The Perceptions of the Alabama Legislature Toward Higher Education

Abstract

With state legislatures across the nation decreasing funding in higher education, many higher education administrators are seeking new and creative ways to increase funding and decrease waste in colleges and universities. Since the Great Recession, very little research has been conducted toward the Alabama Legislature and its important link to higher education. This research was conducted to examine the perceptions of the Alabama Legislature toward issues in higher education. Specifically, the study focused on the perceptions of the Alabama Legislature towards duplication of programs, financing of private and public higher education, athletics, and admissions standards. Also, this study observed the similarities/differences in Parker’s (1985) study. This study used quantitative research measures in its design through the use of an electronic online survey. The survey, focused on the members of the 2008 Legislative Session, was used to measure responses to each of the research questions. The sample for this study consisted of one independent variable which was the Alabama Legislature; the dependent variables were the issues in higher education: duplication of programs, financing of private and public higher education, athletics, and admissions standards. The results of the Chi-square analysis indicated that no significant interaction existed between the Alabama House of Representatives and the Alabama Senate regarding issues in higher education. However, the results of the Chi-square analysis did indicate that a significant interaction existed between legislator’s demographics and higher education issues. Also, there was very little change in outcomes between Parker’s study and the current study.