What does Terra State have to celebrate?
The past few years have been challenging for community colleges nationwide. From declining enrollment in the post-recession period to reduced state support, Terra State is no stranger to these setbacks so one might ask, "What does Terra State have to celebrate?"
Last week, the college held its 4th annual Celebrate Terra State week and our campus was home to several outstanding events including a Women's Leadership Forum, Partners in Education Dinner, and the Terra Exploration Day for high school students. The ability to host such a diverse set of events for our community is really something to celebrate!
On Monday, November 9th we hosted the 2nd annual Women's Leadership Forum which featured prominent women from our community in a panel discussion concerning issues for women in leadership positions. This event brought together some of our area's best and brightest female students with current women leaders to foster dialogue, provide mentoring and networking opportunities, and inspire the next generation of leaders. The featured panelists included Pam Jensen - President of ProMedica Memorial Hospital and ProMedica Fostoria Community Hospital, Roxanne Price - Assistant Commissioner of the Ohio High School Athletic Association, Dr. Nancy Sattler - President of the American Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges and Dean Emerita at Terra State, and Christie Weininger -Executive Director of the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center.
Tuesday morning, we held a Veterans Recognition Breakfast to honor veterans and current service members who are either students, faculty, or staff at Terra State. Daniel R. Eakins, Military and Veteran Policy Director for the Ohio Department of Veteran Services was the featured speaker for this event.
Paying tribute to veterans and current service members part of the Terra State family
Joyce Spencer, Success Mentor for Veterans at Terra State, received a special community service award from the US Army recruiter
On Tuesday evening, donors to the college were recognized along with the students who benefitted from foundation scholarships during the Partners in Education dinner. This event allows donors to learn more about the students they are supporting while helping students thank the donors for their generosity.
Area business owners and professionals along with Terra State faculty and staff gathered on Thursday for an Advisory Board Breakfast. This event allows industry leaders a chance to network with our educational leaders, ensuring that program curricula are truly preparing our students for the working world.
The week ended with a Terra Exploration Day. Area high school students in grades 10 through 12 visited our campus to learn more about the opportunities at Terra State and participate in several hands-on activities, campus tours, and a student panel discussion.
Terra Exploration Day
With so many exciting opportunities, Terra State has much to celebrate. This semester, enrollment is growing and we are seeing a reversal to some of the trends mentioned earlier. Students are taking more ownership of their future and recognizing that when you start here, you truly can go anywhere you choose!