When Ohio State President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr. announced the Regional Campus Commitment in his State of the University address, it was more than just a new program—it was a powerful reaffirmation of Ohio State's enduring mission as a land-grant institution. For 65 years, The Ohio State University at Lima has been a living embodiment of this mission, providing access to an Ohio State education and lifting up communities in northwest Ohio. The new commitment ensures this vital work will continue for generations to come.
The Morrill Act of 1862 established land-grant universities with a radical purpose: to provide practical education for all citizens, not just the privileged few. These institutions were founded on the principle that knowledge and innovation should serve the public good, with a focus on agriculture, mechanical arts and military science. Today, that mission is more relevant than ever. Regional campuses like Ohio State Lima bring the vast resources of a world-class research university directly to local communities, serving as engines of economic development, cultural enrichment and individual opportunity.
The impact of this commitment is best seen in the stories of the people and programs that define our campus. Consider the "Drumming for Wellness" program, a unique collaboration between the Music Department at Ohio State Lima and Mercy Health-St. Rita's Medical Center. This initiative uses the therapeutic power of rhythm to bring comfort and improve motor skills for Parkinson's disease patients, demonstrating a profound partnership that extends beyond the classroom to serve a critical community need.
Our students, too, are a testament to the land-grant mission. Marie Walton, a former undergraduate researcher, is a shining example. Her work on lepidopteran diversity was celebrated at the prestigious Ohio State University-wide Denman Undergraduate Research Forum. Now, she gives back to her community as a member of the Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District in Allen County, applying the skills and passion she developed on our campus to her local community. Her journey underscores how an Ohio State education, rooted in place, can inspire a lifetime of service.
Furthermore, Ohio State Lima's deep relationships with leading industry partners, such as the Lima Ford Engine Plant, show our commitment to preparing the next generation of leaders. The Engineering Education and Manufacturing Center, located on the former Ford training grounds, provides our Engineering Technology students with a hands-on learning environment that directly supports the manufacturing needs of our region. This partnership is a perfect example of a modern land-grant university, adapting its core mission to meet the demands of a changing workforce and ensuring our graduates are ready to contribute from day one.
The Regional Campus Commitment is a bold step forward, one that recognizes the vital role regional campuses play in a robust and accessible higher education system. As Ohio State Lima celebrates its 65th anniversary, it looks toward a future full of promise. By continuing to forge strong community ties, educate talented students, and collaborate with industry, the Lima campus will not only fulfill its land-grant legacy but will also continue to be a beacon of opportunity for all of northwest Ohio.
