WSU to expand programs offered in Everett

EVERETT -- Washington State University has plans to expand its presence in Everett.

According to The Everett Herald, the university has agreed to take over administration of the University Center of North Puget Sound, a cooperative of several Washington learning institutions.

Management of the educational co-op has been handled by Everett Community College. WSU president Elson Floyd spoke at EvCC on Wednesday, telling a crowd of lawmakers, college administrators and business leaders that WSU will make sure it has programs that best serve the needs of the Everett community.

The University Center of North Puget Sound was created by the state legislature in 2011. The Herald reported that officials are hoping to nearly triple the enrollment and academic programs currently offered at the co-op by 2021.

Fourteen programs are currently offered there, according to The Everett Herald, and officials plan to increase that number to 42 by 2021. Programs will have an emphasis in science, technology, engineering and math.

WSU is expected to take over administration of the University Center of North Puget Sound by summer 2014.