President's Blog

Triple Crown Powerhouse of Northwest Ohio: Why Owens Stands Out

Owens Community College stands as a symbol of progress and potential for Northwest Ohio. Our pivotal role in training and educating the Region’s workforce, advancing educational attainment, and accommodating all learners cements our status as the region’s triple crown powerhouse. These avenues to student success fuel our passion for what we do.

Education, the heart of our mission, is vital for the region’s economic development. The quality of education at Owens is outstanding, as evidenced by the credentials, recognitions, and innovations of our dedicated faculty. Our strong partnerships with four-year institutions provide seamless pathways for students to advance their education and careers. Since the 2013-14 school year, 38% of our students have transferred to and graduated from a four-year college or university. Recent collaborations, including the College’s letter of intent with the University of Toledo and Toledo Public Schools to explore educational opportunities at Scott Park, highlight our commitment to expanding access to and achieving educational attainment in higher education.

Our connection to local industry is equally robust, with partnerships across the state with more than 100 businesses and unions to provide customized employee training, apprenticeships and internships that drive efficiency, production and the bottom line. We are focused on multiple programs, including advanced manufacturing, through our two-year technical degrees and certificates, as well as contracted training to help address the 35,000 technician jobs Ohio will need over the next 10 years.

Our commitment extends to returning students through programs like the Water Workforce Coalition, which provide fast-track training solutions tailored to students’ various life stages and career changes. Our new Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Program at our Findlay-Area Campus is operational, and we have requested special funding from the State of Ohio to convert and expand a parking lot into a lighted driving pad, allowing for instruction of student drivers during day and evening hours. It would also purchase two CDL training driver simulators to permit CDL driver training in advanced techniques of fuel conservation, inclement weather, and various driving terrains. These initiatives demonstrate our agility in meeting immediate workforce demands.

Furthermore, our wraparound services offer substantial support to ensure all students can successfully navigate their educational journeys. These services range from aid for first-generation students to comprehensive programs for military-affiliated students, all underscored by the Owens Community College Foundation’s efforts, which have distributed millions in scholarships. No matter where you are in your educational journey, you will have support from and a home at Owens.

In essence, Owens is more than an institution; it is a cornerstone of community growth and opportunity. Our dedication to education, workforce development, and community support showcases our role as a catalyst for success in Northwest Ohio.

Have a wonderful summer!

Dione D. Somerville, Ed.D.
President