Clark State College will celebrate its 60th annual Charter Night at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, February 22 with a virtual gathering of Faculty, staff, students and guests.
Charter Night serves to remind the college and the community about the establishment of Clark State’s charter in 1966 to operate as a post-secondary institution in the region. Charter Night also marks the beginning of Clark State’s Diamond Anniversary celebration.
“This Charter Night will mark the 60th Anniversary of our founding as a college. We are honored to share our history during our celebration, as well as look to the future of our programs and student experience,” said Dr. Jo Alice Blondin, president of Clark State. “This year's Charter Night really represents a milestone in the community support we have received for 60 years, for which we are deeply grateful.”
Charter Night will honor recipients of Staff Professional Excellence Awards, Faculty Professional Excellence Awards, Adjunct Faculty Professional Excellence Awards and the Diversity & Inclusion Awards. In addition, Clark State will recognize 32 employees who have worked for the college ranging from five to 35 years
“Clark State’s theme throughout this academic year has been ‘Reunited,” said Blondin. “Although the pandemic continues to affect how we plan many of our events, we have learned to reunite virtually and in-person to remain productive and connected, while fostering a culture of care for our students and employees.”
While Clark State has been a cornerstone of higher education in the community and surrounding areas since 1962, one thing always remains constant: change.
The Springfield and Clark County Technical Education Program opened in 1962 and began to offer technical training for residents of Springfield, Ohio, and surrounding communities. The charter for the organization of the Clark County Technical Institute was effective February 18, 1966.
Clark County Technical Institute became Ohio’s first technical college to be sanctioned by the Ohio Board of Regents, the name changed from Clark County Technical Institute to Clark Technical College by action of the Ohio Board of Regents on February 17, 1972.
The charter changed from Clark Technical College to Clark State Community College on June 17, 1988, and the college began offering Associate of Arts and Associate of Science transfer degrees that same year.
With the addition of two bachelor’s degrees now available at Clark State, the Board of Trustees voted in 2018 to change the name of the institution to encompass the advancements in educational opportunities made by the college. On January 1, 2021, Clark State Community College became Clark State College.
State of Ohio Representative Kyle Koehler will be attending Charter Night. He offered his thanks to President Blondin and Clark State’s educators for “their continued commitment to making Clark County a fantastic place to live, learn, work, and thrive.” Koehler will award a congratulatory commendation commissioned in honor of Clark State’s 60th Anniversary.
“Clark State College has provided a pathway for thousands of first generation college students to fulfill the dream of a college degree. With multiple technical credentials already available in the workforce, Clark State is even more crucial to those who did not seek a degree right out of high school,” said Koehler. “’Workforce Development’ is no longer a buzzword used to attract students to community colleges, it is the key to unlocking bright futures and massive economic growth in our great state.”
Throughout Clark State’s 60 years, the college has received numerous accolades for its achievements in diversity, equity and inclusion, workforce development, community partnerships and outreach, and educational milestones. The economic impact of Clark State on Champaign, Clark, Greene and Logan Counties is in excess of $161 million dollars annually.
Clark State’s Charter Night will officially kick- off several 60th anniversary celebration events planned throughout the year. A history committee has also been appointed and is working to publish a bookmarking the College’s growth and achievements.
While Clark State’s mission remains the same: to engage and empower diverse learners by providing high-quality educational programs and services that emphasize student and community success, the College will continue to keep striving forward.
“As we look back to celebrate 60 years of student and community success, we also need to have a vision for the future,” said Dr. Dawayne Kirkman, vice president of student affairs at Clark State. “Like a diamond, there are many facets to Clark State’s success. Looking to the next 60 years, our partnerships with our students and community will only grow and strengthen.”