New Philadelphia, Ohio (WTUZ) – A local University branch is celebrating their historical 50thanniversary and Ohio leaders are honoring this achievement. Kent State University at Tuscarawas Dean Brad Bielski attended a meeting at the Ohio House recently where 98th District Representative Al Landis and Senator Jay Hottinger spoke about the milestone. Landis explains the planning and concept for the campus started in the fall of 1962 through a community collaboration.“This campus has grown by leaps and bounds by size, by offering the number of courses and the number of degrees available to Tuscarawas County. We also reach into Harrison County, to Belmont County so it’s a very important campus for us.” Hottinger also noted the growth of 200 students when the campus first opened to today’s number of around 2,200 students. Bielski thanked the Ohio House for the recognition and for supporting higher education. Kent Tuscarawas will celebrate their anniversary in September. - Mary Alice Reporting