Kent State University Geauga Campus is being recognized as the 2019 recipient of the Geauga Growth Partnership’s (GGP) Frank Samuel Distinguished Service Award for “relentless determination, diligence and dedication” and for making “significant contributions to enhance the value, quality, effectiveness, and stature of the Geauga Growth Partnership.”
Named for GGP’s founding president, this annual award recognizes prolonged service and outstanding achievement by a GGP member or organization which embodies the following:
- Demonstrated community service and support, both personally and organizationally
- Evident investment in economic development in Geauga County
- Recognized advocacy for the county
- Commitment to leadership excellence and development of human capital
- Major impactful accomplishments and results
- Reputation for generosity, transparency and critical thinking
- Strong business acumen with a collaborative leadership style
“We are pleased to name Kent State University Geauga Campus as our 2019 Frank Samuel Awardee,” says GGP President Tracy Jemison. “Kent State Geauga throughout the years has been at the center of workforce development. We are so fortunate to have a world-class university in Geauga County as an economic development partner.
Kent State University’s regional campus in Burton is Geauga County’s only institution of higher education and serves as a vital part of the community. It offers 18 associate’s and bachelor’s degrees and access to all 282 degrees at Kent State University.
Geauga Growth Partnership is a non-profit organization created in 2010, committed to retaining and expanding jobs, contributing to business growth and strengthening the local economy. GGP’s mission is to enhance the business climate, encourage job creation, strengthen economic prosperity and improve the quality of life for all Geauga County residents.
GGP recognizes that Kent State Geauga’s services are at the heart of the Geauga County community, embodying the attributes defined by the Frank Samuel award criteria. Along with partnering with many other community organizations, Kent State Geauga works with Geauga Growth Partnership to present the Geauga Economic Leadership (GEL) breakfast series.
Additionally, Kent State Geauga advances Geauga County’s economic and workforce development by providing classroom space and faculty for the GGP Youth Workforce Development program and offers continuing education classes for Geauga County workers. Additionally, Kent State Geauga sponsors additional GGP events and programs, such as Entrepreneur Success Breakfasts, GGP Networking events, and HomeGrown Geauga.
Kent State Geauga is also a key partner in Bridges2Work, a collaborative program with GGP and United Way Services of Geauga, which helps unemployed individuals to expand their skill sets, gain meaningful employment and move along successful career pathways.
“We are so honored to be chosen as the 2019 Geauga Growth Partnership Frank Samuel Distinguished Service Award honoree!” says Kent State University Geauga and the Regional Academic Center Dean Angela Spalsbury, Ph.D. “It is our mission to meet the educational needs of our community. We look forward to furthering our partnerships with GGP and other county constituents in the coming years.”
The award will be presented during the GGP Annual Partnership Meeting at 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 1, at the Sisters of Notre Dame Education Center. There will also be a short business meeting and a keynote presentation by Mr. Jim Tressel, president of Youngstown State University.