The University of Vermont is seeking a 5.2 percent increase in state funding for fiscal year 2017 despite level funding in the governor's proposed budget.
In giving presentations to legislative committees on Wednesday, UVM President Tom Sullivan says the school is falling behind in attracting and retaining the best students and faculty compared to peer institutions that have received increases in state funding.
He says Vermont ranks 49th in its support of higher education.
Half of UVM's state appropriation goes to scholarships and financial aid support for Vermonters. Last year 43 percent of Vermont students attended the school tuition-free.
Sullivan says he believes a new science, technology, engineering and math or STEM facility that UVM is building will be Vermont's number one economic driver through jobs and applied research.
Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
