Expanding access to higher education

I have recently been involved in an initiative with the University Center of Greenville to explore various options for the future of that center. At the heart of our discussions is how to increase access to baccalaurate and master's degrees in the Upstate. We have a number of very fine universities, public and private, in this area. I applaud the University Center's board as they continuously explore how to make higher education even more accessible.


As I think of these discussions, I think about the future role of Greenville Technical College for increasing access to baccalaurate and master's degrees because GTC is the gateway to undergraduate and graduate degrees for many residents. We know that the higher the level of education in any community, the more vibrant that community is economically. Students do gain employable skills in GTC programs. To provide an avenue for these students to continue their education is critical.


GTC has many valuable partnerships with area universities, and we continue to build upon those relationships. However, I believe more can be done to help students progress from Greenville Tech to university programs. Maybe Greenville Technical College and the universities should investigate co-location, joint advising, and sharing of faculty, labs, libraries and other physical facilities, etc. I don't know all the possibilities, but I do think we are limited only by our imaginations. What do you think?