Ohio State continues its campaign for affordable education

LONDON, Ohio — But for Ohio State, Natalie Miller would not have had gained the experience and education she needed to pursue a career as a grain merchandiser. Miller said she is very fortunate to be able to have most of her education funded through scholarships.

As a sophomore studying agribusiness and applied economics at Ohio State University, Miller said through scholarships and funding she has not only been able to fund her education but also attend study abroad trips to further her education and experiences. Miller’s student success story and many others were represented during the Celebration of Ohio Agriculture Luncheon at the Farm Science Review in London, Ohio, Sept. 20.

Fundraising campaign

As the But for Ohio State Campaign fundraising comes to a close, Ohio State President Michael V. Drake shared the college had exceeded its goal of raising $2.5 billion in December. The goal: to provide access and affordability to excellent education at the university, said Drake.

Interim Vice President for Agricultural Administration and Dean Lonnie J. King said, more than $22 million in gifts were received by the College of Food Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (CFAES), almost 50 percent over their goal of $15 million.

Drake said another way Ohio State is keeping its college affordable for students is holding its tuition and room and board from increasing. A new program put in place will lower tuition by 25 percent for students wishing to take summer courses at the university.

New faculty and staff

Drake said around $125 million is being invested into new research in food security. As a part of the Discover Themes at Ohio State University, research is being funded in areas of food production, food security and health and wellness. Currently the college has hired 15 new faculty members and plans to add 13 more in the areas of research.

Also visiting the Review Tuesday, was Ohio Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor who emphasized the importance of agriculture in the state and in agricultural education in the schools. She said it is exciting to see more inner-city schools taking on agriculture education programs.

Fast facts:

• More than $22 million in gifts were received by the College of Food Agriculture and Environmental Sciences in student support funds, 50 percent over the campaign goal of $15 million.
• More than 440 students s benefitted from the campaign and more than 140 new student support funds were created.
• 74 percent of CFAES graduates are employed in Ohio and 322 companies hired CFAES graduates in the last year.