Conversations with Owens Community College President Dr. Dione D. Somerville

Conversations with Owens Community College President Dr. Dione D. Somerville

di Dr. Dione D. Somerville
Stagione 1

Regional Growth Partnership (RGP) President/CEO Dean Monske

Listeners, please tell us about YOU by taking our four-question Listener Survey! In this episode, Dr. Dione D. Somerville sits down with Dean Monske, the President and CEO of the Regional Growth Partnership (RGP). Dr. Somerville is a member of the RGP Board of Directors. Their conversation dives into northwest Ohio’s economic renaissance over the past decade thanks in part to collaborative efforts among connected micro-coalitions featuring private, public, higher education, economic development and workforce agencies. A respected leader in the business community, Monske is a graduate of Bowling Green State University.

Toledo Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Romules Durant

Listeners, please tell us about YOU by taking our four-question Listener Survey! In this episode, Dr. Dione D. Somerville sits down with Toledo Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Romules Durant. Their conversation covers the strong partnership and shared priorities between Owens Community College and the school district as well as Dr. Durant’s personal journey that led to him becoming a superintendent. A veteran educator, Dr. Durant joined Toledo Public Schools in 1999 and is a lifelong resident of the city. He has made a point of embedding career readiness and job pathways into education, helping to prepare students for their next steps after high school.

Toledo Fire & Rescue Chief Allison Armstrong

Listeners, please tell us about YOU by taking our four-question Listener Survey! In this episode, Dr. Dione D. Somerville sits down with Toledo Fire & Rescue Chief Allison Armstrong. Their conversation covers the long history Owens Community College has with the department. The episode also features reflections on Chief Armstrong’s career as a firefighter and her appointment as the first woman fire chief in the city’s history. Chief Armstrong is an Owens nursing program alumna and values her healthcare training as critical to her work in the field over the years.

Ohio Department of Higher Education Chancellor Randy Gardner

Listeners, please tell us about YOU by taking our four-question Listener Survey! In this inaugural episode, Owens Community College President Dr. Dione D. Somerville sits down with Ohio Department of Higher Education Chancellor Randy Gardner. Released during National Community College Month, the episode covers the contributions community colleges make to Ohio’s economic health. For example, Intel recently announced a significant investment in northwest Ohio that will bring thousands of jobs to the region. Chancellor Gardner said 70 percent of the new Intel jobs will not require a four-year degree which opens up tremendous opportunity for community college students. Appointed as the 10th Chancellor of the Ohio Department of Higher Education in January 2019, Chancellor Gardner talked about how his approach aligns well with Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s philosophy about higher education. “If you have a need or interest in a career path, a skillset, [or] a degree, if you want to achieve that, you should be able to find it here in Ohio somewhere,” Gardner says.

Cherry Street Mission Ministries CEO and President Ann Ebbert

Trailer
The next episode of Conversations features Ann Ebbert, the CEO and President of Cherry Street Mission Ministries. In this preview, Ms. Ebbert discusses providing access and opportunities for people, including in higher education with Owens Community College. The full podcast releases Thursday, March 9.

OACC President and CEO Jack Hershey

Trailer
The next episode of Conversations features Jack Hershey, the President and CEO of the Ohio Association of Community Colleges, which represents the state’s 23 community colleges. In this preview, listen to what Mr. Hershey had to say about the connections between communities and community colleges. The full podcast releases Thursday, February 9.

HOPE Toledo President and CEO Rev. John Jones

Trailer
The next episode of Conversations features the Rev. John Jones, HOPE Toledo President and CEO since 2020 and Associate Minister at the Christian Temple Baptist Church. In this preview, listen to what Rev. Jones had to say about access to education. The full podcast releases Thursday, December 8.

Ohio Director of the Department of Development Lydia Mihalik

Trailer
The next episode of Conversations features Lydia Mihalik, the Ohio Director of the Department of Development and the former Mayor of the City of Findlay. In this preview, listen to what Director Mihalik had to say about jobs, people and the State of Ohio. The full podcast releases Thursday, November 10.

Wood County (Ohio) Sheriff Mark Wasylyshyn

Trailer
The next episode of Conversations features Mark Wasylyshyn, the Wood County (Ohio) Sheriff and a graduate of Owens Community College. In this preview, listen to what Sheriff Wasylyshyn had to say about his alma mater and the many opportunities for students. The full podcast releases Thursday, October 13.

Toledo Museum of Art President, Director and CEO Adam Levine

Trailer
The next episode of Conversations features Adam Levine, the Edward Drummond and Florence Scott Libbey President, Director and CEO of the Toledo Museum of Art. In this preview, listen to what Adam has to say about Owens Community College and its place in northwest Ohio. The full podcast releases Thursday, September 8.
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