BGSU Firelands
Strategic Plan
At BGSU Firelands, we believe that education should be a doorway — one that opens to opportunity, transformation and a brighter future.
For 60 years, our campus has been a place where students of all ages and backgrounds take their next steps, knowing they have a community that supports them every step of the way. As we look ahead, our strategic plan is grounded in the values that have always defined us: partnership, access, affordability and commitment to serving our community. We are not just an institution of higher learning; we are a neighbor, a collaborator, striving to build a better future.
We’re here to provide an affordable, high-quality university education. Whether they are a high school student getting a head start, a working adult seeking career advancement, or someone returning to education after time away, BGSU Firelands is here for everyone in our community.
We are growing alongside our community, developing new programs, strengthening partnerships with local businesses and organizations and expanding opportunities so that more students can thrive right here in our region.
I invite you to be part of this journey. Together, we will continue to make BGSU Firelands a place where education is not just accessible, but truly transformational.
Thank you for being part of our Firelands family.
Sincerely,
Dr. Allia L. Carter
Dean, BGSU Firelands
Our History: A Statewide Vision, A Local Commitment
BGSU Firelands was established in 1965 as the result of a powerful partnership between state leadership, local community action, and university governance.
At the time, Ohio Governor Jim Rhodes had a bold vision: to place a public university campus within 30 miles of every Ohio resident. His statewide initiative aimed to expand access to affordable, high-quality higher education across Ohio.
That vision found strong local support in the Erie County Committee on Educational Development (COED)—a dedicated group of civic and business leaders who believed deeply in the power of education to transform lives. COED raised the necessary funds, identified a location, and partnered with Bowling Green State University to bring the governor’s vision to life in North Central Ohio.
On November 24, 1965, the BGSU Board of Trustees formally approved the establishment of a branch campus in Huron, Ohio. Classes began soon after at Sandusky High School, marking the start of BGSU’s first satellite campus. In 1967, construction of the permanent BGSU Firelands campus was completed in Huron.
Located 57 miles east of the main campus in Bowling Green, BGSU Firelands began as BGSU’s first satellite location and is now the university’s only regional campus. While it initially offered general education and associate degree programs to serve local students, the campus today continues to offer associate degrees while expanding its academic portfolio to include bachelor’s degrees, workforce certificates, and early college opportunities such as College Credit Plus.
For nearly 60 years, BGSU Firelands has welcomed first-time college students, transfer students, high school students, working adults, and returning learners, creating a supportive and affordable pathway to higher education.
Today, BGSU Firelands continues to grow alongside the community it serves—developing new programs, building strong partnerships, and staying true to its founding mission of access, excellence, and service.
We are proud to be a lasting example of what’s possible when statewide vision meets local commitment—a regional campus built by the community, for the community.
Our values
At BGSU Firelands, our core values guide everything we do:
- Access and affordability: Education should be within reach for all, regardless of background or financial means.
- Community engagement: We are more than a campus; we are a university partner in the growth and success of the Firelands region.
- Student success: Every student’s journey is unique, and we are dedicated to providing personalized support to help them achieve their goals.
- Innovation and growth: As the world changes, so do we, expanding programs, embracing new learning technologies and fostering creativity.
- Excellence in education: As a college of Bowling Green State University, we offer the academic excellence and opportunities of a world-class institution.
Through these values, we continue to uphold our responsibility to the community: to provide an education that is not just accessible, but life-changing.
BGSU Firelands Goals, Objectives, and Strategies
At BGSU Firelands, Access & Enrollment is our top priority—reflecting our commitment to redefining student success through an inclusive, student-centered approach. We strive to meet the needs of a diverse student population by focusing on recruitment, retention, and degree completion, empowering students to succeed both academically and professionally.
Guided by BGSU’s Strategic Objective I: Redefining Student Success, Firelands College is focused on:
- Attracting more adult learners
- Developing innovative credentials
- Optimizing scholarship opportunities
- Enhancing the College Credit Plus (CCP)/Dual Enrollment programs
By promoting equity, opportunity, and academic excellence, we are creating a supportive and forward-thinking environment where every student—regardless of background—can thrive.
How Firelands Priorities Align with University Initiatives
We are developing programs that meet local workforce needs and student interests. This includes modular, stackable certificates that allow students to upskill, retrain, or explore new career paths. These offerings are designed to be flexible, market-driven, and sustainable over time, aligning with both market trends and long-term student goals.
Our strategies emphasize results—like improving student retention, graduation rates, and career readiness. By expanding scholarships and strengthening the Pathway and CCP programs, we remove barriers and support students from start to finish.
We provide flexible, career-aligned programs that serve first-time degree-seeking students, adult learners, and transfer students. This approach helps meet learners where they are—academically and professionally—ensuring each student receives a personalized and purposeful academic experience that fits their individual goals.
At BGSU Firelands, expanding access means creating more opportunities for students to begin or continue their college journey. Through programs like open enrollment, affordable scholarship options, and flexible course delivery, we support high school students getting a head start, adults returning to finish a degree, and others seeking a clear and affordable pathway to higher education. These efforts ensure that more individuals can reach their goals and prepare for rewarding careers.
Our Vision for Firelands Priorities
By aligning with the BGSU Forward Strategic Plan, BGSU Firelands strengthens its role as an open-access institution focused on student success. Our work in access and enrollment drives the development of sustainable programs, measurable outcomes, and clear pathways to higher education—positioning us as a catalyst for individual achievement and regional impact. We are committed to helping every student thrive—academically, personally, and professionally. Through diverse academic offerings and targeted support, we create an environment where students can complete their degrees and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
At BGSU Firelands, Teaching and Service Excellence is at the heart of how we create and power public good. Grounded in a culture of innovation, student focus, and well-being, we support academic and professional growth through exceptional instruction, applied learning, and meaningful community engagement.
This priority aligns with:
- Strategic Objective II: Creating Public Good Through Research, Creative Activities, Partnerships, and Engagement
- Strategic Objective III: Powering Public Good Through Our People and Community
By emphasizing continuous improvement, innovation, and well-being, we prepare students, faculty, and staff to thrive academically, professionally, and personally.
Our efforts focus on continuous improvement, innovation, and collaboration, ensuring every student has the support and resources to succeed. As a teaching-focused college, we integrate participatory, applied, and community-driven research and foster student engagement through debates, research challenges, and other competitions. At the same time, we prioritize operational excellence to create a positive learning environment that supports growth and transformation in and out of the classroom.
Teaching and Service Excellence Aligns with University Initiatives
BGSU Firelands is committed to high-impact teaching and applied research that strengthens both learning and community engagement. Our faculty foster hands-on, collaborative research that equips students with real-world skills. Through faculty-student projects, creative works, and field experiences, we prepare students for professional success while addressing regional challenges.
We support a campus climate where all students feel welcomed and engaged. Guided by the Student Success Project and Campus Engagement and Climate Study, our focus is on building a respectful and curious learning environment where students thrive both academically and socially.
Teaching and service are the foundation of our mission. Programs like the Pathway Program and Clark Inclusive Scholars provide flexible, student-centered learning. With expanded online and hybrid options, ongoing faculty training, and responsive student services, we maintain a strong culture of teaching excellence and service quality.
We lead with innovation and follow through with accountability. By expanding flexible learning options, aligning courses with workforce needs, and using personalized advising and program reviews, Firelands remains agile, effective, and deeply student-focused.
Our Vision for Teaching and Service Excellence
Teaching and Service Excellence at BGSU Firelands empowers our faculty, staff, and students to achieve their highest potential. By integrating innovation, curiosity, and accountability into every aspect of instruction and engagement, we cultivate a dynamic environment that encourages critical thinking, collaboration, and personal growth. Our collective commitment to high-impact teaching, creative activity, and meaningful service not only drives academic and professional success but also strengthens our campus and regional communities. Through continuous improvement and shared purpose, we remain dedicated to delivering a transformative educational experience—one that prepares our students, faculty, and staff to lead with clarity, purpose, and impact.
At BGSU Firelands, Community Impact is a cornerstone of our mission. We are committed to enhancing the social, economic, and educational vitality of our region by forming strong partnerships, promoting workforce development, and celebrating shared success.
Aligned with:
- Strategic Objective II: Creating Public Good Through Research, Creative Activities, Partnerships, and Engagement
- Foundational Objective III: Powering Public Good Through Our People and Community
We collaborate with local organizations, industries, and leaders to:
- Expand regional talent pipelines
- Address workforce needs
- Support lifelong learning
- Advance shared goals that uplift our entire community
Through this engagement, we ensure BGSU Firelands remains a vital partner in the progress and prosperity of North Central Ohio.
Firelands' Community Impact Aligns with University Initiatives
We build strong partnerships with local businesses, industries, and organizations to ensure our programs align with regional workforce needs. Through advisory boards and hands-on learning experiences, students gain real-world skills while we maintain curriculum relevance and support accreditation goals.
Our workforce training and professional development programs are designed to meet Ohio’s evolving labor market demands. By connecting education to in-demand careers, we equip students and professionals with the tools to succeed—fostering innovation and economic growth across the region.
We proudly share the accomplishments of our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community partners. Through strategic storytelling and marketing, we strengthen brand awareness, build trust, and showcase BGSU Firelands as a regional leader in education and engagement.
Aligned with Foundational Objective III, we support community well-being through accessible education, workforce alignment, and regional collaboration. By promoting a culture of connection and empowerment, BGSU Firelands contributes to the long-term strength and resilience of our region.
Our Vision for Community Impact
BGSU Firelands aspires to be a catalyst for regional growth and success. By developing impactful partnerships, advancing workforce alignment, and sharing stories of achievement, we are building a stronger community and shaping a brighter future for our students and the region. Through our alignment with BGSU Forward's Strategic Plan, we remain steadfast in our commitment to driving public good and ensuring that BGSU Firelands is both an educational leader and a valued community partner.
Operational Excellence is foundational to how BGSU Firelands delivers exceptional value to students, employees, and the broader community. We are committed to creating a sustainable, responsive, and efficient campus environment that prioritizes innovation, accountability, and safety.
Guided by BGSU’s Foundational Objective IV: Supporting Public Good Through Efficient and Effective Processes, Structures, and Technologies, we focus on:
- Enhancing operational systems and structures
- Leveraging technology to improve outcomes
- Strengthening risk management and resource stewardship
- Supporting a culture of continuous improvement
These efforts ensure our long-term institutional resilience and reinforce our commitment to excellence in everything we do.
BGSU Firelands' Operational Excellence Aligns with University Initiatives
We prioritize initiatives that deliver clear value to students and the community. By supporting program growth, professional development, and creating a strategic reserve fund, we ensure financial resources are used to strengthen student experiences. Maximizing facility use and building strong community partnerships further reinforces Firelands’ role as a regional leader in education and innovation.
Through streamlined processes and data-informed decision-making, we improve operations and align with institutional goals. These efforts reduce administrative delays, improve student satisfaction, and support a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
BGSU Firelands leverages advanced technology to strengthen campus operations and safety. A comprehensive maintenance plan for security cameras and other infrastructure ensures a secure, high-performing environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Technology-driven solutions power smarter decision-making and streamline processes—supporting a more responsive and efficient campus.
We align our physical resources with strategic priorities—ensuring facilities support academic excellence, student success, and institutional growth. Campus upgrades, revenue-generating space use, and a strong focus on safety create a welcoming and functional environment for all.
Our Vision for Operational Excellence
BGSU Firelands strives to be a model of innovation, efficiency, and accountability. By aligning our operations with strategic goals, investing in modern technology, and optimizing both financial and physical infrastructure, we ensure our campus remains agile and future-ready. Our focus on Operational Excellence allows us to deliver high-quality education, improve student experiences, and drive lasting, positive impact across the region.
Updated: 07/18/2025 09:27AM