BY GINA CALCAMUGGIO ILLUSTRATIONS BY HANNAH FARLEY
Gina Calcamuggio Senior Messaging Strategist, Marketing & Communications
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“Otterbein is seeking a better way,” he added. “We are building pathways from urban districts, public schools and community colleges. We believe in creating opportunities for students rich with potential.” Recognizing and investing in potential is exactly what Jefferson Blackburn-Smith, Otterbein’s vice president for enrollment management, says Otterbein does. Creating more affordable pathways is one of the surest ways to meet that challenge. “Even families that have means can be shocked by the cost of college; many middle class families haven’t saved enough money and they may struggle to pick up the added
OTTERBEIN TOWERS FALL/WINTER 2019
As Otterbein found itself in the national spotlight for the CNN/New York Times Democratic Presidential Debate, University leaders seized the moment to amplify the message of college affordability and Otterbein’s commitment to addressing the problem. From the Debate Hall stage to the printed and online pages of The Hill, Otterbein President John Comerford told audiences that American higher education deserves the criticism it is facing and that Otterbein is trying to be a part of the solution. “The cost of college is out of control. We know that many deserving students and their families can’t afford a college education. To limit the privilege of a college education to only the wealthy is unAmerican and a threat to our democracy,” said Comerford. His words were met with robust applause. expense,” Blackburn-Smith said. “Otterbein understands this; that’s why we’re working to help families wherever they are.” Blackburn-Smith said there is often a disconnect for parents, noting that many share with him that they worked to put themselves through college and expecting that will be the case for their sons and daughters now. “An 18-year-old today simply isn’t going to be able to work a minimum wage job and cover the costs of tuition, room and board. It’s just not realistic,” he said. Students acknowledge that cost — and the fear associated with it — is a critical factor in shaping final college decisions. “I
