By CHUCK MCCULLOUGH
Candidate For Position 2
UNM-LA Advisory Board
Our town values education. Many of our children are conditioned from early in life to think about where they are going to college. It’s just in the atmosphere.
But as we all know, a major, four-year university is not for everyone. A large campus can be overwhelming. Diving into college courses right out of high school may be daunting for some. Beyond these things, however, the fact is many of our secondary students come to the simple conclusion they are not planning on going to college, at least not immediately.
Some of these students are looking for a way to enter the workforce as soon as possible. Others, not quite ready to move to the big campus, need some time and preparation as they define more clearly where they want to go and what they want to do. Regardless of motivation or thought process, these students should be valued, supported, and encouraged to pursue the avenue that suits them.
This is where UNM-LA steps in. Perfectly placed and equipped to fill the need, UNM-LA enables young adults who are just getting started on their post-high school adventure the possibility of obtaining a certification in highly-valued fields. For example, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certifications offer concrete steps into the professional world. The course work offered at UNM-LA in these fields prepares students to take the certification exams with confidence and equips them to walk into a job.
Other certification programs offered at UNM-LA include welding, robotics, and electro-mechanical technology. These fields of study appeal to the practical, “hands-on” student. Individuals who pursue these skills at UNM-LA become confident and competitive, demonstrating to potential employers they have a measure of discipline and perseverance.
On the other hand, some students are looking for a solid, two-year academic program—to get a start in their college career or perhaps to pursue an associate degree. UNM-LA offers a variety of general education courses that compete with the main campus in quality and value. A classic function of the university, this training enables students to develop critical thinking as well as qualitative skills and broader social awareness. Our local university offers affordable, transferable academic credit with small classes and excellent faculty, close to home.
The double-edged challenge UNM-LA faces is being able to offer enough courses to attract students while simultaneously having enough students to offer the courses. The long-established general education policy that applies to community colleges is an additional component of this challenge. These factors and others are a significant part of the discussion regarding offering more four-year degree programs.
An important task of the UNM-LA Advisory Board may be to explore the options, the impediments, and the potential for enhancing two-year programs and adding four-year degree programs. Creating more programs, such as nursing and education, is an exciting possibility for our local community college. Building on support from main campus, establishing partnerships with community entities, enhancing student recruitment and retention, and seeking funding sources are aspects inherent in this discussion.
I am eager to be a part of this discussion and the forward movement of UNM-LA. This is why I am running for Position 2 on the Advisory Board.
Thank you for your support in this election!
