Local leaders collaborate for a college in downtown Sandusky

SANDUSKY — From leading a university to working in government and even negotiating deals for amusement parks, their backgrounds greatly differ.But five people found commonality in achieving one goal they believe can benefit all of their organizations and stakeholders: They seek to establish a college and a campus environment situated somewhere in downtown Sandusky.On Thursday, the Register reported an unprecedented collaboration between Bowling Green State University and Cedar Fair to establish a brick-and-mortar learning center paired with an academic program tailored around tourism-related courses.The project could require a financial commitment totaling between $15 million and $25 million. It's not known today exactly how it could get funded in full.An item in the state's biannual capital budget, however, shows the project requesting $2 million in public tax dollars.The request faces much competition. Consider more than $1 billion has been requested from the account — which funds special projects, such as the Sandusky State Theatre receiving $750,000 two years ago to improve sound and lighting aspects — and it's assumed no more than $200 million will be awarded this spring.The area's two state representatives, Republicans Steve Arndt in the House and Randy Gardner in the Senate, both publicly supported and signed off on this request.Meanwhile, three others involved in the project's particulars — Bowling Green State University interim president Rodney Rogers, Cedar Fair general counsel and executive vice president Duff Milkie and Sandusky city manager Eric Wobser — broke their silence and, for the first time, publicly spoke on this arrangement.What each person said:• Rogers: We believe this innovative partnership will benefit the university, Cedar Fair and the community through developing an educational program that will provide graduates with opportunities in the resort and attraction management industry. A key component of the program will be a required co-op at Cedar Fair parks across the country. BGSU is pleased to support the funding request in the state capital budget.Note: Rogers added the proposed degree program first requires the approval of several boards, including the state's higher education department.Rogers, Rodney• Gardner: I believe the BGSU-Cedar Fair project will enhance opportunities for young people and for our region to be even more prominent.State Sen. Randy Gardner, R-Bowling Green• Milkie: We are excited to partner with BGSU on this unique public-private partnership that combines one of the largest regional amusement-resort operators in the world with one of Ohio's largest universities.Milkie, Duff• Arndt: Tourism is a $42 billion industry, in which Ohio ranks seventh in the nation with the number of jobs supported by the industry yet is 42nd when you take a look at state support for it. When people are looking for a career path perspective, they realize this can be a very lucrative employment offering. A national training industry for the travel and tourism industry for individuals pursuing that employment in Sandusky would be huge.State Rep. Steve Arndt, R-Port Clinton• Wobser: This would be one of the most significant projects and investments to happen in the city in generations. Successful cities in the 21st century need to have an educated workforce, and for Sandusky to attract an institution of higher education that is focused on our largest and fastest-growing industry of hospitality should help us create a more talented workforce and develop more full-time jobs in tourism throughout the Lake Erie shores and islands region.Sandusky city manager Eric WobserAn education on the proposed projectThrough a public-private partnership, Cedar Fair and Bowling Green State University want to create a college paired with a campus-style environment somewhere within the city's central business district.It's possible the academic center, solely focused on teaching tourism-related courses, and a related residential setting, housing upward of 200 students year-round, could open by 2020.Bowling Green State University recently began developing a curriculum tailored to the tourism industry for a proposed program in Sandusky. More specifically, it focuses on subjects pertaining to the business of traveling, hospitality and entertainment. Upon completion of the major, students would receive a bachelor's degree in resort and attraction management.Undergraduates at the junior and senior levels can register for classes on these subjects, all taught by university-employed educators. BGSU students, no matter at the main campus in Bowling Green or BGSU Firelands in Huron Township, are eligible to sign up for these classes. Meanwhile, those enrolled elsewhere, such as at other colleges, can transfer into the program.No other accredited postsecondary organization offers this type of academic program.Headquartered in Sandusky, and acting as Cedar Point's parent company, Cedar Fair would own and operate the building located somewhere in downtown Sandusky. The company will "be engaged in the program by providing input on the curriculum, adjunct instruction by qualified employees, paid co-ops and other experiential learning opportunities," according to a company statement.Executives envision the academic program serving as a professional pipeline, directing trained and skilled graduates to employment opportunities at one of Cedar Fair's 11 properties, including Cedar Point in Sandusky.A degree can also prepare students to find work at other amusement parks, cruise lines, resorts, hotels and countless other tourism-related jobs or careers."The new program is a unique public-private partnership that combines a leading international entertainment company with one of Ohio's largest universities," according to a joint statement from BGSU and Cedar Fair. "It will have a national reach in attracting students to its distinct program and guaranteeing the placement of internships across the country and helping ensure that students have the skills to succeed in the workplace."Reach reporter Andy Ouriel at ouriel@sanduskyregister.com and follow him on Twitter @AndyOuriel.