A bill asking the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia to consider the possibility of establishing a four-year, public institution of higher education in Virginia Beach was withdrawn yesterday from the Virginia House of Delegates’ Subcommittee on Studies due to lack of funding from the commonwealth.
Del. Richard Tata, R-Virginia Beach, who was the bill’s patron, proposed a similar bill last year that was shot down for the same reason.
“I’ve not given up hope; we just need funds,” Tata said. “We are the only city of our size in the country without a four-year public university.”
Although the city is home to branches of nearby universities and a community college that offers two-year degrees, “it’s just not the same,” as a four year university, Tata said.
The bill offered several other reasons for a study, including the increased demand for in-state schools between 2006 and 2013 and the concern that high school students will want to leave the area after graduating.
“We have a very sophisticated citizenry,” he said. “A lot of them would like to stay home and want a college at home.”
Tata also noted the economic benefits of a four-year institute of higher education.
“[Colleges are] economic engines,” he noted. “They just spin off jobs.”
The proposed study would have required about $100,000 to conduct, according to Kirsten Nelson, director of communications and government relations for SCHEV.
“We would be studying the pros and cons of building a four-year institution in the city of Virginia Beach, which we’ve done [in other areas] and which we’re capable of doing, but it’s an extremely expensive project... We don’t have the resources,” Nelson said.
Tata said he will try again next year because he believes the community of Virginia Beach will feel negative economic repercussions without the construction of such an institution.
“There’s a need for some four-year college to take shape; otherwise we’ll just be left behind,” he said.
Read More
Student Council votes to relocate Hereford orchard and basketball hoop
By Lauren Seeliger | 9 hours agoStudent Council passed a resolution Tuesday to relocate the orchard and basketball hoop of Hereford Residential College due to construction in the surrounding area.
Dean Rucker honored with Z Society’s highest honor, Pale Z Award
By Brendon Bordwine | YesterdayThe Society has a storied history of honoring University leaders with the Pale Z.
Students receive free STI testing through U.Va. Health and Wellness
By Jackie Bond | YesterdayThrough funding from Student Council, students are now able to receive free STI testing with SHW which includes tests for HIV, Syphilis, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia and Hepatitis C.
