Nina Wiley, assistant vice president of student affairs at Clark State College, and her husband Steven have donated the funding for a gathering space outside of Rhodes Hall on the main Clark State campus in Springfield.
The Nina and Steven Wiley Student Plaza will provide a space for everyone in the Clark State community – students, faculty, staff, and community members.
Nina Wiley said the plaza fosters a greater sense of belonging and social connections for students, thus positively impacting student persistence and retention.
“I have dedicated over 18 years to serving students at Clark State. My journey has been remarkable,” she said.
Wiley began as an admissions specialist in 2006 and worked through Student Affairs to her current position.
She has remained committed to providing meaningful engagement opportunities for students that promote growth, leadership, and academic success.
"We are proud to have an outside space on campus where students can gather, learn and connect with one another,” said Wiley. “The design of the plaza lends itself to a welcoming environment, perfect for student life events and programming.”
In 2023, the Wiley family established a scholarship through the Clark State Foundation in honor of Nina’s late father, Bobby Fisher.
Wiley Plaza will be dedicated on April 18 at 3 p.m.
Dr. Jo Alice Blondin, president of Clark State said there are no bigger supporters of Clark State students than Nina and Steve Wiley.
“Their incredibly generous gift will provide students with a place to gather, fellowship, and interact in a way that brings life and joy to our college,” she said. “Nina and Steve’s commitment to the well-being of our students is evident in this space that we are dedicating to them and will become a visible reminder of their dedication and generosity.”
The renovation of Rhodes Hall on Clark State’s campus began in 2014 with the creation of the Student Academic Support Center on the first floor. The next phase of renovation (2017) was primarily focused on updating the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing infrastructure of the building. In 2019, another phase of renovations enhanced the student and faculty learning environment by modernizing the classrooms, restrooms, hallways, flooring, and faculty offices on the third floor. In 2021, additional renovations occurred to address similar needs on the second floor.
"Nina has witnessed the transformation of Rhodes Hall, and I am sure has kept a keen focus on where students will gather and what they will utilize within this newly renovated space," said Blondin. "After all, Nina is a champion of student life and belonging."
The final phase of renovations - underway since last summer - includes updates to the four science labs, the exterior envelope of Rhodes Hall, and the Wiley Plaza. This current renovation serves as a capstone for a ten-year long, $17 million dollar commitment by Clark State and the state of Ohio to enhance the learning/teaching environment for its students and faculty.