University of Cincinnati, Wayne Local Schools Announce New Educational Partnership

The University of Cincinnati confirmed its commitment to answering a growing need for higher education in a fast-growing region, as a partnership was formally announced between UC and the Wayne Local School District and the Warren County Educational Service Center. UC President Joseph A. Steger, Provost Anthony J. Perzigian, Wayne Local Schools Superintendent Tom Isaacs and John Lazares, Superintendent of the Warren County Educational Service Center, introduced the new partnership at an Aug. 12 announcement at Waynesville High School.

Beginning as soon as winter quarter, President Steger announced that UC is set to provide on-site courses and distance learning programs at Waynesville High School, further building on the university’s existing Warren County presence at the UC Center in Lebanon. “We’re looking at a long-range plan of providing baccalaureate and graduate degrees in Warren County,” he said.

Provost Anthony J. Perzigian says UC’s master’s degree program in educational administration, designed for Warren County, serves as a good example of programs for teachers and other professionals that can be developed and offered through the new partnership. The program is currently offered at the Warren County Center. Lawrence J. Johnson, Dean of the College of Education, Criminal Justice and Human Services, says the center has around 50 students enrolled in courses to prepare them for school administrative positions, such as principals.

Also under consideration is future professional development for workers in nursing, business and engineering. The university will be conducting surveys of the population to determine how to best address the region’s needs for higher education and professional development.

In addition to the new Waynesville partnership and UC’s nine-year presence in Lebanon, UC officials are participating in talks, along with other educational institutions, regarding a Warren County Community College pilot project.

Warren County’s has grown by 39 percent in the past decade, according to the Census statistics. Wayne Local Schools Superintendent Tom Isaacs is looking ahead to addressing the demands of the village’s young people. He says Waynesville’s population with college degrees is growing, and those professionals are planning ahead for the education of their children.

“The key to continuing Warren County’s economic growth and prosperity is education, and that’s UC’s business,” said Perzigian. “We look forward to this partnership and ensuring a prosperous future for the area.”