WASHINGTON, D.C. – Columbus State Community College President David Harrison, Ph.D. participated in an annual conference in the nation’s capital on Friday. U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) convened his fifth annual college and university presidents conference in Washington, D.C. today with more than 50 presidents from colleges and universities across Ohio. Brown’s forum – the first of its kind – is aimed at connecting educators with business leaders to advance regional economic development.

“Our fifth annual conference builds on our state’s legacy of linking education with economic prosperity, which in turn creates a stronger middle class. Ohio’s two-year and four-year, public and private institutions of higher education are producing the next generation of scientist and lawyers, mathematicians and teachers.  It is their work, and commitment to strengthening the entire pipeline from cradle to career that will ensure our economy – and the nation – continue to grow and succeed.  That’s why this annual conference is so important,” Brown said.

“This conference connects college and university presidents with education experts and state and federal officials who can help provide the resources to both open the door of opportunity to Ohioans seeking an education, and ensure they graduate with the skills needed to lead in the 21st century,” Brown added.

“Thousands of adults are retraining at community colleges in Ohio, and they’re getting jobs in healthcare, logistics, information technology, and other growing fields. It’s vital that our leaders see first-hand that community colleges are leading the way in helping people get back on their feet and in helping employers compete,” said President Harrison.

Founded in 1963, Columbus State is a community college headquartered in Franklin County.

Brown invited several special guests to address the forum, including Mark Zuckerman, Deputy Director of the White House Domestic Policy Council; John Holdren, Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy; Jamie Merisotis, President of the Lumina Foundation, Stan Heffner, Superintendent of Public Instruction for the Ohio Department of Education, and Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH).

A full list of participants can be found here: brown.senate.gov

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