Colorado Mesa University had just released its inaugural Centennial State Survey when the Colorado Commission on Higher Education delivered an unwarranted blow to the school on Friday that reinforces Western Slope perceptions of “two Colorados.”

The survey highlighted what many of us already know to be true: Colorado’s economy feels great to Denver metro area residents while those of us in rural areas continue to struggle.

So maybe we shouldn’t have been surprised when the CCHE refused to approve a plan submitted by CMU to add graduate programs in the health field: physician assistant, physical therapy and occupational therapy. Still, it’s an outrage.

The move blocks the Legislature from considering an $8.3 million capital construction request for a building to house the programs and derails CMU’s earnest attempt to fast-track a program that provides strong employment opportunities across Colorado and the region. Given the state of our economy, this should have been a no-brainer.

Read more at The Grand Junction Daily Sentinel.