State college in Henderson moves closer to reality

The Assembly Education Committee on Thursday recommended approval of a bill that calls for planning of the new campus and its programs.

"There is a need for a state college because our other two institutions are not able to focus as closely on undergraduate education, especially in the areas of education and business," said Assembly Majority Leader Richard Perkins, D-Henderson.

"It should be in Henderson because the city has the land and has the community support. It's soon going to be the second-largest city in the state."

But University of Nevada, Las Vegas officials have expressed concerns over plans to open a state college in the fast-growing suburb in 2003.

They said the state's higher education system already is underfunded and may suffer further setbacks if another campus is added to it.

UNLV plans to offer its first classes in Henderson beginning this summer.

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