Note from Jimmynap on this post: I am a pretty new blogger and I am thankful to Washblog for allowing me to post. One of my main reasons for this is that the impression I often get from talking to folks on the west side that we are either a bunch of backwoods hicks or we all glow in the dark. But there is a progressive movement over here that is alive and well. And in the interest of growing that movement, I think the following is worth some discussion. After all, education is the single most important factor in the effort to produce rational, thoughtful and meaningful human beings.
I have been thinking about this for a long time. Being a Hanford worker, and knowing that Hanford dollars are eventually going to fade away, at some point I am going to be left with two choices: Pack up and move away, or go back to school and change careers. Of course there is a third choice (and probably several inpulsive others), but the practical person tells me that if I can’t make it as a guitar player in Uncle Dirt Nap and make the loads of money I dream of, or start my own business creating dream like audio/video solutions for homes and business’, then I better look to upgrading my education and spur a new or updated career.
On Sunday, the Tri-City Herald almost nailed it when they sent the “Wake up call” for the “Tri-Cities to start fighting for its future.”
Last year, while the Tri-Cities was finding it difficult to present a united front, the Legislature approved plans for expanding campuses in Vancouver and Tacoma.
Now, Everett could be next.
In an recent opinion column published in the Seattle Times, state Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen, D-Camano Island, argued for a four-year university in Snohomish County.
“Now it’s our turn,” Haugen told Times readers.
Her comments are more than wishful thinking. Real momentum is building around the proposal, including a $500,000 appropriation from the Legislature to pay for studies.
A 13-member panel is exploring options that include a polytechnic university, a regional university, an expansion of existing community colleges and brand-new four-year campus.
For anyone following the discussions in the Tri-Cities, that list will sound like deja vu.
It’s difficult to see the Legislature authorizing construction of two new universities. Even one is a long shot.
But meeting future needs of higher education in Washington ought not to be a contest between communities, nor should it be a debate about whose turn is next.
Nor should it focus solely on current enrollment numbers.
Instead, the course we choose must be based on preparing students to compete in the global economy of the 21st century. Anything less and we fail future generations. Washington needs a new model for higher education that’s aimed at creating programs to fulfill that mandate.
That to me seems a bit altruistic but it doesn’t negate that fact that for Eastern Washington and the Tri-Cities to prosper beyond Hanford we need a higher education resource that doesn’t cater almost exclusively to it.
The growing cooperation between the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and Washington State University Tri-Cities—especially in biotechnology—attests to this community’s ability to capitalize on existing resources in new ways.
PNNL is our best, perhaps our only, shot at a post-Hanford economy that includes the kind of well-paid and highly technical jobs the community thrives on today.
I would agree that Battelle/PNNL has a major role in our economic independence from Hanford, but it is still a DOE fundend operation that is subject to the funding whims regardless of any profitable innovations they produce. And frankly, those innovations do not always translate to jobs in the Mid-Columbia. If the Herald wants to convince Mid-Columbian’s that Battelle/PNNL is our best hope in providing our post-Hanford survival they should talk about ensuring those innovations are planted into our economy, and Battelle/PNNL should use the political wieght they have to push Washington Legislators for the four year university needs. But while Battelle/PNNL needs scientist and engineers, our area also needs other opportunity for degrees that are not centered around an industry that is fading or subject to political and funding whims. And as brilliant as scientist and engineers are, I also don’t think we need them teaching literature our schools, defending us in court or managing our major regional business’ (there have been mixed results and issues there… and I say much in jest but, you get the point).
There is so much opportunity on the west side of the mountains for higher education it boggles the mind. I know there is a growning need but much of that need is demanded by the influx of students from the east side. And while the culture of the west side is very inviting (I really enjoy my frequent trips there), the weather is here. And boy could we use some culture.
So to Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen I say this: It is OUR turn.
Cross Posted @ http://www.mccranium.org/?p=52
