Gov. Bob McDonnell issued an executive order Friday that will establish a commission on higher education reform, innovation and investment.
The commission will focus on increasing the number of degree-bearing Virginians by 100,000 through a period of 15 years, attracting more young people into the areas of science, technology, engineering and math. Moreover, the Higher Education Reform Commission will help with the development of "innovative ways to deliver quality instruction, cost-saving reform strategies and affordable new pathways to degree attainment for capable Virginians regardless of income or background," according to a press release from McDonnell's office.
McDonnell emphasized the importance of higher education in today's society, given how far a college diploma goes in terms of helping graduates to obtain jobs.
"Businesses seek to operate where there are well-educated workers with the skills necessary to make their enterprises successful," he stated in the press release. "With this in mind, it is imperative we do more to expand access and affordability at Virginia's colleges and universities."
The commission will not only benefit individual graduates, but also will benefit the commonwealth as a whole, he argued.
"Our Higher Education Commission will play a pivotal role in the effort to make Virginia a more-highly educated state where businesses seek to locate and good jobs are available to our citizens in the communities they call home," he said.
The commission will be comprised of up to 30 members appointed by the governor. McDonnell also will delegate a chairman and one or more vice-chairmen from among the 30 members. The commission also will include the Secretary of Education, the Secretary of Technology, the Secretary of Finance and the vice-chairman of the Council on Virginia's Future, among other state leaders chosen by the governor.
The commission will create three committees to accomplish its goals. The Increased Degree Attainment, Financial Aid and Workforce Training Committee will deal with the increase in Virginian attendance and pursuit of a higher education. Meanwhile, the Implement Innovation and Cost Containment Committee will aim to improve higher education funding and analyze higher educational programs' cost-benefits, and the Regional Strategies and Partnerships for Research and Economic Development Committee will work to increase the leveraging of research funding by Virginia's colleges and universities.
The commission will submit a final report to the governor about its findings by Nov. 30.
Isaac Wood, the communications director of the Center for Politics and former Cavalier Daily opinion columnist, said those who are selected to be on the commission will be important in determining how the commission progresses.
"I think people should pay attention to the people he appoints to the commission," he said. "We will know much more when we see the names he puts forth."
It is likely, Wood said, that the commission will focus on efficiency and cutting costs. At the same time, however, he noted that the governor previously stated that Virginia public universities should not encounter many more severe budget cuts.
University Provost Arthur Garson expressed his enthusiasm about such a commission coming into effect.
"We are tremendously in favor of a commission of higher education reform," he said. "We're anxious to work with the state"
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