1. Roads Scholars Home
2. Roads Scholars Blogs 2007
3. Past Roads Tours
4. Photos
5. Faculty and Staff Resources

Roads Scholars Tour 2007: Blogs

Four participants in the 2007 Roads Scholars Tour recorded their experiences along the way. Read their blogs for insights about what the tour is like and what they learned by making the trip. Read other blogs ->

More photos of the 2007 Tour

Rustin M. Moore, Professor and Chair, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine

The 2007 Road Scholars Tour through six Ohio counties northeast of Columbus provided a diverse blend of history of the land-grant mission, Ohio State and the state of Ohio; exposure to notable and “eye opening” demographics of Ohio’s urban, suburban and rural communities; a glimpse of the disparate socioeconomic data that reflect the greatest and most worrisome statistics in Ohio; the abundant traditions and cultural riches of Ohio’s assorted communities and their inhabitants; and the expansiveness of the university’s outreach and engagement activities, including the daily connectivity with individuals and communities throughout Ohio and the positive impact these programs have on Ohio’s citizens.

One of the overarching things I gleaned from this tour was how unique Ohio’s flagship university is in terms of its comprehensive programs and the immense and far-reaching effects and contributions it has throughout Ohio, the nation and the world. OSU is one university, but it is present everywhere! The university is intricately woven throughout the fabric of every community in Ohio, whether it is in the urban cities, the suburbs or the rural farm lands. Ohio State University, whether through the Columbus campus or its four regional campuses, is seamlessly integrated with the citizens and communities of Ohio. Through OSU Extension, the university brings knowledge to life by disseminating real world applications of research findings to improve lives, enhance businesses and build communities.

The pride people throughout Ohio have for OSU is tremendous, and the positive impact the university has on communities and its people is truly inspirational. Whether it is…

• the compassion and care extended to the underserved populations of Mansfield and adjacent areas by dedicated and compassionate health care professionals and OSU College of Dentistry staff and students through their Dentistry OHIO project at the Third Street Family Health Services community clinic;
• the integration and teamwork displayed by the OSU Mansfield administration and local government and chamber of commerce officials to provide access to education, health care and career opportunities for its people, and to provide community planning for advancing the city and surrounding areas;
• the partnering of scientists and educators at the OARDC and ATI in Wooster with the community and private businesses, contributing to the $80 million Agricultural-Biosciences industry in Ohio;
• the maintenance of an extensive and beautifully manicured arboretum, a crabapple orchard, and a plot of old-garden roses at the OARDC for research purposes and for the public to enjoy;
• the support of our youth through 4-H and its innumerable volunteers and our youth in underserved areas through the Young Scholars program;
• the dedication of high school educators and administrators at Jackson High School in Massillon to provide excellent and relevant educational opportunities for their students;
• the partnering of scientists, business owners and governmental agencies to dramatically reduce the phosphorous level of the effluent from the Alpine Cheese Company in Winesburg, Ohio that enters a nearby stream, and the resultant improvement in the water quality in the once highly polluted Sugar Creek watershed;
• the dedication to understanding the culture, building trust and assisting the Amish community adapt to an ever-changing world, which represents 40% of the population of Holmes County;
• the involvement and leadership provided in community planning for moving the City of Coshocton forward and ensuring its future;
• the passion and dedication to preservation of the earthworks and the establishment of the Newark Earthworks Center to celebrate and preserve the history and culture of native Americans in Newark

One often hears the words outreach and engagement on this campus and beyond, and you think you know what that means. However, the Roads Scholars Tour provided the opportunity to observe firsthand the breadth and depth of outreach and engagement of the university and the impact of its mutually beneficial partnerships and connectivity with people and communities throughout Ohio.

Some of the more poignant and memorable moments of the tour for me included:

• Learning how the citizens of Mansfield have repeatedly voted down the addition of fluoride to the city’s water supply knowing the negative effect it has on dental disease was disheartening. How long have we known the beneficial dental effects of fluoride, and they still don’t have this in their water supply? Some might say it is an educational issue and others might say it is a financial one. Without being judgmental, regardless of the reason it is difficult for outsiders to understand this.
• Learning about how OSU scientists are working with a private company to investigate the feasibility of domestication and commercialization of a type of dandelion native to Uzbekistan, the roots of which could be potentially useful for the rubber industry, was especially intriguing. The passion and energy demonstrated by the faculty and post-doctoral fellow who described their project was infectious. Knowing that their work could revolutionize the rubber industry, especially since this could help relieve U.S. dependence on the rubber tree from Southeast Asia, emphasizes the global impact OSU has on society.
• The opportunity to interact with and experience the impact the university and its programs have on youth and young adults was an emotionally charged experience. In today’s world of Generation X youth and young adults, we often don’t hear a lot of positive news about the academic achievements and accomplishments of our young people, especially those from underrepresented or underserved populations. Learning about the Young Scholars Program, a comprehensive precollegiate and collegiate program designed to enhance academic, personal and career development of young scholars and meeting some of these students and observing the positive impact this program has on their lives was especially moving. This program strives to increase the number of low income students, including African Americans, Latino/Hispanic, Native American and Appalachian students in their pursuit of a college degree. This statewide program is a collaborative effort between OSU and the state’s nine largest urban school districts. Sitting next to a young African American high school student at dinner and hearing the dreams, aspirations and accomplishments of her and the many other students in attendance evoked many positive emotions.
• Witnessing the dedication and commitment of teachers and administrators of Jackson High School and the pride the students have for their newly expanded and renovated facility renewed my optimism and hope for the future of Ohio. The students we met and interacted with were articulate, mature, well rounded, and grateful for their first-rate education, and they seemed poised for success.
• Learning how OSU researchers gained the trust of farmers and began working cohesively to address the highly polluted waters of the Sugar Creek watershed demonstrated how the university can assist and have a positive impact on communities and society. This was a truly remarkable partnership that grew out of a need to address a serious problem in their community.
• Learning about the Amish community and their culture, including some of their customs, livelihoods, political involvement and other details was interesting. Observing first hand the intense pride and commitment of a long-time extension agent in Holmes County to the Amish people was enlightening.
• Experiencing a meal in an Amish home was enjoyable, tasty and especially filling. For some people who don’t usually eat much for lunch, this feast of coleslaw, bread (with spreads), mashed potatoes, dressing, vegetable medley, broccoli, chicken, beef, gravy and assorted pies was just enough to send many of us into postprandial naps as we boarded the bus and headed to Coshocton.
• Being present when OSU officials announced to community leaders in Coshocton a $10 million scholarship endowment from Joe Engle, an OSU alumnus, a native son of Coshocton, and his wife Elizabeth. The “shock” this surprise announcement had on the audience was truly special. At any one time, the endowment will benefit 12 students from Coshocton County who have great economic need, and knowing that this will provide the necessary financial assistance and empowerment through an OSU education for many students to attain their dreams was truly inspiring.
• Learning about the Newark Earthworks, which were built nearly 2,000 years ago in precolonial America and served as a place where people gathered from great distances for spiritual and ceremonial purposes, was amazing! The intricate details of the remaining earthworks signify the early inhabitants’ understanding of engineering, geometry, and astronomy. This brief experience and visit to these mounds served to remind us of the rich history of this great land, and the importance to preserve the diverse history and culture of our land and its people. Despite the apparent controversy between the community and the Mound Builder Country Club, which was recently given an extended lease by the Ohio Historical Society, these architectural earthworks seem to be well maintained.

This tour reminded me of road trips taken years ago such as those many of us experienced in middle school, high school, and college. It not only allowed participants the opportunity to experience much of what Northeastern Ohio has to offer, but it also facilitated OSU faculty members meeting and interacting with one another and with researchers, community leaders, students and others in the communities we visited. This was likely the beginning of professional collaborative relationships and friendships that will undoubtedly evolve over time into productive, collaborative, and mutually beneficial relationships.

I would highly recommend the Roads Scholar Tour to every faculty member at OSU, whether you’re new to OSU or you’ve been here for years. There is something for everyone to learn, and I am sure you’ll come away from the trip with a renewed interest, passion and commitment for your teaching, research, service and above all your involvement with outreach and engagement to the community and society.