 | Connie Poulton (right), director of human resources at Pomerene Hospital in Millersburg, Ohio, relies on Kent State Stark for leadership development for hospital employees. She is working with Kelli Baxter (left), outreach program coordinator at Stark's Professional Education and Conference Center, and Dr. Betsy Boze (center), Stark campus dean, pictured here in a campus nursing lab. Photo by Bob Christy |
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Kent State supports Ohio’s community and
economic development
(continued) Responding to needs At the Kent Campus, the College of Continuing Studies (CCS) builds on the university’s strengths in business, health and biosciences, technology, education, communication and information to develop innovative classes and programs that respond to market needs. “We find niches that fit with our expertise, so what we offer is an extension of the university,” says Marilyn Bokrass, outreach program manager. Some new noncredit certificate options include programs in geographic information systems through the Department of Geography, hospitality management through the School of Family and Consumer Studies and nursing programs through the College of Nursing. Schools and students around the state also benefit from continuing studies courses. Dr. Craig Woodson, Kent State adjunct faculty member and owner/president of Ethnomusic, a consultancy and production company that makes ethnic musical instruments, teaches “Roots of Rhythm,” a new workshop for music education teachers. Funded by a grant from NAMM, the International Music Products Association, the workshop “provides teachers who have no musical training a way to study music and gives music teachers a new way to approach their subject,” says Woodson. The College of Continuing Studies also is working with Kent State’s various colleges and the Regional Campus Academic Affairs Office to develop more accelerated programs and to deliver programs on-site. “We serve people where they are and provide education in convenient formats and locations so we can contribute to the education of Ohioans, which leads to workforce and economic development,” says Dr. Marlene Dorsey, associate vice president and dean of the college. Going the distance Another way Kent State is reaching out to new students and markets is through distributed or distance learning. Distance learning works well for motivated learners who have a need for flexible scheduling, says Mel Anthony May, ’90, M.Ed. ’91, Ph.D. ’02, executive director of educational technology and distributed learning. He says the maturation of the Internet is changing the business of distance learning. “In the past, distance learning didn’t add to anyone’s flexibility,” says May. “You still had to drive to campus and be at a computer at a certain time. “The first generation of distance learning was about access,” he adds. “Now it’s about flexibility.” Ohio has a large population of people with some college education but no degree. Flexibility of scheduling may be a key element in helping them complete their degree. “The majority are working adults with a high number of competing priorities,” says May. “How do you reach them and make sure they know education can fit into their already busy lives?” May says distance learning could be the solution. Partnering for success “At the same time we’re educating citizens, we are reaching out to business and industry to develop advantageous collaborations and partnerships, and to pool our resources as a region,” says Book. The Office of Economic Development and Strategic Partnerships heads this group in Regional Development by creating, expanding and strengthening mutually beneficial relationships. These alliances match Kent State’s faculty expertise with the needs of the region’s businesses, communities, universities and other organizations. Working in partnership with Research and Graduate Studies at the Kent Campus, “the office facilitates new company spin-offs and start-ups, promotes entrepreneurship and aligns Kent State’s research and technology strengths with key industry clusters, such as advanced materials and polymers, biosciences, information technology and advanced manufacturing,” says Gregory Wilson, associate vice president for economic development and strategic partnerships.  | The key to a successful distance-learning program will be its flexibility, allowing students to fit education into their already busy lives. Photo by Bob Christy |
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One project Wilson currently is working on is with the dean of Kent State Trumbull, Dr. Wanda Thomas; Mike Maggiano, project manager; and Anthony Iannucci Jr., director of Warren Redevelopment and Planning Corporation. They gathered recently to discuss downtown economic restructuring for the city of Warren. The project has three main focuses: downtown revitalization, economic development and loan programs for Trumbull County. The goal is to reinvigorate downtown Warren using a business incubator for retail stores. “We want to get Kent State involved and use their expertise for this project,” says Maggiano. The university has much to offer would-be entrepreneurs, says Wilson. For example, in May, Kent State signed a partnership with JumpStart Inc., a nonprofit organization that identifies, advises and funds high-growth businesses and ideas. Looking ahead “In partnership with government, business and industry, Kent State — as the regional university in Northeast Ohio — is helping to create an environment that draws new business to the region, supports their education and training needs, and assists those existing enterprises in creating new or improved products through our research and technology transfer,” says Book. If the efforts of regional development are successful over time, Ohioans could see increases in business, industry and college degree completion, and employers could have a flexible, innovative workforce prepared to take on the challenges we face as a region. “I envision companies and people wanting to move to Northeast Ohio because it’s recognized as ‘the place to be — a place with renewed economic vitality—capitalizing on the attractiveness of this area as a place to live, work and do business,” says Book. “All of us are stronger than any one of us. And to compete successfully, we have to compete as a region,” she adds. With that positive, forward-looking approach, and by providing cost-effective training and education and partnering with innovative companies throughout the region, Kent State’s Division of Regional Development is helping to make tomorrow a better day, one day at a time. For more information about regional development, visit Kent State's Division of Regional Development Web site or contact Dr. Patricia Book at 330-672-5823 or pbook1@kent.edu. |
