Special Opinion to the Mirror by Terry Malarkey
“An open letter to our elected representatives at Richmond”
Why Don’t We Have a Four Year University here on the Shore?
Before you say we are too small, understand that there are dozens of accredited four year schools, some large, in small towns all across Virginia.
Of particular interest is “The University of Virginia’s College at Wise”. Yes, Wise. In Wise County; Out West. This is a baccalaureate-level public university with an enrollment of 2,000+ in a rural area.
(For more, see; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Virginia%27s_College_at_Wise)
Why there and not here? (Maybe they had more effective elected representatives in the 1970s?)
Such an institution would be tremendous boost to the Shore: well-paid jobs, new blood, enhanced cultural activities, rising real estate values, spin-off businesses, with an influx of people and money from Virginia, and other states and countries.
My own pick would be “Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University at Onancock”. Or “Shore – Tech”.
This would bring an influx of STEM graduates for Wallops and spin-off businesses. Silicon Shore! We can dream!
If Wise can, why not us?
About the Author
I agree… Would Cape Charles be an ideal location for a university? Cape Charles could have a potential ambience similar to the paring of William & Mary and Williamsburg, its close proximity to Bay Bridge and the Maryland State Line … no matter where a University is established in Virginia’s Eastern Shore, I would support this vision.
Cape Charles could not make a pimple on the rear end of Williamsburg.
Because the economics don’t support one.
Because if the residents want to go to one, UMD-ES is available up the road.
Because as I said before, the NOVA residents that run Virginia don’t care one little tiny whit about the ES except as a vacation spot.
What a great idea ! Pun intended, wouldn’t now be a Wise time to push for such a venture ? With Eastern Shore native Ralph Northam as our incoming Governor, hopefully the Shore will receive greater focus from the State. Worth a try anyway. Shore-Tech, sounds great to me.
The Eastern Shore did not vote for that Eastern Shore native. He did not carry either county that makes up The Eastern Shore.
Indeed, Marsh Hen…….looking at an electoral map, it is obvious that NOVA elected a fellow traveler.
Expect to be ignored, ESVA.