Shows
Conversations with Owens Community College President Dr. Dione D. SomervilleToledo Regional Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Wendy GramzaWendy Gramza is the President and CEO of the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce. She assumed this role on July 1, 2014, after serving as Executive Vice President for 11 years. During her over 25 years as a Chamber professional, she has also served as vice president of Business Development Services and held several other positions within the organization.She is a graduate of the University of Toledo, holding a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Marketing. Wendy is also a graduate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Organizational Management.Wendy is a participant in the...2025-07-1053 min
Conversations with Owens Community College President Dr. Dione D. SomervilleThe Montrose Group, LLC Founder/Principal Dave RobinsonDave Robinson is the founder and principal of The Montrose Group, LLC, a national economic development and public affairs consulting firm based in Columbus, Ohio. With more than 30 years of experience at the intersection of government, business and public policy, Dave is a recognized leader in economic development strategy, corporate site location and advocacy.Dave has guided Fortune 500 companies, mid-sized firms and local governments through complex development projects, helping clients secure millions of dollars in incentives and successfully expand or relocate across multiple states. His leadership has been instrumental in shaping strategic economic development plans that drive...2025-06-1229 min
Conversations with Owens Community College President Dr. Dione D. SomervilleOACC President and CEO Avi ZaffiniAvi Zaffini serves as president and CEO of the Ohio Association of Community Colleges, leading efforts to support and advocate for Ohio’s 23 community colleges and their leadership teams. Since stepping into the role in 2023, Avi has focused on strengthening workforce development initiatives, expanding partnerships and ensuring that Ohio’s community colleges remain a vital pathway to economic opportunity.Before joining OACC, Avi was senior vice president of Business Engagement and Strategic Initiatives at the Ohio Business Roundtable, where he played a key role in business development, member engagement and private-sector initiatives. He also oversaw the Ohio CEO...2025-05-0849 min
Conversations with Owens Community College President Dr. Dione D. SomervilleODHE Chancellor Mike DuffeyMike Duffey was appointed the 11th Chancellor of the Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE) in January 2024. In this role, he oversees Ohio’s two-year and four-year colleges, universities and Ohio Technical Centers, providing policy guidance to the Governor and General Assembly while implementing state higher education policy.Prior to becoming Chancellor, Duffey served ODHE for five years as Senior Vice Chancellor, leading key policy initiatives, including transcript release, student debt relief, FAFSA completion, short-term credentials, Ohio’s College Comeback initiative and support for innovation and technology commercialization.Before joining ODHE, he served eight years in t...2025-04-1046 min
Conversations with Owens Community College President Dr. Dione D. SomervilleProMedica President and CEO Arturo PolizziArturo Polizzi is the president and chief executive officer of ProMedica, a leading not-for-profit healthcare system headquartered in Toledo, Ohio. Polizzi is an experienced executive with a demonstrated history of working in the hospital and healthcare industry. He is highly skilled in nonprofit organizations, strategy, operations, team building and business development.A first-generation college student, Arturo’s journey began at Miami University, where he received his Bachelor of Science in Business. He went on to earn his Juris Doctor in Law from the University of Toledo and later his Master of Business Administration degree from the University of...2025-03-1334 min
Conversations with Owens Community College President Dr. Dione D. SomervilleWelcome to a New Life Executive Director Carla BenjaminCarla Benjamin is a dedicated community leader and advocate for hope, equity and opportunity. She is a graduate of the University of Findlay, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Spanish Business with a minor in Business Administration. Her educational foundation, combined with her lived experience, has fueled her passion for supporting individuals and families striving for a better future.As executive director of Welcome to a New Life, Carla plays a pivotal role in guiding individuals on the path to personal transformation. Her career is rooted in service, with past roles as a Member Service Co...2025-02-1343 min
Conversations with Owens Community College President Dr. Dione D. SomervilleToledo Tomorrow President Bob SavageToledo Tomorrow was founded in 2018 as the northwest Ohio region’s first College & Career Access Group, and has worked to build broad and diverse educational & community partnerships, and achieved good changes and progress. Toledo Tomorrow’s mission is to eliminate barriers to student success and ensure that all students and adults, regardless of race, ZIP code or life circumstance, have a pathway to complete a meaningful education and enter the workforce. President Bob Savage has strong ties to the regional community's education, nonprofit, government, business and philanthropic sectors. Savage is a member of the Ohio College Access and...2025-01-0941 min
Conversations with Owens Community College President Dr. Dione D. SomervilleTARTA CEO Laura KoprowskiLaura Koprowski is the chief executive officer of the Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA). She has amassed more than 20 years of leadership in transportation, strategic planning, communications and public policy. Her career is marked by successful collaborations with public officials, civic organizations and businesses, driving partnerships that fuel organizational growth and regional transformation.Laura holds a Master of Public Administration from Bowling Green State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Ohio University. Her educational background in public service has been foundational to her success in developing innovative programs and leading organizational change.2024-12-1246 min
Conversations with Owens Community College President Dr. Dione D. SomervilleRetired KeyBank President, Former RGP Chair Jim HoffmanJim Hoffman, retired president of KeyBank in Ohio, has made a lasting impact on the financial industry and the broader Ohio community over his distinguished career. His leadership and dedication to fostering economic growth in the region have earned him a reputation as a trusted figure in banking and finance.Jim's educational background laid the foundation for his successful career. He attended the University of Toledo, earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration. His academic pursuits equipped him with the expertise needed to navigate the complexities of the financial sector.He is also...2024-11-1447 min
Unveiling Organizational CultureInterview with Dr. Dione SomervilleIn this episode, we discuss the importance of community involvement and the value of Board memberships.
2024-11-0443 min
Conversations with Owens Community College President Dr. Dione D. SomervilleNorthwest Ohio Innovation Consortium President Roger SmithRoger Smith has been a key figure in the glass industry of Northwest Ohio for more than 20 years. His journey began with an associate degree from Owens Community College, followed by a bachelor's in Electrical Engineering from the University of Toledo. Roger then went on to earn his MBA from Bowling Green State University.Throughout his career, Roger has held various influential roles, including more than two decades with O-I Glass Incorporated, a leader in the advanced manufacturing industry. His roles ranged from leading packaging technology research and innovation to emerging technology leadership, bringing significant advancements to...2024-10-1047 min
Conversations with Owens Community College President Dr. Dione D. SomervilleOwens Community College Dental Hygiene Instructor Nicole BuchananNicole Buchanan is a dedicated and accomplished professional in dental hygiene. A 2013 graduate of Owens Community College in dental hygiene, Nicole earned her bachelor’s degree from Bowling Green State University and a master’s degree in public health from the Northwest Ohio Consortium for Public Health.Nicole began her career at Owens as an adjunct faculty member in 2014 and was promoted to dental assisting coordinator in 2018. By 2021, she was hired as a full-time instructor in dental assisting, and in 2014, she moved to her current position as a dental hygiene instructor. In addition to her role at Owen...2024-09-1234 min
Conversations with Owens Community College President Dr. Dione D. SomervilleFirst Solar Plant Manager and Director of Operators Jason MestellerIn this episode of the Conversations podcast, Dr. Dione D. Somerville sits down with Jason Mesteller, a seasoned plant manager and director of operations with more than 17 years of experience at First Solar, a leading global provider of comprehensive photovoltaic (PV) solar energy solutions. His professional journey began with a solid educational foundation. He holds an Associate of Science degree in Aviation Maintenance Management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida and a Bachelor of Arts in Individualized Studies from the University of Toledo.Jason has held several key positions within First Solar, progressively taking on more responsibility...2024-08-0843 min
Conversations with Owens Community College President Dr. Dione D. SomervilleBlanchard Valley Health System President/CEO Myron D. LewisIn this episode of the Conversations podcast, Dr. Dione D. Somerville sits down with Myron D. Lewis, MSW, MBA, FACHE, the president and chief executive officer of Blanchard Valley Health System in Findlay. Blending clinical expertise with strategic and operational leadership, he has served in many leadership capacities and provided direct patient care as a social worker and counselor. Lewis specializes in organizational planning, leadership development, innovation and process transformation. Passionate about healthcare and the community, he is driven by collaboration, transparency and the convention that quality care starts with a commitment to the organization’s associates.My...2024-07-1136 min
Conversations with Owens Community College President Dr. Dione D. SomervilleTMACOG Executive Director Sandy SpangIn this episode, Dr. Dione D. Somerville sits down with Sandy Spang, Executive Director of the Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments (TMACOG). Spang plays a crucial role in steering Northwest Ohio toward a brighter future through her commitment to economic development, community empowerment, and regional planning. A graduate of Bowling Green State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, Sandy has blended her business insight with her passion for economic and community development.With more than 19 years of experience in the economic workforce, Sandy took her current leadership position at TMACOG in May 2023. Her tenure is...2024-06-1359 min
Conversations with Owens Community College President Dr. Dione D. SomervilleFindlay Hancock County Economic Development Director Dan Sheaffer Listeners, please tell us about YOU by taking our four-question Listener Survey!In this episode, Dr. Dione D. Somerville sits down with Dan Sheaffer, director of Findlay Hancock County Economic Development. Sheaffer has a pivotal role in shaping Northwest Ohio’s future by attracting new investments, supporting business expansion and fostering a vibrant economic landscape. A multi-generational native of Findlay, Dan graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University.With more than a decade at Findlay Hancock County Economic Development, Dan was promoted to his current role in November 2022. His tenure in economic development is marked by a ke...2024-05-0940 min
Conversations with Owens Community College President Dr. Dione D. SomervilleKnight Insurance Group Talent Management Director Tom DanielsListeners, please tell us about YOU by taking our four-question Listener Survey!In this episode, Dr. Dione D. Somerville sits down with Tom Daniels, director of Talent Management for Knight Insurance Group and Owens Community College alumni and member of the Owens Community College Foundation board of directors.Daniels has carved a niche in Northwest Ohio as a trusted coach, adviser, speaker and volunteer. His passion lies in empowering leaders to make a significant impact in their communities, which he believes starts with recognizing everyone's innate leadership potential and desire to contribute positively....2024-04-1143 min
Conversations with Owens Community College President Dr. Dione D. SomervilleTrellis Strategies Managing Director Bryan AshtonListeners, please tell us about YOU by taking our four-question Listener Survey!In this episode, Dr. Dione D. Somerville sits down with Bryan Ashton, the chief strategy and growth officer of Trellis and head of Trellis Strategies. Trellis is a nonprofit corporation with a mission to develop and advance initiatives that grow individual economic mobility and expand community prosperity. Bryan's career trajectory has been marked by a deep commitment to enhancing the financial literacy and success of college students.Ashton’s journey began at Ohio State University’s Fisher College of Business, where he pursued a Bac...2024-03-1449 min
Conversations with Owens Community College President Dr. Dione D. SomervilleOwens Community College BIG Read Dynamic Duo Jen Hazel and Jane BergerListeners, please tell us about YOU by taking our four-question Listener Survey!In this episode, Dr. Dione D. Somerville sits down with Jen Hazel and Jane Berger, the dynamic duo leading Owens Community College’s BIG Read program designed to foster understanding and appreciation of diverse perspectives through literature and related activities. Their combined experiences and passions make them an exceptional team to promote literacy and community engagement.Jen Hazel, a professor of English at Owens Community College for over 16 years, is known for her dedication to student success and educational innovation. She holds a Mas...2024-02-0846 min
Conversations with Owens Community College President Dr. Dione D. SomervilleThe College Tour Executive Producer and Host Alex BoylanListeners, please tell us about YOU by taking our four-question Listener Survey!In this episode, Dr. Dione D. Somerville sits down with Alex Boylan, the creator, executive producer and host of the TV series The College Tour. After winning CBS’s The Amazing Race shortly after graduating from Jacksonville University with a B.S. in International Business, Alex’s sense of adventure catapulted him into the limelight, creating a successful and dynamic entertainment career both in front of and behind the camera.For nearly two decades, Alex has been a sought-after onscreen personality, having hosted the...2024-01-1151 min
Conversations with Owens Community College President Dr. Dione D. SomervilleToledo-Lucas County Public Library Executive Director and Fiscal Officer Jason KucsmaListeners, please tell us about YOU by taking our four-question Listener Survey!In this episode, Dr. Dione D. Somerville sits down with Jason Kucsma, the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library Executive Director and Fiscal Officer, a role in which his Toledo roots play an influential part.A graduate of Bowling Green State University, Jason's academic pursuits in Communications and American Culture Studies laid the groundwork for his professional trajectory. His entrepreneurial spirit manifested early on with the creation of Clamor magazine and the founding of Allied Media Projects, initiatives that underscored his commitment to independent media a...2023-12-1437 min
Conversations with Owens Community College President Dr. Dione D. SomervilleGoodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio President/CEO Amy WachobListeners, please tell us about YOU by taking our four-question Listener Survey!In this episode, Dr. Dione D. Somerville sits down with Amy Wachob, the President and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio. Wachob earned her associate degree at Owens Community College and went on to obtain her bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from the University of Toledo. She joined Goodwill Industries in 1991. Over her 32 years with the organization, she has held various leadership and management roles, including retail director, vice president and chief operating officer. She attended Goodwill Industries International, their award-winning executive development pro...2023-11-0941 min
WTOL 11 Leading EdgeLocal superintendents discuss school levies on November ballot |Owens Community College president discusses future of the school.
Jim Fritz - Supt. | Anthony Wayne
Schools
Tom Hosler - Supt. | Perrysburg
Schools
Kevin O’Shea - Supt. | Otsego
Schools
Ted Haselman - Supt. | Bowling Green City
Schools
Superintendents discuss school levies on the
ballot this November.
Dr. Dione Dorsey Somerville - Pres.
| Owens Community College
Owens president discusses the climate for
community college education, the expansion plans (Toledo campus) and progress underway, and the importance of being a community partner.2023-10-3022 min
Conversations with Owens Community College President Dr. Dione D. SomervilleCity of Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz and Director of the Department of Housing and Community Development Rosalyn ClemensListeners, please tell us about YOU by taking our four-question Listener Survey!In this episode, Dr. Dione D. Somerville sits down with the City of Toledo’s Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz and Director of the Department of Housing and Community Development Rosalyn Clemens. Mayor Kapszukiewicz received a bachelor's degree from Marquette University in 1994 and a master's degree from the University of Michigan in 1996. Prior to his election to mayor, he served as Lucas County Treasurer, a Toledo city councilman and as a member of the Lucas County Board of Education. Director Clemens has bachelor’s and master’s degrees...2023-10-1248 min
Conversations with Owens Community College President Dr. Dione D. SomervilleOwens CC PTA Chair Dr. Sara BurkeListeners, please tell us about YOU by taking our four-question Listener Survey!In this episode, Dr. Dione D. Somerville sits down with Sara Burke, PT, DPT, the chair and assistant professor of the Owens Community College Physical Therapist Assistant Program. Dr. Burke has won several awards, including the Owens’ School of Nursing and Health Professions Teaching Excellence Award, the American Association of Community College Dale P. Parnell Faculty Distinction Recognition, and the Owens’ Presidential Teaching Award. She earned her bachelor’s degree in biology from Ohio State University-Lima Campus and her doctorate in physical therapy at the Univers...2023-09-1440 min
Conversations with Owens Community College President Dr. Dione D. SomervilleUnited Way of Greater Toledo President/CEO Wendy Pestrue, J.D.Listeners, please tell us about YOU by taking our four-question Listener Survey!In this episode, Dr. Dione D. Somerville sits down with Wendy Pestrue, J.D., the President and CEO of the United Way of Greater Toledo. Pestrue has more than 20 years of nonprofit experience, with expertise in program strategy and fund development for agencies, medical centers and universities. Her experience includes notable institutions such as Ohio State’s Wexner Medical Center, Temple University College of Medicine, Texas Heart Institute and Bon Secours Virginia Health System.Her background includes frontline work in nursing, public education, government affairs and...2023-08-1033 min
Conversations with Owens Community College President Dr. Dione D. SomervilleConnecting Kids to Meals President Wendi HuntleyListeners, please tell us about YOU by taking our four-question Listener Survey!In this episode, Dr. Dione D. Somerville sits down with Wendi Huntley, the Connecting Kids to Meals president since 2016. An accomplished attorney with nearly 30 years in corporate, litigation, intellectual property, sports and entertainment law, she established her own firm, SPEC Group, after working for a large law firm. The Toledo native earned her bachelor’s degree from Bowling Green State University and Juris Doctorate from the Ohio State College of Law. She is Chair of the HOPE Toledo Board, and on the Board of Directors for...2023-07-1345 min
Conversations with Owens Community College President Dr. Dione D. SomervilleCity of Findlay Mayor Christina MurynListeners, please tell us about YOU by taking our four-question Listener Survey!In this episode, Dr. Dione D. Somerville sits down with Christina Muryn, the city of Findlay mayor since 2020. The Findlay native graduated from the University of Findlay in 2014. While at the University of Findlay, she served as the student representative to the Board of Trustees, as Student Government Association President (for two terms), as a Dana Scholar, as Service Chair of Mortar Board Academic Honor Society, as Vice President of Aristos Eklektos Service Honor Society and as a founding member of Delta Mu Delta Business H...2023-06-0838 min
Conversations with Owens Community College President Dr. Dione D. Somerville13abc Action News Anchor Kristian BrownListeners, please tell us about YOU by taking our four-question Listener Survey!In this episode, Dr. Dione D. Somerville sits down with Kristian Brown, a member of the 13abc news team since 2002 and anchor of the noon newscast and Action News at 5:30 with Lee Conklin. A graduate of the prestigious E.W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University with a degree in Broadcast Journalism, Kristian began her career at KTVE in Monroe, Louisiana before returning to her hometown of Toledo for a reporter position at WTOL.She then joined 13abc and excelled, including a focus on e...2023-05-1119 min
Conversations with Owens Community College President Dr. Dione D. SomervilleOne-Year Anniversary Podcast SpecialListeners, please tell us about YOU by taking our four-question Listener Survey!In this special episode, Dr. Dione D. Somerville celebrates the one-year anniversary of the Conversations podcast by reflecting on her favorite moments, sharing stories and excerpts from her guests and introducing producer Herbey Atkinson. The Owens Radio station manager also takes the mic and offers his perspective about Conversations; plus, after reviewing hours of conversations, he integrates never-before-heard outtakes in this must-listen episode.2023-04-1325 min
Conversations with Owens Community College President Dr. Dione D. SomervilleCherry Street Mission Ministries CEO and President Ann EbbertListeners, please tell us about YOU by taking our four-question Listener Survey!In this episode, Dr. Dione D. Somerville sits down with Ann Ebbert, the CEO and President of Cherry Street Mission Ministries since 2015. Prior to joining Cherry Street, Ann worked in ministry at Hope United Methodist Church in Whitehouse and in sales and training with Invisible Fence in Sylvania. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Miami University.2023-03-0948 min
In the Arena: Conversations of a LifetimeDr. Dione Somerville – President, Owens Community CollegeAt a young age, Dr. Somerville was encouraged and challenged by her parents and educators to set lofty goals. She coupled that life advice with a strong work ethic to establish a career path focused on serving others and making an impact. An early defining experience that sparked an interest in leadership; she served as a residence advisor/supervisor of a college dormitory when she was an undergraduate student. As president, Dr, Somerville’s collaborative leadership approach enables her to build partnerships with businesses, government entities, and educational institutions. Providing students with learning and career opportunities that tap into th...2023-03-081h 07
Conversations with Owens Community College President Dr. Dione D. SomervilleCherry Street Mission Ministries CEO and President Ann EbbertThe next episode of Conversations features Ann Ebbert, the CEO and President of Cherry Street Mission Ministries. In this preview, Ms. Ebbert discusses providing access and opportunities for people, including in higher education with Owens Community College. The full podcast releases Thursday, March 9.2023-03-0301 min
Conversations with Owens Community College President Dr. Dione D. SomervilleOACC President and CEO Jack HersheyListeners, please tell us about YOU by taking our four-question Listener Survey!In this episode, Dr. Dione D. Somerville sits down with Jack Hershey, the President and CEO of the Ohio Association of Community Colleges (OACC), which represents the state’s 23 community colleges. The Cleveland native joined the OACC following 10 years at Ohio State University, including time spent as the university’s Associate Vice President for State Relations. Earlier in his career, Hershey worked for Gov. Bob Taft and Ohio House of Representatives Speaker Jo Ann Davidson. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Akron.2023-02-0950 min
Conversations with Owens Community College President Dr. Dione D. SomervilleOACC President and CEO Jack HersheyThe next episode of Conversations features Jack Hershey, the President and CEO of the Ohio Association of Community Colleges, which represents the state’s 23 community colleges. In this preview, listen to what Mr. Hershey had to say about the connections between communities and community colleges. The full podcast releases Thursday, February 9.2023-02-0301 min
Conversations with Owens Community College President Dr. Dione D. SomervilleRossford Schools Superintendent Dan CrepsListeners, please tell us about YOU by taking our four-question Listener Survey!In this episode, Dr. Dione D. Somerville sits down with Dan Creps, the Rossford Schools Superintendent since 2013. The Rossford native earned his bachelor’s degree from Wittenberg University. He later pursued his teaching accreditation from the University of Toledo after leaving his first career, which was writing ad copy and selling advertising for a radio station in Erie, Pennsylvania. He found his calling working in education.2023-01-1245 min
Speed MentorshipDr. Dione Dorsey SomervilleEPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:Introduction3:50 | What is your definition of a successful organization?4:39 | Why does education matter?9:10 | From an organization, what are some of the biggest challenges you've faced? How did you overcome those?11:38 | How do you go about changing a bad culture? How do you take a decent culture to the next level?16:39 | For your leaders today, what are some of the biggest pitfalls they experience? What suggestions do you have?18:55 | What does a top performer look like in your organization?21:34 | What type of advice do you have for the next generation?KEY TAKEAWAYS:The biggest challenge...2023-01-0624 min
Conversations with Owens Community College President Dr. Dione D. SomervilleHOPE Toledo President and CEO Rev. John JonesListeners, please tell us about YOU by taking our four-question Listener Survey!In this episode, Dr. Dione D. Somerville sits down with the Rev. John Jones, the HOPE Toledo President and CEO since 2020 and also Associate Minister at the Christian Temple Baptist Church. The Toledo native earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance from Central State University and his MBA from the University of Toledo. He also holds a Certificate in Diversity Management from the American Hospital Association’s Institute for Diversity and Health Equity. A 2008 recipient of Toledo’s 20 Under 40 award, he serves on the boa...2022-12-0845 min
Conversations with Owens Community College President Dr. Dione D. SomervilleHOPE Toledo President and CEO Rev. John JonesThe next episode of Conversations features the Rev. John Jones, HOPE Toledo President and CEO since 2020 and Associate Minister at the Christian Temple Baptist Church. In this preview, listen to what Rev. Jones had to say about access to education. The full podcast releases Thursday, December 8.2022-12-0201 min
Conversations with Owens Community College President Dr. Dione D. SomervilleOhio Director of the Department of Development Lydia MihalikListeners, please tell us about YOU by taking our four-question Listener Survey!In this episode, Dr. Dione D. Somerville sits down with Lydia Mihalik, the Ohio Director of the Department of Development and the former Mayor of the city of Findlay. Director Mihalik is a graduate of the University of Findlay, where she played and coached on the women’s basketball team. While still in school she interned with the city of Findlay and was then offered a full-time position after she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in political science. She went from her job at the C...2022-11-1034 min
Conversations with Owens Community College President Dr. Dione D. SomervilleOhio Director of the Department of Development Lydia MihalikThe next episode of Conversations features Lydia Mihalik, the Ohio Director of the Department of Development and the former Mayor of the City of Findlay. In this preview, listen to what Director Mihalik had to say about jobs, people and the State of Ohio. The full podcast releases Thursday, November 10.2022-11-0100 min
Conversations with Owens Community College President Dr. Dione D. SomervilleWood County (Ohio) Sheriff Mark WasylyshynListeners, please tell us about YOU by taking our four-question Listener Survey!In this episode, Dr. Dione D. Somerville sits down with Mark Wasylyshyn, the Wood County (Ohio) Sheriff since 2005 and a graduate of Owens Community College. The lifelong resident of Wood County graduated from Rossford High School in 1979 and received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Hillsdale College in 1983. He is also a graduate of the Police Executive Leadership College and the National Sheriff’s Institute. Sheriff Wasylyshyn is a member of the executive committee of the National Sheriffs’ Association.2022-10-1349 min
Conversations with Owens Community College President Dr. Dione D. SomervilleWood County (Ohio) Sheriff Mark WasylyshynThe next episode of Conversations features Mark Wasylyshyn, the Wood County (Ohio) Sheriff and a graduate of Owens Community College. In this preview, listen to what Sheriff Wasylyshyn had to say about his alma mater and the many opportunities for students. The full podcast releases Thursday, October 13.2022-09-3001 min
Conversations with Owens Community College President Dr. Dione D. SomervilleToledo Museum of Art President, Director and CEO Adam Levine Listeners, please tell us about YOU by taking our four-question Listener Survey!In this episode, Dr. Dione D. Somerville sits down with Adam Levine, Edward Drummond and Florence Scott Libbey President, Director and CEO of the Toledo Museum of Art since 2020. He started his career at The Met in New York City. He is a graduate of Dartmouth College, where he triple-majored in anthropology, art history and mathematics & social science. He continued his studies as a Rhodes Scholar at the University of Oxford, where he earned his master’s degree with distinction and a D.Phil. in the...2022-09-0842 min
Conversations with Owens Community College President Dr. Dione D. SomervilleToledo Museum of Art President, Director and CEO Adam Levine The next episode of Conversations features Adam Levine, the Edward Drummond and Florence Scott Libbey President, Director and CEO of the Toledo Museum of Art. In this preview, listen to what Adam has to say about Owens Community College and its place in northwest Ohio. The full podcast releases Thursday, September 8.2022-09-0200 min
Conversations with Owens Community College President Dr. Dione D. SomervilleFindlay Hancock County Economic Director Tim R. MayleListeners, please tell us about YOU by taking our four-question Listener Survey!In this episode, Dr. Dione D. Somerville sits down with Findlay Hancock County Economic Development Director Tim Mayle. Their conversation covers a variety of topics, including Amazon’s new facility in Findlay; Findlay being named a Top Micropolitan Community for the eighth straight year and Mayle’s position at the state level with the Ohio Economic Development Association. The 2003 Ohio University graduate has an impressive list of career achievements, including the prestigious 20 under 40 community leadership award in 2013. He is former President of Findlay Young Professionals, Unite...2022-08-1158 min
Conversations with Owens Community College President Dr. Dione D. SomervilleFindlay Hancock County Economic Director Tim R. Mayle The next episode of Conversations features Findlay Hancock County Economic Development Director Tim Mayle. In this preview, listen to what Tim has to say about changes in economic development. The full podcast releases Thursday, August 11.2022-08-0501 min
Conversations with Owens Community College President Dr. Dione D. SomervilleRegional Growth Partnership (RGP) President/CEO Dean MonskeListeners, please tell us about YOU by taking our four-question Listener Survey!In this episode, Dr. Dione D. Somerville sits down with Dean Monske, the President and CEO of the Regional Growth Partnership (RGP). Dr. Somerville is a member of the RGP Board of Directors. Their conversation dives into northwest Ohio’s economic renaissance over the past decade thanks in part to collaborative efforts among connected micro-coalitions featuring private, public, higher education, economic development and workforce agencies. A respected leader in the business community, Monske is a graduate of Bowling Green State University.2022-07-1455 min
Conversations with Owens Community College President Dr. Dione D. SomervilleToledo Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Romules DurantListeners, please tell us about YOU by taking our four-question Listener Survey!In this episode, Dr. Dione D. Somerville sits down with Toledo Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Romules Durant. Their conversation covers the strong partnership and shared priorities between Owens Community College and the school district as well as Dr. Durant’s personal journey that led to him becoming a superintendent. A veteran educator, Dr. Durant joined Toledo Public Schools in 1999 and is a lifelong resident of the city. He has made a point of embedding career readiness and job pathways into education, helping to prepare students for...2022-06-0955 min
Conversations with Owens Community College President Dr. Dione D. SomervilleToledo Fire & Rescue Chief Allison ArmstrongListeners, please tell us about YOU by taking our four-question Listener Survey!In this episode, Dr. Dione D. Somerville sits down with Toledo Fire & Rescue Chief Allison Armstrong. Their conversation covers the long history Owens Community College has with the department. The episode also features reflections on Chief Armstrong’s career as a firefighter and her appointment as the first woman fire chief in the city’s history. Chief Armstrong is an Owens nursing program alumna and values her healthcare training as critical to her work in the field over the years.2022-05-1240 min
Conversations with Owens Community College President Dr. Dione D. SomervilleOhio Department of Higher Education Chancellor Randy Gardner Listeners, please tell us about YOU by taking our four-question Listener Survey!In this inaugural episode, Owens Community College President Dr. Dione D. Somerville sits down with Ohio Department of Higher Education Chancellor Randy Gardner. Released during National Community College Month, the episode covers the contributions community colleges make to Ohio’s economic health. For example, Intel recently announced a significant investment in northwest Ohio that will bring thousands of jobs to the region. Chancellor Gardner said 70 percent of the new Intel jobs will not require a four-year degree which opens up tremendous opportunity for community college stu...2022-04-2641 min