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Government Relations Network Report

ߣߣÊÓƵ and Ohio

2019-20
Government Relations Network Report

Advocacy for the Future

ߣߣÊÓƵ's Government Relations Network (GRN) provides students of all majors with the opportunity to explore government-related careers and professions through a wide-ranging network of alumni, University friends, public officials, and other professionals serving in government-related fields.

Randi Thomas portraitWelcome to the 2020 annual report of ߣߣÊÓƵ University’s Government Relations Network (GRN) and new ASPIRE program. Our GRN students work closely with Ohio leaders to strengthen our communities and expand our economy. A diverse group of students committed to advancing social justice and inclusion in the ߣߣÊÓƵ community, the GRN develops advocacy and communications skills to prepare students for success as engaged citizens and innovative leaders - enhancing ߣߣÊÓƵ, the state of Ohio, and the globally interconnected community in which we live.

GRN students connect directly with Ohio officials, including elected leaders from every county in Ohio, to increase awareness of ߣߣÊÓƵ’s impact and create solutions to Ohio’s largest challenges. Through meetings at the Ohio Statehouse, in districts around the state and on ߣߣÊÓƵ’s campuses, our students and faculty use their own experiences to demonstrate ߣߣÊÓƵ’s value and form partnerships with Ohio’s most important stakeholders.

In 2020, we moved our advocacy to a virtual platform, but with the same ambitious goals and evidence-based results. We also have formed ASPIRE (advancing strategy, partnerships, institutional relations, and economy) to streamline connections with partners in business, government, and the community. We are confident that ASPIRE will advance ߣߣÊÓƵ’s strategic initiatives, provide a clearinghouse for external partners, increase opportunities with industry, and boost development and community relationships.

Randi Malcolm Thomas, Esq.
Vice President - ASPIRE
Office of the President

Dale Savage stands in front of the BCRTA bus that he drives as part of the work+ program

Contributing to a Thriving Economy

ߣߣÊÓƵ adds $2.3 billion to the Ohio economy every year.

Interior rendering of new Health Sciences building

Educating Workforce-Ready Graduates

We are preparing students for the high-growth, high-impact careers of the future.

Back view of graduation caps during ceremony

Adding Value to the College Investment

ߣߣÊÓƵ credentials add and enhance career and life skills.

Lei Kerr working in laboratory at ߣߣÊÓƵ University

Research Addressing State Priorities

ߣߣÊÓƵ research helps create solutions to Ohio’s biggest challenges.

Kendall Leser and Jennifer Bailey stand in front of Butler County Public Health building

Impacting Ohio Communities Now

ߣߣÊÓƵ helps manage the impact of COVID-19 in Butler County.

GRN advances social justice and inclusion

Government Relations Network students are among the most diverse groups on the ߣߣÊÓƵ campus. They advocate consistently to respond to the challenge of social justice and make the ߣߣÊÓƵ experience inclusive for all students. At the Freedom 55 mini-conference in November 2019, GRN students helped host the event and led a session on “What Would Freedom Summer Look Like Today?” During the same month, the GRN led a group of students from traditionally underrepresented groups to Washington, D.C., for advocacy and networking visits with officials inside and outside of government - advancing their academic profiles and career prospects.

Other GRN diversity efforts

  • The Neighborhood, a group of living-learning communities joining to support and empower diversity inside ߣߣÊÓƵ’s residential community.
  • The Student Advisory Committee on Inclusive Excellence (SACIE), identifying and implementing policies and practices that will create a diverse and welcoming community for all ߣߣÊÓƵ students.