Yellow Springs, Ohio – The Antioch University Board of Directors has approved the resolution for the expansion of Antioch University McGregor. On Saturday, October 16, 2004 Campus West officially was made a reality.

“People are excited about the scope of our vision at McGregor,” said Barbara Gellman-Danley, PhD Antioch University McGregor President. “This is a much larger issue than merely adding another building; it is about driving significant economic development that will benefit the entire Miami Valley.”

In addition to boosting economic development in the Miami Valley, Campus West is expected to raise Antioch University McGregor’s competitive standing to a new level in the higher education community. The new facility, located at the intersection of Dayton Yellow Springs Road and Enon Road, is just a few minutes from the current location of Antioch University McGregor, as well as from the location of its sister institution, Antioch College. The new 60,000 square foot building will be two- and three-stories tall, complete with an impressive central three-story library and reading room.

The cutting-edge Antioch University McGregor learning facility will anchor Business & Education Park, a significant new economic development project in Yellow Springs that will accommodate office and business incubators. The park will feature amenities for employers and both university campuses, including transient housing, food services, walking paths and possibly a trolley to link Campus West with Antioch College, the Village of Yellow Springs and regional attractions such as Young’s Jersey Dairy. Campus West will encourage growth not only for Antioch University McGregor but also the economies of Greene County and southwest Ohio.

“Business & Education Park fulfills a need in this region and will serve to encourage education and economic growth,” said Dan Young, President of Young’s Jersey Dairy and Community Improvement Corporation Board Member. “We are proud of our positive relationship with Antioch University McGregor and excited about the results of our combined efforts. This development signals a tremendous beginning to exciting community improvements that will benefit the entire Miami Valley region.”

Now that the Board of Trustees has passed the resolution, construction of Campus West is scheduled to begin June 2005, with a completion date and grand opening planned for Spring 2007.

Campus West is a direct response to the growing enrollment at Antioch University McGregor. Having recorded an average growth rate of 10 percent each year for the past several years, McGregor has simply outgrown its physical facilities on the Antioch campus and there is no longer sufficient space available for McGregor students.

Campus West will enable Antioch University McGregor to not only maintain but also enhance its position in the higher education community and adequately satisfy the needs of adult learners. It will immediately enable Antioch University McGregor to serve more students more efficiently, help to attract and retain respected faculty and strengthen the relationship among McGregor, Antioch College, the Village of Yellow Springs and the Greene County region.

It has always been immensely important to Antioch University McGregor that it remain in Yellow Springs and near Antioch College. Wonderful opportunities are also on the horizon for Antioch College, which is currently moving forward with the Renewal Commission plan to transform its curriculum and teaching practices.

“We are excited to be working with the Village on this development,” Gellman-Danley said. “Our rich history and commitment to the area has allowed us to develop close relationships with the Village of Yellows Springs and the Community Improvement Corporation.” The local economy will benefit significantly from the positive impact of Campus West. The creation of a retreat-like setting to foster intellectual stimulation and provide much-needed seminar and event space that can be utilized by Miami Valley businesses and Antioch College as well as Antioch University McGregor, will stimulate economic development in this area.

With over 70 full time employees, McGregor contributes more than $14 million in direct economic impact to the regional economy. Antioch University is the biggest employer in Yellow Springs and one of the top ten in Greene County.

Antioch University McGregor, one of five campuses of Antioch University, contributes to the betterment of the individual and the community by fostering academic excellence and providing socially responsive, flexible and innovative education programs for adult learners. McGregor features a wide array of bachelor’s degree completion programs, master’s programs in conflict resolution, management and education and also individualized liberal and professional studies programs.

For media interviews, please contact Dr. Barbara Gellman-Danley at 937-769-1850 or by e-mail at bdanley@mcgregor.edu