Dr. Larry McDougle is so enjoying his role as president at Owens Community College, he’s agreed to stay
for another year.
The college’s board of trustees on Tuesday unanimously agreed to extend McDougle’s contract for another
year, through June 30, 2012.
McDougle said it was a mutual agreement between the two parties.
"We are extremely confident with your performance and your goals and your leadership skills,"
stated trustees Chairman Diana "Dee" Talmage during the meeting. "We are extremely
pleased."
McDougle, of Napoleon, was named the fifth president at the college in June 2010, after serving as the
interim president for six months.
The only change in his contract is its length; he will continue to be paid $240,000 annually.
He added, "From my perspective, it was just a year ago they were going through a search." It
didn’t seem like the right time to begin yet another presidential search, he said.
"Plus I’m enjoying what I’m doing," said the 69-year-old.
He has more that 40 years of experience in higher education as a faculty member and administrator in
Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and South Carolina. He retired in 2003 as president emeritus at Northwest State
Community College. Since his retirement, he’s also been a part-time faculty member at the University of
Toledo.
McDougle said he was looking forward to taking part in the initiatives coming soon to Owens, including a
focus on alternative energy, plus potential changes in the college’s organizational structure, due in
part to its budget situation. There are more efficiencies that can be brought about, he said about
future changes.
At the meeting, there were three empty seats at the trustees’ table. Three Owens trustees appointed by
former Gov. Ted Strickland were not affirmed by the Ohio Senate. Monica Larsen, of Findlay; Dr. Raj
Bhatia, Holland; and Ronald Rothenbuhler, of Oregon, attended the Dec. 14 trustees meeting after being
appointed by Strickland. Senate Republicans on Dec. 21 rejected more than 70 appointments, including
these three, unhappy with what they called an unusually high number of post-election appointments from
the governor’s office.
McDougle said Tuesday he has heard no news from Columbus as to when Gov. John Kasich will fill the seats.

"Obviously the sooner we can get the three positions filled, the better," he stated.
Also at the meeting, the board re-elected Talmage as board chairman, and elected RJ Molter as vice
chairman; accepted the resignation of Cynthia Eschenburg, vice president of human resources; and
commended the Lady Express volleyball team for its winning record.