CSU, RPM International, Inc. Enter Strategic Academic/Vocational Partnership

CLEVELAND, Ohio (March 9, 2023) -- Cleveland State University and RPM International Inc. (NYSE: RPM) have announced a new strategic academic and vocational partnership to provide world-class graduate-level education at discounted rates for three current environmental graduate programs: Master of Arts in Environmental Studies, Master of Science in Environmental Engineering, and Master of Science in Environmental Science. The program launches with CSU’s Fall 2023 academic semester.

“We’re excited to move forward with this partnership with RPM and make the first step in online education for the Washkewicz College of Engineering. We enjoy many partnerships with industry, but this partnership with RPM will provide unique work-based learning experiences for our undergraduates,” said Richard T. Schoephoerster, Ph.D. Professor and Dean of CSU Washkewicz.

The partnership between CSU and RPM provides a sponsored path of professional development in graduate-level environmental coursework for existing RPM Environmental, Health & Safety (EH&S) professionals, as well as other operational and technical professionals looking to enhance their knowledge and professional education in the same fields. RPM employees will also be able to take this coursework for continuing education as part of their professional development plan.

In return, RPM and its operating companies will recruit internship candidates and full-time EH&S professionals from CSU’s environmental undergraduate and graduate programs.

This partnership will provide valuable internship and career opportunities to these students in their field of study, and a pipeline of qualified EH&S professionals for RPM.

 “This partnership is a win-win for RPM and CSU,” agreed Dr. Roland Anglin, Dean of CSU’s Levin College of Public Affairs and Education. “RPM will gain access to customized training and educational offerings for its employees. CSU will provide innovative instructional value to a major employer and presence in our region and, in the process, create the foundation for many more industry partnerships.”

In addition to the existing programs, CSU is developing three new, post-graduate environmental certificate programs in Environmental Management, Environmental Engineering and Environmental Sustainability. Within the next two years, the three new certificate programs will be offered fully online and available to all RPM global EH&S professionals and any other engineering or sustainability professionals interested in these areas of study.

“This strategic partnership with Cleveland State University will truly have a global reach for our associates to increase environmental management skillsets and provide a pathway for current CSU graduate students to potential EH&S employment opportunities within RPM,” stated Lee Bowers, RPM Vice President – Environmental, Health & Safety.

RPM International Inc. is headquartered in Medina, Ohio and owns subsidiaries that are world leaders in specialty coatings, sealants, building materials and related services. The company operates across four reportable segments: consumer, construction products, performance coatings and specialty products.

RPM has a diverse portfolio of market-leading brands, including Rust-Oleum, DAP, Zinsser, Varathane, DayGlo, Legend Brands, Stonhard, Carboline, Tremco and Dryvit. From homes and workplaces, to infrastructure and precious landmarks, RPM’s brands are trusted by consumers and professionals alike to help build a better world. The company employs approximately 16,800 individuals worldwide.

About Cleveland State University

Founded in 1964, Cleveland State University is a public research institution that provides a dynamic setting for Engaged Learning. With nearly 16,000 students, ten colleges and schools and more than 175 academic programs, CSU was again chosen for 2022 as one of America’s best universities by U.S. News & World Report, including the #1 university in Ohio for social mobility. Find more information at www.CSUOhio.edu.