ST. CLOUD. Minn. – The huge downsizing at St. Cloud State University, with elimination of 42 programs, was based strictly on statistics, said interim President Larry Lee. Cuts were driven by enrollments, registered credits, degree completion rates, revenue numbers and other empirical evidence, he said. In one sense, he said, the cuts are less than they appear: Only 8% of students are enrolled in the suspended programs. These students will receive a personalized plan toward graduation, he said: “They’re guaranteed to graduate on schedule.” It was liberal arts and teacher-preparation programs that are most decimated. Lee, whose academic background is business, denied that any particular colleges in the university were targeted. Many traditional higher education institutions nationwide are de-emphasizing liberal arts amid the rise of schools focused on workforce development, he noted. At St. Cloud the cuts reflect a 44% overall enrollment loss from an 18,000 peak in 2010.
Lee. Interim president since the sudden resignation of Robbyn Wacker six weeks ago. Lee too is leaving in a career move announced several weeks previous.