ConnectED | Summer 2026

1

SINCLAIR JOINS UP WITH CINCINNATI AIRPORT TO ADVANCE DRONE SYSTEMS Summer 2026 Volume 14 Issue 3

INSIDE: > Sinclair partnership positions the Ohio River Valley as a hub for emerging aerial technology and innovation > NEOMED partners with Mercy Health to expand clinical training, strengthen Ohio’s physician workforce > Ideastream Public Media and Cleveland State expand experiential learning opportunities for students > A Washington County Career Center practical nursing graduate overcomes obstacles to launch her career > 2026 Ohio State Fair wrap-up

Photo: The Ohio State Fair

3

A Message from Chancellor Mike Duffey Greetings. Students are back on campus, pumpkin spice everything is appearing on store shelves, and the Ohio State Fair set another record for attendance for America’s 250th birthday.

The Ohio Department of Higher Education’s area at the State Fair within the Lausche Building – the Youth Exploration Space – has grown to include a full-scale virtual reality tour of Ohio’s campuses. Future students and families can often be found wearing Quest VR headsets where they can enjoy 360 views of Miami University’s Slant Walk, stand at the 50-yard line at Ohio Stadium or visit a career-technical center.

Throughout the fair, various colleges and universities set up robotics demos, aviation displays, and showcased the best in research and future careers for guests of all ages.

If you didn’t make it to this year’s fair, we have a photo collage in this issue, along with several other stories about how our campuses are preparing students for the jobs of tomorrow.

Learn more about Sinclair College’s drone collaboration with the Greater Cincinnati Airport, a NEOMED partnership designed to bolster Ohio’s physician workforce, and a Washington County Career Center student who overcame obstacles to reach her dream of a nursing career.

We’re back to school as we celebrate the great state of Ohio - the heart of education!

IN THIS ISSUE:

Sinclair joins up with Cincinnati Airport to advance drone systems Partnership positions the Ohio River Valley as a hub for emerging aerial technology and innovation

NEOMED partners with Mercy Health to expand clinical training, strengthen Ohio’s physician workforce The partnership creates more opportunities for students to train in diverse care settings across Ohio

Ideastream Public Media and Cleveland State expand experiential learning opportunities for students Collaboration connects classroom learning with real-world experience in journalism, media production, marketing and communications

Proof that persistence pays off A Washington County Career Center practical nursing graduate overcomes obstacles to launch her career

2026 Ohio State Fair wrap-up A recap of the fast-paced fun in the Youth Exploration Space

4 6 8 11 13

4

SINCLAIR JOINS UP WITH CINCINNATI AIRPORT TO ADVANCE DRONE SYSTEMS Partnership positions the Ohio River Valley as a hub for emerging aerial technology and innovation

By Eileen McClory - Staff Writer, Dayton Daily News

SUMMER 2026

5

Andrew Shepherd, (right) Executive Director & Chief Scientist, UAS, at Sinclair Community College, talks about a large octocopter drone used for research by students. With Shepherd from the left are: Jeff Miller, Chief Operating Officer, UAS, Sinclair, Maurice McDonald, EVP, Aerospace & Defense at the Dayton Development Coalition (DDC) and Scott Koorndyk, President of The Entrepreneurs Center.

Sinclair Community College and the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) will work together on the future of uncrewed aerial systems or drones.

The airport will get access to emergency technology solutions, technological solutions and industry introductions, while also working with students.

Sinclair and CVG say there are multiple potential uses for drones in the future, such as delivering urgently needed medical supplies, transporting a specialized technician to a remote job site or surveying damage shortly after a major disaster.

Sinclair students and faculty will be able to test ideas in a real airport.

CVG and Sinclair plan to work together to advance these and other next generation aviation technologies, including Advanced Air Mobility, which would transport people and cargo in automated electric aircrafts, often at lower altitudes than most planes.

Under the agreement, CVG’s innovation team will use the college’s aviation centers, academic programs, faculty and researchers to drive the airport’s strategic objectives, Sinclair said in a press release.

“Partnering with the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport provides our faculty and students with an unparalleled realworld laboratory environment,” said Andrew Shepherd, chief research officer at Sinclair.

Larry Krauter, CEO of CVG Airport, said the collaboration is a “significant milestone.”

“By integrating Sinclair’s academic excellence and leading-edge UAS and AAM programs with our world-class airport infrastructure, we have an opportunity to prepare the airport for a multi-state deployment of next generation aerial technologies while building a highly skilled workforce to support them,” Krauter said.

SUMMER 2026

6

NEOMED partners with Mercy Health to expand clinical training, strengthen Ohio’s physician workforce Cincinnati-based Mercy Health and Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) formed a strategic partnership aimed at expanding workforce development initiatives and building a strong pipeline of physicians to serve communities statewide. Mercy Health operates the largest number of hospitals in Ohio.

NEOMED students now have increased access to Mercy Health’s hospitals and clinical sites in the Youngstown, Lorain, and Cincinnati regions, where they are gaining real-world experience caring for a broad range of patient populations.

The expanded rotations are expected to deepen students’ clinical competencies, strengthen community connections, and provide meaningful exposure to practice environments where physician shortages are most pressing.

“This partnership represents a powerful step forward in preparing the next generation of physicians and meeting the healthcare needs of our state,” said NEOMED President John Langell, M.D., Ph.D., M.P.H., M.B.A., FACS. “NEOMED’s affiliation with Mercy Health brings to life a shared vision to transform medical education and advance healthcare access.”

SUMMER 2026

7

By expanding clinical training opportunities in Ohio, the partnership also aims to encourage more medical students to remain in the state after graduation. Research shows physicians are more likely to practice in regions where they complete their training, making this effort a critical step in addressing projected physician shortages across Ohio, particularly in underserved and regional communities.

“Expanding access to care in Ohio starts with training more physicians. By increasing

opportunities for hands-on learning within Mercy Health’s hospitals and clinical sites, we’re building a stronger workforce that’s more likely to stay, practice, and serve where the need is greatest,” said Dr. John Luellen, state president, Ohio, Mercy Health. “Together with NEOMED, we’re advancing medical education in a way that helps ensure more Ohioans can receive high-quality care close to home.”

The collaboration reflects a shared commitment between NEOMED and Mercy Health to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care and to invest in the future of care delivery.

SUMMER 2026

8

Ideastream Public Media and Cleveland State expand experiential learning opportunities for students Collaboration connects classroom learning with real-world experience in journalism, media production, marketing, and communications

Cleveland State University students are gaining real-world experience across journalism, television and radio production, marketing, communications, graphic design, and public affairs coverage through a growing collaboration with Ideastream Public Media that connects classroom learning with professional practice.

During the 2025-26 academic year, more than 80 Cleveland State University students participated in collaborative projects, internships, co-ops,

SUMMER 2026

and classroom experiences with Ideastream, contributing to projects that serve Northeast Ohio. Many of those experiences place students directly in newsrooms and production environments, where they help create content that informs and engages the community.

"Producing Sound of Ideas gives Cleveland State students the opportunity to contribute to a live daily public affairs program, from developing story ideas to writing scripts and booking guests. They see firsthand how

9

thoughtful journalism connects with audiences, and they leave with professional experience and portfolio work that prepare them for their careers. It’s been exciting to watch their confidence and talent grow throughout the semester,” said Rachel Rood, deputy editor of Sound of Ideas.

Students have contributed to a wide range of projects across Ideastream’s news, production, and marketing teams, including: •

A second-year collaboration between Ideastream's Applause arts and culture team and Cleveland State University's School of Film and Media Arts, in which students created mini-documentaries profiling emerging Cleveland comedians. Five segments have aired over the past two years.

•

Students developed motion graphics and show elements for Sound of Ideas, gaining experience working with a professional client while creating content for broadcast use.

•

A year-round production internship program that places students in studio operations, field production, and postproduction roles supporting programs such as Sound of Ideas, City Club forums, and Akron Roundtable events.

•

A six-month graphic design co-op within Ideastream's Marketing and Communications department, providing a student with hands-on experience creating print, digital, and social media content.

•

Classroom collaborations in which students pitched, researched, reported, and produced stories that aired on the Sound of Ideas.

•

Students traveled to Columbus to meet with journalists from the Statehouse News Bureau, Cleveland.com, and Gongwer, gaining firsthand insight into state government reporting and the role of the press in covering and holding government accountable.

Ideastream and Cleveland State University continue to expand the collaboration, creating new opportunities for students to gain professional experience, mentorship, and portfolio-ready work that helps prepare them for future careers.

“One of the things I value most about our partnership with Ideastream is the way it opens doors for students,” said Dr. Jill Gordon, dean of the CSU Levin College of Public Affairs and Education. “We have already seen students take on incredible opportunities, from helping in the studio to engaging with Ideastream’s Columbus newsroom. These aren't just resumebuilding experiences. They give students the chance to apply what they're learning, work alongside talented professionals, and see what's possible in their careers. That's exactly the kind of hands-on, real-world learning we strive to provide at Cleveland State, and we're excited to continue building on this partnership."

SUMMER 2026

10

For students, those opportunities extend beyond the classroom, giving them the chance to contribute to meaningful projects while building professional skills and portfolios.

"Throughout this amazing opportunity at Ideastream, I have learned core skills that I can take with me as I build my career, from working in a professional setting and collaborating with other departments to creating projects that strengthen my portfolio," said Jillian Osredkar, a graphic design major at Cleveland State University.

Participating programs have included Cleveland State University's School of Film and Media Arts, School of Communication, College of

SUMMER 2026

Arts and Sciences, and Levin College of Public Affairs and Education. The partnership has also expanded to include faculty experts to contribute to Ideastream’s coverage of timely topics such as property taxes and the upcoming election cycle.

As the collaboration continues to evolve, both organizations remain focused on creating meaningful opportunities that prepare students for careers while strengthening the future of public media, journalism, and storytelling in Northeast Ohio.

11

Proof that persistence pays off Balancing motherhood, Type 1 diabetes, and personal loss, a Practical Nursing graduate overcame every obstacle to launch a career in healthcare Most mornings, Chelsea Rogers’ day starts the same way it has for the last 26 years – with intention.

academically, but it also reminded me exactly why I chose healthcare in the first place.”

Before class, before work, before mom duties, she’s already managing something many people never see. Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at just eight years old, Rogers learned early that life doesn’t always wait for your body to cooperate. Blood sugar checks, insulin, carb counting, sensor changes … it’s a daily responsibility that never takes a break.

Rogers’ journey through nursing school was never just about academics. As a mom, a student, and someone managing a chronic illness, there is no such thing as a “typical” day. Even when the schedule looked predictable, diabetes could change everything in an instant. Exams, clinicals, long study nights, and early mornings all happened alongside fluctuating blood sugars.

And yet, here she is.

On May 8, Rogers graduated from the Practical Nursing program at The Washington County Career Center-Adult Technical Training as part of the inaugural Practical Nursing Class of 2026. She was also recognized for perfect attendance, an achievement that becomes even more remarkable when you understand everything she carried while earning it.

“It honestly still feels surreal to finally be a PN graduate,” Rogers said. “This program challenged me in ways I never expected, both personally and

Rogers admits that some days felt overwhelming.

But she’s learned something important along the way – it isn’t about perfection, it’s about persistence.

That persistence is what brought her back to school.

There was a moment when Rogers realized she wanted more, not just for herself, but also for her daughter. She wanted her child to see that growth doesn’t stop when life gets complicated. Choosing The Career Center felt right because it is a good

SUMMER 2026

12

fit for adult learners juggling work, family, health challenges, and responsibilities that don’t disappear when class starts.

The program itself pushed Rogers to her limits more than once.

Managing diabetes during exams and clinicals was difficult enough, but her journey became even harder after losing her father in May. Grief, she said, is unpredictable, and there were days when simply showing up took everything she had.

What kept her moving forward was the support that surrounded her – her daughter, her family, her classmates, and the instructors and staff at The Career Center, who saw her as more than “just” a student.

“I never felt like I had to choose between my health, my family, and my education,” she said. “That mattered more than anything.”

Inside the Practical Nursing program, students often repeated the phrase “short-term pain for long-term gain.” For Rogers, it became more than motivation; it became a mindset.

At home, her daughter watched it all – the studying, the late nights, the sacrifices, and the determination. Rogers was sending her daughter a message that dreams can happen, learning never stops, and even when life gets heavy, you keep going.

That perseverance has led Rogers to the beginning of a career about which she feels deeply passionate.

Her current plans are to work in an outpatient family care setting, an area she genuinely loves and in which she already has experience.

Building long-term relationships with patients, being someone who families recognize and trust, and caring for people through every stage of life are the parts of healthcare that matter most to her.

“I love the personal side of healthcare, being able to comfort, educate, advocate, and hopefully make even a small difference in someone’s day,” she said.

Her goals don’t stop there.

Once the new Memorial Health System OB-GYN facility in Belpre, Ohio is completed, Rogers hopes to transition into postpartum care, where she can support mothers and newborns during one of the most important moments in their lives. Inspired by her experiences in nursing school, she also plans to continue her education and pursue her RN degree within the next year.

“Nursing has already changed me in so many ways, and I truly feel like this is only the beginning of the story for me,” Roger said.

For Rogers, graduating from the Practical Nursing program represents far more than earning a nursing pin. It represents resilience through grief, chronic illness, motherhood, and moments when quitting may have seemed easier. It represents the power of perseverance and the importance of support systems that believe in adult learners.

Most of all, it represents proof that a diagnosis does not cancel dreams.

Chelsea Rogers didn’t just complete nursing school.

She became an example of what is possible.

SUMMER 2026

13

2026 OHIO STATE FAIR WRAP-UP The 2026 Ohio State Fair recently concluded, marking another successful year of community engagement and providing an opportunity to showcase Ohio's educational initiatives and opportunities. The Ohio

Ohio Department of Higher Education Chancellor Mike Duffey and Central State University President Morakinyo A.O. Kuti, Ph.D.

Department of Higher Education once again participated in the Youth Exploration Space (Lausche Building), alongside our partners at the Ohio Technology Consortium and the Ohio Tuition Trust Authority. Throughout the fair, we were also joined by campus partners from Ohio's colleges and universities, which highlighted and promoted a variety of programs and career fields to thousands of fairgoers.

Visitor engagement was a hallmark of the ODHE booth, where guests could participate in numerous hands-on activities. With back-to-school season approaching, kids could create a backpack tag or color a bookmark.

They could also learn more about supercomputers by disassembling and reassembling a supercomputer node. The Ohio Tuition Trust Authority prize wheel remained a popular destination for kids throughout the fair, while guests of all ages could virtually explore Ohio's campuses through the

The Ohio State University's College of Engineering engaged young visitors with a fun activity.

Universe of Opportunity virtual reality activity. Knowledgeable staff were on hand throughout the fair to answer questions about career pathways, saving for college, and the many ways Ohio is working to make higher education accessible and affordable for all.

The Ohio State Fair continues to be an excellent opportunity to connect with the public, engage in meaningful conversations, share valuable information, and promote educational resources—all in a spirit of fun and celebration.

We're already looking forward to next year, when Ohio will once again come together to celebrate the fair and the opportunities that make our state such a great place to learn, work, and grow. See you then!

Ohio Northern University was joined by its mascot, Klondike, on opening day of the Fair.

SUMMER 2026

14

Ohio Supercomputer Center Executive Director Dave Hudak and a fairgoer exploring the Universe of Opportunity.

The CollegeAdvantage Ohio529 prize wheel was a huge hit amongst fair attendees.

Ohio's MLS soccer team mascots - Gary the Lion from FC Cincinnati and Crew Cat from the Columbus Crew - set aside their rivalry and welcomed people to the Lausche B uilding.

The University of Toledo staff members are ready to welcome visitors.

Bowling Green State University's own mascot couple, Freddie and Frieda, were a hit with guests again this year.

Visitors to the Youth Exploration Space learned more about Zane State College.

Fairgoers learn how to assemble computer components in the OH-TECH space.

The Columbus Blue Jackets' mascot, Stinger, waves to the camera.

Muskingum University was one of the independent campuses to join us this year.

SUMMER 2026

Photo: The Ohio State Fair 15

A special thank you to all of those who contributed stories and articles: Sinclair joins up with Cincinnati Airport to advance drone systems Eileen McClory Staff Writer Dayton Daily News

NEOMED partners with Mercy Health to expand clinical training, strengthen Ohio’s physician workforce Tonya Strong-Charles Chief Marketing Officer NEOMED

Ideastream Public Media and Cleveland State expand experiential learning opportunities for students Kristin Broka Associate Vice President, Marketing and Communications Cleveland State University

Proof that persistence pays off Lori Smith Adult Tech, Recruiting & Marketing Washington County Career Center

2026 Ohio State Fair Wrap-up Thank you to all of the schools that participated in this year's Ohio State Fair.

Thanks for reading ConnectED. If you have any story suggestions, links to articles of interest, or news releases to share, feel free to send them to Jeff Robinson at jrobinson@highered.ohio.gov.