Wright St. reports to community

VAN WERT - Each year, the area has the opportunity to hear about the progress of Wright State University, both the main campus at Dayton and the Lake Campus. On Wednesday, WSU President Dr. David R. Hopkins presented the university's Annual Report to the Community at a luncheon at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center. Billing himself as Wright State's biggest cheerleader, Hopkins had no problems singing the praises of his institution.
First he recognized Dean Bonnie Mathies of the Lake Campus for her leadership.
"The Lake Campus is thriving, and that's not by accident. There are a lot of people in this room I know work so hard looking out for the faculty and staff, but it takes great leaders who have a vision for what we can do to serve the community. At Wright State University, that's all we think about -- how do we produce the talent that you need for your local businesses and industry and whatever non-profits, and how do we spur the economy for your region, and how do we make sure we are providing the services that you need."
Mathies herself stated that Lake Campus is "growing by leaps and bounds" in her remarks starting her remarks. At the Celina facility, new permanent student housing has opened and is full for the upcoming fall semester.
She went on to note that despite a recent expansion, "We're out of space! That's a good thing, I guess because it means we are very successful. It just makes it difficult for staff and students."
Along with a list of popular and successful degree programs at WSU-LC, Mathies said she is looking forward to having even more programs available at the Lake Campus to allow students to earn Bachelor's and Associate's degrees.
Also speaking at the event was Vantage Career Center Adult Education Coordinator Pete Prichard who talked about the programs at Vantage and the association of the school with both Wright State and Northwest State Community College. The nursing coordinator at Northwest State, Stacy Hohman also shared with the audience about her program.
In his remarks, Hopkins stressed the need to increase the rate of Ohio students attending college and then remaining in the state. To help accomplish this goal, Hopkins also touted the importance of cooperation between tradional colleges and universities, community colleges and career centers.
He stated, "Everyone has to work together to meet the needs of this great state. We're here to serve the citizens of Ohio. That's why we exist. The best way we can do that is to understand the needs and make sure we don't have to duplicate... We need to figure out ways to work with each other, and we're doing that unlike we've ever done in the state. And I think Wright State is one of the models for a four-year university for how to do that."
Hopkins also took time to present a gift of thanks to Dee Whitcraft for her work with the West Ohio Educational Foundation (WOEF). That group is celebrating its fiftieth year of existance. Over that time, WOEF has given approximately $7 million in scholarships for students to go to college.