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Diana Parker/News-Herald Photo. Northern Arizona University Vice President Fred Hurst, left, talks with Mayor Mark Nexsen, right, Wednesday at the annual meeting of the Havasu Foundation for Higher Education. Also shown is Floyd Hamilton, a past president of the foundation.

NAU interested in Havasu university
School will finance study on potential students

By Diana Parker
Thursday, January 31, 2008 9:53 PM MST

When members of the Havasu Foundation for Higher Education met Wednesday for the organization's annual meeting, the mood was optimistic and the speeches were inspiring, even though the group's dream of bringing a four-year university to Lake Havasu City is years away.

"Lake Havasu U - how does that sound?" foundation President Ralph Tapscott said to enthusiastic applause. "It's a 10- to 20-year vision, and we've got to start sometime."

Though a university is still more vision than reality, foundation members seem to prefer focusing on how far they've come rather then dwelling on how far they have to go.

They point to the fact that Northern Arizona University has demonstrated its commitment by financing a study to identify potential students. The results are expected to be released in mid-March, according to NAU Vice President Fred Hurst.

"It's looking at the market for a residential, four-year university, how large the market is and what sorts of things would have to be done to recruit those students to Lake Havasu," Hurst said. "More and more it is difficult to draw people away from their home area �- You have to have a draw."

The study surveys students, parents and high school guidance counselors in a potential market area that includes Phoenix, Tucson, Las Vegas and Southern California.

"There are two things we're looking at closely: how to recruit the students needed and how to get the facilities built," Hurst said. "The money to do that is going to be an issue and is going to take some time to put in place."

Speaking before the foundation Wednesday, Hurst was clear that the responsibility for paying for facilities - at a cost of "multiple tens of millions of dollars" - would fall on the local community.

"From the beginning we said we knew we didn't have the bonding capacity to pay for the facilities. What we have committed is staffing - faculty and staff necessary to operate a university of the size they want," Hurst said.

Bill Ullery, the local builder who founded HFHE three years ago, believes the proposed university site will a draw in itself. FOR FULL STORY, SEE TODAY'S NEWS-HERALD.

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Reader Comments

Havasuian wrote on Feb 8, 2008 6:47 PM:

" I think the 2 biggest areas of study for higher education here in Havasu would be boat design and hospitality management because those parties that the youngsters have out on the river can get out of control sometimes. They need to be able to manage their hospitaly better. "

TO ASOLUTION wrote on Feb 8, 2008 4:27 PM:

" I'm curious -- Why was it called Site 6? What research was performed there. I was under the impression that the military used site 6 for R&R.

Also, in my opinion, adding a University to our town IS a diversification of the economy.

What is wrong with tourism anyway? I think the real problem is that we are constantly thinking the grass is greener on the other side, rather than embracing the industry that comes to us naturally. Many communities bend over backwards trying to promote tourism. Our community enjoys the benefit of tourism in spite of itself and it's non-friendly approach to our fiscal lifeline. "

Jim wrote on Feb 8, 2008 9:01 AM:

" A University is a great thing to happen to Havasu. I did attend a university on the east coast and the town was busy with activity, jobs and growth. Havasu needs more than the lake to be a great city! "

make sure we voice this opinion wrote on Feb 7, 2008 1:58 PM:

" Asolution, you are so right. I wouldn't send my kids to a hotel management university.

The board needs to decide on a real university niche "

Asolution wrote on Feb 7, 2008 12:16 PM:

" After reading the HFHE website (havasufoundation.com) I still don't agree with the restaraunt/hotel management part of the curriculum. I don't feel we have that much of a need. It does work to an extent in Flagstaff but I feel Lake Havasu needs to move away from the Tourist industry. At least city government should be less focused on it. None of this can happen unless we have a solid foundation in other economic areas. Tourism, in my opinion, should take care of itself. We need to support medicala research, green technologies and marine engineering. Lake Havasu has the pedigree of being a research facility. Anyone remember why Site 6 was called Site 6? "

for more info to your questions wrote on Feb 6, 2008 3:32 PM:

" go here to search the nitty gritty of the proposed university

http://www.havasufoundation.com "

lifegoeson wrote on Feb 6, 2008 11:02 AM:

" I think it's a great idea to bring a campus of that sort here. What a great opportunity for our locals from havasu, kingman, parker and other small towns not to have to move to phoenix or flagstaff or tucson to go to school if they don't want. I went to jr high and high school here in havasu class of 78 if you don't think drugs and booze were not already here your soooooo mistaken.
And if you don't think crime at large campus's doesn't happen your way off base. My best wishes go to all at mcc for all that you want to make happen.
"

Asolution wrote on Feb 6, 2008 8:29 AM:

" To Michelle:

Those of us in college or graduates of it are usually for the University. We understand our viewpoints concerning job growth, culture and opportunities. The major argument from the opposition should be HOW are we going to pay for it? We as taxpayers are going to have to shoulder the load in my opinion. Is it worth it? I can only answer for myself. But with times as hard as they are another tax on top of rising food costs, gas and other necesssities it seems like a frivolous expense that won't pay dividends immediatley. How do you ask a single mom raising two kids to reach in her pockets and help out? I agree with the anti-University group on that point. But I for one am looking to the future of Lake Havasu. I am in a better position than most and am willing to pay higher taxes. My family didn't get here through handouts...we got here through hard work and dedication. So what is the solution to paying for the University? "

BLAZO wrote on Feb 6, 2008 8:13 AM:

" Build it and they will come! "

Michelle wrote on Feb 5, 2008 10:33 PM:

" It's somewhat interesting to me that the ones who posted messages that are actually STUDENTS (myself included) are hopeful for a university that will broaden our opportunities and expand our education in so many ways. We're so limited here at MCC (and yes, the dinky NAU campus and 'distance education' options). If anyone should have the most say about a new school, it's those who would attend.
Also, from what I've been reading, most often the introduction of a university into smaller towns like Havasu actually have a positive effect on the property values of our homes. "

newtohavasu wrote on Feb 5, 2008 4:12 PM:

" 'Better start creating jobs'

Jim, when is it government's job to create jobs? If someone lost their construction or real estate job, try going back to school to be a teacher, a health care professional or maybe a machinist (for the marine industry). Be a cop. There are opportunities. "

Asolution wrote on Feb 5, 2008 3:58 PM:

" Jackie: I absolutley know that NAU has a successful campus right on Acoma! Having graduated from it myself I will trumpet their efforts for the citizens of Lake Havasu. However, like MCC, it is a small campus with limited abilities in both housing and curriculum offerings. That is why I am so hopeful for the University of Lake Havasu or Central Arizona University or Western Arizona University. I would hope that the curriculum would reflect a need, like Healthcare. Lake Havasu could also be a forerunner in green technologies with studies in solar energy, water power and water purification. We have a tremendous opportunity here. Let's not waste it.

However, I have seen some here who don't like the idea. I am open to hearing why. Especially if you have a study or two. Or even an educated opinion. Peace "

education creates economic growth wrote on Feb 5, 2008 3:28 PM:

" to the editor, i'm not asolution. That makes two participants! "

really jim wrote on Feb 5, 2008 2:15 PM:

" since you have everything invested in this place, what can the city do that it is not already pursuing in order to create an environment better for our next generation (i.e creating jobs)? The last I looked, the city:

1-sought out and championed business vitality with r/udat
2-is trying to secure the business park
3-supports families through parks & rec with youth services - which, by the way, are very reasonable
4-is championing a university that will empower a future engine for city growth

Other than the marine industy, the majority of jobs are seasonal i.e. construction, real estate, tourism. What is the change you advocate? "

Jackie wrote on Feb 5, 2008 9:47 AM:

" Did you all know that NAU already has a successful campus right here on West Acoma? "

To quit whining wrote on Feb 5, 2008 9:05 AM:

" Pointing out the problems of Havasu that need to changed, or voiceing it in a way to get someones attention, I don't consider it's crying or whining.I just don't walk around this town wearing blinders.I have everything invested in this place.Your comment about real men and police. To you I say,I am a real man, I produced that man, My Son is a Cop and he is well respected. He could lose his life in LA. Just remember there are good cops and bad cops.We only need the good around,not the tainted. If I got your attention and your talking about it,guess what? It works don't ya think. "

To The Editor wrote on Feb 5, 2008 7:06 AM:

" Asolution - I salute your efforts to educate with fact rather than argue with no basis.

I do have to admit that there is good information on this thread thanks to one participant. I simply wish that the Editor would comment on/discourage the ongoing personal nature of many of these threads. I enjoy learning different points of view, however, I am continually discouraged and rather embarrassed by the level of discussion on this site. Let's participate, but let's stick to the issue. "

sorry it's not your point of view wrote on Feb 4, 2008 3:31 PM:

" TO THE EDITOR, if the college is performing a real survey, they will talk to the people - not take the temperature of internet bickering. Actually, I see a bunch of information on this particular thread advocating fact finding. Keep up the good work News-Herald. "

TO THE EDITOR wrote on Feb 4, 2008 1:29 PM:

" Why do you provide a forum for these ridiculous comments? These people are obviously carrying their blog-war attitudes from story to story and the result is a poor representation of our local community. You are allowing these folks to represent our community worldwide. If I was a member of the team from NAU investigating our community, I would give some weight to the local citizens' feedback. So... if this is the feedback they are viewing, I'd say we are starting in the hole. Who is benefiting from these postings which rarely contain fact, and almost always become a personal shouting match? The only benefit I see is an increase in web traffic for your site - which you may use to sell Ads. I'm sure your response will be something along the lines of "freedom of speech", however, if you have followed these postings for anytime at all - you can see that they are no more than an ongoing b**ch session. "

Asolution wrote on Feb 4, 2008 1:23 PM:

" Here are a variety of articles for you to review. Please take a look at them.

http://www.upj.pitt.edu/6842/

http://impact.wustl.edu/economic.html

http://usj.sagepub.com/cgi/reprint/42/7/1161 "

Asolution wrote on Feb 4, 2008 1:14 PM:

" Please focus on the topic at hand...
1. Research has shown that property values increase with the creation of a university. (Flagstaff for example)
2. While not measurable to my knowledge, college kids (not collage) will make their own fun. They will demand and create services that cater to them. If they want a bookstore, believe me someone will come along and make money off of them.
3. Maintenance, secretarial, construction, higher education, and all services will be positively impacted by a University. There will be more people to do the jobs and more variety in the job market.

It is certain that some will be upset by a University in the town. I personally believe they would be upset over something anyway. If you are upset over more valuable property, higher wages and an increased tax base then by all means state your opinions and research here. But please back it up with at least an intelligent argument. "

really jim wrote on Feb 4, 2008 1:04 PM:

" actually jim, I worked my way through college. Oh yea, I paid for it as well. Please, you started this conversation with the poor-baby police comments. Crying about the police, that's a real man. "

To quit whining wrote on Feb 4, 2008 11:03 AM:

" Well you told me a thing or two power girl. I'm quite sure that you are your own daddy or have to be. You already bother me. Anyways, you sound that of a person that spent more time in school living off daddys dollar than living and worked in the real world. I'm semi retired by the way from California and have more than most, including toys, No not that kind power girl. You know the secret is? it's called WORK. "

Asolution wrote on Feb 4, 2008 6:11 AM:

" Please, lets not get caught up in petty arguments with no basis in fact. WE need a University here. WE need the opportunities it will bring. WE need to divorce ourselves from the service/tourism industry here. WE need higher paying jobs, culture, security and a future for everyone who calls Havasu home. If someone has a better idea about how to develop that in this community then I am all ears.

"

Stop Whining wrote on Feb 3, 2008 4:02 PM:

" I am a current student at MCC and although we currently have in place a 2x2 program...that still means for many of us that want to further ourselves in education must go somewhere else...(the 2x2 is where we get to do the first 2 years of our BA locally at community college cost vs University tuition)..for some of us moving out of the city is really not a valid option...I do believe that if we are all willing to put in the time for our education then we should have the right to have the opportunity to do it right here where we live....(I am working towards my Masters and as of now I will not be able to obtain that high of a degree locally)..
The sad truth is that for many who are just in college for an AA our current college fits the bill perfectly but for many who are pushing their way to the top its just not possible if the community is totally against a real University...The money that a University will bring in is more than you might expect....giving jobs to many from the bottom of the totem pole all the way to the top....its not about us selling out for progress its about the future of our nation and city as a whole...
If MCC is able to implement the 2x2 program that they have in place now...why can't they go further and make a full effort to make possible to get our full BA/Masters right here at this college...oddly enough the 2X2 program is through NAU...

*Jim...your remark "THERE'S NOTHING FOR COLLEGE AGE KIDS TO DO HERE BUT THE THINGS THAT ARE GONNA GET THEM ARRESTED" is really not the issue...anywhere that the is a University there is drugs, alcohol and the such...now is that not what we already have here?...now I don't condone that lifestyle but it's pretty much how college kids have acted for centuries...

This city is going to progress towards the future and if a an actual University puts us on the market for that progress then be it....one question...why are a few against people bettering themselves with an education and yet you all are getting a mall....go figure...ya all want to spend the money but not where it's the most important... "

Rebranding what wrote on Feb 3, 2008 2:37 PM:

" Methheads and bluehairs compared in the same sentence. Shame on you. "

EXCUSE ME wrote on Feb 3, 2008 1:07 PM:

" but kids are now competing for jobs all over! My grandchildren included! The unemployment rate is up, adults are now taking the hamburger jobs and the kids are left w/o one! Get rid of the illegals and there would be plenty of jobs for ALL LEGALS! Even the bluehairs are going back to work~ maybe I will start looking too~I HAVE ALOT OF EXPIERENCE!!!! I can even walk without a cane and I can still see! oh, but from the back, you couldn't tell if I am bluehaired old lady or a punk-ya, my trunk is large, just like theirs!!! "

quit whining wrote on Feb 3, 2008 12:39 PM:

" also Jim, I have a college degree which empowers me to be my own daddy.

The construction gold rush days are over. The city is evolving. "

quit whining wrote on Feb 3, 2008 12:33 PM:

" thanks for the follow-up Jim but i'm sick and tired of hearing the corrupt police/arrested...blah blah blah ranting from your corner. Yes, parents will send their kids to a safe unversity environment that provides a marketable degree selection. "

Allie wrote on Feb 3, 2008 12:19 PM:

" This may be a good way to get all the "for rent" and "for sale" signs out of yards. It may bring in a new class of citizens here; ones that aren't meth heads or blue hairs. I think it is a great idea. "

To quit whining wrote on Feb 3, 2008 10:58 AM:

" I agree, we must move forward, but we need to open our eyes and address our existing problems. I speak for the less fortunate although I'm not one of them. By no means do I see that as whining. What is your time frame for these educated dream jobs. keep your nose up, daddys got you covered. "

Arliss wrote on Feb 3, 2008 8:14 AM:

" This has got to be the worst idea I've heard for this city since moving here 4 years ago.
You think the housing market is bad now?
Just put in a 4 year college and you will see people moving away in droves, driving the economy even further down.
Not to mention what it will do to the value of our homes, our homes will be worth a fraction of what they are now. "

really wrote on Feb 1, 2008 4:47 PM:

" sounds like a good deal for Hurst - you build it and we will rake in the revenue stream. "

Michelle wrote on Feb 1, 2008 3:33 PM:

" As a full-time student at MCC, the plans of a university right here in our town sounds like an excellent idea, except the logistics of it won't be as simple. I'm interested to see just how the Havasu Foundation for Higher Education plans to execute such a goal, particularly when taking finances and the tax payer's responsibilties into consideration. "

education creates economic growth wrote on Feb 1, 2008 1:12 PM:

" http://www.ns.umich.edu/htdocs/releases/story.php?id=6025

In an independent assessment of the economic role of the three URC institutions — Michigan State University, the University of Michigan and Wayne State University—AEG found the URC:
1 - Makes a tremendous economic impact on the state.
2 - Is a major employer.
3 - Produces graduates who are highly valued in Michigan's emerging knowledge economy.
4 - Produces a cadre of educated alumni who live, work and pay taxes in Michigan.

For the Full Report goto http://www.urcmich.org/economic/AEG_URC_FinalReport_Sept07.pdf "

quit whining wrote on Feb 1, 2008 12:50 PM:

" Jim, an educated city will bring educated jobs. Please keep aggresively moving forward. "

Jim wrote on Feb 1, 2008 10:13 AM:

" Better start creating jobs because as of now people are having problems holding on to their homes let alone send their kids to public school. Now do you think the California people want to send their kids to Havasu after the way the city and it's police treat them. Yes I did say city,because they condone it. Why would they want to send their kids to a place they once enjoyed to compete for jobs flipping hamburgers. The grownups have to take those jobs for lack of Them. Then there's the threat of the strong arm of Havasu's finest getting a hold of them and putting them behind bars like criminals just for being young. THERE'S NOTHING FOR COLLAGE AGE KIDS TO DO HERE BUT THE THINGS THAT ARE GONNA GET THEM ARRESTED. Yes a University is a good thought, but not now,not the way the city is. open your eyes, get out and talk to people that make this city, It's sad, nobody has money. They struggle to make it week to week.Some are forced to move else where.It won't work with out jobs.You can't have more young people running the streets at night with nothing to do. They'll just be hanging around the bars like the rest of the town and eventually get arrested. "

Asolution wrote on Feb 1, 2008 5:58 AM:

" How and why would you finance a study on which students would be interested in the the University? What are you selling them? The Lake? The lifestyle? 120 degree summers? The only reasons students attend a university is the curriculum and cost. Develop a sound and world class curriculum in Health and Medical Sciences and keep the costs down for instruction and housing and you have a formula for success. "

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