Lake Erie College Awarded $500,000 | by Ohio Senate

Lake Erie College is pleased to announce it has been awarded $500,000 by the Ohio Senate in support of health science initiatives. This funding, allocated under the Senate's capital budget proposal, Senate Bill 292, will enable the college to renovate and expand existing lab spaces, which will allow for the addition of new academic programs, including exercise science.   

Funding for this project was championed by Senator Jerry Cirino and State Representative Jamie Callender. Lake Erie's President, Jennifer N. Schuller, states, "Senator Cirino and Representative Callender are true allies of Lake Erie College. They work tirelessly to ensure our region has the resources it needs to remain competitive. We are so grateful for their support and know this project will help Lake Erie attract new students and faculty members to Lake County."   

The new lab space on campus will facilitate the introduction of new majors, with a priority on the addition of an exercise science program at Lake Erie College. This program will complement existing health sciences offerings and provide pathways for students interested in careers such as physical and exercise therapy, sports medicine, and more. The college plans to announce the search for the founding faculty in the coming months and to start the program in the fall of 2025.   

Johnathan Tedesco, Dean of the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics at Lake Erie, shares that the exercise science major "will be a natural extension of Lake Erie's current program offerings, including nutrition and biology, and benefit from the college's strong science curriculum overall."    

The new lab spaces and program offerings will also provide opportunities for additional collaboration with community colleges like Lakeland Community College, local businesses, and community organizations, enabling Lake Erie College to develop programs that meet the region's evolving needs.  

Lake Erie College's investment in campus facilities underscores its commitment to providing high-quality, in-demand programs that prepare graduates to excel in the healthcare sector. This initiative aligns with the college's broader mission to cultivate career-ready professionals in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and healthcare fields.