MS SB2954

Appropriates $301,627,118 from the State General Fund to the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning for support, maintenance, and operations of eight universities (Alcorn State, Delta State, Jackson State, Mississippi State, Mississippi University for Women, Mississippi Valley State, University of Mississippi, and University of Southern Mississippi) for fiscal year 2018.

Appropriates $847,408,665 from federal, student fees, and other special source funds for education and general operations of the same eight universities for fiscal year 2018.

Allocates $19,367,000 for Ayers Settlement implementation, including $13,467,000 for Ayers-related programs at historically Black universities, $5,000,000 to the Ayers Endowment Fund, and $900,000 in endowment interest.

Allocates specific funds for designated programs including $150,000 for Governor's School for Gifted and Talented, $360,000 for Teacher Corps, $500,000 for Jackson State E-Learning Center, and $320,000 for Delta State E-Learning Center.

Establishes performance targets for instruction and research outcomes, including awarding 12,221 undergraduate degrees and 4,592 graduate degrees, and obtaining 25 patents in emerging technologies during fiscal year 2018.