Research was a point of discussion at the Board of Trustees meeting Friday. University president Michael Hogan acknowledged “great results” from the recent veto session in Springfield.

He thanked Sen. Mike Frerichs, D-52, and his colleagues for their efforts in the recent veto session where funding for the Prairie Research Institute was approved. Last spring, the institute was left out of the state budget, creating about a $16 million gap in the University’s budget.

“He has supported us all along,” Hogan said of Frerichs. “And when the opportunity arose, he and the legislative leadership, along with legislators across the state, stepped-up to see that this important funding was restored in the veto session.”

The institute houses the state’s scientific surveys: geological, archaeological, water and history surveys. In addition, the institute also generates millions annually in grants and contracts, as well as jobs, Hogan said.

He also was pleased that the general assembly passed legislation that would provide some relief from the state’s procurement code to the University’s ticket-selling venues, including the Krannert Center for Performing Arts and the Assembly Hall, as well as library-related purchases, such as books and periodicals.