Ohio University President Roderick J. McDavis and Kent
State University President Beverly Warren pose for a
photo at Dix Stadium during both schools' football season
opener.

Though Kent State University and Ohio University were rivals on the gridiron on Aug. 30 to kick off both schools’ football seasons, the presidents of these conference foes have announced plans to be teammates in educational collaborations.

Kent State President Beverly Warren and Ohio University President Roderick J. McDavis have known each other and worked together for many years, dating back to their time at Virginia Commonwealth University.

With Warren and McDavis now in leadership roles in higher education in Ohio, their diverse university communities are aligned for strategic collaboration in such areas as student success, research, community engagement and economic development. They will now continue their long-standing partnership with the goal of developing a strong alliance between the institutions.

Similar in size, Kent State and Ohio University together boast nearly 80,000 students, including those attending the schools’ regional campuses and online classes.

“We have common goals in enhancing student success and preparing students to become the leaders of tomorrow’s global workforce,” Warren says. “When we look at the strengths and unique programs of each university, I am confident we will identify strategic partnerships that will create tremendous opportunities for students from both schools to excel.”

“Bev and I know how to collaborate to get things done,” McDavis says. “So this commitment is a natural byproduct of our relationship that can offer exponential benefits. With each university having a solid history of independent accomplishments, I’m looking forward to experiencing what we can accomplish by working together.”