Virginia’s Democratic candidate for Governor is renewing calls to expand higher education in southwest Virginia.
Wise County shares a border with Kentucky, and the University of Virginia has had a campus there since the 1950’s. It’s grown rapidly in recent years, now with more than 2,000 students.
In a press call Tuesday, Lieutenant Governor Ralph Northam says he’d like to expand the school’s offerings, attracting more young talent to the area.
“Not to mention it will help revive the economy of our coal field region while we focus on expanding the energy sources of the future in renewables like solar and wind energy,” said the Democratic candidate for Governor.
Northam is calling for additional graduate-level degree programs in energy and computer engineering, suggesting an initial $15 million investment from the state to help make it happen.
A spokesman for Republican Ed Gillespie, Northam’s opponent, says Gillespie is also committed to expanding UVA-Wise. But he also points out that Northam has not agreed to participate in a proposed gubernatorial debate at the campus, while Gillespie has.
Kathy Still, a spokeswoman for UVA-Wise says the campus has always embraced a role in economic development.
"We are eager to learn more about the Lt. Governor’s proposal, especially the private-public partnership aspect," Still wrote in an emailed statement. "We are also pleased to hear the Lt. Governor is looking to invest at least $15 million in ongoing operating funds to expand the enrollment of the campus. Virginia is fortunate that its elected leadership invests in higher education as a means toward expanding the economic climate of the commonwealth."
The commitment came as part of a suite of proposals to help spur the economy in Virginia's rural areas, including expanding broadband internet and a tax cut to new businesses in economically depressed areas of the state.
