Leaders in El Paso and Las Cruces have long pointed to education as the key to economic success in the border region.

According to the latest figures from the U.S. Census only 21 percent of El Pasoans and about 28 percent of Dona Ana County residents, ages 25 and older, have a bachelor's degree or higher. The figures are an improvement for both cities, but they also reflect the work ahead to build economic prosperity in the region.

On April 10, El Paso Times Editor Bob Moore will moderate a wide-ranging conversation with higher education leaders for El Paso and Las Cruces about the obstacles and successes toward improving educational outcomes, the impact of state legislation and budget cuts and how colleges and universities can better collaborate despite competition.

Join the El Paso Times and our panelists UTEP President Diana Natalicio, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso President Richard Lange, New Mexico State University President Garrey Carruthers and El Paso Community College President William Serrata in a discussion about an issue that is critical to the success of our border region.

The town hall is part of a series of conversations, sponsored by the El Paso Times and UTEP, that will explore key issues important to our border city, including education, politics, government and growth.

The event is free and open to the public.

Please RSVP by filling out the form below by Thursday, April 6 or by calling 915-546-6155.

When: Join us at 5 p.m. for cocktails (cash bar) and light snacks, followed by the conversation at 6 p.m.

Where: El Paso Natural Gas Conference Center on Wiggins Road across from the UTEP library.

CHANGE IN PARKING: Free parking will be available in the Sun Bowl Garage.

More information: Updates and details about this event and others will be available at elpasotimes.com.