Dan O’Donnell (University of Lethbridge) has penned an article for the Lethbridge Herald about how universities serve as “intellectual batteries” for their region. Using ULethbridge as an example, O’Donnell explains that universities bring scholars from outside of the community into one central location, bringing diverse learning opportunities directly to students. However, this growth has slowed at ULethbridge, with domestic and international enrolment facing constraints. Across Alberta, funding cuts have also resulted in hiring freezes, staff cuts, and unfilled positions. He concludes by urging the Government of Alberta to understand the damage caused by “starving our university of the resources it needs to stay internationally competitive.”
