State needs dynamic education system

UVSC's change to university status must not diminish its success in providing career training, rather it should allow for a smoother integration of career training and/or higher education options for people in the surrounding growing communities. The transition also provides the opportunity to fold the UCAT system, including its nine centers, into the closest community college in the area. This would be a saving in administrative costs, eliminate duplication of class offerings and focus resources in strengthening the capacity of the community colleges to provide timely and prepared workers for Utah's employers. It would provide a central point where employers can collaborate with community colleges in delivering the quality workforce they need to compete while providing good paying jobs for our students.

The timing is right to create the coherent educa- tion/training system for the state, with the community colleges providing the critical linchpin with options necessary to assist students to become the knowledgable and skilled workers of a constantly changing economy.

The integration of the state's higher education and training system is dependent upon legislators and employers willing to exercise their leadership to get it done.

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Utah native John Florez has founded several Hispanic civil rights organizations, served on the staff of Sen. Orrin Hatch and on more than 45 state, local and volunteer boards. He is the recipient of Utah's 2007 Martin Luther King, Jr. Award. E-mail: jdflorez@comcast.net