Community needs to rally around UI campus proposal

The state Board of Education today will hear for the first time about an ambitious plan to expand the University of Idaho and North Idaho College in Sandpoint.

Today's meeting is advisory only, so board members will ask questions to the University of Idaho presenters but no one expects any action.

If approved, the 77-acre Sandpoint Research and Extension Center site would be transferred into a modern educational facility.

The blueprints call for several buildings to be constructed. Inside those buildings, lives will change.

Imagine having an opportunity to receive an executive MBA degree without ever leaving Sandpoint?

Initially the center would offer under graduate and graduate degrees in education, psychology and general studies, a bachelor's degree in fine arts in music theater and undergraduate and graduate degrees in environmental sciences and interdisciplinary sciences.

Professional development and continuing education programs would be developed based on community needs.

Our economy has changed and continues to evolve.

It makes sense this community would rally around this vision.

David Keyes is publisher of the Bonner County Daily Bee.