HispanicBusiness

The University of Colorado Board of Regents voted 7-1 on Wednesday to approve a doctoral degree program in comparative ethnic studies and unanimously approved a new master's and doctoral program in material sciences.

Regent Sue Sharkey, R-Windsor, cast the lone vote against the measure, saying she was concerned students in the program would have difficulty finding jobs upon graduation.

The degree faced some criticism from Republicans while it was in the pipeline.

Jim Geddes, R-Sedalia, voted for the ethnic studies program, but said he has concerns about a liberal bias in the program. He said he wants descriptions of where professors stand on issues to gauge whether there is a diversity in thought.

No other regents commented prior to the vote for the ethnic studies program. Regent Michael Carrigan, D-Denver, and chairman of the board, did not vote.

Those proposing the program have said students would gain a powerful skill set with training on how to conduct research, digest knowledge and write and communicate effectively.

The newly approved material sciences program would be an interdisciplinary academic program bringing together chemistry, physics and engineering sciences.

The program will allow graduates to advance new technologies to solve large-scale challenges, such as biomaterials to replace damaged tissues or deliver drugs to treat cancer or lighter materials for aircraft and space shuttles.

Contact Camera Staff Writer Brittany Anas at 303-473-1132 or anasb@dailycamera.com.

___



Distributed by MCT Information Services