Isn't this the 1st year of UHV being a 4 yr university? Isn't that what all the hubbub is about? Isn't that why they are renovating the old Holiday Inn? Isn't that why the powers that be are wanting UH to take the "donated" land? Aren't 200 incoming freshman going to be hitting town soon? If all the answers to the above questions are yes, then whats the problem? Give it time to see how it goes, it's not like Victoria has much to offer the newly college bound. Victoria needs to prove itself as a college destination before y'all expect anyone to invest millions on a new campus.

A 4-year university would certainly enhance the viability of Victoria and the surrounding counties. It would seem logical that UH would want to expand here, but if they do not (and it appears that is the case) then they should cut bait and let us swim with whomever is willing to invest in our future with a 4 year university. I'm a UT grad, but if A&M will bring us a free-standing 4-year university then Gig em.

Before we get in a big hurry to ask UH to leave, we need to know who is so anxious to come in and take their place? Who are they???

Is it a big name university like UT or TAM? or is it the Univ. of Phoenix? Be careful what you wish for. The grass isn't always greener.

I'm a UHV engineering grad from way back and I am so very thankful that there was an engineering program right here in Victoria that gave me the opportunity to advance myself as it has. UH did a bad thing when we lost the engineering programs, but I was able to make it through school right here in Victoria with no student loans, no debt. That's a wonderful thing.

okay radiobabe and company--

You guys are just cracking me up! You want the city to dictate to the University, yet many of you are the same ones who who are screaming about too much government! Is this different because it is city and not federal?

We graduate all these educated folks from the local university to take the assembly line jobs at Cat? Don't get me wrong--it's jobs, and those are what we need. But you do not need a degree to work on an assembly line.

Hey--you guys hang where you want. The mayor and his buds may think that they are all that and then some, but I think the last word will come from the university.

By the way, do you know the enrollment figures on the University of Cuero? Or the University of Bay City? Just two of many thriving communities that--surprise!!!--don't have a university!

Wow!

Way to go radiobabe!

Bravo Radiobabe!

Spoken like someone with vision extending beyond their fingertips!

EdithAnn... I could not disagree with you more! A growing university and a thriving community go hand in hand in a mutually beneficial relationship. A community committed to education (like Victoria is proving that it is) attracts major manufacturers. I promise you that one of the things that sold Catapillar on Victoria was this community's interest not only in lower level education through the building of new schools but also it's enthusiasm for higher education with VC and UHV.

If we want this community's business climate to continue to grow and prosper, it is absolutely imperative that we have an educational partner that is committed to our community. UH System has made it abundantly clear that they aren't; therefore it's time to look for a new partner.

sbgalaxie--

Colleges and Universities are not in the business of 'growing' communities. They are in the business of educating folks. It doesn't matter if it is The University of Houston, Texas Tech, Harvard or Arizona Dent and Fender Repair School, institutions of higher learning are not going to help you grow your community.

Things like CONSISTENT economic development grow a community. Colleges and universities provide an educated workforce for sure, but JOBS keep the educated workforce in the community.

You said: "This city is on the verge of great economic success, and the entrance of a dynamic university system that is interested in growth could not come at a better time." This city has been on the verge of great economic success for a long, long time. Caterpillar coming to town has no impact on UHV. The bulk of the 509 jobs created by Caterpillar are jobs that will not require a college degree.

I think instead of folks getting all over the University of Houston for not seeing the vision (just who are the folks buying the alternative pot?), perhaps this same amount of energy could be used to persuade the VEDC to not relax for a moment and to bring more jobs to this town. I'd rather see an increase of 50 to 60 jobs a year for 10 years than waiting 10 years for the next 500 jobs. And stop giving half the town away when a deal is made.

Very well said, sbgalaxie!

In six simple sentences, you have summed up the heart and soul of this matter.

Because there are other university systems EAGER to come into Victoria, please let me repeat one of your comments....

"Representative Morrison, please stand up for us and demand that those interested university systems who are interested in Victoria be given the chance to establish a new era here."

UH wants to give Victoria just enough to keep us quiet, not enough to really help us grow, just enough to make it look like they're interested, and give it slowly enough that they think we'll lose interest over time. Victoria isn't going to lose interest!

Now is the time for Victorians to stand up and ask for a change. The UH system does not support growth here and only recently asked for state funding to placate those pushing for expansion. This city is on the verge of great economic success, and the entrance of a dynamic university system that is interested in growth could not come at a better time. There are those with pedigrees here who are finding that the time of their throwing their weight around is over. It's time for those of us who have to work for a living to influence the environment in which we operate our businesses and rear our children. Representative Morrison, please stand up for us and demand that those interested university systems who are interested in Victoria be given the chance to establish a new era here.

Yes because the UHV system is a mess. No one knows what is going on. First day of classes and right on par they are screwed up!

Not that it surprises me, but why is it that certain members of the community feel they need to be the decision-makers for various entities?

"our vision"??

The community should Demand that U ofH let us go so we can move on to another university who is more committed to our vision.