Video: Lakeland Dedicates the Arlene and Arthur Holden University Center

Lakeland Community College dedicated the Wednesday afternoon.

At the university center, Lakeland students can transition from community college to classes that will allow them to from nine different universities in Ohio.

Jim Petro, the Ohio Board of Regents Chancellor, talked about the importance of education at the dedication ceremony. He noted only 26 percent of Ohio residents had a degree and the national average is 31 percent.

"For each percentage increase from 26 to 31, we will experience an economic growth of $2.5 billion to $3 billion a year," he said.

Lakeland President Morris Beverage said the university center does more than create a new way to get a 4-year degree in Lake County. It also provides more laboratory space for students and a new, high-tech location for businesses to host training sessions.

Arlene Holden -- who along with her deceased husband, Arthur Holden -- was the primary financier for the building and is its namesake. She attended and spoke at the dedication ceremony.

"This place has turned into what I think will be a showcase for the community," she said.

The nine universities that will offer degrees through the center are Cleveland State University, Franklin University, Kent State University, Lake Erie College, Ohio University, University of Akron, University of Toledo, Ursuline College and Youngstown State University.

Some of the degrees that students can major in include business, nursing, education, engineering and public safety.

Classes are taught by faculty assigned by the partnering university and degrees will be issued from the individual college or university providing the degree program. Tuition for university center classes is determined by the partner university.

The university center is across Route 306 from Lakeland's main campus and students can go back and forth via shuttle.