The Santa Fe Reporter has an interesting article this week in which they discuss the controversy over construction of a “Higher Education Center” at Santa Fe Community College. I am quoted relating this issue to our recent study on the proliferation of higher education branch campuses around the state.
Whether this new facility winds up being built or not, the point is that New Mexico needs a systematic method of determining what facilities are constructed and where. We also need policies in place to emphasize excellence, not just a “one size fits all” mentality. Does Santa Fe need a four-year college of its own? Could we close another campus elsewhere in the state prior to constructing this one? It would seem like a good idea.
Higher education in New Mexico is not really about education: It’s primarily a jobs program for administrators and a steady source of new construction projects. If all those colleges are actually educating people, why is Intel unable to find enough engineers?
At the very least, we need a birth control program for new college facilities.