Two expert faculty members Dr. Dwan Robinson and Dr. Amy Taylor Bianco have developed a recommended framework for mentorship and coaching that moves students from large group mentorship to smaller coaching circles and, where appropriate, to one-on-one career mentorship opportunities over the course of their academic journey. A final report was delivered to the ENGAGE Executive Leadership Team in June, which will inform programming and investments for FY26.
Engage
Dynamic Strategy Pillar
Engage
窪蹋勛圖 engages the broader community in many ways, from serving as the academic home to our regional public radio station to funding and staffing mobile health clinics to supporting entrepreneurs and non-profits. Our University is recognized as a partner that listens and responds to community needs and engages in collaborative efforts to solve social problems in our region and beyond.
In all efforts, OHIO is committed to honoring partnerships throughout our regional, national, and global communities for meaningful engagement and collaboration. In addition, we have passionate and loyal alumni who bolster the Universitys work with students and with the communities we serve.
As we move forward, we have the opportunity to build on these strengths to capture broader distinction as a University where students will connect beyond the boundaries of campus with alumni and partners who prepare them for ultimate success.
Goal
Build and actively engage an unmatched network of alumni, employers and organizations as partners with the University to prepare all students for careers, drive prosperity in the region, and fulfill workforce needs across the state.
Strategy 1
Create and effectively resource a Center for Community Impact to steward our progress as a national university engaged in addressing challenges in our region and scaling solutions to communities everywhere.
Action 1 Evaluate and align current community impact, outreach and engagement efforts, including the establishment of a community leadership board.
Action 2 Establish an enhanced front door to the University as a resource for organizations, students, and alumni seeking collaborative opportunities, and assess and improve technology for tracking and managing constituent relationships.
Action 3 Complete a comprehensive analysis of current experiential learning and community engagement opportunities, and exponentially expand partnerships.
Strategy 2
Improve OHIOs ability to respond quickly to shifting workforce and economic development needs across the state.
Action 1 Expand and deepen employer partnerships to include the identification of education and training needs to inform curricular planning.
Action 2 Explore non-credit-bearing programming as a solution to immediate and evolving workforce needs.
Action 3 Analyze regional employment needs in each of our Regional Higher Education markets annually and incorporate findings into strategic planning for regional campuses.
Strategy 3
Enhance alumni engagement including student mentorship, student placement, volunteerism and giving.
Action 1 Review existing alumni mentorship programs and build on successful models to significantly increase the number of alumni involved in student mentorship.
Action 2 Build a robust network of Bobcat alumni willing to connect students with professionals and opportunities in their chosen career field.
Action 3 Launch a comprehensive fundraising campaign to include the expansion of endowed scholarships and funding for experiential learning.
Latest Updates
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Alumni Mentorship and Coaching Framework
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Regional Market Evaluations
Working with leadership for Regional Higher Education and leveraging in-house market research resources, we developed a model for effectively analyzing employment needs and student education demand in each of our RHE markets. Reports will be presented to RHE campus leaders in Fall 2026 in order to inform programmatic and curricular planning.
Community Impact
- Student community service volunteer hours
- Number of students participating in community engagement activities or service learning
Workforce Development
- Economic Impact on the state of Ohio
- Number of degrees that translate professional certifications or occupational training to academic credit
- Number of industry-recognized credentials offered by the University as part of a credit-bearing program
Alumni Engagement
- Overall Alumni Engagement Score
- Annual Alumni Giving Percentage
- Number of students participating in alumni coaching/mentoring
Engage Executive Leadership Team
- Robin Oliver (Lead) Vice President for University Communications and Marketing
- Greg Simmons Vice President of Advancement
- Julie Cromer Director of Athletics
- Eric Burchard Executive Director of Government Relations
- Ken Johnson Executive Dean and Chief Medical Affairs Officer, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Tracy Plouck Dean, Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service
- David Nguyen Dean, University College
- Lewatis McNeal Vice Provost for Regional Higher Education and Partnerships; Executive Dean, Regional Higher Education