In a milestone moment for higher education collaboration in northwest Ohio, Owens Community College’s Findlay-area Campus hosted leaders from three private universities — Heidelberg University, Ohio Northern University, and the University of Findlay — for a special signing ceremony on Monday. Together, the institutions formalized new and expanded “express” dual-admission partnerships designed to make transferring from an associate’s to a bachelor’s degree more seamless, affordable, and accessible.
The agreements create clear, flexible academic pathways that help Owens graduates save time, reduce costs, and stay on track to reach their educational and professional goals.
“This is a defining day for higher education in our region — for Owens Community College, the University of Findlay, Heidelberg University, Ohio Northern University, and the communities we serve,” said Owens President Dr. Dione Somerville, who hosted the event.
The Student Prince Express: A new route to Heidelberg
For Heidelberg, the event marked the launch of the Student Prince Express, a dual-admission program built to ensure Owens students who have earned their associate’s degree experience a smooth transition as they continue their studies toward a bachelor’s degree at Heidelberg.
Through the program, students will receive dedicated academic advising, access to Heidelberg’s comprehensive support resources, and a clear roadmap for completing their degrees efficiently and with confidence.
For Heidelberg, the new articulation is a big moment, President Rob Huntington said. “Since 1850, Heidelberg has been in the spirit of welcoming people, helping them get through the door, succeed and lifting themselves up,” he said.
“Expanding opportunities is ultimately about supporting transfer students, increasing accessibility and affordability, and opening doors for them to continue their academic journey with confidence,” Rob said. “By working closely with our friends at Owens, we can ensure that every student, regardless of where they begin their academic journey, has the resources and support to complete their bachelor’s degree.”
Heidelberg, Rob added, is grateful, excited, and honored to be partnering with Owens on the Student Prince Express. “We take our charge very seriously. “We will work really hard to make this partnership worthwhile.
The Oiler Express and Polar Bear Express: Expanding the network
Joining the celebration were two additional programs launched with Owens’ four-year partners — the Oiler Express with the University of Findlay and the Polar Bear Express with Ohio Northern University.
Owens and Findlay renewed their longstanding Oiler Express agreement and added a new pathway for students pursuing Findlay’s nationally recognized pharmacy program.
“The Oiler Express partnership represents an exciting opportunity that benefits both institutions while creating meaningful pathways for students to achieve their academic and career goals, said Dr. Kathy Fell, University of Findlay president.
Owens and Ohio Northern also expanded their collaboration through the Polar Bear Express, which now includes a pre-pharmacy transfer pathway.
“We are pleased to strengthen and expand our partnership with Owens Community College and make an ONU degree accessible to more students, said Dr. Melissa J. Baumann, ONU president. “As a private university working for the public good, we’re committed to preparing graduates for success in their careers and life, while meeting the workforce needs of our region, our state and beyond.”
Meeting students, the region where they are
The signing event also highlighted findings from a recent Trellis Strategies enrollment study commissioned by Owens. The analysis of Findlay and Hancock County identified growing workforce demand for flexible academic programs that serve adult learners and working professionals.
“We can see from the data that we have clear areas of strength, and we are reshaping our programs on the Findlay-area Campus to meet this region’s evolving needs,” Dr. Somerville said.