tightened our belts for years, but the current situation has required a more strategic approach to protect academic quality and core campus functions and services,” Kristensen said. The UNK Director of Athletics Paul Plinske says that any scholarships that were rewarded to the athletes of the Baseball, Golf and Tennis teams will be honored through their remaining eligibility. UNK will also support the athletes in their efforts to find new teams and transfer if they desire. The administration is now taking feedback from faculty and staff in order to put together a final budget, which will be put into effect on July 1.