Office of the President

Dione D. Somerville, Ed.D., a visionary in higher education, has dedicated her career to meeting students where they are—offering them personalized learning experiences, a strong sense of belonging and comprehensive support. Currently serving as the eighth president of Owens Community, Dr. Somerville has made an indelible impact since taking the helm in 2021.

Her leadership has propelled Owens Community College toward its goal of becoming a vital economic driver in the region. By connecting people to industry through targeted education and training, Dr. Somerville has championed initiatives such as the creation of the college’s 2023-2028 Strategic Plan, the rollout of the Strategic Enrollment Management Plan and the founding of the Center to Advance Manufacturing—a groundbreaking collaboration between Owens, Bowling Green State University and the University of Findlay.  With the Board of Trustees and the support of the Owens team, her collaborative leadership achieved the vision, financing and completion of the $31.3 million Healthcare Education Center; an 86,500 SF space housing the School of Nursing and Health Professions.  The Interprofessional Education and Simulation Center is the facility’s highlight; a dedicated area for students in multiple healthcare disciplines to collaborate and become a highly-effective team toward improving patient outcomes. An engaging communicator, Dr. Somerville hosts the award-winning Conversations Podcast that brings a variety of leaders in education, public service, business and civic life to campus while showcasing key issues and the importance of Owens Community College in the communities it serves.

Thanks to Dr. Somerville’s vision, Owens was named one of Ohio’s first Collegiate Purple Star Campuses, recognizing its exceptional support for military-affiliated students.

Beyond the campus, Dr. Somerville is engaged in her local community and the broader higher education landscape. Her commitment to advancing the region’s growth extends through her involvement and board affiliations including the Regional Growth Partnership Executive Committee and Board of Directors, the Raise the Bar Board of Directors, the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce Board of Trustees, the Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments (TMACOG) Governing Board and the Toledo Museum of Art Board of Directors.

Dr. Somerville has received accolades in recognition of her service, including the “Difference Maker” proclamation from the Ohio House of Representatives during Black History Month, the “Woman of Service” from the Warren A.M.E. Church’s inaugural HerStory Month celebration, and she was honored with the “Trailblazer” proclamation from the Lucas County Commissioners for her exceptional leadership, vision and dedication to higher education and the communities she serves during Women’s History Month.

Her career spans strategic planning, organizational change, student success, enrollment management, community relations and fundraising, among many other areas. Prior to Owens Community College, Dr. Somerville held several leadership positions, including Executive Vice President at Hawkeye Community College in Iowa, Vice President for Student Affairs at Bloomsburg University in Pennsylvania, Dean of Students at Iowa State University and Director of Enrollment Services/Registrar at Lorain County Community College in Ohio.

Dr. Somerville holds a doctorate in Higher Education Management from the University of Pennsylvania, a master’s in College Student Personnel from Bowling Green State University and a bachelor’s degree in English/Writing from Ohio Northern University. She has furthered her expertise through fellowships and programs such as the EAB New Presidents Intensive, Association of Governing Boards Institute for Leadership and Governance, Harvard University’s Institute for Education Management and the American Association of State Colleges and Universities’ Millennium Leadership Institute. Additionally, the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program honored Dr. Somerville as one of the 26 leaders selected for the 2022-2023 New Presidents Fellowship.

Dione D. Somerville, Ed.D.
President