Forsee: Higher ed cuts require 'paradigm shift' for Mizzou

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- University of Missouri president Gary Forsee says the gloomy economy and continued lack of adequate state support will force the four-campus system to consider some drastically different approaches.

The possibilities include 3-year, "no-frills" degrees and partnerships with local governments and developers on long-delayed building projects. Forsee spoke Wednesday at a town hall budget meeting for students, professors and campus workers in Columbia.

Gov. Jay Nixon has said that statewide higher education spending must be cut by $42 million in the coming fiscal year.

He also has struck a deal with Forsee and other higher education leaders that calls for tuition and academic fees at Missouri's public four-year schools to remain frozen at current rates for the second consecutive year.