Sarah Bolton

The Five Colleges of Ohio is a consortium established in 1995 that unites Denison University, Kenyon College, Oberlin College, Wesleyan University, and the College of Wooster. The non-profit company is based in Oberlin, OH. It serves around 11,000 undergraduates, 1,000 faculty, and 2,200 staff, fostering collaboration to enhance academic and operational success across its members. Key initiatives include grant programs supporting faculty collaboration and strategic projects such as semiconductor research and workforce development, as well as microgrants for digital engagement. The consortium’s libraries share systems, resources, and professional development to improve services and reduce costs. It also offers student internships with various partners, connecting classroom learning to professional experience and providing employers access to a talent pool. The procurement group leverages collective purchasing power to reduce expenses and streamline processes through consortial contracts and cooperative agreements.