Edison State Community College President Dr. Doreen Larson provided the fifth annual State of the College address online Wednesday morning to update the community with an overview of the accomplishments, strategic initiatives, and vision for the future of Edison State.
“During the past year, Edison State has not been idle. Our College grew over the past year,” said Larson.
Larson went on to further explain the growth experienced at Edison State. “Edison State posted a 10-percent overall increase in enrollment. We experienced enrollment in new programs such as our veterinary assistant program and interactive media program. We instituted a social media management certificate, and we launched our cybersecurity program.
Along with new programs, Edison State also expanded upon existing programs and partnerships. Larson added, “We doubled our enrollment in the agribusiness program. We welcomed a partnership with the Central State University Extension Office at our Eaton location, and we added new high school partners to our college credit plus network, especially in Preble County and across our region.”
Edison State has also built upon existing partnerships to establish more apprenticeship opportunities. “Last year, we began a groundbreaking partnership with local fire departments, and that partnership included an apprentice experience in EMT and paramedic training. The response from our region for this training partnership was so strong and so immediate that it justified adding a full-time faculty position at the college.”
In February, students in the Nursing program at Edison State had the opportunity to administer vaccines during a COVID vaccine clinic by the Miami County Health Department. Students helped to serve over 400 community members during the clinic. Accounting students also provided tax preparation services on behalf of Partners in Hope, in partnership with the Dayton Coalition Program, as part of a service-learning project. In addition, STNA apprentices experienced apprenticeships with the Brethren Retirement Community.
“A hallmark of the Edison State Education is the work-based learning experience that our students gain through real-life experiences,” said Larson.
Over the past 18 months, Edison State has enrolled more students and is now graduating more students at the highest level in a decade.
“As a team, Edison State doubled our efforts to reach out to students and families. We wanted to get students enrolled and ensure that they succeed even amidst the pandemic,” added Larson.
“Now, as the Ohio economy starts to recover, we have Edison State graduates ready in all areas of business and industry, who are ready to go to work. Edison State graduates are ready to roll. We have health care professionals graduating at a full capacity. We have apprentice employees ready to take on the journeyman level of skill and leadership in regional businesses, including banking, insurance, manufacturing, nursing, accounting, and engineering. We have police academy graduates, and we have a fully enrolled police academy, which are providing local departments with officers skilled and communication safety and the latest technology.”
College Credit Plus also remains a key success for the College. “Edison State has been highlighted at the state and national level for our embedded advisor model and customized course equivalency approach that takes the college credit plus partnership to a whole new level. We reported over 400 students taking advantage of the 100-percent tuition waiver, which is aimed at keeping students on track for college even in the uncertainty of COVID. We started with over 1,400 college credit plus students in 2015, and we have enrolled almost 3,000 students this past fall and spring in college credit plus courses.”
Enrollment is only a part of Edison State’s success. “Our students succeed from our application process that prioritizes careers and career goal setting to our faculty who set the bar for caring for each student as an individual to our academic support resources available 24/7 to all students.”
In the most recent report from the Ohio Department of Higher Education, Edison State Community College exceeded the state average in student course completions, successful credit hour milestones, and program completion within a timely manner. Edison State also leads the state in successful student transfers to four-year universities. “This means that students who start at Edison State are prepared with the skills experience and goals that allow them to complete their bachelor’s degree on time and with lower student debt,” said Larson.
President Larson noted additional areas of strength for the College, including the board of trustees, faculty, staff, and facilities. “At Edison State, our faculty are focused on teaching, our staff are focused on student support, our facilities are focused on safety, and our trustees are focused on our role in the growth of individuals, families, and the region.”
During her speech, Larson also revealed the results from the 2021 student satisfaction, which indicated a 96% overall positive rating–the highest rating Edison State has ever received.
“Edison State Community College is grateful to our students, their families, and our community partners in Piqua, Greenville, Troy, Eaton, and beyond. We only see a brighter outlook for the coming year, thanks to you and all your support. I wish you each health and wellness in the coming year,” said Larson.
To watch the State of the College address or download the accompanying brochure, visit www.edisonohio.edu/sotc.
Photo: Dr. Doreen Larson, President of Edison State Community College