(a) Regional higher education centers in the State are important educational resources and are vital to the delivery of postsecondary education in the State.

(b) A regional higher education center shall:

(1) Provide access to affordable higher education programs to citizens in unserved or underserved areas of the State;

(2) Respond to the needs of businesses and industries in the areas in which they serve; and

(3) Encourage participation by institutions of higher education for the benefit of students and serve the needs of, and provide programs to, elementary and secondary schools, business and industry, and governmental agencies.

(c) The governing body of a regional higher education center may submit a request for proposals for the offering of a baccalaureate degree program at the center in accordance with § 16-108 of this article.