Lake County Times

The Ohio Senate has given its approval for the appointment of 14 academic council members to oversee two unique higher education centers in the state. These centers were established as part of Senate Bill 117, which was rolled into House Bill 33, the biennial budget passed in June. The legislation was cosponsored by Senators Jerry C. Cirino (R-Kirtland) and Rob McColley (R-Napoleon).

The first center, known as the Institute of American Constitutional Thought and Leadership, will be located within the University of Toledo. The second center, named the Salmon P. Chase Center for Civics, Culture, and Society, will be at the Ohio State University.

Senator Cirino expressed his satisfaction with the Senate's decision, calling it "a historic day and a giant leap in the right direction for higher education in Ohio." He added, "We are well on our way to ensuring students in Ohio receive the best higher education in the land for generations to come."

The Salmon P. Chase Center at Ohio State University will focus on providing instruction in several key areas. These include the books and major debates that form the intellectual foundation of free societies, particularly that of the United States. The center will also cover the principles, ideals, and institutions of the American constitutional order, as well as the foundations of responsible leadership and informed citizenship.

Meanwhile, the Institute of American Constitutional Thought and Leadership at the University of Toledo aims to enrich the curriculum in American constitutional studies. This includes a focus on the core texts and great debates of western civilization. The center will also educate university students in the principles, ideals, and institutions of the American and Ohio constitutional order. Additionally, it will cultivate the next generation of leaders in the legal profession and offer university-wide programming related to open inquiry and civil discourse.

Today, the Senate approved the seven-member academic councils for each of these two educational centers. The seven members of the academic council at the Institute of American Constitutional Thought and Leadership at the University of Toledo are Joel Alicea, Nicole Garnett, Paul Milazzo, Darrell Miller, Bradley Smith, Lee Strang, and Richard Walinski.

Similarly, the seven members of the academic council at the Salmon P. Chase Center for Civics, Culture, and Society at Ohio State University have been approved. These members are Robert George, Vladimir Kogan, Morel, Sheehan, Bradley Smith, Jean Yarbrough, and David Van Slyke.

Senator Cirino anticipates the Senate's review and confirmation of appointees to similar centers that will be created at three other Ohio universities through legislation. The establishment of these centers highlights the state's commitment to providing a high-quality education in American constitutional studies and responsible leadership to its students.

Ohio is taking a significant step towards enhancing higher education by establishing these unique centers. With their focus on American constitutional thought, leadership, and civic education, these centers will play a crucial role in shaping the next generation of leaders in Ohio and beyond.

Click this link to access more information: https://ohiosenate.gov/members/jerry-c-cirino/news/senate-approves-14-council-members-to-unique-higher-education-centers