The college offers two bachelor’s degree programs – Manufacturing Technology Management and Web Development and Design.
The new name, effective Jan. 1, was approved by the Board of Trustees on Tuesday.
“The name change is an indication of growth in mission and accessibility for our students and the community. The community, in fact, has never been more important to us, and the region will continue to see our unrelenting focus on serving them through programs, services, outreach, and the arts,” said Clark State Community College President Dr. Jo Alice Blondin.
Blondin said this name change indicates an increase in educational offerings for Clark, Champaign, Logan and Greene counties, and the school will continue their partnerships with other area colleges.
Clark State has campuses in Springfield, Beavercreek, Xenia and Bellefontaine.
“We will continue to work with our college and university partners to ensure transferability and strong partnerships in degree programs that we cannot offer. We also look forward to increased professional development opportunities and collaboration among faculty and staff,” Blondin said.
Blondin added that Urbana University’s closing at end of the 2020 spring semester “had no bearing on the name change" as they have been discussing the switch since the college was approved for its first bachelor’s degree program in 2018.
“The college has seen three name changes... all changes that coincided with the ever-increasing educational opportunities Clark State offers,” Blondin said.
Clark State was established in 1962 as Clark County Technical Education Program, with Clark County Technical Institute becoming effective in 1966, later changing to Clark Technical College in 1972, and then finally changing to Clark State Community College in 1988 when it began offering associate degrees, according to Blondin.
Officials with both the Clark County Commission and the City of Springfield said Clark State is a value and an asset to the community.
“Clark State has been a tremendous asset in our community for decades,” said Clark County Commission President Melanie Flax Wilt. “Clark State is a key partner in workforce development and we look forward to expanding our partnerships well into the future.”
Valerie Lough, Community Information Coordinator for the city of Springfield, said Clark State is “just one of the valued pillars in our community” and “a vital part of our collective effort to build an even better and brighter future for coming generations.”
“In this transition, we are confident that Clark State College will carry on the proud legacy of Clark State Community College: providing quality education and career training to our citizens and partnering with the rest of the community to make Springfield, Ohio an even better place to live, work and play,” she said.
The Ohio Department of Higher Education must still approve the name change.
Blondin said the name change also reflects the college’s committment to diversity.
“Clark State welcomes everyone. We are proud of our diversity—the diversity of our employees, our students, the communities that we serve, and our programs and academic offerings. This name change is a strong indication of our commitment to diversity as well,” Blondin said.
BY THE NUMBERS
Jan 1., 2021: Clark State Community College will become Clark State College
2019: Clark State approved to offer second bachelor’s degree in Web Design and Development
2018: Clark State approved to offer first bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Technology Management
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