Metro State votes to investigate graduate programs

DENVER - For more than 40 years, Metropolitan State College of Denver has focused on providing undergraduate classes, often focused on minority or less affluent families. Now, President Stephen Jordan wants to make a major change.

"It's a very big step for the institution. I think it's an important step for this institution," said Dr. Jordan.

Wednesday morning, Jordan was urging members of the Board of Trustees to allow him to move forward in the process of establishing a graduate program in teacher education, accounting and social work.

"I truly believe that this is not a change in our mission, but that this is in many respects a fulfillment of the mission in today's environment," Jordan told the board members.

He says students at Metro State are clamoring for opportunities to earn a master's degree in these fields.

"Anyone who teaches goes on to get their master's or they don't make any money," said Stephanie Vaughn, a major in elementary education. "I think they're a little behind in not having a master's program, personally."

Vaughn is an example of the type of student Metro State caters to. She's a mother of two who's been taking classes on the Auraria Campus for 11 years. She's changed her major twice, but now is seeking a degree in elementary education.

"I would definitely get my master's here. It's close to home. I'm familiar with the staff. I like their programs," said Vaughn. "They offer night classes and weekend and online and they definitely cater to a very commuter crowd."

Some board members were skeptical of the idea of changing the service of a college in operation since 1965.

"Why the rush to judgment on such a major change of the mission of this college?" said Mark Martinez, Metro State trustee.

"I don't have, I think, a substantive, defined, well-thought out answer as to why we're doing this right now," said Maria Garcia Berry, Metro State trustee. "We need more money. We need more budget. We need more capital."

Some trustees expressed concern about starting graduate programs during this economic time. They also wondered about how it would impact classroom space, instructor schedules and the teaching of undergrad students.

"Once you start down this path, there are costs to this," said Robert Cohen, Metro State trustee.

In the end, the board voted 7-to-1 in favor of allowing Jordan to investigate the feasibility of starting graduate programs which includes seeking support in the legislature to possibly have the change approved this upcoming legislative session.

"This was a very big step for us today," said Jordan.

Vaughn hopes it goes through for the sake of future students.

"For how forward-thinking this school is, it amazes me that they don't already have one," said Vaughn. "I think it's a long time coming."