For nearly 60 years, Owens Community College has been shaping the lives of area residents who choose to further their education or explore other career opportunities.
On July 18, Kelle Pack, OCC vice president of institutional advancement, addressed members of the Waterville Area Chamber of Commerce regarding the impact of the college on “changing lives for the better in northwest Ohio.”
Ms. Pack, who formerly worked for St. Luke’s Hospital Foundation, joined Owens recently, “I really like it. Owens is so much more than a community college.”
She noted that changing lives for the better is the college’s core mission, which they do through affordable, accessible, high-quality education and training.
Ms. Pack said OCC is not just a leaping off point for students who attend for two years before transferring to a four-year university to complete their degrees.
The college also works with businesses to provide training in areas of industry where skilled workers are needed.
OCC’s vision, she added, is “to be the connector between people, industry and dynamic growth in the region by creating solutions to the education, training and workforce needs of the region.”
She believes the numbers speak volumes for the college, including the fact that 70 percent of graduates live and work in northwest Ohio.
Between their two campuses in Perrysburg Township and Findlay, Owens has more than 2,500 students who are dual enrolled at Bowling Green State University, Lourdes University, University of Toledo and University of Findlay.
Academically, Owens offers more than 160 degrees and certifications which can be achieved by taking courses in several ways–online, hybrid, hyflex or traditional classroom.
Owens students can save a significant amount of money with the cost per credit hour last year at $183. In comparison, she noted that at UT, the cost is $385 and BGSU, $577.
The majority of Owens’ students come from three counties–Lucas, 39.8 percent; Wood, 15.8 percent, and Hancock, 7.5 percent.
Owens attracts a number of first generation higher education students at 44 percent, and 60 percent of graduates are first generation, she said.
Ms. Pack is particularly proud of the school’s nursing program. “We are the number one nursing college in northwest Ohio.”
To enhance the training for future nurses, the college is working on a $32 million investment in an interprofessional education and simulation center scheduled for completion in 2025.
She noted the project would not have been possible without financial support from ProMedica.
In the manufacturing training facility, they have invested $9.6 million in modern technology at the Dana Center for Advanced Manufacturing.
The college also offers employee training, apprenticeships and internships for business partners and unions.
And they educate many police, fire and EMS personnel. “We provide emergency response agencies with cutting-edge training, ensuring the latest in credentialing.”
In addition, she pointed out that the college has a “99 percent passage rate for police academy cadets who took the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy state exam.”
For student athletes, Owens offers women’s volleyball, basketball, softball and soccer. Men’s programs include basketball and baseball.
Ms. Pack encourages residents interested in furthering their education to tour one of the two campuses. For more information, visit owens.edu.
~Jane Maiolo
