Ohio Higher Education Innovates for a New Era
The Columbus Metropolitan Club
Release Date: 01/29/2025
A Conversation with Ohio State University President Ted Carter
The Columbus Metropolitan Club
Uncertainties around research grants, student visas, and dramatic changes to the country’s DEI climate are only some of the issues that have shaped Ted Carter’s first year and a half on the job as the 17th president of The Ohio State University. But as a retired U.S. Navy vice admiral with 38 years of military service and more than 6,300 flying hours, Carter is no stranger to leadership under trying circumstances. Join us as CMC welcomes President Ted Carter for a look back at his first year and a half on the job, and a look forward at what’s on the horizon for Ohio’s flagship...
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The Next Wave: The New Leaders Shaping Ohio Politics
The Columbus Metropolitan Club
They’ve grown up in an era of student debt, climate anxiety, social media, and political gridlock—and now, they’re shaping the future of Ohio politics. From Gen Z newcomers to younger members of Gen X, a new wave of elected officials is stepping up to the mic. What motivates them to lead—and how are they challenging traditional power structures to create a more inclusive democracy? This candid conversation with rising political leaders spotlights what it means to serve—and shake things up—in today’s political climate. Featuring: Munira Abdullahi (D), Ohio State House...
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Central Ohio’s AI Revolution
The Columbus Metropolitan Club
Artificial intelligence is transforming everything—from how Central Ohioans work to how companies make decisions. But can innovation happen without leaving people behind? This week’s Columbus Metropolitan Club forum explores Central Ohio’s rapidly evolving AI ecosystem with experts who are shaping the future of tech in the region. Featuring: Mike Cohn, Vice President of Network Operations, CoverMyMeds Nathan Craig, Associate Professor, Operations and Business Analytics, The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business Nicole Jackson, Principal AI Consultant and AI Practice...
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Navigating the New Era of College Sports: A Conversation with OSU's Ross Bjork
The Columbus Metropolitan Club
What happens when the most valuable college athletics program in the country enters the name-image-and-likeness, or NIL, era? At this Columbus Metropolitan Club forum, Ohio State University Athletics Director Ross Bjork sits down with NBC4’s Matt Barnes for an inside look at how the Buckeyes are managing massive change—from multimillion-dollar deals to evolving expectations around recruitment, education, and fairness. Featuring: Ross Bjork, Athletics Director, The Ohio State University The host is Matt Barnes, Morning Co-Anchor, NBC4 Today This forum was sponsored by Aloft Columbus...
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A Downtown That Works and Lives
The Columbus Metropolitan Club
What kind of downtown do we want to build? Some of Columbus’ iconic downtown buildings are getting a dramatic makeover, transforming from office towers into places to live and gather. This week’s forum dives into the bold moves shaping the future of Downtown Columbus—where people live, work, and connect. Featuring: Greg Davies, CEO, Downtown Columbus, Inc. Brad DeHays, Founder & President, Connect Real Estate and Connect Construction Mindy Justis, Advocacy Chair, Downtown Residents Association of Columbus Michael Stevens, Director of Development, City of Columbus The host is...
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Three Million People, One City’s Future
The Columbus Metropolitan Club
Is Columbus ready to hit three million residents? Ready or not, it’s a milestone that’s just 25 years away, according to estimates. While the surge brings enormous opportunity—more jobs, greater diversity, and increased investment—it comes with high-stakes questions: Is the region truly prepared for what’s ahead? And what happens if it isn’t? Columbus is now one of the fastest-growing cities in the Midwest, with its metro population expected to rise by 35% and surpass 3 million by 2050. This growth is fueled by millennial migration, international immigration, and a strong economy...
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Bold Threads, Big Dreams: The Fashion Innovation Shaping Columbus's Style Scene
The Columbus Metropolitan Club
When it comes to fashion, Columbus has the talent. It has the retail giants, the design schools, the logistics, and the creative minds. What it hasn’t had—until now—is the fashion infrastructure to stitch those pieces together. With the launch of the new Fashion Innovation Center in the heart of Downtown’s Discovery District, Yohannan “Yogi” Terrell and the Columbus Fashion Alliance are betting big on a bold vision: to make Columbus not just a great place for fashion, but a city defined by it. Could Columbus become the next fashion capital—not just of the Midwest, but of the...
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Annual State of Nonprofits
The Columbus Metropolitan Club
Central Ohio’s vast range of nonprofits care for children, families, animals, the environment, and just about everything in between. Our region’s nonprofit organizations – both large and small – are doing work that’s more important than ever, yet some are facing an uncertain future amid potential funding cuts and anxiety among the communities they serve. With a panel of passionate nonprofit leaders, we unpack the state of Central Ohio nonprofits at one of CMC’s most popular forums of the year. Featuring: Julie Fletcher, Director of Community Impact, Crane Group Joe Gottron,...
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The New Franklin County Health Map
The Columbus Metropolitan Club
Franklin County’s new 2025 Health Map is here, offering an updated look at the region’s biggest health challenges—and signs of progress. What do the latest numbers tell us about healthcare access, infant mortality, adverse childhood experiences, and more? Featuring: Joe Mazzola, Franklin County Health Commissioner Dr. Mysheika W. Roberts, Health Commissioner, Columbus Public Health Dr. Andrew Thomas, Chief Clinical Officer, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center The host is Tracy Townsend, Medical Correspondent and Anchor, 10TV News This Morning. The presenting sponsors of...
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High-Tech Careers Mean High-Stakes Education
The Columbus Metropolitan Club
Central Ohio’s economic future is high-tech—but is our education system ready? With new semiconductor plants, clean energy facilities, and advanced logistics hubs rising across the region, the workforce of tomorrow will need advanced skills today. This week, the Columbus Metropolitan Club welcomes a panel of business and education leaders for a candid discussion on what it will take to prepare Ohio students for careers in STEM, AI, and other fast-evolving industries. Featuring: Geena Gamble, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist, Worthington Enterprises Lisa Gray, President, Ohio Excels...
info_outlineOhio’s system of higher education is reinventing itself for a new era in the state’s history. Will schools be ready?
Among the challenges, the number of U.S. high school graduates is expected to peak next year at about 3.5 million students before dropping 15% in the next four years, according to the Chronicle of Higher Education, with profound implications for institutions of higher education.
Additionally, the needs of key Ohio employers are always accelerating, creating growing pressure on schools to produce workers ready to enter an ever-evolving workforce, especially in technology and healthcare-related professions.
Schools are also creating new ways to ensure students stay housed, fed, and that childcare resources are available to keep students with families enrolled and moving toward graduation.
A college education remains a life-changing asset for graduates, with Axios reporting recent grads in 2023 ages 22-27 earned $24,000 more annually than their peers holding just a high school degree. With the help from our expert panelists, we explore how Ohio’s higher education institutions are innovating to adapt to a changing educational and workforce landscape.
Featuring panelists:
Dr. John Comerford, President of Otterbein University
Dr. David Harrison, President of Columbus State Community College
Dr. Morakinyo A.O. Kuti, President of Central State University
Dr. James Orr, Vice Provost for Strategic Enrollment Management at The Ohio State University
The host is Sheridan Hendrix, Higher Education Reporter for The Columbus Dispatch.
This forum was sponsored by Columbus State Community College, Grange Insurance, The Ohio State University, and Otterbein University.
The presenting sponsor of the CMC livestream was The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. CMC’s livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch. It was also supported by The Ellis.
This forum was recorded before a live audience at The Ellis in Columbus’ historic Italian Village on January 29, 2025.