FORT WAYNE, Ind. (AP) — Some Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne faculty members are unhappy with comments Purdue University President Mitch Daniels made about the role of regional colleges.

The Journal Gazette reports the former governor told a public radio host that higher-education advocates in Fort Wayne are mistaken about their mission, saying the Indiana Commission for Higher Education reminds them they are not there to do research or offer doctoral programs. They are there to provide affordable options.

Four members of the IPFW Senate sent Daniels an email Friday saying the commission allows the school to do research and scholarly activities. IPFW Senate Presiding Officer Andrew Downs wants Daniels to recant his comments.

IPFW is the fifth-largest campus in the state with more than 13,400 students. Purdue University governs the Fort Wayne campus.