Bowling Green State University recognizes growth in strategic industry partnerships

The University welcomed 19 organizations into its gold-tier level, recognizing their sustained engagement across multiple areas

Bowling Green State University continues to expand its network of strategic industry partnerships, reflecting the University's commitment to building long-term collaborations that advance student success, strengthen academic programs, support research and innovation and contribute to regional economic growth.

This year, 19 organizations have earned gold recognition through the University's Partnership Recognition Program, more than doubling the inaugural cohort of eight organizations. Gold-tier partners demonstrate sustained engagement across multiple areas of collaboration, representing the highest level of partnership with the University.

The Partnership Recognition Program, launched in 2024, provides a framework for recognizing organizations that have developed meaningful, sustained relationships with BGSU. Gold-tier partners for this year include:

• Actual Reality Technologies
• BG Flight Center
• Blanchard Valley Health System
• CLA
• EY
• First Solar
• Honda
• Huntington Bank
• Marathon
• Nationwide
• O-I Glass
• Owens Corning
• PNC
• SmartSolve
• Rudolph Libbe Group
• Six Flags Entertainment Corporation
• The Andersons
• William Vaughan Company
• Wood County Hospital

Partnerships that advance shared priorities

Strategic partnerships are shaped by the priorities, expertise and long-term objectives of both the organization and the University. As a result, each relationship reflects a different combination of engagement across research, workforce development, student learning, philanthropy, executive education, sponsorships and other institutional priorities.

These collaborations strengthen the University's mission in a variety of ways, from informing curriculum and advancing applied research to enhancing the student experience and supporting the development of tomorrow's workforce.

One example is BGSU's partnership with Six Flags Entertainment Corporation. Recognizing an industry need for graduates with specialized knowledge of the attractions and resort industry, Six Flags and BGSU collaborated to develop the nation's only bachelor's degree in Resort and Attraction Management. The program demonstrates how strategic partnerships can shape academic programs in response to evolving workforce needs while creating new opportunities for students.

A coordinated approach to industry engagement

Organizations interested in working with BGSU begin with a single point of contact through the Office of Industry Partnerships. Rather than navigating the University's organizational structure, partners are connected with the faculty, staff and campus resources best aligned with their goals.

This coordinated approach makes it easier for organizations to engage with the University across a broad range of priorities, including research, workforce development, executive and professional education, philanthropy, sponsorships and student learning experiences.

Recognizing meaningful engagement

The Partnership Recognition Program includes an annual review process that evaluates the breadth and depth of each organization's engagement with the University. The process helps recognize meaningful collaboration, encourages continued partnership growth, and provides a consistent framework for understanding how organizations are contributing to the University's mission.

As the University's network of strategic partnerships continues to grow, so does its ability to connect industry expertise with the strengths of its faculty, students and campus community. By building relationships grounded in shared priorities and long-term collaboration, BGSU is strengthening its capacity to create lasting value for both the University and its industry partners.