By
Eric Swedlund
Arizona Daily Wildcat
Funds would go to joint training program
PHOENIX - A bill to fund a UA South-Cochise Community College joint nursing program gained unanimous approval of a House committee yesterday.
Senate Bill 1508, which the Senate approved March 15, would give $2 million and almost 23 positions to the University of Arizona South campus in Sierra Vista.
Randy Groth, dean of the UA South campus, told the House of Representatives Education Committee that the branch campus is crucial to the region.
"The need is there," he said. "This is a major economic development initiative in the county."
Groth said the branch campus is prospering because of the widespread support among the residents of the communities in Cochise County.
With a large shortage of nurses in rural Arizona, Groth said expanding the nursing program in a partnership with Cochise Community College would allow students to get four-year nursing degrees and immediately make an impact on health care in the region.
The next step for the bill is the House Appropriations Committee, which Groth said will be a difficult hearing. He added that with the strength the bill had in the Senate, he hopes the House will be as supportive.
The UA South has 14 degree programs and serves nearly 300 students, Groth said.
Rep. Jim Carruthers, R-Yuma, said the bill is a wonderful opportunity for not only the university and the students, but for rural Arizona as well.
"This is an opportunity for us to give quality education at a small cost," he said.
Groth said nursing programs are expensive, but he added that "without these nurses, the effect is devastating to health care in rural Arizona."
The bill additionally would provide funds to expand technology programs and support computer equipment and infrastructure for the 22,000 square-foot academic technology building that breaks ground in May.
The UA South also is working toward a bachelor's program in applied science, aimed at helping working adults to further their education and job prospects.
Craig Johnson, Sierra Vista City Council member, told the committee that the UA South has the support of the community.
"This will expand opportunities and have a positive impact on the community," he said.
Rep. Eddie Farnsworth, R-Gilbert, a UA alumnus, joked as he voted in favor of the bill that "if the Wildcats keep winning, I'll keep giving them money."
