Bellevue College

BELLEVUE Community College's new name, Bellevue College, is a welcome change. More important, it continues a critical development in the state's long-range goal to produce more baccalaureate degree-holders.

The college launched its bachelor of applied science in radiation and imaging sciences program in the fall of 2007. In June, 18 students will graduate with baccalaureate degrees.

That's good news. Washington's public four-year universities have had their hands full struggling to meet an enrollment boom.

At the same time, a comprehensive review of higher education ordered by Gov. Christine Gregoire found the number of bachelor degrees awarded in Washington need to be increased by 3,900, or nearly 14 percent. Since about 41 percent of bachelor's degree awardees in our public institutions are community-college transfers, those schools are prime candidates to fill the vacuum.

Bellevue College, with its enrollment of 35,000, was a natural choice. Seven programs at the 34 community and technical colleges statewide offer baccalaureate degrees as part of a pilot authorized by the state Legislature.

The two-year and four-year hybrids offer a smart response to growing needs in higher education. Other solutions include partnerships between four-year and two-year institutions, such as the one between Central Washington University and Highline Community College. More changes are likely when the state Higher Education Coordinating Board releases its higher-education design plan next fall.

Bellevue College's move into the four-year arena is welcomed.