It is the intention of the Legislature by passage of this chapter that Alabama State University shall enjoy no less and no more autonomy than any other public university in the state and shall offer to all citizens of the state an equal opportunity for quality education.

The board of trustees is hereby authorized at such times as it deems necessary and proper to recommend to any state agency charged with responsibility for statewide planning, coordination or budgeting for programs of instruction, research or public service in the public universities of the state, any program of instruction or service or any other matter consistent with this intent and any action necessary in order to qualify the university for funds and/or services provided by any federal or private agency consistent with such intent, and such state agency shall accept or reject such recommendation and is hereby authorized to grant such recommendation to Alabama State University.