Sinclair Community College’s Geography Department receives prestigious recognition from the American Association of Geographers

The Geography/Geospatial Technology Department at Sinclair Community College has been recognized by the American Association of Geographers with a 2023 Program Excellence Award. The department has been recognized for its well put together offerings of an associate degree in Geography, which is aligned with Ohio’s public universities, and is designed for students who want to transfer to a four-year university, as well as an associate degree in applied GIST, which is targeted toward students who want to prepare to work in Geospatial Technology. The school also offers three GIS certificates as well.

One of the features of the Geography Department is its GIS internship, which is offered as a capstone to the program. The department has also developed several partnerships with local organizations through projects like the Map Dayton project, a platform for applied learning for students that has worked to raise awareness of the practical applications of geography in the local community. The department has also partnered with the new Vestiges of Redlining project, which was created and run by students and provided important information for both the students running it and the local community. The geography program also highlights the importance of cooperation between the classroom and the wider environment, and has worked to help work on the issues that Dayton is facing, while also helping students get a foothold in a good career.

In an article posted on Sinclair Community College’s website, the Manager of Career Programs and Disciplinary Research for the American Association of Geographers talked about the good work Sinclair is doing, saying, “Community colleges like Sinclair are a lifeline for students, and a critical path for the next generation of geographers. In our research, we’ve found that as many as 40 percent of all undergraduates are studying at community colleges in the US. Sinclair’s Geography/Geospatial Technology Department is an excellent support for geography studies, as well as representing geography to the public in the Dayton area.”

Dr. Jacqueline Housel, a professor in Sinclair Community College’s Geography Department, talked about the recognition awarded to the program, saying, “Sinclair Community College is honored to receive this prestigious recognition that highlights our unwavering focus on student success in the fields of geography and geospatial technology. Sinclair is proud to provide exceptional learning experiences in and out of the classroom that give our students the vital skills they need for college and career success.”

More information about the American Association of Geographers can be found at the organization’s website.

More information about Sinclair Community College can be found at the school’s website.