Friday, October 29, 2010
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Cynthia Anderson
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Laura Meeks
By Denise Dick
Youngstown
A few years ago, Youngstown State University junior Octavia Lover was a high school dropout — spending her time milking cows, cleaning houses or herding sheep.
“When I was younger, I hated school,” said Lover, 21, of Steubenville.
She dropped out at 15, but after a series of jobs that included cleaning, cow milking and sheep herding, she returned at 17 to earn her high school diploma.
She graduated and then went to Eastern Gateway Community College, studying Spanish education.
“It just blew my mind how much I could learn,” Lover said.
After two years at EGCC, she moved on to YSU, where the relationships between students and teachers impressed her.
Lover told her story Thursday during a news conference by YSU President Cynthia E. Anderson and Laura Meeks, EGCC president, who talked about a partnership between the two institutions.
“In order for the Mahoning Valley to become prosperous, we need to increase the number of individuals entering and ultimately, earning degrees,” Anderson said.
The lack of a community college in the area put the Valley at a disadvantage. In July 2009, Jefferson Community College was expanded by the state Legislature and became EGCC, which offers classes in Mahoning, Columbiana and Trumbull counties, allowing students to earn associate degrees in several fields.
“Eastern Gateway is our partner in increasing educational attainment in our area,” Anderson said.
The two institutions are looking at ways to work together, she said.
Meeks said that YSU has already helped EGCC.
For three years, YSU has offered a degree in power-plant technology at EGCC’s Jefferson campus. They’re also starting a joint program on student advising and shared technology services, Meeks said.
“Sixteen students transferred from Eastern Gateway last semester to YSU for the fall,” Meeks said.
Lover, whose mother, aunt and uncle attended YSU, hopes to join the Peace Corps after graduation. She plans a career as a Spanish teacher.