Board of Realtors welcomes guests from SSCC

The Highland County Press

Dr. Nicole Roades and Dr. Gayle Mackay from Southern State Community College were the guest speakers at the Feb. 26 luncheon meeting of the Highland County Board of Realtors.

The meeting was held at the Ponderosa Banquet Center and was sponsored by NCB Bank. Board President Kim Boyer presided and introduced the guest speakers.

Prior to presentations by Roades and Mackay, Heather Cummings and Mike Flanigan of NCB discussed the bank’s Welcome Home Grant program.

Following the NCB announcements, Roades talked about the college’s five-county district, which includes Adams, Brown, Clinton, Fayette and Highland counties.

During an overview of the college’s degree options, Roades provided an update on the state’s new College Credit Plus program (formerly known as the Post-Secondary Enrollment Option).

Southern State currently has campuses located in Highland, Brown, Clinton and Fayette counties. Roades pointed out the tuition savings for SSCC students as well as the seamless transfer of college credits to Ohio colleges and universities.

The current SSCC enrollment includes a mix of students who are pursuing technical degrees and those who are planning for four-year degrees.

“Southern State offers greater savings in tuition for local students,” Roades said.

She also noted that SSCC students have four-year degree options through current partnerships with Franklin University and Miami University. In both matriculation agreements, students can pay the less expensive SSCC tuition while receiving the respective university credits.

Southern State, which is celebrating its 40th year, has approximately 7,000 graduates since 1975. Roades said the college is working toward a new Alumni Association and is reaching out to all graduates.

Dr. Mackay discussed changes and improvements in several SSCC business-related programs, including the real estate courses. The college has implemented an accelerated program toward professional licensure for the real estate students. She welcomed all members of the Highland County Board of Realtors to become more involved with the college program.

“We would like to invite all Realtors to be a part of this program,” Mackay said. “You are welcome to come to a class and speak, and if you are interested in teaching, please contact me.”

NCB and Susan Davis-Thompson donated gifts for the monthly drawing. Local Realtor Jeff Dickey closed the meeting with the benediction.