For decades, visionary, community-minded residents of Montezuma County have worked hard to ensure local access to higher education.
Theyve faced daunting obstacles. Local demographics results in demand and utilization rates that are low and often spotty, which in turn results in a greater expense per pupil. Wherever classes are offered, some students must travel to attend. Although higher education may not lead to employment no matter where one lives, thats been especially true here.
Through hard work and determination, opportunities were created. Young adults and older learners have been able to attend classes locally, through San Juan Technical college (through its entire evolution), through Pueblo Community Colleges outreach, and most recently through Southwest Colorado Community College, still a division of PCC.
The advantages of those institutions lay in accessibility, affordability, and responsiveness to the needs of local students, employers and school districts. Most recently, Shannon South, as head of the SCCC West Campus, has been a valuable ally, striving to meet local needs. This week, she was removed from her position.
The challenges Pueblo Community College faces in providing services here are real and concrete. Locals would agree that if theres no money to spend, money cannot, and should not, be spent. Consolidation is cost effective. Duplication of services and efforts is not.
But not only does Montezuma County not resemble Pueblo, its also significantly different from Durango. One size does not fit all; one plan may not meet the needs of the students who most need local higher ed.
Unsupportable costs are just as real to local students who may not have two hours drive time to spare, money for gas, or even a vehicle. Ideally, the West Campus would be located in Cortez. Durango can seem like a world away.
Change is inevitable. The goal, locally, should be to not lose a single one of the opportunities currently open to students in Southwest Colorado.