Gov. Christine Gregoire endorses WSU Vancouver and UW Tacoma campuses becoming four-year universities

For Immediate Release: February 2, 2005

Gov. Christine Gregoire today endorsed a recommendation that the Vancouver campus of Washington State University (WSU) and the Tacoma campus of the University of Washington (UW) become four-year universities.

The Higher Education Coordinating Board last week recommended that the two schools begin admitting freshmen and sophomores � Vancouver in fall 2006 and Tacoma the following year. Gov. Gregoire also endorsed the board�s recommendation that UW Bothell and WSU Tri-Cities immediately begin offering lower-division courses linked to specific majors in fields not offered by local community colleges.

�Washington citizens must have the educational opportunities they need to compete for the good jobs that Washington�s economy has created,� Gov. Gregoire said. �The expansion of the WSU and UW schools in Clark and Pierce counties responds to regional workforce needs and contributes to the state�s economic vitality by preparing highly educated, well-trained workers.�

She said access to higher education is important for Washington�s citizens and the quality of life here. Expansion of the two campuses responds to regional student demand and is one part of the solution to increasing baccalaureate degrees in the state.

The governor did not commit to a specific funding level, but said she is willing to tackle enrollment growth at the branch campuses, as well as main campuses, in the budget.