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The assembled crown listens to remarks prior to the groundbreaking.
Photographer: Jack Jeffery
(from left) Dean Donna Burgraff; Director of the Ohio University Center for Entrepreneurship Lynn Gellermann; Associate Vice Chancellor, Adult Education and Institutional Collaboration William Russell, Executive Dean of Regional Campuses Dan Evans
Photographer: Jack Jeffery
An artist's rendering of what the finished building will look like. It is slated for completion in spring 2011.
Graphic courtesy of: Ohio University-Chillicothe
OU-C holds groundbreaking
Building expansion will open doors to regional residents
Jun 30, 2010
Jack Jeffery
A groundbreaking event was held for an addition to the Technical Studies Building at Ohio University-Chillicothe on June 28. The project offers an example of how the Chillicothe campus continues to balance a forward-thinking approach with a commitment to its core values.
The 8,200-square-foot addition will increase the size of the building to approximately 13,900 square feet and will provide space for both the popular Law Enforcement Technology (LET) program and an entrepreneurship program that will be launched in conjunction with the Athens campus.
“This endeavor also positions the campus for further success and – most importantly – supports OU-C’s two-fold mission of serving its students and serving its region,” OU-C Dean Richard Bebee said. “In regards to supporting our students, this project supports the Law Enforcement Technology program. The construction of simulation training areas and other enhancements will provide our students with the modern facilities they need to prepare them for careers in the field of law enforcement. These new facilities help to ensure that students in the LET program continue to receive the training they need to become top-flight professionals and protect the citizens in their communities.”
The structure that housed the LET program’s labs and offices was destroyed by a storm in fall 2008.
“Further, this project upholds the campus’ mission of serving its region. With the development of an entrepreneurship program, OU-C is better able to serve as an economic driver for the region,” Bebee said. “The new space will allow for Chillicothe campus students and area residents to receive the support they need to take their ideas from concept to reality and to the marketplace. Working with our colleagues in the College of Business on the Athens campus, we look to offer programs that will help residents of southern Ohio succeed in today’s global marketplace.”
Ohio University Executive Dean of Regional Campuses Dan Evans said, “The Chillicothe campus and other regional campuses make the resources of a great national university available to area residents in a way that best meets its students’ needs. Most of the students on this campus are from this area and will eventually become leaders in their local communities. It is fulfilling to realize that they will take the skills and insights they learn during their college careers and apply those lessons in a way to uphold the quality of life for residents of this region, many of whom are their neighbors. That is really the essence of the project for which we are breaking ground today.”
“Also, this is the first LEED (Leadership in Environment and Energy Design)-certified building on any of the university’s regional campuses,” Evans said. “This certification confirms that the Chillicothe campus is modeling best-practices methods in terms of conservation and sustainability. As an educational institution it is important that we are good stewards of our environment and our resources I commend OU-C Director of Facilities Dave Scott for spearheading this effort.”
Also speaking at the event were Director of the Ohio University Center for Entrepreneurship and Executive Director of TechGROWTH Ohio Lynn Gellermann and William Russell, associate vice chancellor of adult education and institutional collaboration with the Ohio Board of Regents.
“This new center offers a solution to problems that are faced in these tough economic times,” Gellermann said. “The stars are lining up for this project. Education is at the forefront … both in terms of classroom learning and the applied aspect. The entrepreneurship program will be involved in economic development … so that individuals can stay in this region and grow companies.”
Russell said, “This project leads to a richer educational experience and can lead to real economic staying power for Chillicothe, Ross County and the entire state of Ohio.”
Total cost will be $2 million and will be funded by Ohio University Regional Higher Education Reserves. Construction is set to begin in mid-July, and the project is scheduled to be operational in spring 2011.
published: June 30, 2010 10:21 AM
