Voice of America Learning Center
Building for the Future
Miami University is bringing its nationally recognized education to a new site in Butler County, near the Warren County line. Groundbreaking for the Voice of America Learning Center took place September 5, 2007, and classes will begin at the center in January 2009.
Center Highlights
Located at the former Voice of America relay station on Cox Road, this multipurpose instructional facility will offer graduate and undergraduate courses and programs, as well as customized training opportunities for business, industry, school districts, and government agencies.
Its location adjacent to I-75 and approximately midway between Cincinnati and Dayton will provide convenient access to higher education for persons who are:
- entering the workforce for the first time
- beginning college or working to complete a degree
- seeking opportunities for career and professional advancement by gaining new knowledge and skills
- meeting continuing education requirements to maintain professional certification or licensure.
At just over 23,000 square feet, the center will support more than 75 classes per week offered during daytimes, evenings, and weekends. Center facilities will also be available to community groups for meetings, seminars, community forums, and other events, and Miami's Alumni Career Services will extend its operations to include the center.
History of the Center
The center is located on land that was once part of the Voice of America Bethany Relay Station. Working in consultation with West Chester Township officials, Miami in 1996 applied to the U.S. Department of Education through the Federal Real Property Assistance Program for 20 acres of the former VOA site to build the Learning Center and received title to the land in 2000.
Through capital appropriations over the years, the State of Ohio provided $1.5 million of the project's estimated $7.5 million cost. Miami University's Board of Trustees approved issuing bonds to complete the financing of the center as the university worked toward meeting the commitment it had made to the people of West Chester and the surrounding areas.