(From Owens Community College)

Owens Community College continues to serve as a pivotal connector in the regional education ecosystem, bringing together three four-year private universities across the greater Blanchard Valley to strengthen transfer pathways and expand opportunities for students. For the first time, the University of Findlay, Heidelberg University and Ohio Northern University joined Owens for a single event, signing or renewing articulation agreements Monday, November 3, on the Owens Findlay-area Campus in a joint ceremony celebrating collaboration in higher education.

During the event, Owens signed or renewed three Express dual admission agreements — the Oiler Express with the University of Findlay, the Student Prince Express with Heidelberg University and the Polar Bear Express with Ohio Northern University (ONU). Named by combining the respective schools’ athletic nicknames, the agreements expand seamless transfer pathways for Owens students to continue toward bachelor’s degrees. Owens also signed new pre-pharmacy options with both Findlay and ONU. Together, the four colleges are helping students save time and money while creating clear, flexible pathways to achieve their educational and career goals.

Owens opened the ceremony by sharing highlights from an enrollment study conducted by Trellis Strategies. Bryan Ashton of Trellis Strategies presented findings that examined Findlay and Hancock County labor market needs and program alignment. The study confirmed that workforce demands in the region are evolving, with increasing need for flexible academic options that meet students where they are, particularly adult learners and working professionals.

The findings also underscored both an urgent need and an opportunity: many students who chose not to attend Owens in Findlay did not continue their education elsewhere, highlighting the importance of re-engaging learners and rebuilding local pathways to opportunity.

Through the Findlay Commitment, Owens is reaffirming its long-term investment in the future of higher education in Findlay by working collaboratively with employers, schools, universities and community leaders to re-engage learners, expand opportunities and strengthen the region’s skilled workforce. As part of this effort, Owens is bolstering class offerings and reinforcing degree pathways available on the Bright Road campus. The college currently offers six associate degrees, five certificates and seven general concentrations preparing students to transfer and complete a bachelor’s degree. One example is the Associate of Science degree, which provides a strong, transferable foundation for students who plan to continue their education, including those pursuing the new pre-pharmacy pathways established through agreements with Findlay and Ohio Northern.

The Findlay Commitment represents a shared pledge to turn data into solutions by re-engaging learners, expanding access and strengthening the region’s talent pipeline through collaboration across education, business and community sectors. It also marks the beginning of an ongoing effort to align Owens’ academic programs with local workforce demand and ensure sustained opportunities for learners in the years ahead.

“We can see from the data that we have clear areas of strength, and we are restructuring the programs we offer on our Findlay-area Campus to better serve this region,” said Dr. Dione D. Somerville, Owens president.

While healthcare program enrollment continues to represent nearly one-third of the Findlay-area Campus headcount, Owens announced plans beginning in the 2026–27 academic year to add degree options in electrical, mechanical and manufacturing fields, along with an engineering transfer program and a short-term non-credit pharmacy technician certificate to support the local workforce.

“This is a defining day for higher education in our region, for Owens Community College, the University of Findlay, Heidelberg University and Ohio Northern University, and for this important region of the state,” Somerville said. “We’ve unveiled data that will guide our next steps and signed pathway agreements for our students to continue their education at outstanding universities right here in our region. The Findlay Commitment reflects that collaboration. Our commitment to Findlay and Hancock County is unwavering. We will meet the needs of today with data-informed planning and the dedication of our outstanding team on the Findlay-area Campus.”

A total of 108 students have enrolled in the Oiler Express since Owens and the University of Findlay first signed the dual admissions agreement in March 2019. In the past five academic years, 252 Owens students have transferred to Findlay to continue their studies. The institutions are renewing the Oiler Express partnership and adding a pathway for Owens students to transfer into Findlay’s pharmacy program.

“The Oiler Express partnership represents an exciting opportunity that benefits both institutions while creating meaningful pathways for students to achieve their academic and career goals,” said Dr. Kathy Fell, University of Findlay president. “Partnerships of this nature are an important part of the University of Findlay’s commitment to collaboration and student success.”

Owens and Heidelberg University are launching the Student Prince Express dual admission agreement ensuring seamless transfer for Owens students pursuing bachelor’s degrees at Heidelberg. In the past five years, 53 Owens students have transferred to Heidelberg.

“Heidelberg University has a long-standing tradition of collaboration with regional community colleges and four-year institutions to develop innovative pathways that support students in achieving their academic and professional goals. We are proud to launch the Student Prince Express with Owens Community College. This partnership strengthens and streamlines existing pathways that enable students to take the next step toward a bachelor’s degree at Heidelberg,” said Dr. Rob Huntington, Heidelberg University president.

“Expanding opportunities is ultimately about supporting transfer students, increasing accessibility and opening doors for them to continue their academic journey with confidence.  By working closely with our friends at Owens, we can ensure that every student, regardless of where they begin their academic journey, has the resources and support to complete their bachelor’s degree,” he said.

Owens and Ohio Northern University are signing a Polar Bear Express dual admission agreement and a pre-pharmacy transfer pathway, expanding opportunities for Owens students to continue their education at ONU. Over the past five years, 187 Owens students have transferred to Ohio Northern.

“We are pleased to strengthen and expand our partnership with Owens Community College to make an ONU degree accessible to more students,” said Dr. Melissa J. Baumann, Ohio Northern University president. “As a private university working for the public good, we’re committed to preparing graduates for success in their careers and life, while meeting the workforce needs of our region, our state and beyond.”

City of Findlay Mayor Christina Muryn, Blanchard Valley Health System President and CEO Myron Lewis and Whirlpool Corp. Director of Manufacturing Renato Esteves Sr. also spoke during the event, emphasizing the importance of higher education collaboration in strengthening the regional workforce pipeline.