Immediate Release
January 26, 2010
Batavia, Ohio. The University of Cincinnati (UC) will be the first tenant in a multimillion dollar deal to renovate the old Ford plant in Batavia, giving new life to the former transmission plant that closed in 2008. University of Cincinnati trustees today voted on a five-year lease with an option to buy up to 45 acres at the site, located on James Sauls Senior Drive in Batavia Township; the lease would include over 81,000 square feet and will allow the university to expand course offerings at nearby UC Clermont College and to offer four-year programs in the county as part of a program called “UC East.”
“We are quite pleased with the University of Cincinnati’s decision to expand its presence in Clermont County,” said Board of Clermont County Commissioners (BCC) President Bob Proud, a former UC Clermont student. “The addition of more options for our citizens to obtain a two or four-year degree at a quality institution like UC, without leaving the county, is a major bonus. The expansion will also kick-start revitalization of the Ford property and provide jobs and additional educational opportunities for many in our community.”
“The BCC is pleased that our aggressive approach to economic development is resulting in a significant investment by UC into our community,” added Clermont Commissioner Scott Croswell. “The types of jobs that will be created are just the kind that we look for to enhance economic development opportunities in the county.”
UC Clermont has experienced a 17 percent increase in enrollment this winter quarter, compared to last winter; overall, enrollment is up 52 percent in the past 10 years. Currently, over 4,000 students attend classes at the Batavia campus.
UC plans to begin offering classes at the new campus in fall 2010; a four-year nursing program and a two-year physical therapy program will be among the initial classes offered at the site.
#
For additional information about this or other county news, contact Clermont County Communications Director Kathryn Lehr at (513) 732-7597 or by e-mail, klehr@co.clermont.oh.us.