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Editorial
For area students taking part in the NAU program here currently or those contemplating seeking a degree, the change may not seem that significant. After all, under its old designation as an academic center, NAU-Yuma offered a number for four-year degree programs and graduated students each year. In fact, interest in the program — which combines courses taken at Arizona Western College with higher level courses under the NAU banner — has grown over the past two decades since it was established here, along with the number of graduates. It has given students who are either unable or do not want to leave town to get a four-year degree and opportunity to do so, and probably at less expense due to the ability of some students to live at home. That will continue under its new designation as a branch campus, but in addition there is the possibility of some exciting changes. NAU-Yuma will now have more independence, including the ability to create its own academic programs to specifically serve local students. That means if there is a program that is needed here that isn't offered at the main campus in Flagstaff, local college administrators will be able to put it together and offer it. For example, since we are a border community with a significant Hispanic population, there might be particular programs that address business and cultural interactions between our community and Mexico. Programs might also be developed to specifically address Yuma County's No. 1 industry, agriculture. We are pleased to see that Yuma County's higher education needs are being recognized by the Arizona Board of Regents, which approved the branch campus status. We hope even more will be done in the future so that eventually Yuma will have a full-service university with all the services and opportunities of any other university in the state.  |
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