§18B-18-1. Legislative findings.

(a) The Legislature hereby finds that the essence of excellence in education is the attraction and retention of outstanding faculty; and that, however necessary modern facilities and efficient and effective administration may be, the faculty provides the catalyst by which all the elements of higher education combine to offer a quality education. The Legislature further finds that the attraction and retention of outstanding faculty at all state colleges and universities, particularly those who have attained distinction as scholars, teachers and researchers, requires a long-term and permanent commitment from both public and private sources. Private support will help strengthen the commitment of citizens and organizations to the promotion of excellence in higher education and will provide moneys for salaries competitive with those paid to faculty of similar eminence working for this country's leading colleges and universities.

(b) The Legislature further finds that the appropriation of public moneys to attract and retain outstanding faculty and to encourage the commitment of private moneys with a view toward the accumulation of moneys in trust funds for these purposes is a proper annual expense of the state. Therefore, the establishment of an eminent scholars endowment trust fund at each state institution of higher education is a proper means of providing for the advancement of public higher education in this state.