LAKE ELSINORE -- Plans for the establishment of an education center serving Elsinore Valley received a boost when a well-established private university expressed its interest in the project, local leaders said.

Representatives of Chicago-based Argosy University recently informed the developer involved in the center proposal that they are intrigued by the possibility of offering the school's programs here.

"We're excited about the possibility and look forward to seeing how this all pans out," said Jeb Egbert, the vice president of academic affairs for Argosy's Southern California programs.

The university is well known for its graduate programs in education, business, health services and psychology. It also offers undergraduate education.

It has 19 campuses throughout the United States, including sites in San Diego, Santa Ana, San Bernardino, Santa Monica and Alameda, according to its Web site.

"It's actually pretty huge," Kim Cousins, president of the Lake Elsinore Valley Chamber of Commerce, said of the significance of Argosy's interest. "They're one of the biggest providers in the United States of post-secondary education and graduate programs. It would be very significant for our corridor because most folks have to travel a significant distance to attend those types of programs."

Cousins is a member of a committee working toward the creation of the education center in conjunction with a commercial development planned next to The Diamond, the city's minor-league baseball stadium.

JIC-CP Diamond Development LLC is working on what its representatives envision as a retail-entertainment complex that would complement the educational center as well as The Diamond.

The commercial aspect of the project, which would be built along Diamond Drive between Mission Trail and Pete Lehr Drive, would provide places for students or faculty to go when they are not in class or where fans could stop by on their way to or from the ballpark.

Jerry Wallace, a consultant for the development team and a member of the committee, said Argosy's interest could provide a spark in generating potential tenants.

"Once you have an institution expressing interest and a willingness to be a part of it, it helps in bringing the pieces together," Wallace said. "They're the first university that said, 'We understand what you are doing and would like to be a part of it.'"

Egbert said Argosy's interest stems from contacts with people in Lake Elsinore who attended Argosy, including Lake Elsinore Unified School District Superintendent Frank Passarella, one of the committee members.

Given the school district's large size and the prevalence of schools throughout the region, Argosy most likely would start by offering master's and doctorate-level classes in education, with the goal of expanding to an undergraduate program and post-secondary offerings in the university's other programs.

While the actual development of the center and commercial complex is probably at least a couple of years away, Argosy would rent space locally and offer a program such as master's instruction in educational leadership to gauge and generate interest, Egbert said.

"We'll need to see some level of commitment, because it wouldn't make sense to set up shop and not have anybody come," he said. "But I get the distinct impression that the city's leadership and various people are eager to see that (educational) presence."

City Councilwoman Melissa Melendez, also a committee member, said that in addition to formalizing their interest with the letter, Argosy representatives have been enthusiastically participating in the meetings.

She said the committee members have shown a strong commitment to making the education center happen.

"We've wanted to bring higher education into the city for many years now, so this is very exciting for us as a city to be able to provide this opportunity," Melendez said. "This is a great starting point. It will provide a tremendous opportunity for those who live in this area who would have travel to Riverside, Los Angeles, San Diego or other areas for that kind of education."

Call staff writer Michael J. Williams at 951-676-4315, ext. 2635.