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New branch campus of Cincinnati State in the works for Butler County

Cincinnati State officials agree to partner to open new school in Middletown.

Photos: Cincinnati State's new Middletown campus

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By Jessica Heffner, Staff Writer Updated 4:22 PM Friday, October 29, 2010

CINCINNATI — More educational opportunities may be headed to Middletown as Cincinnati State Technical and Community College officials passed a resolution to partner with the city to establish a branch campus.

As part of the agreement, announced during the board of trustees meeting Tuesday night at the school’s main campus, the college will begin negotiating a long-term agreement to open a branch campus while Middletown will offer buildings “free and clear” to Cincinnati State for its use.

The initial start-up would center on the school’s culinary arts and hospitality programs. College President Dr. O’dell Owens said eventually the school would offer its full line of courses in Middletown.

Dan Cayse, vice president of strategic initiatives and entrepreneurial development, said the college is interested in acquiring the Manchester Inn and Conference Center, the former Middletown Senior Center at 140 N. Verity Parkway and the former CG&E Building at 1 N. Main St., the current home of The Middletown Journal.

Owens said the college has a key interest in the Manchester since it is “the heart of Middletown” and would work “to protect the Manchester” by rehabbing the building and adding green energy such as solar panels and a geothermal system. Meanwhile, the CG&E building would serve as the campus hub for classrooms, laboratories and administrative services.

The deal has been in the works since September 2009 when late local businessman Perry Thatcher invited Cincinnati State’s resident chef to cook at the Manchester, Cayse said.

School officials estimate 15 percent of Cincinnati State’s students come from the Middletown area. Coupled with the city’s central location and public transit system that can bring students from across the Butler County, Owens said the branch campus is poised for success.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and this really ensures the longevity of Cincinnati State,” he said. “It will give us the opportunity to grow and expand and for Middletown to gain another tool to draw business to the city.”

In the coming weeks, city and school officials will be negotiating financing and building acquisitions, as well as a time frame for campus start-up.

Mayor Larry Mulligan said the branch campus should have a positive impact the region.

“There is a big untapped market in Middletown and the whole region. (The college) offers a curriculum our residents haven’t had access to in the past.”

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