TERRE HAUTE, Ind – The Indiana General Assembly approved a 6.1 percent increase in operating allocations for Indiana State University and a proposed renovation of its Dreiser Hall.

“This final budget is a very good outcome for Indiana State University. We are extremely grateful for the support of higher education, especially the support of our local legislators. They are great advocates for ISU,” said Deborah J. Curtis, president.  “The increase in operating appropriation is a direct result of the improvements Indiana State has made in Hoosier student success and degree completion over the past few years.”

The 2019-21 final budget bill includes $71,009,278 (2019-20) and $72,063,968 (2020-21) in operating appropriations. Over the two-year period, this allocation is a $4.1 million (6.1 percent) increase in funding, with $3.1 million of the amount for 2019-20. The $2,350,000 Student Success appropriation allocated in the 2017-19 biennium is included.

Funding for the $18.4 million fee replacement appropriation for the Dreiser Hall renovation will be available in 2020-21. The project will replace obsolete mechanical and electrical systems, improve accessibility in compliance with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act, repair exterior building components and enhance learning.

Dreiser Hall was built in 1950 as the Mathematics and Communications Classroom Building. It provides space for College of Arts and Science programs including communication classes and services, Student Media including the WZIS student-run radio station, and a 255-seat theater. The building also serves as the epicenter for Indiana State’s distance education programs.

The state funded the following line items for each year of the biennium: Dual Credit, $176,257; Nursing Program, $204,000; Indiana Principal Leadership Institute, $600,000; Degree Link, $446,438.