We welcome readers' opinions on matters of interest to our community.
The weekly deadline for Letters to the Editor is noon on Monday. Letters should be limited to 300 words. Letters from the same writer will be accepted no more frequently than every 30 days.
Due to limited space, coverage of community news, and production costs, only two letters regarding a certain issue will be printed each week. All other letters will be posted on this web site.
The newspaper reserves the right to accept or reject letters, and to edit them for clarity and length.
Letters must be accompanied by the author's full name, address, and daytime phone number for verification purposes.
Please limit letters to 300 words.
You may use this form to submit your letter via email.
Dear Editor:
During the past year, a greater emphasis has been placed on the importance of a college education and the benefits to lifelong learning. At the heart of the educational movement is the role community colleges play in our country’s economic growth and prosperity. Nationwide, community colleges are playing vital roles in providing individuals with varied backgrounds access to innovative learning and training opportunities to give them a competitive edge in today’s everchanging economy. Annually, more than 11.7 million individuals pursue a college education at America’s 1,177 community colleges with the goal of bettering their lives and becoming the next generation of societal leaders.
Our country is counting on community colleges to prepare a highly skilled workforce; however, community colleges cannot accomplish this alone as we need to continue to grow partnerships and joint regional ventures with colleges and universities and K-12 schools, as well as with businesses and industry. We must make education attainable in order to further enhance and support our country’s economic development, vitality and productivity. Every student should have the opportunity to pursue a college education and achieve their fullest potential. Barriers should not exist.
At Owens Community College, “We believe in serving our students and our communities. Your success is our mission.” We do not take our educational responsibility lightly. Owens Community College is committed to providing our students a superior educational experience in a warm, welcoming environment that is both affordable and accessible.
I encourage those individuals who have attained a college education to share their story about what an educational experience has meant to their life with someone who may have never considered higher education as an option. Together, we can positively impact the lives of others through lifelong learning. Dr. Larry McDougle
Owens CC Interim President
