Tri-county college partnership established

FREMONT — Three local institutions announced a partnership to better prevent and educate on violence. Bowling Green State University, BGSU Firelands and Terra State Community College will make interpersonal violence prevention, education and resources more accessible to their counties. Last week, the three institutions signed an agreement to establish the Tri-County Interpersonal Violence Prevention and Education Consortium. Speaking on behalf of the two BGSU campuses, BGSU president Rodney Rogers said they are pleased to partner with Terra State Community College and thank the Ohio Department of Higher Education for its support. The partnership became a reality thanks to the department's Campus Collaborative Grant program. "We want to thank the Ohio Department of Higher Education for recognizing the importance of this work through the Campus Collaborative Grant programs," Rogers said. "As a public university and community college, we look forward to continuing to strengthen northwest Ohio through our robust educational ecosystem." BGSU Firelands dean Allia Carter added that her campus understands that safety, belonging and well-being are important for student success. "This consortium reflects what is possible when institutions move beyond individual campuses and come together as regional partners committed to prevention, education and care for the communities we serve," Carter said. Likewise, Terra State Community College is also excited for the collaboration, according to the college's interim president, Cory Stine. "Working together allows us to better support students across northwest Ohio by promoting safer, more supportive campus communities," Stine said. "This partnership will have a positive impact on students both on and off campus, helping them feel supported as they pursue their educational goals inside and outside the classroom." The partnership offers training and learning on interpersonal violence prevention, bystander intervention and trauma-informed care for faculty, staff and students. Through the collaboration, the institutions aim to create a regional care system supporting student safety and well-being while engaging partners in the community and city, county and state leaders. There are plans to create a centralized digital space for resources, expert contacts and referral paths. There are also plans to develop shared data tools and evaluation strategies.