11/03/11

HAYS, Kan. -- Dr. Edward H. Hammond, president of Fort Hays State University, will tour the length and breadth of Kansas next week, Nov. 7 through 11, to emphasize that support for higher education is vital for the state during difficult economic times.

FHSU and the other universities, community colleges and technical colleges in the Regents system have faced reductions in financial support since the economic collapse in fall 2008.

President Hammond will explain how FHSU has implemented an array of efficiencies to deal with the economic downturn, thus maintaining academic excellence and continuing to make a strong impact on the state economy. In addition, he will share the results of separate surveys commissioned by FHSU and the Kansas Board of Regents that substantiate that higher education plays a major role in generating jobs and stimulating the economy.

During his annual weeklong Media Tour, President Hammond will visit at newspapers, radio and television stations, and with community leaders, alumni and friends of the university in Kansas City, Kan., Kansas City, Mo., Overland Park, Lawrence, Topeka, Clay Center, Salina, Hutchinson, Wichita, Pratt, Dodge City, Garden City, Liberal, Goodland, Colby and Hays.