So many people within a 50 mile radius of Athens view Ohio University as an elitist enclave in a poor, Appalachian culture...and perception is reality. For example, people look at the construction of very fine buildings (e.g., the new Baker) on the OU campus and complain about why there is not more state money going to the "average person." If you try to explain how the funding pots work for capital projects, they don't listen. Another example is that locals notice that many of the resident students are from NE Ohio, Columbus, or elsewhere...people who do not have a vested interest in SE Ohio.
Jeff -- I don't think its a perception. I think its a fact. It is an elitist enclave in a poor appalachian culture. And, I don't think OU will ever be able to change that attitude. Its a unique situation.
I think OU is going to have to grow its own fans via continued small successes in economic development. And, in terms of athletics maybe winning will pull in people from Lancaster, Chillicothe, Zanesville, and potentially Columbus.
Also, sure you can sit around and listen to "townies" (many of whom are married/related to university employees) complain about the university. Not hard to find complainers.
But, really, I think the town/gown relationship is pretty solid. That every day good relationship just gets trumped by headlines of the 10% of the time there's disagreements.
Last Edited: 7/18/2011 4:37:27 PM by Ohio69