"As I see it, you're going for all the advantages and none of the disadvantages of a community college," said Rep. Lori D. Fowlke, R-Orem. Such a move would require additional accreditation for the college.

UCAT, Ipson said, "had the wrong players when it was started." With the "quality of leadership" in place now, he said "if you leave it alone, it will all work itself out."

A response from Utah's current Commissioner of Higher Education Dave Buhler was postponed until the committee's next meeting, in two weeks, due to time constraints. Co-chairman Rep. Kevin Garn, R-Layton, did say the discussion had been "pitted against" the system of higher education, but that the information was helpful in determining the future of technical education in Utah. The committee plans to meet again on May 27 at 9 a.m., at the State Capitol Building.

---

E-mail: wleonard@desnews.com