Southern State Community College helps our rural community thrive

By Tim Parry
President and CEO
Highland District Hospital

As a lifelong Highland County resident and now CEO of Highland District Hospital, I know as well as just about anyone the challenges facing rural communities and institutions like ours. 

Fortunately, I also know what works best in addressing those challenges: Partnership. Communities like ours do best when we all bring our talents and resources to the table to solve problems together.

One of our hospital’s most critical partners is just down the road and provides essential workforce training for our organization. Beyond the obvious nursing preparation, Southern State also helps us fill critical roles in information technology, business, and other areas. Southern State provides pathways to good jobs that make it possible to stay and raise families in the region.

That win-win proposition behind Ohio’s community colleges helps create individual opportunity and fuel economic development across the state, especially in the communities fortunate enough to host one.
Southern State is observing its 50th anniversary this year, and April is Community College Month, so this seems like the perfect time to celebrate the value the college brings to our community.

Nursing programs have been important to Southern State from its beginnings, and today, the licensed practical nurse (LPN) certification and the associate degree leading to a registered nurse (RN) license supply many of our nursing staff at Highland District Hospital. Like all of Ohio’s community colleges, Southern State can be nimble and respond to new needs and opportunities when they arise.

When we saw a steep decline in state-tested nursing assistants (STNAs) in our area, Southern State responded with an STNA training program that helped address our staffing needs, opening up entry-level opportunities for people in our community.

Our relationship with Southern State’s nursing programs is dynamic; the journey doesn’t necessarily end with an entry-level job. Many STNAs continue their studies and go on to earn LPN and RN certifications. This ability to grow our own nursing talent is important enough that we work with the college to allow employees the flexibility they need to do their jobs and go to school.

This partnership is mutually beneficial in a variety of ways. The hospital contributes to the partnership by providing clinical placements for student nurses and lends our expertise to developing new health sciences programs. Hospital leaders serve on advisory boards for the college, and some of our retired nurses have gone on to serve on the college staff.

In addition to nursing and other health sciences programs, the college has strong computer science and cybersecurity programs, as well as certificates and degrees in education, engineering, and human and social services. 

A number of Southern State business and IT graduates have joined the hospital staff along with many Southern State nurses, and we’re equally grateful for their talent. Furthermore, the Truck Driving Academy can prepare candidates for a Class A commercial driver’s license in four weeks or eight weekends, increasing employment opportunities for supply chain jobs which are crucial to the healthcare industry.  
Like many Ohio community colleges, Southern State has articulation agreements with popular and reputable universities such as the University of Cincinnati, The Ohio State University, Shawnee State University, Wright State University, and other four-year universities that allow community college grads to continue seamlessly to bachelor’s degree programs.

As JobsOhio and our state leaders continue to work to attract new, cutting-edge industries to our region — with the addition of Amazon Web Services, McKesson, and Honda/LG — they will find a strong and ready partner in Southern State. The college is preparing the workforce rural Ohio needs to support these transformative investments, whether that means expanding its nursing and health programs, strengthening its IT and cybersecurity offerings, or helping local residents quickly upskill into high-demand roles. Southern State plays a critical role in ensuring our community is not only prepared for the future but positioned to thrive in it.

Rural communities like ours have to be intentional about keeping families and businesses in the region. We succeed when there are opportunities for people to learn and work right here at home. I’m grateful that our partnership with Southern State makes this possible.