Higher Education Creates Opportunity in Hamilton Co.
Higher education institutions and area partnerships prepare Hamilton talent for the future.
When it comes to choosing a higher education institution, you do not have to travel far when you call Hamilton home. Not only does the region house Miami University-Hamilton, but it is within driving distance of a number of other colleges and universities, such as Butler Tech, the University of Cincinnati, Xavier University and the University of Dayton, just to name a few. This means adult learners can choose a school that best fits their career path and enjoy all of the perks of living in Hamilton.
Becoming the Regionals
When it opened in 1968, Miami University’s Hamilton campus primarily offered associate degrees and opportunities for students to relocate to the main Oxford campus to complete their four-year program. However, in 2010, Miami merged its two regional campuses, rebranding it Miami University Regionals. Today, the full-service commuter campuses in Hamilton, Middletown and the Voice of America Learning Center in West Chester offer 18 bachelor’s degrees and 12 associate degrees through Miami University’s College of Liberal Arts & Applied Science.
“All our academic programs benefit the local economy by preparing students for growing career options, while remaining flexible to meet the needs of local business and industry,†says Dr. Cathy Bishop- Clark, associate provost and dean of Miami University Regionals.
As a third-year student at Miami University Regionals, Danny Ivers says he chose the Hamilton campus because of its affordability and easy commute from his parents’ home.
“The average class size is about 25, so your professors really get to know you while helping you achieve your academic and career goals,†he says.
Keeping It Local
In addition to the region’s higher education institutions, the Greater Hamilton Chamber of Commerce is here to help you reach your full potential, partnering residents with programs designed to identify and mentor the next generation of leaders.
The Talent Attraction Program looks for individuals working toward their degree in a STEAM field who want to engage in the community.
If accepted, these individuals earn $10,000, which is paid out over two years, to live in the area and get involved in the community. Another program, Work One, helps attract and retain talent in jobs that often have high turnover rates. Students work 26 hours at a local company that pays them an hourly wage and contributes to their education at Miami University Regionals.
“The individual can study whatever they want, but if they get someone in there who will last a year or longer, they aren’t losing money on turnover,†says Dan Bates, president and CEO of the Greater Hamilton Chamber of Commerce. “There are a lot of great young people in Hamilton, and we are excited to work with them.”