News Article

Support for NCI is good news

Wednesday, May 04, 2011
Letter to the Editor
Martinsville Bulletin

It is extremely good news that the New College Institute continues to see strong support from our political leaders in Richmond.

Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling recently took time from his busy schedule to deliver the commencement address at a ceremony in Martinsville to honor NCI graduates. He also took time to meet with NCI officials and community leaders to exchange information on how to best keep NCI's momentum moving forward.

The lieutenant governor's support will be critical in helping to shepherd through the General Assembly a bill that will allow NCI to become a branch of a major Virginia university. He also indicated that Gov. (Bob) McDonnell stands solidly behind this effort as well.

They both clearly recognize that the NCI project not only addresses the need for accessible and affordable higher education in our region, they also understand that developing NCI into a branch of an existing state university will have a dramatic effect on our local economy as well as our overall quality of life.

It is a testament to the outstanding leadership of NCI's executive director, Dr. Barry Dorsey; its board chairman, Rob Spilman; and The Harvest Foundation that NCI has received unwavering support from both Democratic and Republican administrations in Richmond. As the lieutenant governor indicated, NCI's favorable reception in Richmond is due to the broad support of NCI in our own community and region.

Of equal importance are the matching funds provided by the Harvest Foundation. This shows that we are not just asking for a "hand out" but rather a "hand up" from our state leaders. That we are willing to invest our own precious local treasure in this initiative carries a significant weight in the capitol.

Exciting times lie ahead for NCI and our community. The strong demonstration of continuing support from both our governor and lieutenant governor show just how far this effort has come in a few short years.

Jay Edelen, board member, New College Institute

For additional information contact Ibbie Hedrick at 804-225-2487 or ibbie.hedrick@ltgov.virginia.gov.