Over the last several years, Washington State University has been expanding its reach. The university now has campuses throughout the state, including Spokane, the Tri-Cities, Vancouver and Everett, as well as an online “campus” available worldwide.

Why the expansion? WSU says serving people across the state is part of its mission. Its website includes the statement:  “WSU fulfills its mission as Washington’s land-grant research university by reaching out. It delivers knowledge and the benefits of research activities to people throughout the state.”

WSU is a land-grant college designated by the state Legislature to receive the benefits of the Morrill Acts of 1862 and 1890. The federal Morrill Act was intended to provide a broad segment of the population with a practical education that had direct relevance to their daily lives.

The first law provided grants in the form of federal lands to each state to sell to be used for the establishment of a public institution to fulfill the act’s provisions — to establish a place for agricultural and mechanical education and military skills. While different forms of funding and their application has changed over time — so have the needs of the public that the university serves.  WSU has embraced those changes with a model that does not restrict itself to a place or set of topics.

While Bellevue College administrators say the arrangement is not quite ironed-out, it only makes sense that the two colleges work together even more than they do now.  Such an arrangement should offer even more opportunities for students — no matter where they live.

And what of the cost? What about enrollment levels or tuition issues?  All yet to be determined. Bellevue College has provided many opportunities to those who needed new or basic skills, as well as a college degree or trade. Let’s hope it will remain as accessible as it is now.