Campus Connection

Media Credit: Baltimore Sun & UMB Office of External Affairs

Dr. David Ramsay, President of the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB), wrote an op-ed entitled "State Funding for Universities Pays Dividends" which was published in the Baltimore Sun on October 30.  In his article, Ramsay supported Governor Martin O’ Malley’s plan to increase state funding to higher education by emphasizing that Maryland’s economy is heavily dependent upon the revenue generated by universities in the state.

Ramsay mentioned that the Johns Hopkins University, the University of Maryland, College Park, and UMB—the three major universities in the state—together generate almost $3 billion annually in research grants, which are highly competitive and awarded only to highly talented faculty and researchers. In addition, both Hopkins and UMB have affiliated hospitals that provide tremendous employment opportunities. He said that “these two universities are No. 1 and No. 5 among the largest employers in Maryland.”

The major research institutions keep Maryland’s economy “strong and healthy,” said Ramsay, adding that UMB alone “generates $16.50 in economic activity for every $1 of state general funds invested - and more than 23,000 jobs.”

Ramsay emphasized that more tax money has to be invested in future research. Without this “enhanced state support,” the research establishments will find it difficult to attract, recruit, and retain highly qualified faculty. He also said that retention of key scientists is especially important in today’s context where there is significant of competition from various European and Asian countries to recruit them.

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