POMEROY — Dennis Eichinger of Reedsville has been named director of the Rio Grande Meigs Center.

Eichinger is originally from Chester, and is a graduate of Eastern High School. He attended Ohio University and The Ohio State University, and is a former educator and administrator in the Meigs and Eastern school districts. He began his work at the center earlier this month.

The enrollment in the new Rio Grande Meigs Center doubled in just one year and is continuing to increase, as more than 180 students currently take classes at the educational center.

Several associate degree programs are offered at the Rio Grande Meigs Center, and numerous transfer module courses are also offered. The center offers an extensive number of night classes, and the programs are designed to fit around the work and family responsibilities of the students.

“The main attribute that attracted me to the Rio Grande Meigs Center is the unique learning environment,” Eichinger said.

“We are very pleased to have Dennis Eichinger on board at the Meigs Center,” said Luanne Bowman, vice president for financial and administrative affairs for Rio Grande Community College. “He’s a local individual with a wealth of knowledge and experience.”

Eichinger earned his master’s degree in educational administration from Ohio University and his bachelor’s of education degree from The Ohio State University, and previously served as the College Tech Prep Coordinator for Washington State Community College.

He also taught at Meigs High School and Eastern High School and served in positions including principal, career tech supervisor, teacher, athletic director and coach.

“This way of learning is fashioned through the access to small learning communities within the building that provide students with individually rigorous and relevant academic and technical programs,” Eichinger said.

Eichinger said students at the Rio Grande Meigs Center are encouraged to build strong learning relationships with the faculty and staff, as well as with local business, industry and community leaders.

Students are able to gain real-world learning experience to complement the knowledge they gain in the classroom.

“The majority of my lifetime experiences and employment opportunities have occurred in Meigs County,” Eichinger explained. “My wish is that the members of this community will allow me to become that person whom they can depend on to help them develop a program of study to assist them in reaching both educational and employment success.”

Eichinger said he plans to further practices implemented by previous director Brent Patterson and his staff. He said he plans to work hard to help the Rio Grande Meigs Center continue to grow and find new ways to assist area residents.