Ohio State administrators say they want to make the university’s small research park into a big one, and they believe students will ultimately reap the benefits.The expansion of the OSU Research Park is expected to improve the quality of education in the classroom, said Frank H. Henson, president of the Industrial and Technology Council of Central Ohio.”The key benefit is, OSU will be able attract professors and provide hands-on experience in related jobs” for students, Henson said.The proposal is being presented at the Ohio State Board of Trustees meeting today at the OSU Law School.The current research park houses the Business Technology Center, which helps small start-up companies with a technology focus, said David R. Bratton, chairman of the council.”There are 15 companies here right now, and we have a waiting list of companies who want to join,” Bratton said. “Expansion is the only option.” The idea of the technology park is to create a nurturing environment for scientific types to have a chance to focus on their business, Bratton said. OSU’s goal is to take the current research park, located on Kinnear Road, is to help the university become “internationally distinctive,” said Alex Shumate, chairman of the OSU Board.Henson said, the council’s plan has been endorsed by the Columbus Chamber of Commerce, and several area businesses. The final decision from the Board will come at its December meeting. If the proposal is approved, the council will seek state funding, Henson said.”We are taking steps other universities took 10 to 15 years ago,” Henson said. He cited Stanford University, which used the same idea to develop Silicon Valley 30 years ago, and the University of Wisconsin, which built its own research-oriented park 15 years ago.