We are surprised and deeply disappointed with the Oregon University System staff recommendation on the Central Oregon branch campus.

We will comment further when we can fully review the system report that details the rationale for this recommendation.

However, we believe strongly that the proposal submitted by the University of Oregon is a visionary and innovative blueprint for providing a higher education of the best quality to the residents of Central Oregon. The widespread support that this proposal received throughout that region is an important indicator of that.

We await the meeting of the State Board of Higher Education on Feb. 16, when board members can fully examine these proposals and cast their votes based on the merits of each plan.

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