POWELL (AP) - University of Wyoming President Tom Buchanan says the university and community colleges ought to have stronger ties, such as through university courses offered at the colleges.

"We would like to be a better partner in the future than perhaps we've been in the past," Buchanan told Northwest College trustees last week.

Buchanan plans to meet with officials at all seven community colleges this fall.

The university offers courses at Casper College and Laramie County Community College in Cheyenne. Buchanan said the shape of similar academic cooperation between the university and Northwest College would be largely up to the college.

"We would like to work with you and cooperate in whatever fashion works for you and us and is helpful," he told trustees.

Cathy Marine, the University of Wyoming outreach regional academic coordinator, said she had spoken with Buchanan about building a shared facility at Northwest College. Right now, the university uses the college's buildings for classes.

Northwest College President Miles LaRowe said some people believe Northwest College doesn't get enough recruiters from the university.

"It is a challenge of geography," Buchanan responded. "Powell is a long way from Laramie."

College Trustee Carolyn Danko said she expected the university-college relationship to keep improving and the university's presence in the Big Horn Basin to expand.

"I would certainly like to see more activity from the University of Wyoming here," she said. "It stands to benefit all of our students."