Rory Reid releases higher education plan

Democratic candidate for governor Rory Reid on Thursday released his plan to improve higher education in Nevada.

In general, the seven-page plan calls for some decentralization of functions, performance-based funding and autonomy for universities and colleges.

Reid is seeking to gain ground on Republican Brian Sandoval in the race and believes distinguishing himself as more concerned about education is key to that effort.

Some highlights of the plan provided by Team Reid: (entire plan attached)

Allowing campuses to keep increased tuition and fee revenues, and allowing them to raise tuition and fees for non-resident students.

Allowing universities and colleges to charge differential tuition for competitive programs that cost more to provide, such as nursing and engineering.

Endowing the Millennium Scholarship program to ensure access for future generations and keep many of our brightest minds in state.

Building capacity in areas with the greatest potential for economic growth, like transportation, shipping and logistics; renewable energy development and biomedical research.

Boosting research and development hand-in-hand with economic growth. University research should translate directly to new inventions, jobs and businesses.

Establishing closer ties between employers and educational institutions to ensure that degrees and training programs offered meet anticipated employment needs.