Columbus, OH (April 17, 2025)—The Columbus Foundation today announced David Harrison, PhD, President of Columbus State Community College, as the 2025 honoree of The Spirit of Columbus® Award. Created in 2013 in honor of Jerrie Mock, the first woman to fly around the world solo, the award celebrates those in our community who exhibit bravery, determination, and boldness through their actions.
A respected and accomplished leader, Dr. Harrison has led Columbus State since 2010. Under his stewardship, Columbus State has developed deep partnerships throughout central Ohio, working with public and private stakeholders to address regional workforce challenges, expand access to higher education, and support students as they complete their degrees. His highly collaborative and distinguished leadership has helped increase opportunities for thousands of individuals and families in central Ohio and beyond.
“Through innovative partnerships, responsive leadership, and an ongoing commitment to the central Ohio community, Dr. Harrison has transformed how Columbus State and others are preparing for our region’s future,” said Doug Kridler, President and CEO of The Columbus Foundation. “Dr. Harrison understands that the needs of the community are constantly evolving. He consistently meets the moment by building pathways to a brighter future, leading with gratitude every step of the way.”
Dr. Harrison has overseen Columbus State as it has undergone growth and enhancements, including improvements to classrooms, laboratories, and technology. Since Dr. Harrison joined Columbus State in 2010, the school has more than tripled its graduation rate, demonstrating his commitment to student success and workforce readiness.
Among Dr. Harrison’s many accomplishments is the creation of the Columbus Promise, a program that provides Columbus City Schools' graduates with the opportunity to attend Columbus State tuition-free. The program—which is a collaboration between the City of Columbus, Columbus City Schools, I Know I Can, and Columbus State—helps open doors to young people who might otherwise be unable to further their education due to financial or other barriers.
"I am humbled by this recognition and grateful for all of the partners who have made central Ohio such a special place to live and work," said Dr. Harrison. "I’ve been privileged to work shoulder-to-shoulder with so many leaders on big ideas that benefit our students and our region. I am incredibly fortunate to work with a special group of people at Columbus State. Thank you to The Columbus Foundation for this incredible honor."
As this year’s honoree, Dr. Harrison will be featured as part of the Spirit of Columbus wall installation at The Columbus Foundation. He also received a Jerrie, a bronze miniature of the Jerrie Mock sculpture at John Glenn Columbus International Airport, created by local artist Renate Fackler. The Columbus Foundation is also awarding a $50,000 grant to the Columbus Promise in recognition of Dr. Harrison.
Mock, a pilot and mother of three who lived in Bexley, took off from Port Columbus on March 19, 1964. After 29 days, 21 stops, and more than 23,000 miles, Mock safely landed her single-engine Cessna, named “Spirit of Columbus,” back in Columbus on April 17, 1964. Mock was named the first recipient of The Spirit of Columbus® Award in 2013. To learn more about Mock’s historic journey and to view past Spirit of Columbus Award honorees, visit columbusfoundation.org/spirit-of-columbus.
About The Columbus Foundation
The Columbus Foundation, one of the top 10 community foundations in the United States, serves thousands of individuals, families, and businesses that have created unique funds and planned gifts to make a difference in the lives of others through the most effective philanthropy possible.