The LCCC campus with banner announcing LCCC as an Aspen Prize Finalist

President's Perspective

A New Academic Year, Designed to Thrive

As a new academic year begins at Lorain County Community College, there is a familiar sense of energy and possibility across our campus and throughout the community.


LCCC begins this new chapter of growth and momentum, strengthened by national recognition and grounded in a deep commitment to our region. As the first Ohio community college to be named a finalist for the prestigious Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, LCCC is being recognized for the impact we are making in student success and opportunities we create.


However, our greatest measure of success will always be the difference we make right here at home: students earning credentials that lead to meaningful careers, employers gaining the talent they need to grow, families building stronger futures and communities gaining new possibilities. As a new semester begins, we have the opportunity to build on that impact — one student, one opportunity and one life changed at a time.


I am proud to lead LCCC into this new academic year, as we continue to create a college designed to help every student thrive and reach their goals.


Click below to watch the message I shared with students on the first day of classes.

LCCC Launches RN-to-BSN Online Program

LCCC is continuing its legacy of providing high-quality education for in-demand healthcare careers with a new Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. The fully online RN-to-BSN program is designed to seamlessly stack with RN credentials.


Learn more about LCCC's new 
RN-to-BSN program.

A nurse wearing blue scrubs

LCCC Graduate
Elijah Smith


Elijah Smith was in eighth grade when he took his first LCCC class through the College Credit Plus program. In May, he earned two associate degrees at the same time he graduated from Brookside High School. He's continuing with LCCC's nursing program.


Learn more about Elijah Smith.

Franco Gallo

LCCC Commodore Hall of Fame Inductee Franco Gallo


When Franco Gallo graduated from LCCC in 1999, he became the first in his family to earn a degree. Today, he's the superintendent of the Educational Service Center of Lorain County, helping other students on a path to lifelong learning.


Learn more about Franco Gallo.


Hall of Fame

Nominations are Open for the LCCC Commodore Hall of Fame


LCCC and the LCCC Foundation invite the community to nominate deserving alumni for the third class of Commodore Hall of Fame. Nominations are now open for alumni who have distinguished themselves through professional accomplishments, leadership, service to others and a continued connection to LCCC’s mission. Nominations will be accepted through September 18.

LCCC in the News

2027 Aspen Prize finalists announced – Community College Daily


Northeast Ohio lands massive $160M federal award to transform the region’s manufacturing future – Cleveland.com


Incentivizing student-support initiatives like LCCC’s ‘SAIL’ program: Gayle Manning – Opinion – Cleveland.com


LCCC to offer bachelor’s degree in nursing this fall – Chronicle Telegram

Upcoming Events

Fall Fest at LCCC Wellington Center - September 23


Fall Fest at LCCC Lorain Learning Center - October 8


Fall Fest at LCCC University Partnership Ridge Campus - October 21


Judy Collins – Sweet Judy Blue Eyes: Farewell Tour - November 6 at Stocker Arts Center

Picture This

An LCCC student jumps in the air near the campus fountain

I am thrilled to see campus filled with students this semester— pursuing their goals, chasing what’s next and trusting their community college to help them get there.


See more of my favorite photos on Instagram at @PresBallinger

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