Eastern Gateway Named Community College 'Exemplar'

STEUBENVILLE, Ohio — Eastern Gateway Community College was named Ohio Community College Exemplar for 2015.

The award, recognizing Eastern Gateway’s efforts to prepare a diverse student population for career success, was presented at a luncheon Tuesday during the ACT Ohio State Conference in Columbus.

The Exemplar program, administered by the ACT College and Career Readiness Campaign, recognizes employers, community colleges, high schools and their seniors.

Participating states select one winner in each of the four categories. Each of the state winners then competes in the national Exemplar competition, with one overall winner chosen in each category. This year, 34 states are participating in the Exemplar program. National winners will be announced in May.

The Community College Exemplar award is based on the strength of the college’s relationships with local employers as well as student success indicators, including retention, graduation and four-year college transfer rates. Exemplars also are expected to demonstrate a clear dedication to career planning, provide a support structure for students as well as leadership opportunities outside the classroom; and maintain a focus on career readiness assessments and career preparation programs.

“It’s not enough to just enroll students in a degree program,” says Dr. James Baber, executive vice president for academic and student affairs at Eastern Gateway.

“Students don’t come from cookie-cutter backgrounds, and as an institution of higher learning we can’t take a one-size-fits-all approach to addressing their needs. It’s our job to provide them with the support and resources they need to succeed in their chosen careers and in their communities, regardless of their racial, ethnic or socioeconomic makeup.,” he continues. “ From encouraging and coaching high school students who are thinking about getting a jump-start on college to tutoring students who need coaching in a particular subject area or assistance finding jobs, we’ve made it our mission to help.”

Faculty and staff are committed to ensuring Eastern Gateway’s students stay in school and graduate with the knowledge and skills, he says. The community college also works with area high schools and employers to develop opportunities for its students to learn and thrive. “Being chosen as an Exemplar tells us those efforts aren’t going unnoticed or unappreciated,” he says.

SOURCE: Eastern Gateway Community College.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.

Eastern Gateway Named Community College ‘Exemplar’