It was a time when families gathered Sunday nights to watch the Ed Sullivan show, when an individual could buy a car for $2,100 and when postage stamps were only three cents. This was the year that Elvis was taking over the airways and the average annual salary was $5,300.

It was also in 1956 that Ohio University Southern, then known as the “Ironton Branch,” began offering night classes at the old Ironton High School.

Throughout 2016, Ohio University Southern is celebrating six decades of changing lives and the university community has been looking back on our progress throughout the year. We are also looking ahead to our future of serving students in Ohio, northeastern Kentucky, western West Virginia and beyond — as new online courses open our doors to the world.

Just as in the early days, Ohio University Southern is committed to serving the needs of a diverse student population. Whether individuals come to us directly from high school, as an adult returning to the classroom after many years in the work force or as a first-time adult student, course subjects and schedules at Ohio University Southern are designed to meet their needs.

One of five regional campuses within the Ohio University system, Ohio University Southern has grown tremendously. The first permanent building, the Collins Center, was dedicated in 1985. Today, Ohio University Southern includes the four-building campus in Ironton, the Proctorville Center, the Ohio Horse Park in Franklin Furnace and the Child Development Center in Hanging Rock.

From its humble beginnings of offering two-year evening courses for cadet teachers to having more than 30 high quality, low-cost degree and certificate programs, Ohio University Southern remains true to its mission of providing quality higher education opportunities for those whose commitments to jobs and families inspire them to remain within their communities while attending college.

Since its inception, the university has changed with its community. Ohio University Southern has continually evaluated the needs of the region and it has evolved over the years to provide education and training pertinent to a changing business and industrial landscape. Additionally, the university community strives to give back to the citizens that willed Ohio University Southern into existence so many decades ago.

Today, Ohio University Southern employs nearly 80 full-time staff members and our most popular programs include the bachelor’s degrees in early and middle childhood education; social work; nursing; and healthcare administration. Our associate’s degrees in environmental engineering technology, equines studies, law enforcement technology and electronic media offer students educational options that are truly unique to our region.

Throughout its 60 years, one thing has remained constant. Ohio University Southern provides the academic experience of a nationally recognized research educational institution, while maintaining the individual attention and personal touch associated with a small-campus atmosphere.

Ohio University Southern would love to see your old photos and record your memories of the university. Please contact Traci Tillis, director of marketing and public relations at ttillis1@ohio.edu or call 740-533-4656 with your story.

 

Traci Tills is the director of marketing and public relations for Ohio University Southern. She can be reached at 740-533-4656 or tillst1@ohio.edu.