COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Sixty of the highest achieving community college students from around Ohio were honored Wednesday, April 30, as part of the All-Ohio Academic Team Awards. “Congratulations to the fine scholars that make up the 2014 All-Ohio Academic Team,” said Karen Rafinski, interim president of the Ohio Association of Community Colleges. “Their dedication to [...]

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Ohio's community college system is part of a new national consortium to make it easier for students in apprenticeships to transfer their experience into academic credit. But the state and Cuyahoga Community College are among the leaders in this initiative, officials said. Vice President Joe Biden recently announced the national program at [...]

The Ohio Association of Community Colleges is coming to a radio near you! OACC Interim President Dr. Karen Rafinski and Director of Public Affairs Jeff Ortega recently taped a segment for the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation’s “Town Hall Ohio” radio program, a public affairs program hosted by Joe Cornely, OFBF’s Sr. Director of Corporate Communications [...]

Letters to the Editor 2-year collegians need state help   I couldn’t agree more with The Blade that Ohio’s two-year students deserve access to state need-based aid (“Higher education” editorial, Sept. 21). Community colleges continue to be a key driver of work-force development training and high-quality and affordable undergraduate education. That students at community colleges [...]

For Immediate Release RAFINSKI NAMED INTERIM OACC PRESIDENT  COLUMBUS, Ohio --  Karen Rafinski, Ph.D., has been named the Interim President of the Ohio Association of Community Colleges. Dr. Rafinski, who is President Emeriti of Clark State Community College in Springfield, began her duties with the OACC on Sept. 16 and will stay on as interim [...]

For Immediate Release OACC PRESIDENT RON ABRAMS TO RETIRE   COLUMBUS, Ohio – After nearly six years at the helm of the Ohio Association of Community Colleges and 40 years in higher education, OACC President Ron Abrams announces that he will retire later this year. “Working together, Ohio’s community colleges and the OACC have moved [...]

From The Columbus Dispatch (online) By: Encarnita Pyle Columbus State Community College will be one of 10 Ohio two-year schools to have coaches on hand to help first-time students enrolled in a remedial course plan their studies so they eventually earn a certificate or degree. "These coaches will provide their students with the support needed [...]

Study quantifies how community colleges in Ohio are working to promote economic development, enhance student careers and foster an improved quality of life statewide for all Ohio residents. COLUMBUS – Wednesday, May 12, 2010 – Recognizing the vital role community colleges have in the state’s economic future, the Ohio Association of Community Colleges (OACC) commissioned [...]

The following statement may be attributed in whole, or in part, to Ohio Association of Community Colleges (OACC) President Ronald E. Abrams.  COLUMBUS – Monday, April 19, 2010 – “The Ohio Association of Community Colleges (OACC) supports State Issue 1 - the renewal of the Third Frontier program. "In its first seven years of operation, [...]

COLUMBUS – Friday, April 16, 2010 – As part of a continued effort to further the mission of community colleges around the state, as well as to improve communication among its membership and the general public, the Ohio Association of Community Colleges (OACC) today launched a new website, www.ohiocommunitycolleges.org. The new site is designed to provide [...]