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WSU President Advocates For STEM Education Before Congress

Wichita State University
Wichita State University President John Bardo

Wichita State University President John Bardo was on Capitol Hill Monday morning advocating for further federal investment in STEM higher education.

Speaking before Congress' Research and Technology subcommittee, Bardo highlighted WSU's Innovation Campus and its focus on research and development aimed at the region's needs. WSU's apprenticeship program was also emphasized.

"It's time for Congress to act as it did in the '80s," Bardo said. "The Bayh-Dole act changed the future of higher education in the United States. I believe it's time for Bayh-Dole II, and I believe this committee is the committee that can make that happen."

The original Bayh-Dole Act spurred research and innovation at universities by allowing them to own patents. Bardo wants Congress to provide more incentives and funding to colleges and universities that have an emphasis on research and development.

Congress is currently considering updating the Higher Education Act, which governs much of the federal government's higher education spending.

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Stephan Bisaha is an education reporter for KMUW’s Kansas News Service, a collaboration of KMUW, Kansas Public Radio, KCUR and High Plains Public Radio covering health, education and politics. Follow him on Twitter @SteveBisaha.