The Sunshine State is raining on the college sports parade. The legislature erased funding for “preeminent” universities in a special session, following an aggressive fiscal trend that reduced subsidies from $100 million two years ago to $40 million last year. Schools have ostensibly used preeminence dollars to hire faculty, expand student services, and boost campus research initiatives. But critics believe the money has been used to promote sports programs far more than to improve academics on campuses.
Only four universities held preeminent status. Those colleges were the University of Florida, Florida State University, the University of South Florida, and Florida International University. The University of Central Florida had also been seeking to join that group. But now, it’s highly unlikely to be added to the recipient list any time soon, and that might be a good thing for restoring universities’ images as being institutions of higher learning.
Here’s why that’s a possibility.
FORMER VIRGINIA TECH RECTOR SUES SPANBERGER FOR FIRING HIM FROM BOARD
When sports took over academic priorities
Back in late 1979 and into 1980, my father was pursuing his master’s degree in psychology at the University of South Florida, but he only got about halfway through before having to rejoin the family business full-time to take over operations from his parents. He planned on returning to finish his graduate degree later on, but that never came to fruition. Unbelievably, an opportunity did open in the mid-1990s. Unfortunately, he didn’t take it because USF was about to launch a football program.
That’s right. My dad refused to return to finish his master’s degree because his alma mater planned to enter college sports, with the goal of reaching Division I. Why? He calmly explained, “Mark my words, football will ruin colleges across the country.”
Now, it appears that his prediction is coming true. It’s the elephant in the room no one will talk about out in the open. It’s not just football, either. Basketball is another sport that’s part of the problem. And that problem is that sports have taken over college campuses, causing universities to deprioritize academics and subsidize other athletic programs to boot.
The hard reality of collegiate athletics
The reality is hitting the majority of collegiate athletes hard. With virtually no limit on the transfer portal and all kinds of games being played with eligibility requirements, only the most elite are benefiting.
Recently, at some graduation parties, I spoke with a few college athletes, one of whom was a two-year redshirt. When I asked whether he was going to play in the upcoming season, he told me it was very unlikely, then explained his university is “importing an entire squad of players from other schools.” The others I spoke with are experiencing the same situation because none of them are breakout or star athletes. They also told me they believed any shot at going pro was all but gone. Additionally, each of them said they’d focus more on academics and on earning marketable degrees because it would be the only pragmatic course of action.
Though it is definitely disappointing to say the least for these young adults, it does raise a serious question. And that is with preeminent funding being cut off from universities, could academics actually make a comeback on college campuses?
A return to academic accountability
Since the Florida legislature zeroed out funding for the special “preeminent” universities, lawmakers are sending a clear message. They’re saying that colleges must earn their keep through results, not automatic taxpayer subsidies. And this just might be a good thing because academic programs stand to gain the following:
Strong incentive to cut administrative bloat and focus resources on high-value teaching and research; pressure to deliver degrees that lead to real careers, not just activism; and greater accountability to students, parents, and donors instead of bureaucrats.
DECISION DAY ISN’T A CELEBRATION. IT’S A PUBLIC RANKING OF CHILDREN
Plus, it gives universities the opportunity and freedom to innovate without the strings attached to political funding streams, proving that actual preeminence isn’t built on guaranteed money. Instead, it’s built with competition and consequences. Ultimately, this could level the playing field and reward programs that actually perform academically.
Florida’s higher education institutions just got a much-needed reality check. Now, let’s see how schools respond and if other states follow.
Owen E. Richason IV is the author of S4: Students, Schools, Social Media, & Success and The College Merit Scholarship Appeal Guide. Owen is also a writer for the St. Pete-Clearwater Sun and has contributed to the Houston Chronicle, San Francisco Gate, AOL, BAM Magazine, Boss Magazine, and Tampa Bay Business Insider.