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In recent years, a growing number of professors have departed from Florida's public universities. Other states are luring them away with higher salaries, new labs, research assistants and other resources. In fact, some other state university systems have said now is a prime time to draw talented faculty away from Florida schools. When those professors move, they not only leave an empty office and empty classrooms, they also often take millions of dollars in research grants to their new home. Earlier this month, the Florida Board of Governors, which oversees the state's universities, approved $65 million to retain faculty and staff in its 2009-2010 budget request to stop what's being called a "brain drain." This week on Florida Matters, we talk about the impacts of that brain drain and how to stop it.

Guests:

Dr. Charles Figley former professor of traumatology and director of the Traumatology Institute at Florida State University



Dr. Mike Michalson president of the Florida Association of Colleges and Universities



Sheila McDevitt Chair of the Florida Board of Governors




Joe Pickens State Rep.

Web Extras:

1. The panel discusses the impact the brain drain in the state's university is having on community colleges. Part of that conversation touches on the state college system created by the Florida Legislature and called for by the Pappas Consulting Group's report on higher education in Florida.

2. Mike Michalson talks about how the smaller, regional state universities fit into the big picture as community colleges transition to offereing four-year degrees.

3. Sheila McDevitt says she's unwilling to take tuition increases off the table as an option for increasing funding for state universities.

4. Sheila McDevitt echos Gov. Charlie Crist's call for moving forward on capital projects to help boost the state's economy. She says unexpected extra money will be available for those projects.

5. Mike Michalson, Rep. Joe Pickens and Sheila McDevitt analyze the impact of the Bright Futures Scholarship program on higher education funding in Florida.

6. Charles Figley explains the similarities between Florida's higher education system and a traumatic event. For faculty members, the uncertainty is a chronic stress, he says, which is worse than a single trauma.

Florida Matters is WUSF 89.7's forum that goes beyond the daily headlines and explores issues that matter to you and your community. 

Florida Matters addresses critical issues identified by listeners in our Ascertainment Survey 2006. The top five issues that matter most to you are: education, transportation, growth management, environment and affordable housing. Hear directly from decision makers, experts and other concerned citizens. Our purpose is not only to stimulate conversation, but to advance the discussion.