Letter: The time is now to support state college

Wednesday, April 12, 2000 | 9:50 a.m.

Considerable ugliness has focused on whether and when Nevada should create this new institution. There are many factors to consider: the growth rate of Nevada (No. 1 of 50 states), Nevada's matriculation to college rate (No. 1 of 50 states), the expected impact of the Millennium Scholarships (thanks to Gov. Kenny Guinn and the Legislature) and -- like it or not -- a community's economic growth and diversification are inextricably tied to higher education.

There should be little doubt in most people's minds of the need for another institution of higher education either now or in the near future.

Those against the new college argue that they do not know where the money will come from and that it makes no sense to start a new institution when other educational institutions are under-funded. Both of these arguments have merit, but the other side of this coin is that if a state demanded satisfaction to these questions before creating a new college, there would only be one college in each state in America.

There is a short-term cost of adding this college, but in the long term this is the most efficient way to provide higher education in Nevada.

Reasonable people can, of course, legitimately disagree as to whether the new college should begin next year or in five years. Two compelling reasons tip the scales to begin the college in Henderson now. The first is the overwhelming support and hard work of the people of Henderson and leaders, including Assemblyman Richard Perkins, Sen. Jon Porter, Mayor Jim Gibson and Jim Rogers. The second is the availability, commitment, and dynamic educational leadership of Dr. Richard Moore.

The future students and people of Nevada are blessed to have a founding president with his ability, knowledge and record of success to launch this school.

In 10 years all the citizens of Clark County and Nevada will point with pride to the great institution called Nevada State.

Today's critics will conveniently forget their opposition and claim they were among Nevada State's earliest supporters.

DOUG HILL Regent, University and Community College System of Southern Nevada