at Tuscarawas’ dean and chief administrative officer, Dr. Bradley Bielski, will continue to lead the campus for the next five years, effective July 1, 2019, with the renewal of his appointment.
Dr. Nathan Ritchey, vice president for System Integration, recently made the announcement. Dr. Ritchey highlighted several significant accomplishments under Dr. Bielski’s leadership, including an increase in campus enrollment, the growth of athletic teams to 11, the building of a new gateway to campus, the development of new community partnerships and the financial well-being of the campus.
The renewal of Dr. Bielski's appointment follows a rigorous review conducted by a committee of and regional campus administrators and faculty.
While the campus was recently recognized on the State House of Representatives floor twice, built a new gateway entrance to campus, developed new academic programs, experienced significant enrollment increases and celebrated a 50th anniversary, Dr. Bielski is most passionate about the increase in student engagement.
“Overall, student engagement has increased through a number of academic programs, creative opportunities in the library and Makerspace, and co-curriculars, including band, choir and athletics,” said Dr. Bielski. “We are making a difference in the lives of our students, resulting in increased and positive visibility for the campus.”
The current campus enrollment is nearly 2,200 and has experienced a constant growth pattern over the past three years.
Enrollment is expected to continue to grow, not only with students from Tuscarawas and surrounding counties, but with students from out of state. “We are attracting students from all over the country, including Florida, Georgia, California and New York,” said Dr. Bielski. “We need to find a better way to serve their needs.” To that end, he sees campus apartment-style living and a student/athletic center on the horizon.
Besides being very student-focused, Dr. Bielski is also dedicated to community engagement. He serves as the chair or as a member of several boards of directors, including the Tuscarawas County Economic Development Corporation, United Way of Tuscarawas and the Tuscarawas County Chamber of Commerce.
“What I like best about Tuscarawas is the people – not only on campus, but the community and surrounding areas,” said Dr. Bielski. “I couldn’t ask for better friends, colleagues and a better working environment.”
Dr. Bielski resides in Dover with his wife, Dawn, and their four children – Hannah, a 2018 graduate and current Loyola University student; Elise, a fashion design student at ; Jeff, a current Tuscarawas College Credit Plus and Dover High School student; and Sophie, who attends Dover Middle School.
Prior to his appointment at Tuscarawas five years ago, Dr. Bielski served for 10 years as the Vice-President for Academic Affairs at Thomas More College in Crestview Hills, Kentucky. He earned his Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry with a minor in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Cincinnati. His areas of specialty included statistical mechanics, quantum chemistry and analytical spectroscopy.