Tue Feb 09 2010
By JACK PALMER
Being born in the United States is no longer a competitive advantage, the president of Northwest State Community College told a group of area business people and students this morning at the Defiance Area Chamber of Commerce "Breakfast of Champions."
The presentation was held at the Hubbard banquet room in the Defiance College Serrick Center.
"Great minds are everywhere," said Dr. Thomas Stuckey, who grew up on a farm in Williams County. "Technology can bring intellect to everywhere."
Stuckey explained that today's education is all about economic development.
"You cannot sit still. The world is moving on. Don't allow yourself to sit by and watch. Education does make a difference."
To illustrate his point, Stuckey said persons without a high school diploma earn $22,000 annually or less and persons with only a high school diploma earn an average of $28,000 per year. Those incomes increase to $35,000 or more to persons with associate degrees and $42,000 or more for those with a four-year college diploma.
"Compare those figures over a lifetime," said Stuckey.
"We were the only college in Ohio to lower tuition this fall," said Stuckey, noting NSCC's 4 percent decrease from $136 to $131 per semester hour.
NSCC currently offers more than 65 career-oriented associate degrees and certificates in arts and sciences, allied health and human services, business technologies and engineering technologies. Some of the newest programs include alternative energy, forensic accounting, public administration and non-profit management and industrial certification.
The college has branch learning sites in Defiance, Paulding, Bryan, Metamora and Van Wert. Defiance College recently opened up a classroom in Defiance Hall for NSCC students.
"One of my biggest joys for us was connecting with Defiance College," said Stuckey. "There is no reason for us to be in competition. About 50 percent of our students don't stop with an associate degree."
He reported that the four-year institutions where NSCC students transfer most often are Defiance College, Bluffton University, University of Toledo, Bowling Green State University, Lourdes College and Spring Arbor (Mich.) College. Counselors from all six institutions are available at NSCC on a weekly basis.
Stuckey concluded his presentation on an optimistic note, saying the educational possibilities for area residents is unlimited.
"There are many global success stories in northwest Ohio," he said.
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