ODNR NATIONAL RESOURCES PARK PROVIDES FAMILY FUN AT STATE FAIR – Smokey Bear has been an Ohio State Fair tradition and fairgoer favorite since 1959, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). This year, a brand new animatronic Smokey Bear will welcome state fair visitors to the ODNR Natural Resources Park during the Ohio State Fair. This new exhibit is just one of the many free family-friendly activities available at the park, which will be open throughout the Ohio State Fair from July 29-Aug. 9.

“The Ohio State Fair provides us with such a great opportunity to share the ODNR message about all of the great recreational opportunities we have here in Ohio,” said ODNR Director James Zehringer. “The ODNR Natural Resources Park gives all of our visitors a chance to try out activities they might not get to experience, such as kayaking, fishing or disc golf.”

This year, visitors will be welcomed to the park by a brand new Smokey Bear, whose moving arms, head and mouth will continue Smokey’s mission of teaching people about how they can prevent wildfires. The 14-foot-tall Smokey will greet each child who comes to visit by name from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Additionally, a Smokey Bear hot air balloon will take to the skies and float high above the fairgrounds the mornings of July 29-31, weather permitting.

A fun activity which is open daily for visitors of all ages is the 7,000-square-foot kayak pond. ODNR Division of Watercraft staff will be on hand to help people learn new paddling skills. Additionally, a stand-up paddleboarding demonstration will occur daily at 3 p.m. in the kayak pond. New this year is the addition of a personal watercraft simulator, which will allow visitors the fun experience of “riding” a jet ski while staying (mostly) dry.

FINDLAY TO OFFER FINANCIAL GUIDANCE TO PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS – To help students and their families make the most informed decisions regarding college expenses, The University of Findlay, in partnership with Cegment, Inc., will be providing detailed and straightforward financial guidance that spans the entire college experience.

College students and their supporters want to know how much it will cost to earn a degree, how much debt they’ll likely have to incur to do so and how debt repayment will be structured. They’re rightfully asking, and The University of Findlay is comprehensively answering.

This proactive and multifaceted outreach effort, created with Cegment, specifically for Findlay, will begin in August.

ASHLAND NAMES NEW VICE PRESIDENT FOR STUDENT AFFAIRS – Dr. Hannah Clayborne has been named the new vice president for student affairs at Ashland University, replacing Sue Heimann who retired this year after 36 years at Ashland. Clayborne will begin her duties on Aug. 3.

“Dr. Clayborne was identified through a national search process that produced more than 75 applicants for the position and a highly qualified semi-finalist and finalist pool,” said Dr. Scott Van Loo, executive vice president at Ashland University. “We believe that Hannah’s breadth of experiences, leadership ability, professional manner and commitment to Christian values will make her an excellent addition to the AU team.”

Clayborne comes to Ashland from Bellarmine University in Louisville, Ky., where she has served as assistant vice president for student affairs and multicultural affairs since 2007.

At Bellarmine, Clayborne led the university’s efforts in creating and maintaining an inclusive and welcoming campus environment for students, staff and faculty. Some of her accomplishments there included restructuring the Career Development Center in conjunction with the vice-president for student affairs to address the evolving needs of students, faculty, alumni and other stakeholders; establishing the Multicultural Advisory Board (MAB) to ensure students, staff and faculty experiences are reflected in the programs and institutional discussions regarding diversity and inclusion initiatives; and coordinating the development of the inaugural campus-wide diversity plan with members of the Multicultural Advisory Board.

News briefs
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2015/07/web1_Afternoonupdate19.jpgNews briefs

Staff report