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We must continue to work for a 4-year UHV

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  • Aprill Brandon •
  • Originally published January 9, 2009 at 1:28 p.m., updated January 9, 2009 at 1:28 p.m.

Certainly, House Speaker Tom Craddick's exit from his position leaves us wondering what we will need to do to achieve a four-year expansion for the University of Houston-Victoria.

Our representative, Geanie Morrison, R-Victoria, who currently sits on the House Committee on Higher Education as its chairperson, would have made the process to execute the legislation easier. But Morrison will probably have to step down as chairperson because new Speakers of the House typically appoint new chairpersons to House committees.

San Antonio Republican Joe Straus seems to be the new Speaker, but that will be confirmed on the first day of the 2009 Legislature, Jan. 13. And there's no question that Craddick has surrendered his speaker position.

We have gone too far and worked too long to quit our efforts now. The entire thrust of making UHV a four-year institution from its current two-year status began as a grassroots effort by residents of Victoria in 2007. A community group investigated the viability of such an expansion and found it viable.

The community spoke loudly, and the University of Houston System listened and gave approval after many commitments were made and our positive push for excellence.

In essence, the community has made the proposed transition cost-free. Because of this commitment, the House Committee on Higher Education and the Legislature should have no problem with this proposal.

The state's initiative, "Closing the Gap" in higher education, adds about 600,000 more students to the roles by 2015. Making UHV a four-year higher education institution therefore is imperative and is a piece of the puzzle to close that gap.

Already, UHV has introduced sports programs, nursing programs and other curriculum that enhances its chances of being a four-year university.

Our community leaders should draft a letter to the new speaker of the House explaining our position. We should invite him to join us in a meeting, or we should agree to meet him in Austin.

We should not rest until we are certain that our efforts are realized.

 

This editorial reflects the views of the Victoria Advocate's editorial board.



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