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Victoria has precious few opportunities to make a difference in ways that will last for decades. We must seize them when they come up.
For the first time in Victoria’s history, we have the chance to have a four-year university right here and right now. It was a special day when the University of Houston came here more than 30 years ago and now, in 2008, the university is strongly considering expanding from a two-year to a four-year university.
This would mean creating good jobs and educating more young people. This, in turn, means better pay for working families across Texas. The University would also be an engine of economic growth for Victoria. Fewer and fewer high school graduates are attending college and having a university here would change that.
Many families want their children to attend college in a more residential setting, as opposed to our largest cities. The success of universities in San Marcos, Huntsville and Nacogdoches shows us that Victoria can benefit as well.
A committee has been formed to deal with this opportunity. We know from the buzz around town and the Chamber’s poll that we want this university, but the committee needs to have the public’s input. We must seize this great opportunity, since it will be great for Victoria and great for Texas, which needs a more educated workforce.
John W. Griffin
Victoria