News Releases


Owens Express Baseball Team Hosts Doubleheader at Fifth Third Field April 19 Copy link to clipboard

Posted on March 18th, 2024

The Owens Express Baseball team will celebrate 4-1-9 day in the heart of downtown Toledo at Fifth Third Field. The team, led by head coach John Parisho, will return to the home of the Toledo Mud Hens for a doubleheader against the Community Christian College Lions on Friday, April 19 beginning at 4:30 p.m.

This will be the third year the Express have played at Fifth Third Field. “The team looks forward to this doubleheader all season,” said Parisho. The Express are undefeated while playing in downtown Toledo. “We are ready to keep that winning streak alive before making another postseason run,” added Parisho.

Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for kids ages 6-17 as well as Senior/Military tickets. Owens Community College and Community Christian College will be able to unlock free tickets using the promo code “express”. Students may present their student ID at the box office as well.

Purchase tickets HERE.

For more information about the Owens Express, visit www.owensexpress.com.


Owens School of Nursing and Health Professions Expo Day Copy link to clipboard

Posted on March 18th, 2024

When: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Friday, March 22

Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.

 

Where: Admissions Office (College Hall 138)

490 D Street

Perrysburg, OH 43551

 

What: Prospective students are invited to Owens Community College to:

  • Learn more about health programs offered at Owens
  • Tour modern lab facilities
  • Meet faculty and staff
  • Learn more about the Admissions process and selective health review

Faculty and staff will be on hand to answer questions and provide first-hand knowledge. Lunch will be provided.

For more information, please call (567) 661-7777.

Visit owens.edu/visit to learn more.


Owens Admissions Rep Among Gun Violence Survivors Discussion Panelists Copy link to clipboard

Posted on March 1st, 2024

Janice Hall

Janice Hall

A woman is shot dead by her current or former partner every 16 hours, according to data provided by the Brady national gun violence prevention organization.

“I got that dreadful call on my sister’s birthday,” said Owens Community College Admissions Representative Janice Hall, referring to November 7, 2021, when her son’s partner, Natasha Carlisle, was part of a double homicide in Toledo.

Carlisle and her best friend, Laura Luckey, were killed by Donte Gilmer, who was Luckey’s former partner. Gilmer was convicted and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

A lifelong Toledo resident, Hall will take part in a gun violence panel discussion at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 6 in College Hall room 100. Sponsored by the BIG Read, the event is free and open to the public.

Hall described gun violence in America as “a club that no one wants to belong to, but it’s starting to get a large membership.”

She said losing Carlisle created multiple gaps for her family.

Her son, Jermaine Byrd, and Carlisle had a daughter, Tashayla, who celebrated her 18th birthday a week before her mother’s death. Hall also noted Byrd and Carlisle had been working on getting back together, which is why Hall said she still calls Carlisle her “daughter-in-law”.

“For my son, his half-brother was killed just a year before. It’s all of this inner-city living,” Hall said. “I hate for it to happen to anyone. If it’s not me, it’s somebody I know that it’s happened to. It’s such a shame. It’s destroying lives – just like drugs.”

The panel also includes:

  • Malcolm Cunningham, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement, City of Toledo
  • Brysen Davis, Violence Interrupter with Save Our Community
  • Judy Harbaugh, local leader for Moms Demand Action
  • Sherin Henley, a gun violence survivor
  • Rebecca Facey, Toledo City Prosecutor
  • Mary Kruger, a gun violence survivor

 


Owens Community College Hosts College & Career Preview Night Copy link to clipboard

Posted on February 28th, 2024

High school students and their parents, as well as prospective students of all ages, are invited to meet with representatives from colleges, universities, industries and the military at the area’s premier college night event from 6:30 – 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 6 in the Student Health and Activities Center (7315 Championship Dr., Perrysburg, OH 43551).

The U.S. Department of Education has made sweeping changes to the FAFSA starting with the 2024-25. Student Financial Services Director Marcos Gomez will host a presentation highlighting the changes and will walk through the new format to help answer questions from students and parents.

The evening will feature presentations on additional financial aid and in-demand jobs such as healthcare.

More details and a list of representatives attending are available at www.owens.edu/collegenight.


Owens Community College Partners with UToledo, TPS for Educational Opportunities Benefiting City of Toledo Residents Copy link to clipboard

Posted on February 27th, 2024

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Leaders from Owens Community College, the University of Toledo and Toledo Public Schools signed a letter of intent Tuesday opening doors for educational opportunities for City of Toledo residents at Scott Park.

In front of a large crowd at the Center for Fine and Performing Arts, Owens announced the results of the year-long feasibility study assessing the need for a physical Owens presence in the City of Toledo.

Conducted by Trellis Strategies, the study summarized these findings:

  • A need for a physical presence in the City of Toledo
  • Increased partnerships are necessary to prepare tomorrow’s workforce
  • Large education attainment gaps exist in the City of Toledo

“Our goal is to increase access to high-quality educational opportunities in the City of Toledo that benefit the northwest Ohio region,” Owens President Dr. Dione D. Somerville said. “With partners at Scott Park, we can build a foundation to address the needs for today’s students and workforce development.”

Bryan Ashton of Trellis Strategies presented the feasibility study research summary, which identified nearly 190,000 people aged 25 or older in key parts of the City of Toledo with only a high school degree or some college.  Nearly 75 percent of the City of Toledo’s residents who are high school graduates did not enroll in college at graduation. Today that translates to more than half of the City of Toledo’s residents age 25-plus, or 55 percent, being college-ready.

“The University of Toledo is proud to strengthen our long-standing partnerships with Owens Community College and Toledo Public Schools in our shared commitment to ensuring all members of our community have an opportunity to achieve their educational and career goals,” said UToledo President Gregory Postel. “By working together, we can help close the educational attainment gap in Toledo to celebrate both individual successes of earning a college degree and also the community benefit of strengthening the workforce and economic prosperity of our region.”

“This new initiative with Owens Community College and the University of Toledo allows TPS to continue providing new and exciting educational opportunities for our students,” said Dr. Romules Durant, CEO/Superintendent of Toledo Public Schools. “We are excited that the future of the Scott Park Campus includes not only TPS students but adult learners who are ready to expand their education as they plan for their future.”

With the completed letter of intent signing, the educational leaders will now collaborate on what programming will be offered at Scott Park as well as a start date. No timeline has been established.

Kristi Clouse, JobsOhio, Senior Managing Director, Talent and Rosalyn Clemens, City of Toledo, Housing and Community Development Director also participated in the announcement. JobsOhio shared with Trellis Strategies its research related to workforce development for the advanced manufacturing sector in northwest Ohio. The City of Toledo provided financial support for the study.

Trellis Strategies is a non-profit, Texas-based higher education research firm with expertise in program evaluation and workforce outcomes, and identifying transportation barriers and enrollment deserts.

“We are thankful for the support and partnerships we have with the University of Toledo, Toledo Public Schools, the City of Toledo, JobsOhio and Trellis Strategies,” Somerville said. “We look forward to fulfilling our mission and providing quality higher education access at Scott Park.”

Details about the feasibility study and the Scott Park location will be added to https://www.owens.edu/feasibility/.


Owens Community College, Partners to Announce Feasibility Study Results Copy link to clipboard

Posted on February 26th, 2024

Owens Community College and its partners will announce the results of a year-long feasibility study assessing the need for a physical Owens presence in the City of Toledo. As the lead partner in the initiative, Owens will share the data-informed approach about the study’s conclusions and next steps regarding any potential location and programming.

Date: Tuesday, February 27, 2024

Time: 10 a.m.

Location: Center for Fine and Performing Arts, Owens Community College, Perrysburg, OH (GPS address: 7270 Biniker Drive, Perrysburg)

Scheduled Speakers

  • Dr. Dione D. Somerville, Owens Community College President
  • Kristi Clouse, JobsOhio, Senior Managing Director, Talent
  • Rosalyn Clemens, City of Toledo, Housing and Community Development Director
  • Bryan Ashton, Trellis Strategies, Managing Director
  • Dr. Gregory Postel, University of Toledo, President
  • Dr. Romules Durant, Toledo Public Schools, CEO/Superintendent

 

Presentation/Interviews

The presentation is expected to last about 60 minutes. Interviews will be deferred until after the presentation.


Inspiring Stories Highlight National TRIO Day Celebration Copy link to clipboard

Posted on February 26th, 2024

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The first time Stanley Knox attended Owens Community College, TRIO programs did not exist.

“It’s great that there are so many extra resources and how the staff are so welcoming,” the social media influencer certificate major said after participating in a panel with TRIO students from other colleges as Owens hosted the sixth annual National TRIO Day Celebration at the Center for Fine and Performing Arts.

Funded by the U.S. Department of Education, TRIO programs are educational opportunity outreach programs designed to motivate and support students from disadvantaged backgrounds. The National TRIO Day Celebration was a collaborative event of the 11 northwest Ohio TRIO programs from Owens Community College, Bowling Green State University, Lourdes University, Northwest State Community College and the University of Toledo.

These programs are the catalyst for educational post-secondary attainment for first-generation and low-income individuals in the area.

Knox, a first-generation college student who already earned a music business certificate from Owens 10 years ago, told the TRIO audience he was “sharing his heart.” In answering an audience question, he said it was in the past year, just turning 40 a week ago, that he began to master time management.

“I come from YouTube University. I know I’m a hustler and I can’t sit still,” he said. “(To get an education) you have to make up your mind you’re going to stop and do the work.”

Knox is part of the TRIO Student Support Services program.

More than 100 students and TRIO leaders attended the celebration, which began with the keynote presentation from Dr. Jessica R. McClain, Visiting Research Scientist at Indiana University. She spoke about resiliency and thriving by sharing her life story, which was inspired by the untimely passing of her father, Rev. Steve R. McClain.

Owens President Dr. Dione D.  Somerville also addressed the TRIO students, along with Northwest State President Dr. Todd Hernandez and State Rep. Michele Grim, State Rep. Josh Williams and Austin Serna, congressional assistant for U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur.

Williams shared his story of transitioning from a homeless high school dropout who considered suicide to attorney, college professor and elected official.

The closing speaker was a TRIO alum, BGSU graduate Myles Johnson, who started his entrepreneurship journey by selling cookies in the Atlanta airport at age 13. He talked about college challenges as well as building relationships on his way to returning to his teen-age home of Lansing, Michigan and winning the Ingham County Commissioner election at age 25.

Between speakers, the students participated in a service project, packing more than 100 bags of donated health and hygiene items for each college to donate to its respective food pantry or student resource office for student use.

“Today has been very positive and inspiring,” said Lisa Robinson after helping pack the bags. She’s a 56-year-old Army veteran from Toledo who’s part of the Owens Veterans Upward Bound TRIO program. “I heard about resilience. I really liked how the first speaker talked about education.”

The event was led by Brandon Gaddy, Owens TRIO programs director, and a committee of representatives from the TRIO programs at the other colleges and universities. It was the third time Owens hosted the National TRIO Day celebration.

 


Owens Community College Hosts 6th Annual Northwest Ohio TRIO Day Celebration Copy link to clipboard

Posted on February 20th, 2024

About National TRIO Day

The National TRIO Day Celebration is a collaborative event of the Northwest Ohio TRIO programs including Owens Community College, Bowling Green State University, Lourdes University, Northwest State Community College and the University of Toledo.

 

When

Saturday, February 24, 2024

10 a.m.-2 p.m.

  • 9:15 a.m.—Doors Open
  • 10 a.m. – Opening/Welcome
  • 10:30 a.m. – Keynote Speaker (Sponsored by: TRIO Educational Opportunity Center)
    • Dr. Jessica R. McClain, Visiting Research Scientist Center for Research on Learning and Technology, Wright School of Education at Indiana University. Dr. McClain’s research interest center around creating equitable approaches to teaching and learning in STEM education.  
  • 11:15 a.m. – Service Project
  • 12:15 p.m. — Lunch
  • 12:45 p.m. – Breakout Session
  • 1:15 p.m. – Closing Speaker / Evaluations (Sponsored by: TRIO Educational Opportunity Center)
    • Myles Johnson, Ingham County Commissioner, Lansing, MI; Bowling Green State University TRIO Alum
  • 2 p.m. – Departures

 

Where

Center for Fine and Performing Arts

7270 Biniker Drive, Perrysburg

 

Theme

Resilience: Thriving through Transition

 

Attending

Approximately 100-150 people

Leaders from the participating colleges and universities

TRIO students

Elected officials

 


Ohio Arts Council Awards Grant for Owens Community College Artist in Residence Program Copy link to clipboard

Posted on February 12th, 2024

The exterior of the Center for Fine and Performing Arts at Owens Community College will get a new artistic addition thanks to a grant from the Ohio Arts Council in the amount of $4,137.

Annette Fink, an artist who has lived in the Toledo area for 35 years, will lead the project as the Artist in Residence in the summer of 2024. She will create a weather-resistant sculptural mural out of ceramics as well as teach classes to students, faculty, staff and the community.

A permanent sculpture expressing the artistic culture of the Center for Fine and Performing Arts will be installed.

The grant requires a one-to-one match. The Ohio Arts Council funds will be used to support the artist for the supplies and materials for ceramic classes for the artist as well as a stipend. It will also help cover the artist’s labor and time designing and building the mural.

Since 2021, the Walter E. Terhune Gallery in the Center for Fine and Performing Arts has welcomed a local artist to be the “Artist in Residence.”  Fink will be the fourth Artist in Residence since the program’s inception.

To learn more about the Artist in Residence program, visit www.owens.edu/terhune.

 

 


Owens Community College Receives Mental Health Grant Copy link to clipboard

Posted on February 7th, 2024

Owens Community College has been awarded $164,782 by the Ohio Department of Higher Education for mental health support funding. The grant will be distributed over two years.

The funds will go to achieving four goals: promoting the training and development of master’s level counselors in training, providing professional development opportunities, promoting health and wellness as well as continued services such as walk-in appointments, individual and group counseling, mental health screenings, workshops, and programming related to a wide variety of personal growth and mental health issues.

“Our process was highly collaborative and very intentional with input from many departments,” said Vickie Heck, director of counseling services at Owens. “It’s significant to see this level of support from Governor DeWine’s office. It reinforces that we are part of a bigger community as a public college in Ohio that really understands and supports mental health.”

Owens Community College Counseling Services offers consultation, mental health assessment, crisis support, outreach and linkage to community resources. The services are available at no charge to all students enrolled in six or more credit hours.

Heck hopes the grant will elevate the support provided to the community at Owens. “This support allows us to continue to think broadly and creatively about how to best serve our students. We want to continue with Owens Community College’s directive that mental health be prioritized in such a way that everyone across campus feels sufficiently informed and empowered to talk about it,” said Heck.

To learn more about Counseling Services at Owens, visit owens.edu/counseling.

 

 


Passages Juried Art Show Opening Reception Copy link to clipboard

Posted on January 31st, 2024

Local high school artists will have their work displayed and judged at Owens Community College’s Center for Fine and Performing Arts Rotunda for the third annual “Passages” High School Juried Art Show. The opening reception and award ceremony will be from 6 – 8 p.m. Friday, February 2.

Students from 11 area schools including Bedford, Fremont Ross, Liberty Center, Otsego, Penta Career Center, Perrysburg, Pike-Delta-York, St. John’s, St. Ursula, Tiffin Columbian and Whitmer submitted artwork in the categories of animation/video, commercial art, fine art (2D & 3D) and photography.

In its three-year history, the art show has nearly doubled in size. “The first year, we had 100 art pieces submitted and five schools participating,” said Shelby Stoots, Manager of the Center for Fine and Performing Arts. “For year 3, almost 200 art pieces were submitted and we now have 11 participating schools.”

The Visual Arts faculty at Owens will jury the exhibit and prizes will be awarded. The merit prize will be presented to an overall first, second and third-place winner. Each award can be used toward tuition at Owens Community College.

The art will be on display through Friday, March 29.


Girl Scouts of Western Ohio STEAM Day Copy link to clipboard

Posted on January 29th, 2024

Saturday, February 3, 2024

Owens Community College, Findlay-area Campus

3200 Bright Road, Findlay

10 a.m.-2 p.m.

More than 150 area Girl Scouts (grades K-12), their leaders and caregivers will participate in STEAM Day, where they will take part in hands-on activities related to Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM).

 

Girl Scouts will rotate through stations with Owens faculty, including:

  • Biology (dissecting cow eyes, seeing a virtual cadaver)
  • Mechanics (program robotic arms, play with hydraulics)
  • Nursing (use stethoscopes and blood pressure cuffs)
  • Welding (virtual welding)
  • Physical Therapy (strength and mobility exercises)

Schedule

  • 10 a.m. – Registration/Welcome at the Community Education and Wellness Center
  • 10:15 a.m. – The groups will begin rotating through stations in the Community Education and Wellness Center and Education Center. Rotations will occur every 25 minutes.
  • There is a 30-minute lunch break at 11:45 a.m.
  • 1:45 p.m. – Wrap up

The day’s activities are designed to help Girl Scouts think both analytically and creatively. A majority of girls who attend events like this report being more confident in their science and math abilities after participating—an important impact on their future education and careers. (Women comprise about half of today’s workforce, but only 34% of the STEM workforce.)

The event is sponsored by Girl Scouts of Western Ohio and Marathon, in partnership with Owens Community College.

Media opportunities:

  • Video/photos of hands-on activities
  • Interviews with Girl Scouts, leaders, parents, staff

On-site contacts

Girl Scouts:  Becky Sarantou, 419.356.9018

Owens Community College: Andy Woodard, 419.308.2065

 

We Are Girl Scouts 

Girl Scouts bring their dreams to life and work together to build a better world. Through programs from coast to coast, Girl Scouts of all backgrounds and abilities can be unapologetically themselves as they discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges—whether they want to climb to the top of a tree or the top of their class, lace up their boots for a hike or advocate for climate justice, or make their first best friends. Backed by trusted adult volunteers, mentors, and millions of alums, Girl Scouts lead the way as they find their voices and make changes that affect the issues most important to them. To join us, volunteer, reconnect, or donate, visit gswo.org, or follow Girl Scouts of Western Ohio on FacebookXInstagramLinkedIn, and YouTube.

About OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Owens Community College has served Northwest Ohio since 1965 as an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education with an open-door admission policy. Through intentional, adaptive and empowering education, Owens offers more than 160 academic programs to be the first choice for students, employers and the community. As a conduit to changing lives for the better, Owens creates pathways for success. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

 


Kids Access to Dental Care Day Copy link to clipboard

Posted on January 25th, 2024

The Owens Community College Dental Hygiene Clinic is hosting a Kids Access to Dental Care Day. Dental decay is one of the biggest unmet health needs. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 1 in 4 children aged 2-11 have untreated cavities.

Owens Community College’s goal is to increase the access to care in children to teach them healthy dental hygiene habits to prevent further decay and address any current decay present.

When: 8 – 11 a.m. Monday, January 29 and 1 – 3 p.m. Tuesday, January 30

Where: Health Technologies 209, Dental Hygiene Clinic

320 1st Street

Perrysburg, OH 43551

What: Free dental services for children ages 6 months to 18 years old. Limited spots are available and appointments are required. Owens Community College Dental Hygiene Department provides free dental care such as dental cleanings, X-rays, sealants and fluoride.

 

Call (567) 661-7294 to make an appointment.


Win Owens Scholarship Worth up to $500 by Attending January 4 Registration Event Copy link to clipboard

Posted on January 2nd, 2024

Event: Owens Community College One Day Registration

When: Thursday, January 4 from 2-7 p.m.

Where: Owens Community College Toledo-area Campus, Admissions Office in College Hall

30335 Oregon Road, Perrysburg 43551

What: One Day Registration offers admissions application assistance, academic and financial services advising, placement testing, orientation and registration for classes. Spring Semester 2024 classes begin the week of January 15.

Scholarship Details: Owens Community College will offer 10 $500 last dollar scholarships to students who attend the event. Participants must attend the event and be registered students of Owens Community College in order to win.

More info or pre-registration: www.owens.edu/onedayreg

 


Owens Express Name Men’s Soccer Coach Copy link to clipboard

Posted on December 19th, 2023

Owens Express Athletics has tapped former Express player and former local high school coach Nate Baer to lead the restart of men’s soccer. Baer played for the Express men’s soccer team, led by Art Johnson in the fall of 2006 and 2007. He brings a wealth of experience and success having previously served as head coach for two prominent high school soccer programs in both Mason and Ottawa Hills high school.

“As an alumnus, Coach Baer understands the integral pieces of a successful program and the important balance of athletics and academics. He has the experience as a player and a coach to help lead this team as we re-establish men’s soccer in our sports offerings,” said Shelley Whitaker, Express Athletic Director.

Baer will be tasked with restarting the men’s program that last competed in the fall of 2015.

“I couldn’t be more excited to be chosen to lead the restart of Owens Community College men’s soccer program. First off, I would like to thank the athletic administration,” said Baer.

Owens holds a significant place in Baer’s journey as a student-athlete, person and now coach.  “I look forward to the connection, opportunities and impact Owens men’s soccer will bring to the northwest Ohio soccer community,” Baer said.  The program will provide a platform to compete at the next level while creating a pathway for additional opportunities at 4-year institutions.  “I am excited to pave the way and restore the tradition of competing at both the regional and national levels,” he added.

Most recently, Baer spent three years as head coach at Mason High School achieving a record of 37-13-9 including a league record of 22-3-2 while earning two conference titles, three sectional titles and two district titles. His 2021 & 2022 finished as the No. 1 team in the city (Cincinnati).

Prior to coaching at Mason, he served as head coach at Ottawa Hills High School for eight seasons. Under his leadership, the Green Bears compiled a record of 112-34-6 including a league record of 58-2 while winning eight league titles, eight sectional titles, four district titles, two regional titles and making one state final appearance. He earned what is considered the highest award high school soccer coaches can receive when he received the 2019 National Federation of State High Schools Coach of the Year. The NFHS award resulted from Baer having been named Ohio soccer coach of the year for 2018 by the Ohio High School Athletic Association.

Baer has been named the league Coach of the Year from 2013-2021 between both high school programs. His coaching licenses include: USSF National E License, USSF National D License, Futsal Level 3/4, and TOVO methodology. Baer has also gained experience via the youth club soccer platform with Toledo Celtics, Pacesetter Soccer Club and Ohio Elite Soccer Academy.

After his time at Owens, Baer went on to captain the Lake Erie College men’s soccer team while earning a bachelor’s degree in Marketing. He currently is the founder and principal consultant of a Data Analytics Consulting Startup.

Baer resides in Perrysburg with his wife, Sam and daughters, Quinn, Brinnly, Rian and Logan.

For recruiting information, email nathan_baer@owens.edu


Owens Community College to Award 343 Associate Degrees at 43rd Fall Commencement ceremonies Copy link to clipboard

Posted on December 12th, 2023

Owens Community College will award 343 associate degrees Friday, December 15 at the 43rd Fall Commencement ceremonies at the Center for Fine and Performing Arts Theatre on the Toledo-area Campus in Perrysburg.

A total of 39 students from the Findlay-area Campus will join the 304 Toledo-area Campus graduates for the Commencement ceremonies scheduled at 9 a.m. for the School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics; 12 p.m. for the School of Business, Hospitality Management and Public Safety, School of Liberal Arts and the Health Professions graduates from the School of Nursing and Health Professions; and 3 p.m. for the nursing graduation and pinning.

The graduating class features 88 students graduating with honors (3.5 grade-point average and above) as well as outstanding academic program graduates. All will be recognized at the ceremony.

This year’s Outstanding Graduates are:

  • Outstanding Graduate in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics: Kevin Ganues, Landscape and Turfgrass Management, LaSalle, MI
  • Outstanding Graduate in Business Technology: Alex Nyers, Business Transfer Pathway, Oregon
  • Gerald Bazer Outstanding Arts and Sciences Graduate: Stephanie Logsdon, Education Transfer Concentration, Wharton
  • Food, Nutrition and Hospitality Outstanding Graduate: Sabrina Myers, Culinary Arts, Sandusky
  • Outstanding Social Work Graduate: Amber Lopez, Social Work Transfer Pathway, Toledo
  • Peggy Bensman Award: Leah Swope, Registered Nurse, McComb
  • Barbara Rood Student Choice Award: Veneta Blankenship, Registered Nurse, Sofia, Bulgaria
  • Barbara Rood Student Choice Award: Danielle Eiting, Registered Nurse, Findlay
  • Barbara Rood Student Choice Award: Haley Ansman, Registered Nurse, Toledo
  • Barbara Rood Student Choice Award: Lila Common, Registered Nurse, Swanton

The Commencement ceremonies are ticketed events. For more information, please visit www.owens.edu/commencement.


Win Owens Scholarship Worth up to $1,000 by Attending December 11 Registration Event Copy link to clipboard

Posted on December 8th, 2023

Event: Owens Community College One Day Registration

When: Monday, December 11 from 2-7 p.m.

Where: Owens Community College Toledo-area Campus, Admissions Office in College Hall

30335 Oregon Road, Perrysburg 43551

What: One Day Registration offers admissions application assistance, academic and financial services advising, placement testing, orientation and registration for classes. Spring Semester 2024 classes begin the week of January 15.

Scholarship Details: Owens Community College will offer three $1,000 last dollar scholarships to students who attend the event. Participants must attend the event and be registered students of Owens Community College in order to win.

More info or pre-registration: www.owens.edu/onedayreg

About OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Owens Community College has served Northwest Ohio since 1965 as an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education with an open-door admission policy. Through intentional, adaptive and empowering education, Owens offers more than 160 academic programs to be the first choice for students, employers and the community. As a conduit to changing lives for the better, Owens creates pathways for success. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

 

 

 

 


Owens Community College to Host Nation’s First Jill of All Trades Copy link to clipboard

Posted on December 7th, 2023

Owens Community College is excited to be selected as the first institution in the United States to host Jill of All Trades on Wednesday, December 13 beginning at 8 a.m. in Veterans Hall on the Toledo-area Campus.

Established in 2014 in Canada, Jill of All Trades™ has been providing hands-on experiences to young women in grades 9-12 to introduce them to the possibilities of a career in skilled trades including advanced manufacturing and transportation. The day-long event aims to inspire these women by providing a safe and engaging learning environment through workshops led by industry and college mentors.

“We are looking forward to engaging young women by creating an awareness of the vast possibilities of a skilled trades career; providing experiences through hands on workshops at Owens Community College and opportunities to network with local employers and industry partners during the event through display booths and industry mentors in workshops,” said Rosie Hessian, Director of Jill of All Trades.

This program’s goal is to help address the skilled trades workforce needs of the future. By introducing young women non-traditional trades and apprenticeships, this collaborative endeavor will allow Owens along with its partners to send a consistent message to young women, increase college enrollment in trades and apprenticeships, retain skilled trades workers, grow capacity and address gender diversity.

“With Owens situated along the I-75 corridor, we are in a unique position to be a driving force for the economy for our region through skilled trades,” said Dr. Dan Kelley, Dean of the School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics at Owens. “These students will see why Owens is a leader in advanced manufacturing preparedness and how much of an impact this day could have on their future.”

This year, Owens is partnering with Penta Career Center to host its students for various workshops and mentorship opportunities.

In addition to the students from Penta Career Center, Owens will welcome elected officials and representatives from Buckeye Broadband, the event’s presenting sponsor, along with other sponsors: First Solar, Owens Corning, Advanced Technologies Consultants, Taylor Automotive Group, Barnes, First Energy, Magna, Enbridge and Mechanical Contractors Association of Northwest Ohio.

For the full schedule, visit https://www.owens.edu/jillofalltrades/.


Owens Community College Receives Commercial Truck Driver Student Aid Awards Copy link to clipboard

Posted on December 5th, 2023

Owens Community College has been awarded a total of $130,758 to help students seeking to earn a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). The Toledo-area Campus was awarded $98,754 and the new addition of the program to the Findlay-area Campus was awarded $32,004. The money is part of $2.54 million from the Ohio Department of Education distributed to 35 institutions to help fuel this high-demand career.

The financial aid will be provided to in-state students who complete the program and agree to live and work in Ohio for at least one year upon earning their CDL. “Northwest Ohio is a major hub for commerce for our country and the CDL drivers are heartbeat of it all,” said Quinton Roberts, Dean of Workforce and Community Services at Owens. “With this award to Owens, we will be able to boost the economy in our region and continue to train more CDL drivers for this in-demand occupation.”

This financial aid will be distributed to students as a 50% grant, and 50% loan, that will be forgiven upon the graduate working for an Ohio transportation company within a year following their graduation from our CDL program.

For more information on the Truck Driving program at Owens, visit www.owens.edu/cdl.


Owens Community College Invests $31.3 Million to Meet Region’s Growing Healthcare Needs Copy link to clipboard

Posted on November 16th, 2023

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The Center for Fine and Performing Arts rotunda was filled with healthcare students who posed for group photos. They captured the memories but more importantly, they arrived early to be part of the next historic occasion at Owens Community College.

Owens broke ground Thursday, November 16 on a $31.3 million healthcare education center that will support the region’s labor demands by providing highly-skilled healthcare professionals from the School of Nursing and Health Professions.

The renovation and expansion of two buildings on the east side of the Toledo-area Campus will allow for enrollment growth, provide double the lab space and ensure students are working on state-of-the-art equipment.

In all, nearly 200 community members, faculty, staff and students attended the ceremonial groundbreaking, featuring a presentation at the Center for Fine and Performing Arts theatre and then photos with hard hats and shovels in neatly piled black dirt at the nearby construction site.

Among those in attendance were State Rep. Haraz Ghanbari, Tim Schneider, a representative from the office of U.S. Senator JD Vance, and David Wirt, district director of the Office of Congressman Robert Latta.

“We have been educating tomorrow’s nurses and healthcare professionals for more than 50 years,” Owens President Dr. Dione D. Somerville said, “and with this renovation and expansion, Owens will remain at the forefront for students’ healthcare education before our graduates begin caring for patients in hospitals and other medical facilities.”

With an expected completion date of 2025, the center will feature 65,250 in renovated space and 21,300 in new additions to the footprint, providing students with more than 86,500 of square footage as they pursue in-demand careers in healthcare.

The School of Nursing and Health Professions enrolled 1,845 students for Fall 2023, including 1,733 on the Toledo-area Campus, in Dental Hygiene, Health Information, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Medical Assisting, Nursing, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Physical Therapist Assistant, Radiography, Sonography and Surgical. Exercise Science, which also is part of the school, moved its offices and labs to the Student Health and Activities Center this year.

Student leaders representing the 11 departments participated in the groundbreaking ceremony.

“It’s exciting that we will have a primary location to accommodate our interprofessional education approach, which ensures healthcare graduates are well-trained to practice collaboratively and provide patient-centered care to members of the community,” said Cathy Ford, Dean of the School of Nursing and Health Professions. “Our new and expanded center will feature dedicated spaces to create these collaborations.”

Moody’s Investors Service assigned Owens Community College an A2 underlying and Aa2 enhanced rating for a $25 million bond. The bond is the first in the college’s history, signaling the college’s financial stability. The capital project including renovations, improvements and equipment purchases is estimated at $31.3 million, using bond proceeds, state and local funds.

Owens Community College has served Northwest Ohio since 1965 as an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education with an open-door admission policy. Through intentional, adaptive and empowering education, Owens offers more than 160 academic programs to be the first choice for students, employers and the community. As a conduit to changing lives for the better, Owens creates pathways for success. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.


Owens Community College Breaking Ground on $31.3 million Healthcare Education Center Copy link to clipboard

Posted on November 14th, 2023

Media Advisory

Owens Community College will support the region’s labor demands by providing highly-skilled healthcare professionals from a new $31.3 million nursing and health professions education center. A formal ceremony and ceremonial groundbreaking will mark the construction of the renovated and expanded facility. 

Formal ceremony and ceremony groundbreaking

 10 a.m. Thursday, November 16

  • Presentation in the Center for Fine and Performing Arts mainstage theatre
  • Groundbreaking photo opportunities near the construction site to follow
    • Students from the different healthcare departments will participate

Theme

The heart for future healthcare professionals

About the School of Nursing and Health Professions

The School of Nursing and Health Professions enrolled 1,845 students for Fall 2023, including 1,733 on the Toledo-area Campus in three buildings (Heritage Hall, Health Technologies Hall and Bicentennial Hall).

Upon completion in 2025, healthcare students will study in the new center, located on the east side of the Toledo-area Campus in the buildings formerly known as the Library and Audio/Visual Classroom Center. The square footage will feature 65,250 in renovated square footage and 21,300 in new additions to the footprint, providing students with more than 86,500 of square footage as they pursue rewarding careers in healthcare.

The new center will house the following 10 departments:

  • Dental Hygiene
  • Health Information
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
  • Medical Assisting
  • Nursing
  • Occupational Therapy Assistant
  • Physical Therapist Assistant
  • Radiography
  • Sonography
  • Surgical

Exercise Science, which also is part of the school, moved its offices and labs to the Student Health and Activities Center this year.

Owens’ approach of interprofessional education (IPE) ensures healthcare graduates are well-trained to practice collaboratively and provide patient-centered care to members of the community. The new center will feature simulation areas for students to practice the IPE curriculum.

Scope of Project

Moody’s Investors Service assigned Owens Community College an A2 underlying and Aa2 enhanced rating for a $25 million bond. The bond is the first in the college’s history, signaling the college’s financial stability. The capital project including renovations, improvements and equipment purchases is estimated at $31.3 million, using bond proceeds, state and local funds.

Website

www.owens.edu/healthcareeducationcenter


Owens One Day Registration Event Copy link to clipboard

Posted on November 9th, 2023

Owens Community College is hosting a one day registration event Monday, November 13 at the Toledo-area campus. At One Day Reg, prospective students can get the help needed to start their road to success. Admissions representatives and academic advisors will be available to navigate enrollment steps.

 

When: 2 – 7 p.m. Monday, November 13

 

Where: Owens Community College Toledo-area Campus

30335 Oregon Rd.

Perrysburg, OH 43551

 

For more information, visit www.owens.edu/admissions/onedayreg/.


Men’s Soccer to Return to Owens Community College Copy link to clipboard

Posted on November 1st, 2023

Owens Community College will expand its intercollegiate sports offerings for the 2024-25 academic year by bringing back the men’s soccer program.

Men’s soccer was introduced at Owens in the 1998 and continued play through the 2015 season. At the end of the 2016 academic year, Owens made the difficult decision to close the men’s soccer program along with women’s soccer and men’s golf programs in a cost-savings measure. The baseball and softball programs also were suspended that year.

Baseball and softball returned in the 2018-19 academic year and women’s soccer resumed play this academic year.

During its previous seasons, the Owens Express men’s soccer team made the NJCAA Region XII tournament 14 times, winning the championship in the 2005-06 season. The Express won its first conference championship in 2012-13.

“We have been able to reintroduce women’s soccer, baseball and softball with success and are excited to offer men’s soccer again for the Express,” said Shelley Whitaker, Athletic Director at Owens Community College.

The head coach position will be posted this month.

For more information about Owens Community College athletics, please visit owensexpress.com.

 


Owens School of Nursing and Health Professions Expo Day Copy link to clipboard

Posted on October 30th, 2023

When: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Friday, November 3

Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.

 

Where: Admissions Office (College Hall 138)

490 D Street

Perrysburg, OH 43551

 

What: Prospective students are invited to Owens Community College to:

  • Learn more about health programs offered at Owens
  • Tour various labs
  • Meet faculty and staff
  • Learn more about the Admissions process and selective health review

Faculty and staff will be on hand to answer questions and provide first-hand knowledge. Lunch will be provided.

 

For more information, please call (567) 661-7777.

Visit owens.edu/visit/snhp-expo/ to learn more.


Owens Community College Awarded Nearly $330,000 in Talent Ready Grants for FY24 Copy link to clipboard

Posted on October 25th, 2023

Owens Community College has been awarded $329,363 in Talent Ready Grants. The grants, previously called short-term certificate grants, will help students who have financial aid need to take a credit or non-credit short-term certificate program.

The programs eligible for the grant are in-demand jobs in the medical, advanced manufacturing and first responder fields including Sterile Processing, Tool and Die/Mold Maker, Commercial Truck Driving and Robotics.

“Students can receive up to $2,000 toward the cost of a certificate and can take up to three certificates total,” said Heidi Altomare, Director of Grants at Owens Community College. A short-term certificate requires less than 30 credit hours or 900 non-credit hours.

Students must be financial aid eligible and an Ohio resident.

“We believe Talent Ready Grants are just one of a series of budget line items that can strengthen Ohio’s education and workforce training efforts, particularly at community colleges,” said Randy Gardner, Chancellor of the Department of Higher Education.

In 2022, the Ohio Department of Higher Education invested nearly $190,000 in Owens Community College to create the Short-Term Certificate Grant Program.

For more information on the Talent Ready Grants at Owens Community College, visit owens.edu/tuitionaid and click on Grants.


STEM Job Fair Copy link to clipboard

Posted on October 23rd, 2023

When: 3 – 6 p.m. Thursday, October 26

Where: Heritage Hall Room 123

310 2nd Street

Perrysburg, OH

 

What: Join us for a STEM job fair. Talk with employers in the following fields about their available job opportunities

  • Applied Engineering
  • Automotive
  • CAD
  • Computer Programming Technology
  • Environmental Science
  • Information Systems Technology
  • Welding

For more information, email peter_kowal@owens.edu.

This event is open to Owens students, alumni and the community and is hosted by Owens Career & Transfer Services and the School of STEM.


The College Tour Watch Party Copy link to clipboard

Posted on October 18th, 2023

Join Owens Community College for an on-campus premiere of The College Tour from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Monday, October 23 in the Center for Fine and Performing Arts Theatre, 7270 Biniker Dr., Perrysburg, OH 43551. The Findlay-area Campus will host a watch party from 12 – 1 p.m. Thursday, November 2 in Education Center 111, 3200 Bright Rd., Findlay, OH 45840.

We are rolling out the red carpet for nine students and one dean who share their stories of life-changing experiences. From performing arts to athletics to hands-on and unique learning experiences, these featured students show why Owens is a powerhouse community college and the top choice for students in the region.

The students and dean featured in the episode are:

  • Al Mitchell – Belonging, Registered Nurse
  • Hayley St. John – Athletics, Criminal Justice
  • Caleb Prince – Hands-on Learning, Caterpillar Dealer Service Technician
  • Quinton Roberts – Advanced Manufacturing Training
  • Skyler Vogelsong – Findlay-area Campus, Registered Nurse
  • Joe Smith – School and Life Balance, Broadcast Media Technology
  • Lucas Wisuri – Career Readiness, John Deere Tech
  • Tyler Bender – Opportunity, Physical Therapist Assistant
  • Sabrina Myers – Unique Programs, Culinary Arts
  • Adrian Smith – Academic Resources and Support, Dental Hygiene

The College Tour is an award-winning series of 30-minute episodes featuring colleges and universities from across the United States. Each episode takes a deeper dive into what student life is like on the respective campus through the eyes of the students. The award-winning TV series looks at academics, career-readiness, student life, sports, activities and more.

Owens Community College is the first community college in Ohio to be featured on The College Tour.

The red carpet experience would not be complete without movie theater popcorn for the big event!

 

 


CDL Training Program Expands to Findlay-area Campus Copy link to clipboard

Posted on October 5th, 2023

Owens Community College is expanding its CDL Training Program to the Findlay-area Campus. The first class will be offered October 27-January 27.

The classes will be Saturday – Sunday with no classes November 11-12, November 25-26 or December 23-31. The first two weeks will also have class on Friday.

“For quite some time, we have been approached about adding this program to the Findlay-area Campus,” said Carla Benarth, Manager of the Truck Driving Program. “The area feels they would benefit from this offering because of the industrial area and farm population.”

In this short-term training program, students will be taught by licensed instructors through 160 course hours – 40 in the classroom and 120 hours of hands-on training on the road.

This course will provide students with the skills needed to become a professional CDL Class A truck driver.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Ohio ranks fourth in the nation with the highest employment level in heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers. In northwest Ohio, drivers earn an average salary of $54,170, nearly $5,000 above the national average.

The deadline to register is October 20.

For more information, visit www.owens.edu/workforce_cs/.


Community Members, Prospective New Students Invited to Owens Community College Open House Monday, October 9 Copy link to clipboard

Posted on October 2nd, 2023

Owens Community College invites prospective students and the community to its annual Open House from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday, October 9. Attendees will be able to explore academic programs, talk with faculty and staff about program offerings and learn more about support services.

“Owens is excited to welcome prospective students to visit our campus. Whether they are straight out of high school or a few years older and returning to school, we are ready to show why Owens is the best choice for their future,” said Erin Kramer, Director of Admissions. “We are excited to show the region everything Owens has to offer and how their success starts here.”

Owens Community College offers more than 160 programs ranging from business to healthcare to fine and performing arts to advanced manufacturing and trades.

At Open House, prospective students will be able to complete the Admissions application, learn about financial aid and payment options as well as learn more about student life on the Toledo-area Campus. “We want prospective students to see how inclusive, transformational, empowering and fun the Owens community is and why they should want to be a part of it,” said Kramer.

The Open House will be located in Veterans Hall 201 on the Toledo-area Campus.

Campus tours will also be offered. More details are available at owens.edu/openhouse.


Owens Foundation Golf Classic Raises Record Total of More Than $79,000 Copy link to clipboard

Posted on September 28th, 2023

Golf Classic

Phil Rudolph Jr. of Rudolph Libbe Group and the former chair of the Owens Community College Foundation putts during the 21st annual Owens Foundation Golf Classic. From left are playing partner Tim Mayle of the Center to Advance Manufacturing, Owens Community College President Dr. Dione D. Somerville, Owens Foundation President and Board of Trustees member Dee Talmage, and Greg Silloway of Waterford Bank.

The 21st Annual Owens Foundation Golf Classic presented by Hylant raised a record total of $79,235 in August and the proceeds will continue to support Owens Community College students, faculty and programming.

The Golf Classic, which was played in August at Belmont Country Club, has generated more than $900,000 since its inception.

“We sincerely appreciate the local sponsors as well as the individuals, businesses and organizations for contributing to the success of the event and future of Owens Community College and our students,” said Kelle Pack, Vice President of the Owens Advancement Office and Executive Director of the Owens Community College Foundation.

“It was a great day weather-wise and the Belmont Country Club staff were gracious hosts. We look forward to another great event next year,” Pack said.

The 22nd annual fundraiser is scheduled for Monday, September 16, 2024, also at Belmont Country Club.

The Owens Community College Foundation has provided nearly $8 million in support for student scholarships and program and capital assistance since 2002. The Owens Foundation has $6.5 million in endowed funds and scholarships. Visit www.owens.edu/foundation to learn more about how to support Owens Community College.