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Ohio University Chillicothe hosted the 31st Annual AURCO (Association of University Regional Campuses of Ohio) Conference on Friday, April 11, and Saturday, April 12.
The conference was centered around the theme “Cultivating and Maximizing Human Intelligences in Regional Higher Education (RHE),” and brought together over 115 registered attendees from regional campuses across the state for a day of scholarly exchange, collaboration, and innovation.
The event was co-chaired by OHIO Chillicothe faculty members Dr. Greg Obi, associate professor of management sciences, and Dr. Debra Nickles, associate professor of instruction in English. The conference provided a valuable platform for students, faculty and staff to present research, explore best practices, and connect over shared challenges and opportunities within regional higher education.
Dr. Lewatis McNeal, vice provost for regional higher education at Ohio University, was the keynote speaker for the conference. His inspiring presentation, “Weathering the Storm: The Resilience of Regional Higher Education,” set the tone for a day filled with impactful conversations and collaboration across campuses.
McNeal emphasized the importance of the event in his remarks, stating, “The AURCO conference is a wonderful opportunity for regional campus faculty and staff from across Ohio to share knowledge and ideas unique to the mission of regional campus institutions. The conference also provides professional development opportunities for those who attend. We are excited to host this year’s conference at the OHIO Chillicothe campus and are pleased with the number of people in attendance.”
In addition to faculty-led sessions and panels, student involvement was a key highlight of the day. This included a competitive poster presentation showcasing undergraduate research and academic inquiry.
“It is always nice to bring academics together so that they can network and share research projects and best practices,” added Ohio University Chillicothe Dean of Campus and Community Relations Dr. Roberta Milliken. “Ohio University was honored to host the AURCO conference. It is a special gathering in that it provides a wonderful opportunity for faculty on all of Ohio’s regional campuses to come together and support each other. That students are also often featured in the day’s activities makes it even more valuable.
For more information about AURCO and future conferences, visit aurco.org/conference .