OWC may become a state college

Pending state legislation, Okaloosa-Walton College may soon become part of a proposed state college system. 

President Bob Richburg called the measure, “The most exciting change I’ve seen in my administration.”

A bill is currently moving through the state House of Representatives that would create a state college system. 

With a shortage of bachelor’s degrees being awarded in the state, the measure would provide access to more affordable programs for students, Richburg said.

At the same time, he added, it would save the state money. It costs more to pay for a students’ education in the current university system, than it does at a community college — approximately, $6,000 per student versus $3,600. 

“The state college is the answer,” said state Rep. Ray Sansom, R-Destin. 

Community college’s, like OWC, have already been addressing the problem by adding bachelor’s program’s that address specific community needs. 

But it’s necessary for the college's to seek approval in Tallahassee, which Sansom called a “bureaucratic stumbling block.” 
 
Out of the 28 in the state, OWC is one of four potential colleges participating in the new pilot program. 
 
Richburg said this won’t interfere with the mission of state universities, namely the University of West Florida locally. 

“They know their mission, their role. They see this as an enhancement,” he said.

This will save costs for the taxpayers and students, while addressing the state’s increased need for baccalaureate degrees, Richburg said. 

Richburg, who met with OWC faculty members last week, and said the venture was met with unmitigated approval. “This idea just hits them square, (in the) bull’s eye of their academic longings,” he said. 

If the bill passses, Richburg said OWC would be offering two to three more programs in the next few years. Though he us uncertain what needs they will address next, he said. A name change would be in order, he added something that would end with "state college." 

Sansom is confident the legislation will pass, adding it’s already garnered significant support in both the house and Senate.