ST. CLAIRSVILLE, Ohio -
More
than a year ago, Belmont Technical College began exploring a new brand
identity which included not only new colors and messaging, but also a
new name for the institution. Enrollment growth and expansion into
broader program offerings, including the Associate of Arts and Associate
of Science degrees, fueled the need for the College to adopt a new name
that better reflects the current offerings of the institution. The
College's name change from Belmont Technical College to Belmont College
is accompanied by an updated logo in addition to the implementation of
its brand positioning, "Be Able. Be Belmont."
"It
is our hope that by aligning the new name with our educational
programs, we will increase the value of our degrees and advance the
College's status in the eyes of the community." said Dr. Joseph E.
Bukowski, President of Belmont College. "Much of the world has changed
since Belmont was founded in 1971 and so has the mission of the College.
This is a defining moment in Belmont's history. We believe that change
is how we grow, and Belmont is actively growing and changing as an
institution to better serve the community."
Moreover,
Belmont has another big change for the coming academic year. In the
Fall of 2012, the College will convert from quarters to semesters. This
conversion to semesters is part of the overall 10-year strategic plan
put forth by the Ohio Board of Regents to standardize the academic
calendar for the entire University System of Ohio. At Belmont, the
semester calendar will extend each term by as much as five weeks,
allowing students more time to learn course materials and opportunities
for more in-depth study.
In a press release, Belmont
College is and will continue to be an integral part of the University
System of Ohio and fulfill its community college mission –
to provide affordable higher education for students in a
learner-centered environment and to offer community leadership that
promotes programs for economic development, career advancement,
workforce development, and community education that are responsive to
local business and industry.
"The
new Belmont College brand is more than our name and logo. ‘Be Able, Be
Belmont' is an expression of who we are as an institution. It's our
promise to students, alumni, the community we serve and ourselves,"
noted Laura Doty, Director of Strategic Communications. "It's the
cornerstone of our new positioning. It's simple and compelling: Be
Able. But the benefits of being able are different for every student.
Celebrating the many benefits of ability widens the appeal and relevance
of our core claim: that Belmont College changes the lives of students
by preparing them to do the things they were meant to be able to do."