Ohio University Lancaster doesn't simply offer courses and deliver degrees. It offers a sense of belonging while fostering growth and learning for students and community members alike. Lancaster is a vibrant city filled with a rich history, natural beauty and plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures.
Ohio University Lancaster is a place where city, campus and community connect, cultivating a supportive environment where everyone belongs. Check out our community resources, professional development, summer programs and more.
Fairfield County Workforce Center
Founded in 2020, the Fairfield County Workforce Center offers training programs tailored to high-demand industries such as manufacturing, skilled trades and healthcare. Fairfield County Commissioners, Ohio University Lancaster, the Russ College of Engineering and Hocking College deliver the programs in a collaborative effort as part of their commitment to advancing economic development through workforce and skills training.
Ohio University Lancaster’s Engineering Technology program is currently based in a cutting-edge, $2 million Engineering Technology Lab. The program also features three specialized certificate offerings: Automation Technician, Mechatronics, and Semiconductor Technician Fundamentals. Additionally, a Phlebotomy Technician course prepares high school students for national certification and entry-level employment.
Community Events
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OHIO Lancaster Theatre
Since 1969, the Ohio University Lancaster Theatre program has been bringing high-quality live theatre to the community. Each academic year, OHIO Lancaster produces three major stage productions, offering audiences a rich variety of performances that range from classic plays to contemporary works. Every summer, a special community production is presented as part of the historic Lancaster Festival — a highlight of the season that brings together local talent and regional audiences.
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Kids and Cops
Kids and Cops is a popular annual event hosted by the Lancaster Police Department Citizens’ Academy Alumni Association . Held each May on the OHIO University Lancaster campus, the event draws over 2,000 attendees. This free, family-friendly gathering invites the community to meet and engage with local law enforcement officers and public safety personnel from Fairfield County and beyond.
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STEM Discovery Day
The OHIO Lancaster Campus hosts STEM Discovery Day every two years — a free, one-day, hands-on event created for students in grades 6 through 8 (ages 11–14) who have an interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Held each May, the event welcomes between 350 and 400 students and provides a dynamic opportunity to explore STEM careers through interactive, experience-based learning.
Lancaster Festival
In 1985, Raymond S. Wilkes—former dean from 1978 to 1994—welcomed the Columbus Symphony Orchestra to a new amphitheater on the Ohio University Lancaster campus. This event led to a collaboration with Cameo Concerts, an organization originally established to bring concerts and cultural events to Lancaster. That partnership sparked the creation of the first Lancaster Festival.
Today, the Lancaster Festival spans 10 days filled with music, art, and family-friendly activities, drawing an estimated 40,000 attendees each year. As part of the celebration, the Ohio University Lancaster Community Theatre stages a featured theatrical performance in the Wagner Theatre. Meanwhile, acclaimed musical artists take the stage at the Wendel Concert Stage, nestled between the historic John Bright #1 and #2 bridges on a scenic 73-acre wooded campus.
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Campus Facilities & Info
Learn more about the Ohio University Lancaster campus, including campus history, safety and cancellation procedures, and support services. Explore campus facilities and learn your way around campus with campus maps.
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Reserve a Space On Campus
Ohio University Lancaster offers a range of reservable spaces for events, meetings, and activities, including classrooms, conference rooms, gymnasium, theatre and art gallery venues. Both university-affiliated and public requests are welcome and reviewed case-by-case. Learn more about available spaces, rental rates, operating hours, additional fees, and scheduling considerations during peak academic times and holidays.