The Flathead Valley Community College Board of Trustees is discussing the development of a University Center on its Kalispell campus. The center would offer local students the ability to earn a four-year degree without having to leave the valley.
FVCC President Jane Karas said the establishment of a University Center would make higher education in Northwest Montana more affordable.
“Based on input from community members and local chambers of commerce, as well as business and industry leaders, it is clear to the Trustees that there is not only interest in a University Center, but also a need to expand affordable four-year and graduate education in Northwest Montana,” Karas said in a press release.
The college plans on working with the Montana University System on the creation of the center. The partnership between FVCC and state universities could expand upper-level degree programs such as business, nursing, education, social work and public administration.
On Aug. 31, the Board of Trustees announced that a need assessment to identify which programs may be expanded would happen in the future.