Spring Break
Downward expansion
Marcus Taylor
Issue date: 2/14/08 Section: Features
"Downward expansion" has boomed on the scene, and is the topic discussed among the community of Victoria.
"Downward expansion" refers to turning the University of Houston-Victoria into a four-year university.
The road between talking and taking action on this expansion can be a bumpy ride, however.
Those who support a four-year university have the challenge of showing why UHV should be a four-year university.
"Our biggest hurdle will be convincing the board of regents of the UH System and Texas Legislature that if we build it they will come," said Delores White, president of the UHV Student Senate.
Jim Wyatt, Victoria city councilman, said he believes that having a four-year year university in Victoria can do great things for the community.
"One of the things I am familiar with is (that) human capital is an economic driver," Wyatt said.
Wyatt said he believes moving to the next step needs to be a grass roots movement on every level.
Student Senate members will soon meet with state Rep. Geanie Morrison, R-Victoria, to discuss what the community needs to do to convince the Legislature to move forward with endorsing the expansion of UHV into a four-year university.
Margaret Rice, executive assistant to the president at UHV, expressed how significant the impact of the public could be in the Legislature's decision process, especially when a community rallies together behind a common cause.
"I think it could be a win-win for both institutions," Rice said.
She said another important aspect that will be a determining factor for downward expansion is showing it is beneficial to the state.
Ultimately, the Legislature has the final say if the University of Houston-Victoria becomes a four-year university.
"Downward expansion" refers to turning the University of Houston-Victoria into a four-year university.
The road between talking and taking action on this expansion can be a bumpy ride, however.
Those who support a four-year university have the challenge of showing why UHV should be a four-year university.
"Our biggest hurdle will be convincing the board of regents of the UH System and Texas Legislature that if we build it they will come," said Delores White, president of the UHV Student Senate.
Jim Wyatt, Victoria city councilman, said he believes that having a four-year year university in Victoria can do great things for the community.
"One of the things I am familiar with is (that) human capital is an economic driver," Wyatt said.
Wyatt said he believes moving to the next step needs to be a grass roots movement on every level.
Student Senate members will soon meet with state Rep. Geanie Morrison, R-Victoria, to discuss what the community needs to do to convince the Legislature to move forward with endorsing the expansion of UHV into a four-year university.
Margaret Rice, executive assistant to the president at UHV, expressed how significant the impact of the public could be in the Legislature's decision process, especially when a community rallies together behind a common cause.
"I think it could be a win-win for both institutions," Rice said.
She said another important aspect that will be a determining factor for downward expansion is showing it is beneficial to the state.
Ultimately, the Legislature has the final say if the University of Houston-Victoria becomes a four-year university.