Dayton, Ohio (May 5, 2025) – A cohort of 52 higher education faculty, staff, and administrators from 15 different institutions has completed theStrategic Ohio Council for Higher Education (SOCHE) 2024-2025 Leadership Development Program.

Partnering for the first time with Miami Valley Nonprofit Collaborative (MVNC), SOCHE hosted this program specifically designed to develop leadership skills in new or experienced front-line higher education personnel. Participants received tools, resources, and templates that they could readily apply to their existing roles, and at the end of the program, they left with a full leadership development improvement plan in hand. The program encompassed more than 25 hours of active learning time over the course of seven months.

Stacey Bean, coordinator of Transfer Pathways Advising at Edison State Community College

“I really enjoyed the SOCHE Leadership Development Program! I especially appreciated learning about my own leadership style and my Clifton Strengths assessment results to create my Leadership Development Plan. The program helped transform the way I think about leadership and how I want to lead and inspire others in the future. I am grateful for this experience and the tools I’ve gained to grow and develop my skills.”

SOCHE President Dr. Cassie Barlow

“This program continues to demonstrate the strong demand for intentional leadership development across our institutions. We’re proud to support the professional growth of faculty and staff through meaningful partnerships and practical learning experiences.”

SOCHE intends to host the Leadership Development Program again during the 2026-2027 school year.

2024-2025 SOCHE Leadership Development Program Cohort

 

  • Alicia Adams (Sinclair College)
  • Nimet Alpay (Franklin University)
  • Rhonda Annamunthodo (University of Cincinnati)
  • Kaitlin Bauer (University of Cincinnati)
  • Stacey Bean (Edison State Community College)
  • Carin Benning (Edison State Community College)
  • Aja Bettencourt-McCarthy (University of Cincinnati)
  • Jill Bobb (Edison State Community College)
  • Kierre Brown (Clark State College)
  • April Cottrell (Air Force Institute of Technology)
  • Devon Cox (Miami University Regionals)
  • Laurie Crawford (Franklin University)
  • Shellie Doub (Indiana Wesleyan University)
  • Phil Flynn (Wright State University)
  • Marie Franz (Sinclair College)
  • Kathy Fryman (University of Cincinnati)
  • John Fulton (Franklin University)
  • Hannah Harshman (Sinclair College)
  • Sandy Henry (SOCHE)
  • Megan Hilliard (Wittenberg University)
  • Linda Hockaday (Wright State University)
  • Emma Jenkins (University of Cincinnati)
  • Alexa Justice (University of Cincinnati)
  • Paige Kiley (Edison State Community College)
  • Denise Kinsey-Bergstrom (Franklin University)
  • Deidre Luckett (Wright State University)
  • Shaymaa Minkara (University of Cincinnati)
  • Caitie Norrie (University of Cincinnati)
  • Brandi Olberding (Edison State Community College)
  • Adam Parrillo (Clark State College)
  • Brandilyn Pham (University of Cincinnati)
  • Melissa Previtera (University of Cincinnati)
  • Sharon Purtee (University of Cincinnati)
  • Julio Quintero (University of Dayton)
  • Lex Rakovan (Sinclair College)
  • Maria Rankin-Brown (Kettering College)
  • Kersten Rosenberger (SOCHE)
  • Bill Runyan (Wright State University)
  • Monique Scott (Wright State University)
  • Tami Sheets (Shawnee State University)
  • Don Simpson (University of Cincinnati)
  • Kathleen Siry (Air Force Institute of Technology)
  • Devon Skinner (Kettering College)
  • Courtney Smith (Wright State University)
  • Cyrus Stork (Sinclair College)
  • Tara Sword (Cincinnati State Technical & Community College)
  • Cory Wetterlin (Kettering College)
  • Michelle Wetzel (Sinclair College)
  • Amy Wheeler (University of Cincinnati)
  • Ladorian Williams (Franklin University)
  • Brady Wright (University of Cincinnati)
  • Taylor Zennie (Sinclair College)

 

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A leader for higher collaboration, SOCHE works with K-12 schools, colleges and universities, governments, and businesses to transform Ohio communities and economies through the education, employment, and engagement of students. SOCHE is home to SOCHEintern, the Aerospace Professional Development Center (APDC), and Defense Associated Graduate Student Innovators (DAGSI).