Ohio. Gov. John Kasich to launch higher education funding effort

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Gov. John Kasich is asking Ohio's public two- and four-year colleges and universities to work together to identify how best to divide higher education dollars in the next state budget.

The Republican, who joined higher education officials Tuesday to kick off the process, says he wants to start funding higher education based on how many students graduate instead of how many are enrolled. He said he's asking school leaders to consider how to improve graduation rates.

Ohio State University President E. Gordon Gee will head the group considering the funding issue and related factors, such as how best to use limited resources and how to retain more graduates and teach them the skills sought by Ohio employers.

Kasich previously enlisted Gee to lead an effort for schools to work together on their construction budgets. His spokesman says Kasich would like to see similar coordination on operating expenses.

"If we win, we win together, and failure is just not an option in this instance," Gee said.

Ohio University President Roderick McDavis also praised the collaborative effort.

"The universities and colleges at this table -- we're committed to helping with economic development within the state of Ohio because we believe in Ohio," McDavis said. "We believe that a collective of resources that we bring to this effort, and to the efforts of educating students every day, which is our Job One, will help to make our state better."

Gee and McDavis said the goal is to have recommendations for Kasich by Thanksgiving. Kasich's two-year budget comes out early in 2013.