Dean Schlueter shares a vision for the future of higher education in Marion
Buckeye Talks on Tap welcomes Ohio State Marion Dean & Director, Jennifer Schlueter to Passenger and Rail Co at Bucci’s Italian Scratch Kitchen, 320 W. Center Street, Marion, Tuesday., January 13, 2026, 5:30 p.m., for a lecture titled, “Civic Practice in Motion: Land-Grant Beginnings, Black Mountain Experiments, and the Work Ahead for Regional Campuses.”
In this Buckeye Talks on Tap, Dr. Schlueter traces the deep American tradition of higher education as civic practice—from the 19th-century rise of land-grant universities (like Ohio State) and lyceums to labor colleges and folk schools that placed learning squarely in the hands of communities. She then turns to Black Mountain College, part of her own scholarly research, whose experimental pedagogy carried these ideals into new artistic and democratic terrain.
Drawing these histories together, she will open a conversation about how Ohio State Marion is poised to carry this mission of access, creativity, and community service forward. Join the campus and community for this early look at the vision she is setting in motion, and for a dialogue about what higher education might mean for Marion in the years ahead.
Buckeye Talks on Tap is free and open to all and offers community members a chance to explore timely issues in an accessible, conversational setting. Inspired by the international Science Café movement, the series brings scholars and citizens together in relaxed environments—pubs, restaurants, and cafés—to discuss topics that matter to our region and our nation.
The event will take place at Bucci’s Italian Scratch Kitchen inside Passenger & Rail Co., 320 W. Center St., Marion, Ohio. Doors open at 5 p.m., with the lecture at 5:30 p.m. followed by a short Q&A. Attendees will be entered into a door prize drawing provided by Marcie DeWitt of Anchor and Away Travel. Guests are welcome to purchase dinner or drinks during the program.
Ohio State Marion looks forward to welcoming the community to this timely conversation and reaffirming its commitment to open inquiry, civil dialogue, and shared learning.
The Ohio State University at Marion was established in 1957 in Marion, Ohio as one of four Ohio State regional campuses. The 187-acre campus provides an open access portal to Ohio's flagship university, faculty expertise, and the breadth and depth of opportunity synonymous with one of the country's top public universities. Students can earn an associate of arts or bachelor's degree in biology, business, education, engineering technology, English, history, nursing, psychology, or social work on the Marion campus or begin any of 200+ Ohio State degree programs. Ohio State Marion's caring community of world-renowned faculty scholars and researchers and dedicated staff are passionate about fostering the full potential of each student in an inclusive environment that embraces the idea of caring and personal attention. Ohio State Marion prepares students for meaningful careers through innovative, engaging, and inclusive learning experiences and seeks to be the destination of choice for those seeking a university education at a campus recognized for excellence in teaching, research, community outreach, and citizenship.