David Harrison

David Harrison leads the largest community college in Ohio, serving more than 40,000 students annually. Since joining Columbus State Community College in 2010, Dr. Harrison has focused on three strategic priorities: student success, workforce development and community impact.

Under Dr. Harrison’s leadership, Columbus State has won national recognition for its focus on equitable student success and innovative public-private partnerships. In 2019, Columbus State received the Leah Meyer Austin Award from the national organization Achieving the Dream, recognizing significant advancements in student success. Since 2010, Columbus State has more than tripled its graduation rate and has significantly improved opportunities for low-income students and students of color.

Columbus State has developed deep partnerships with K-12 school systems, universities, and employers throughout the region to expand access to higher education, enhance student success, and address workforce needs. The college has become a proving ground for public-private partnerships, bringing together employers; social service groups; philanthropic organizations; and local, state, and federal agencies to help students, families, and communities. In 2023, Columbus was designated by the White House as one of five federal Workforce Hubs, with Columbus State as the anchor institution.

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 Ph.D. from the Ohio State University, an MBA from 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.