Member

David Harrison was appointed president of Columbus State Community College in 2010. With more than 40,000 students, Columbus State is one of the largest, most comprehensive, and most diverse colleges in Ohio. Dr. Harrison and the Columbus State team have had a strong, consistent focus on equitable student success through partnerships. In 2019 Columbus State received the Leah Meyer Austin Award from the national organization Achieving the Dream, recognizing the college demonstrating significant advancements in student success with an emphasis on equity. Since 2010 Columbus State has more than tripled its graduation rate and has significantly improved opportunities for low-income students and students of color.

Under Dr. Harrison’s leadership, Columbus State has developed deep partnerships with universities to open access to affordable bachelor’s degrees through innovative 2+2 and 3+1 pathways; has expanded access to postsecondary opportunities to high school students, serving over 8,000 high school students annually; and has developed creative partnerships with employers to address regional workforce needs. Columbus State has become a proving ground for public-private partnerships, bringing together employers, social service groups, philanthropic organizations, and local, state, and federal agencies to develop innovative programs to help students, families, and communities.

Prior to joining Columbus State, Dr. Harrison served in leadership roles at the University of Central Florida, Seminole State College, and Sinclair Community College. He also served as a consulting manager with Accenture. He earned a PhD from the Ohio State University, an MBA from the Katz Graduate School of Business at the University of Pittsburgh, and a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering from the University of Dayton. He and his wife, Tracy, have three grown children: Julie, Mark, and Sam.