Feb. 4, 2026 3:30p
(WGTD)---The interim president of Gateway Technical College says neither state support nor the local property tax levy can no longer be relied upon to enable the college to remain innovative and serve all of the needs of employers.
Morgan Phillips made his remarks at Gateway’s annual ‘State of the College’ address Wednesday. "The mechanics of the technical college funding system has recently shifted and changed our ability to meet growing needs," Phillips said. "We are at a place where we need to find ways outside of our tax levy to support our programs and students."
New and bold funding opportunities are needed now, he said, such as endowments to support programs. "Many colleges, 4 year colleges and technical colleges, are beginning to do this right now where endowments help programs with new lab equipment, curriculum and additional ways to teach our students," Phillips said. "It's something that would supplement our state and local funds to expand our capacity."
While the Gateway Foundation is active in raising money, funds are earmarked for student scholarships and financial aid.
In his speech, Phillips said Gateway’s graduation numbers remain steady, and the school continues to work with the two new major companies in the area—Microsoft and Eli Lilly.
Phillips’ one-year appointment as Gateway interim president is scheduled to expire at the end of June. A search is underway for a permanent president after the departure last year of Ritu Raju.
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