Terra State appoints interim president

FREMONT — Terra State Community College recently underwent a leadership change and continues to see increased financial oversight following recent action by its board of trustees and state officials. The college's board of trustees accepted the resignation of former president Ronald Schumacher during a special session April 2, and appointed Cory Stine as interim president, effective immediately. Stine, who has been with the college for more than a decade, most recently served as senior vice president for innovation and strategic planning. The leadership change comes as a result of the Ohio Department of Higher Education placing the college on fiscal watch status, a designation triggered after concerns identified in a financial audit and a recommendation from the Ohio Auditor of State. State reporting shows the audit identified significant financial issues, including a nearly $11.5 million operating loss, late financial reporting, as well as problems with payments and accounting practices. Trustees said the college is working to develop a financial recovery plan for state review, with a goal of addressing the issues within three years. The plan is expected to focus on financial systems, compliance with state standards and increased board oversight. College officials said they will work with the state auditor's office to address the findings and bring financial practices into compliance. The change is not expected to affect students, a release from the college states. The college will remain fully operational, with no expected disruptions to classes or other campus services, it states. Requests for additional comment were not returned. The board is scheduled to meet again April 22.