West, Augustus: Paglia

The Current Relationship between Universities

And Junior Colleges

In the article “Revalorizing the Trades” by Camille Paglia, the relationship between universities and junior colleges is questioned.  Paglia states,” That may mean a radical stripping down of course offerings, with all teachers responsible for a core curriculum. But every four-year college or university should forge a reciprocal relationship with regional trade schools.”  (Paglia, 1)  This generalization made by Paglia shows her belief that there is not already a pre-existing relationship between universities and junior colleges or trade schools.  That however is not the case as most universities have satellite vocational or two year institutions.

Southern Arkansas University is a prime example of a school that has a satellite vocational institution.  SAU Tech located in Camden, Arkansas is a vocational school closely related to a four year institution.  As a vocational school, SAU Tech teaches students how to succeed in a career outside the “professional” spectrum. Another university with a relationship with a vocational school is the University of Arkansas at Monticello.  UAM operates a vocational school in Crossett, Arkansas known as UAMCTC.  UAMCTC, like SAU Tech, prepares students for careers outside the professional spectrum.  However, UAMCTC takes this approach to a new level by having two satellite campuses of its own, one in Hamburg, Arkansas and one in McGehee, Arkansas.

SAU Tech and UAMCTC show that the relationship between universities and trade schools exists, however such a relationship is not necessary for a trade school to function.  The Tulsa Welding School and the Nashville Mechanics School are two of the most prestigious trade schools in the nation and they have no affiliation with four year institutions.  Another trade school with no major institution affiliation is the Arkansas Job Core which certifies students to operate heavy machinery. 

Whether a union between a trade school and a university is necessary for success remains to be seen.  What is clear is that there are hundreds of trade schools across the United States that produce thousands of qualified men and women every year to keep the backbone of America strong.  Paglia suggests in her article that universities are stagnating the workforce, but with their support of vocational schools, they are giving thousands of Americans a career to be proud of.