The University of Cincinnati purchased the land for the campus from Cincinnati in 1965
Fifty years of providing higher education is worth celebrating. The University of Cincinnati Blue Ash College first opened its doors to 632 students on Sept. 25,1967.
Two events in history played key roles in the birth of the UC Blue Ash College those 50 years ago. University of Cincinnati purchased the land for the campus from the city of Cincinnati in 1965. Originally intended for use as the Greater Cincinnati Airport, the city sold the land after Kentucky won that bid. Simultaneously the U. S. Congress passed the Higher Education Act during the presidency of Lyndon Johnson.
A fast-growing “baby boomer” population combined with the need for more highly skilled workers in business created the need for lower and middle class students to have access to a college education. Ohio chose to use funding from the Higher Education Act to create regional colleges. It promised open access to anybody with a high school diploma.
“Just to open the door to higher education for more students, ” said Pete Gemmer, director of communications, UC Blue Ash College. “That’s how UC Blue Ash College was born. We were the first regional college created by the university.”
The newly created regional university offered all two-year associate degree programs for students in 1967. About half were designed for the student to transition to a four-year bachelor degree on the main UC campus. Students were mostly non-traditional working adults. By 1973 enrollment had reached 2,000 and grew quickly to 3,000 by 1976. In 1990 the student body had swelled to 4,000 eventually reaching a high enrollment near 5,300.
This year UC Blue Ash launched its 50th anniversary year with its fall semester kick-off on Aug. 21. Total enrollment is again near 5,000 students including a freshman class projected to exceed the 2014 record of 1,347. The official number will be known sometime in mid-September. They’ ll have the opportunity to pursue a degree from nearly 50 different academic programs including full four-year bachelor’s degrees.
“There are a lot of great things happening now, and going forward too, for the college, ” Gemmer said.
They already had a community kick-off day in Summit Park on Aug. 9. The brand new Progress Hall just opened with state-of-the-art classrooms and administration offices. A $4.5 million renovation of the library in Muntz Hall was completed in 2013. Muntz Hall was named to honor Earnest Muntz who oversaw tremendous growth and academic success during his 21-year tenure as dean of the college.
Progress and growth have not been limited to the student body. Muntz Hall was the only building when the college opened in 1967. Including the brand new Progress Hall, there are now six buildings on the Blue Ash campus. Though it has always been part of the University of Cincinnati, UC Blue Ash College was known as Raymond Walters College until the name was changed in 2011. Dr. Robin Lightner is proud of her 17 years as professor and administrator and currently serves as interim dean for the college.
“We attract students for a variety of reasons, ” said Lightner, explaining some come for the savings at about half the price of main campus. An easy commute is the reason for other students. For some it may be their only option. “We do a really good job of supporting them and preparing them for a four-year degree. That’s what they want eventually.”
UC Blue Ash College students come with a variety of different backgrounds as well. The majority of fall 2017 freshmen come from Greater Cincinnati high schools including 81 from Lakota East, 65 from Lakota West as well as Mason with 79, Fairfield with 62 and 59 from Colerain among the largest local contributors. More than 200 students also come from outside the United States with Mexico, Ghana and India the most popular countries for international students.
More than 23,000 alumni worldwide are leaders in their professions and communities. Student success is the one thing that stands out most for Dr. Lightner as a professor and administrator.
“We are all about helping students and student success, ” Lightner said. “It has always been the focus. When we hire new faculty, that’s what we interview for. We want to make sure they do whatever they can to help our students be successful.”
Eric Broyles overcame graduating at the bottom of his high school class to graduate pre-business from UC Blue Ash in 1990 then graduated with honors from UC Uptown and went on to earn his law degree. He is a successful attorney, entrepreneur and CEO of ExpertConnect – an international investment research firm.
An innocent 13-year-old child in India, Prerna Gandhi was victim of a vicious acid attack. She received treatment in Cincinnati, stayed here and is flourishing as a student ambassador for UC Blue Ash.
“The stories they have, ” Gemmer said. “The way they’ ve overcome challenges in their lives, stayed focused on their goals and how we’ re able to help them do that. It really is the rewarding part of it.”
The University of Cincinnati Blue Ash College has produced a lot of stories in 50 years. There is even a book being published to celebrate its 50th anniversary: “50 Years of UC Blue Ash College: Inspiring Student Success – Then, Now, Always.” The book will be available for purchase near the end of September. They will celebrate their history and look to a future of inspiring success with many events throughout this anniversary year.
There will be an anniversary gala, an exhibit in the library, a speaker series and many more all open to the public.
What: 50th Anniversary Gala – UC Blue Ash College
When: Thursday, Sept. 28,5: 30 p.m. cocktail reception 7 p.m. dinner/program
Where: On the UC Blue Ash College Campus
Cost: Open to the public at $50 per person. Proceeds go to the UC Blue Ash College Student Scholarship Fund.
Learn more and register at: foundation.uc.edu/UCBA50thAnniversary .
