June Spotlight

Spotlight: Edison State Community College

Q: It’s your 50th anniversary this year. What was the inspiration behind the founding of Edison State Community College in 1973?

A: Edison State Community College was chartered to meet a demand for quality, accessible college education that focused on serving the residents of Darke, Miami, and Shelby counties As has often beenthecase,ourregionwasvisionaryinitstiming,asEdisonStatewasestablishedin1973asthefirst state general and technical college in Ohio under provisions of the Ohio Revised Code Edison State was chartered without special local taxation as a two-year, public, coeducational, state-supported institution of higher learning with the privileges of offering studies in the arts and sciences, technical education,andadultcontinuingeducation.Sinceitsestablishment,EdisonState has continued to follow in the footsteps of its namesake, Thomas Alva Edison, and earned a reputation for being an innovator in meeting the demand to provide accessible, quality education and training opportunities for its students

Q:What was the mission at the start of Edison State, and how does that compare to your mission now?

A:Although worded differently back in 1973, the mission of Edison State has remained the same over the years. We provide the learning opportunities, support services, and commitment that enable students to complete their educational goals and realize their dreams.

Q:How many employees does Edison State have?

A:Edison State employs 148 full time colleagues, with an additional 145+ adjuncts who work part-time during various semesters

Q:What challenges has Edison State had to face and overcome?

A:As a small, mostly rural community college, Edison State has worked hard through the years to establish itself among the larger colleges and universities in our region. Today we are proud to offer our students and our communities a level of excellence and innovation in higher education that is second to none. Through many economic and societal changes, Edison State has remained laser-focused on developing the workforce of the future, and our business partners and students appreciate that unwavering commitment

Q:What are Edison State’s long-term goals?

A:Edison State Community College's long-term goals are to provide a high level of education so that students can complete their educational goals and realize their dreams. Edison State is dedicated to creating an environment where students can learn and grow, and it is our goal to help them succeed in all areas of life

Q: What elements of Edison State do you think make it so unique and so vital to the Miami Valley community?

A: Edison State Community College is dedicated to providing students with the necessary resources and tools to succeed We believe that the relationships we form with our students and our dedication to outstanding, personalized service make us unique. Our faculty and staff are committed to helping students find their passion, and we want our students to feel like they can come to us with any problem or concern. We work hard every day to ensure that everything we do is as sustainable as possible to continue impacting our community for years to come.

Q: What is something new that Edison State has to offer to their students?

A: Within the last five years, Edison State has responded to the needs of regional employers by providing a variety of new academic programs in agriculture, aviation, banking, cybersecurity, emergency medical technician, graphic design, paramedic, veterinary technology, and web design and development. Additionally, students can now attend classes at one of four convenient locations in Piqua, Greenville, Eaton, and Troy. Edison State has also enhanced its online learning presence to provide students with even more flexibility when completing courses.

Q: Are there any needs that Edison State has not met in the community, that you would like to serve in the future?

A: Edison State Community College is committed to being a valuable resource for our region and will continue to be responsive to the needs of its students and the broader communities it serves. Today's imminent opportunities may be replaced by new and different areas of growth tomorrow. Though future needs are challenging to predict, Edison State will continue listening, engaging, and adapting as circumstances require, ensuring that it remains the premier choice for academic programming, workforce development, personal enrichment, and community-focused opportunities for the area it serves.

Thank you from the Troy Chamber of Commerce to Edison State Community College for this wonderful interview!