Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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IEdwar Ed. note: This is the final part of a series dealing with higher education in South Carolina. This week--Gov. James Edwards ex. presses his views. BY R. VANCE BUTTS of The Gamecock staff Saying he has not had time to do an in-depth study of South Carolina's dualism in higher education, Gov. James B. Edwards expressed an interest in examining the efficiency of the Technical Educational system and its com pet i tor, the regional campus system. In this series by the Gamecock, perhaps the biggest question raised on higher education in South Carolina was the question of a dualism in the types of instruction offered at the USC Regional Campuses and in the South Carolina TEC system. Dualism became an issue in 1971 when Gov. John West hired California educator Julius Bor tolazzo as the head of the state TEC system. Bortolazzo quickly said the state was needlessly spending tax money on two separate post secondary educational systems. Bortolazzo said a comprehensive community college system would be more efficient. But, his plans and charges were rejected, and, without any real support for his ideas Bortolazzo resigned almost 10 weeks after taking office. Apparently the people of South Carolina were satisfied with the Regional-TEC system, for it has continued to grow; 12 of the 16 TEC schools have now been accredited as full colleges, while two of the USC Regional campuses, Coastal and Spartanburg, have also reached a full college status. Nevertheless, during this economic crunch, it is usually a good idea to examine policies, to see if they are still valid. Earlier this week, the Gamecock asked Gov. Edwards about his plans for higher education. Prefacing his remarks, Edwards said, "I haven't had the opportunity to do an in depth study (on dualism)... we do have a possible problem in duplication...but there is a study that is coming out very shortly, and this study, from what I un derstand, is going to show that in the next five to 10 years we'll have approximately 60 to 80 per cent of the number of students in colleges that we have today." "Our priorities have to tn nrimnry n.d Is Critic "I 'll cut the budget everywhere I can. There'll be no tax increase, as far as I'm concerned." This decrease in the number of people attending post-secondary schools, the Governor felt, would free more money for primary and secondary education, which Ed wards strongly favors. "I think in the past," Edwards said, "we have put too much of our funding into higher education; our priorities have to be shifted back to primary and secondary education." He then added that the previous over-spending "backs up the desire to take a long, hard look at what our resources are, what our needs are, and match our resources to our needs." The governor expressed an in terest in examining the efficiency of the TEC-Regional systems and added that a comprehensive resource study headed by Pat Smith, stat% auditor, may provide additional insight into the overall educational system. When asked about Bortolazzo's offer last month to head a panel to examine the post-secondary situation, Edwards said, "I think it's better to get something going separate from this Bortolazzo situation because of thecon troversy that surrounds it; I'd rather create some method of studying the needs outside of that area." The governor also said, barring unforeseen circumstances, the state's economy should be recovered from the recession by 1977. "I'll cut the budget everywhere I can. There'll be no tax increase as far as I'm con cerned, barring any foreseen emergencies or circumstances." The biggest problem, of course, in raising the revenue needed to fully upgrade and equalize the state's school systems is attracting industry into the state-something the TEC system has been suc cessful in doing. "This," said Edwards, "is really the secret to our total success--to recruit in dustry to come into our state--I'm talking about industries that don't pollute.. .and industries that raise the per capita income of our people." MRWS ANALYSIS - alOf Hight "I think in the past we have I of o" CAPS an ATTENTION All L Graduation. Caps, Gowns, ar Available Through the U.S.( Aug. 15th, 1975. Sales Will Next to the Post Office. SANDWICH CAFETE SHOP RUSSELL HOUSE INFO CAP AND G;OWN +-SALES hrEducation - 'A ~~ii out too much r funding into higher education." id GOWNS 0egree Candidates for Aug. 16th td Graduation Regalia Will Be . Campus Bookstore Through Be in the Russell House Lobby RIA PRICE LIST Cap, Gown and Tassel Associate Degree - *7.95 Bachelor's - *95 Masters - *95 Ph.D. - *11.95 Hoods (Ph.D.) - *11.95 Hoods D.Ed. - *11.95 Invitations Pack of Ten - *2.95 Each - *35