Springfield, Ohio — In this hotly contested election year, it is fitting that the Wittenberg University Political Science Department has put together an innovative colloquium series titled "Affairs of the State: Ohio," starting with a presentation by Ohio Lt. Governor Lee Fisher at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 24, in Bayley Auditorium in the Barbara Deer Kuss Science Center.
Fisher, who credits former Shaker Heights High School teacher Jerry Graham, Wittenberg class of 1958, as an important mentor in his life, will make a presentation titled "Positioning Ohio for the 21st Century: Globalization, New Frontiers and the Future." The event will be followed by a news conference in the same location that features state, federal and Springfield community leaders and Wittenberg University President Mark H. Erickson announcing an innovative university-community venture.
"Affairs of the State: Ohio" continues with a presentation titled "Preparation, Partnership, Success" by Ohio Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28; a presentation titled "Global Warming – Science or Religion?" by Ohio EPA Director Chris Korleski at 4 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 5; and a presentation titled "The Essential Role of Federal, State and Community Partnerships in Achieving Ohio's Public Health Goals" by Ohio Department of Health Director Alvin Jackson at 4 p.m. Thursday, March 19.
Fisher, who has an undergraduate degree and a master's degree from Wittenberg's North Coast Athletic Conference rival Oberlin and a master's degree of nonprofit organization from Case Western Reserve, was elected in 2006 along with Ohio Governor Ted Strickland. He also serves as the director of the Ohio Department of Development, leading the state's efforts to retain, attract and create jobs and expand Ohio's economy.
Fisher has more than 14 years of public service, including terms as Ohio Attorney General, State Senator and State Representative. He has also worked as a private attorney, public company board director and as a federal appellate law clerk.
