The Workforce, Community and Economic Development division of Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) has experienced tremendous growth over the last two years.
Enrollment in workforce programs is trending upward and the number of students receiving industry-recognized certificates has increased by 400 percent during this period. New programs have been established and augmented with facilities that include an upgraded Manufacturing Technology Center incorporating a high-tech learning lab known as The Ideation Station, a new welding laboratory and a mobile unit capable of delivering instruction at remote locations.
In order to sustain this momentum, collaboration with local businesses and community members is essential to ensure that programs and training remain relevant and are aligned with the workforce needs of the region. To that end, the Tri-C Board of Visitors was established this year.
A distinguished group
Members of the Board of Visitors represent distinguished business and civic leaders from key industries in Northeast Ohio — advanced manufacturing, health care, information technology, public safety, construction/building trades and truck driving/logistics.
The role of the Board of Visitors is to:
■ Advise college leadership on a wide range of issues regarding Tri-C’s role, mission and alignment to the people and the business needs of Northeast Ohio.
■ Review matters such as workforce development strategies, training and talent development, economic impact, community engagement and partnerships that meet the needs of businesses.
■ Serve as an advocate for the college, assisting Tri-C in promoting understanding and support from the business community, economic development organizations, local elected officials, the media and the general public.
Tri-C students will also benefit as the Board of Visitors provides high-level feedback and guidance on college programs and services, validating that training aligns with the region’s workforce needs.
Making an impact
The Board of Visitors is chaired by Robert C. Smith, partner at HPM Partners, a national provider of investment advisory and wealth management services.
Smith also holds numerous board positions within the community, including serving as a member of the executive committee of the Greater Cleveland Partnership and as a board member of Team NEO, Lake Ridge Academy and University Hospitals, among others. His background makes him perfectly situated to lead this group of business leaders and provide Tri-C with the necessary advice and counsel to move our programs forward.
Making an impact on the workforce in Northeast Ohio is one of Cuyahoga Community College’s strategic priorities. The creation of the Board of Visitors will position Tri-C as an essential, relevant and solution-orientated training partner of choice. ●
These are the members of the Board of Visitors: Robert C. Smith, Teri Agosta, Frank Aucremanne, Randy Bennett, Daniel Berry, Dr. Akram Boutros, Ted Carter, Margot Copeland, Lee Friedman, William Gary Sr., David Goodman, Constance Haqq, Alex Johnson, Kevin Kelley, Ariane Kirkpatrick, Robert J. Klonk, William Koehler, Ray Leach, John McMillan, Dominic Ozanne, Gwenay Reaze-Coniglio, Carol Rivchun, Brad Roller, Joe Roman, Edward Rybka, Esq., Jack Schron, John Skory, the Rev. Hilton O. Smith, Brad Whitehead and William Young.
Alex Johnson, Ph.D. is president at Cuyahoga Community College.
