Community leaders, educators, students, and elected officials gathered June 8 on the Mansfield Campus of The Ohio State University and North Central State College to celebrate two prestigious national recognitions that highlight the transformative impact of higher education in North Central Ohio.
National Awards Recognize Excellence in Student Success and Opportunity
The event was led by Jessica Gribben, President and CEO of Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development (RACED), who welcomed guests and praised both institutions for their commitment to student achievement and community advancement.
North Central State College was recently awarded the Leah Meyer Austin Award, the highest honor presented by Achieving the Dream, recognizing exceptional outcomes in student success, completion, and workforce readiness. Ohio State Mansfield earned the Carnegie Opportunity College designation, a national recognition awarded to just 16% of higher education institutions that expand access to higher education while helping students achieve strong economic outcomes after graduation.
Representatives from the Ohio Auditor of State's Office, U.S. Senator John Husted's Office, and other state and federal elected officials joined the celebration and presented proclamations honoring the achievements of both institutions. The recognitions were issued by Ohio Auditor of State Keith Faber, Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose, Congressman Jim Jordan, U.S. Senator Bernie Moreno, and the Ohio General Assembly through the Ohio House of Representatives and Ohio Senate.
Ohio State Mansfield Dean and Director, Jason Opal, reflected on the work behind the recognition, emphasizing the campus's commitment to creating opportunity and belonging for students throughout North Central Ohio.
"This is about bringing attention to a lot of work that's typically unseen," Opal said. "Student outcomes and student success don't always make headlines, but they require intensive work and dedication."
North Central State College President Dr. Dorey Diab highlighted the institution's longstanding focus on helping students persist, graduate, and enter rewarding careers, noting that student success creates lasting benefits for families, employers, and communities alike.
The celebration drew distinguished guests from across The Ohio State University and the region, including Dr. Melissa Shivers, Vice Provost for Student Life; Dr. David Civitollo, Associate Dean and Director of Ohio State University Extension; Dr. Erik Porfeli, Interim Dean of the College of Education and Human Ecology; Dr. Ryan King, Divisional Dean of Arts and Sciences; Tom Walsh, Associate Vice President for Government Affairs; Andrea Bowlin, Associate Vice President with The Ohio State University Alumni Association. In addition, two former deans of the Mansfield campus, now leaders of the greater University, were in attendance representing over 15 years of campus leadership. Dr. Norman Jones, now Vice Provost of Undergraduate Education, served as Mansfield dean from 2017 through 2022, and Dr. Steve Gavazzi, currently serving as Director of the Center for Human Resource Research, was dean from 2011-2017.
These awards highlight the strong partnership between Ohio State Mansfield and North Central State College, and a shared dedication to expanding access, affordability, and student success. Together, the two institutions play an important role in opening doors for students and supporting the region’s continued growth.
These national recognitions echo the impact felt across the region—affirming the important work underway and the role both institutions play in shaping brighter futures for students and communities throughout North Central Ohio.