Why cut computer science research?

Given the fact that employment in the IT sector has been steadily growing over the last decade, in part driven by innovations coming out of computer science research labs, it seems crazy for a University to axe computer science research. But, that is exactly what the Dean of Engineering at the University of Florida is planning to do. The Computer and Information Science and Engineering Department (CISE) will  become a teaching only department and lose its research activity.
   If we leave aside the argument that active researchers actually make better teachers, this plan still seems crazy at a time when companies, in the US in particular, value computer science research like never before. Perhaps the University of Florida should spend less on its football team, the Gators, and more on research that actually may benefit the economy!
- This story was brought to my attention by my colleague Mark Wilson.