Presidents discuss future of programs

MOSES LAKE — Presidents from both Big Bend Community College and Heritage University re-emphasized their commitment to partner together on Wednesday afternoon with the dedication of a piece of artwork by artist Theresa Mullen.

Mullen, a Heritage University art instructor, came to the Advanced Technologies and Education Center to dedicate her artwork entitled "Valley Fields."

"It's a great symbol of intercooperation among schools for the education of students in these areas," Mullen said.

"Valley Fields" is hung outside the ATEC research library and depicts the terrain of the Yakima Valley, local crops and a view of Mount Adams, scenery that inspired Mullen to do the artwork during several trips she took between Toppenish and Yakima.

"We wanted to have some part in celebrating this building," said Heritage University president Kathleen Ross of the artwork being hung in ATEC.

The dedication was also a chance to discuss how the partnership between BBCC and Heritage University is going. With the opening of ATEC in January, Heritage University was able to locate some of its offices to a more central location inside ATEC.

Heritage University and BBCC recently signed a dual admissions agreement, allowing students to be admitted to both institutions concurrently, giving them access to advisors at each school.

The partnership enables students to receive credits toward the completion of an applied science transfer degree from BBCC and a bachelor degree in education at Heritage University.

At a dinner held with BBCC and Heritage University administration, BBCC president Bill Bonaudi recognized the support Heritage University has given to baccalaureate programs and helping to improve opportunities for students to receive their degrees locally.

Ross made mention of two announcements, one of plans to offer a bachelor's degree in social work (BSW) at BBCC next fall and a cooperative Title V grant which both institutions are expecting to receive in the near future.

"It would be focused and centered here," Ross said of the BSW degree at BBCC.

Title V grant monies will allow BBCC and Heritage University to expand educational opportunities for Hispanic students, she added.

Ross and Bonaudi both agreed the future looks bright for baccalaureate programs across the region.

Eastern Washington is "going through a reawakening as far as baccalaureate opportunities," Bonaudi said.