KEARNEY- The union representing faculty at the University of Nebraska at Kearney called on the NU Board of Regents and the Legislature to restore part of the $4.3 million in proposed budget cuts. The union shared a petition circulated to UNK faculty, staff, students and community boosters urging fewer cuts to the central Nebraska campus.

They urged the board to reconsider its approach and accept smaller cuts to faculty posts — specifically, 15 positions instead of 24.5. A group of faculty had recommended that smaller number. More than 240 people signed a statement saying they oppose “any actions that would undermine the viability and integrity of the University of Nebraska at Kearney.” It called the cuts “a very real threat to the experience UNK can provide its students.”

The group asked UNK supporters to pressure Kearney-area Regent Paul Kenney and State Sen. John Lowe of Kearney to do more to convince their peers of UNK’s important role in the region’s economic development and business and cultural vibrancy. Of particular concern was the proposed elimination of the entire theater and recreation management programs and proposed elimination of eight degree programs.

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