Founded in 1886 in East Liverpool, Ohio, East Ohio College traces its roots back over 135 years. The institution began life as Ohio Valley Business College, founded by John Sant, who ran the school until 1889. Within that same year, the college went through several ownership transitions, first to J. F. Cooper, then to William Steele and Frank Fowler, and ultimately to the Rev. J. H. Weaver, who passed leadership to his son upon retirement.
Continue reading this blog to learn more about our history, how we’ve evolved, and what that means for where we stand today!
Early Years: From Market Street to Brooks Building
Originally housed in the Reed Building on Market Street in downtown East Liverpool, the college suffered a major setback in 1905 when a fire destroyed part of the Diamond district. It was then relocated to the Brooks Building at 423 Market Street, where it continued its operations as a regional provider of business and vocational education.
Mid‑Century Ownership & Evolution
In 1940, ownership changed hands again when Marie Stier partnered with Howard S. Graham to purchase the school. By 1968, Stier gained full ownership, stewarding the college through several decades of change. In 1970, ownership transitioned to James E. Stanley, who sold it a decade later—in June 1980—to June M. Bourne and Doris R. McKinnon. Then, in June 1991, Debra A. Sanford became a co-owner after Doris McKinnon’s retirement.
Late 1990s: Corporate Investment and Physical Move
In July 1997, West Virginia Career College @ Charleston, Inc. acquired an interest in the institution, and in August 1998, the college moved to a new address at 16808 St. Clair Ave., East Liverpool. Shortly thereafter, in June 2000, the stock of Ohio Valley Business College, Inc., was purchased by Webster College, Inc., a West Virginia corporation.
2002 Rebranding: Ohio Valley College of Technology
To better reflect the institution’s evolving offerings in career‑focused technology and vocational education, the school adopted a new name on June 1, 2002, becoming Ohio Valley College of Technology.
2010s: Growth, New Campus, and Expansion
The college undertook a major relocation in July 2010, moving to a modern campus at 15258 State Route 170 in St. Clair Township—a semi‑rural setting that allowed expansion of facilities and programs . In 2013, it expanded its footprint by opening a Learning Center in Boardman, Ohio, offering non‑accredited, short‑term certificate programs to meet local workforce demands .
2022: Rebranded as East Ohio College
In light of its broadened reach—including online programming and appeal beyond the immediate local area—the institution changed its name again, effective January 1, 2022, officially becoming East Ohio College. This new name underscores its mission to serve northeastern Ohio and the broader region, with a focus on healthcare, nursing, and allied professional training as core offerings .
From Local Business School to Regional Career College
The narrative of East Ohio College reflects a classic American educational evolution—transforming from a small local business training school to a regional career college offering accredited associate and bachelor’s degree programs. Over time, leadership passed through individual owners before shifting to corporate structures, signaling increasing institutional stability and capacity for growth.
Its commitment to workforce preparation has remained consistent: early focus on business education broadened toward technology, allied health, and nursing. By offering flexible online options and satellite learning centers, East Ohio College now extends its reach well beyond East Liverpool into broader northeastern Ohio markets and online learners.
Milestone Timeline
1886 – Founded as Ohio Valley Business College by John Sant in East Liverpool, OH.
1889 – Multiple ownership changes, including J. F. Cooper, Steele & Fowler, and finally Rev. J. H. Weaver.
1905 – Fire leads to relocation to the Brooks Building at 423 Market Street.
1940–1968 – Owned first by Marie Stier & Howard Graham, then solely by Stier.
1970 – Purchased by James E. Stanley.
1980 – Bought by June M. Bourne & Doris R. McKinnon.
1991 – Debra A. Sanford acquires McKinnon’s stake.
1997 – WV Career College @ Charleston, Inc. invests; 1998 relocation to St. Clair Ave.
2000 – Stock acquired by **Webster College, Inc.**
June 1, 2002 – Renamed Ohio Valley College of Technology.
July 2010 – New campus opened in St. Clair Township
2013 – Learning Center opens in Boardman, OH, for short‑term certificates.
Jan 1, 2022 – Renamed East Ohio College to reflect online expansion and broader focus.
Today’s Mission and Identity
East Ohio College now offers accredited programs primarily in nursing, allied healthcare, and professional services tailored to meet both in‑person and distance learners’ needs. Its commitment to student support and strategic location in northeastern Ohio anchors its continued mission: transforming lives through practical, career‑oriented education.
From its 19th‑century origins teaching bookkeeping and typing at a downtown location, to now educating online nursing students across the region, East Ohio College exemplifies adaptability and growth. Its name changes mark strategic shifts: from local business training (Ohio Valley Business College), to technology and career education (Ohio Valley College of Technology), to a wider regional and digital presence as East Ohio College.
East Ohio College’s history reflects over 135 years of adaptation and dedication. With roots in post‑Reconstruction era business education, multiple ownership transitions, campus relocations, and strategic rebrandings, the institution has evolved into a modern college focused on preparing professionals for the healthcare and technology arenas. Guided by a mission to serve northeastern Ohio and beyond, today’s East Ohio College stands as a testament to its enduring legacy and forward‑looking vision.
Request information today to learn more about our program offerings from one of our admissions team members!