CWU Begins New Chapter in Providing Cost-Effective Education in Pierce County

April 22, 2004

Contact: Mark Anderson (509-963-1493/fax 509-963-2301/e-mail: andemark@cwu.edu)

ELLENSBURG, Wash.-- Having provided two-plus-two programs to citizens of Pierce County for 25 years, Central Washington University is moving into Pierce College Fort Steilacoom's newest building, adding a new chapter to the successful relationship these schools share.

A two-plus-two program is one in which students complete a transferable associates degree at the community college and then transfer to CWU to complete their baccalaureate requirements.

"In the midst of all this talk about how expensive higher education is becoming - and the resources required to form new, autonomous campuses - this is a breath of fresh air," says Dr. Jerilyn S. McIntyre, CWU president. "Our co-located campuses, now in Fort Steilacoom, Lynnwood, Moses Lake, Wenatchee, Yakima and soon to be in Des Moines, offer a creative and cost-effective way to provide higher education opportunities to citizens in the state of Washington."

A grand opening and open house for CWU-Pierce County's new home in the Olympic Building at Pierce College Fort Steilacoom will be held Friday, April 30, at 1:30 p.m. in the new facility. Speakers include McIntyre and Pierce College Fort Steilacoom President Michele Johnson.

CWU and Pierce College, in particular, have been a winning combination in higher education for a quarter of a century in providing two-plus-two programs to citizens of Pierce County. That partnership has allowed place-bound and time-bound students to complete baccalaureate degrees and take their places in contributing to and supporting the economy of the region.

"These synergies create opportunities to partner and create very clear pathways for students," explains Johnson. "This gives students the opportunity to stay in one place and earn a bachelor's degree. It also allows Pierce and Central to share resources in advising and support that helps these students succeed."

CWU's upper division courses have been offered in Fort Steilacoom classrooms, but its administrative functions have been housed in a portable unit. Two years ago, the state Legislature shifted money that had been designated for renovation of the portables to fund a third-floor expansion of the Olympic Building at Pierce College Fort Steilacoom.

The 10,000-square-foot addition includes 5,700 square feet of dedicated space for CWU-Pierce County. This new space provides administration and faculty offices, a videoconference room, distance education classrooms and a large commons area that will be shared between the two institutions.

This project is the result of the hard work of many people from both institutions. It also reflects the support of state lawmakers and other government officials, according to Margaret Badgley, CWU assistant to the provost for university centers and community college relations, says.