Dayton, Ohio (Aug. 4) — The Strategic Ohio Council for Higher Education (SOCHE) has announced that it will host a series of nine virtual “lunch-and-learns” throughout the 2025-26 school year. Offered during the noon hour on weekdays via the SOCHE Zoom platform, these events are open to everyone interested in education-focused professional development.
Designed to showcase the institutional knowledge that is present across SOCHE’s 32 member campuses, this webinar series offers broad professional development opportunities for anyone involved in education. This year’s slate features a unique selection of topics that will cover supporting student parents; best practices for networking; strategies for student engagement; communication and relationship-building skills; theories of eating and tasting; and more. This is the sixth consecutive year that SOCHE has hosted a series of virtual lunch-and-learns for the education community.
Dr. Cassie Barlow, president of SOCHE
“At SOCHE, we’re proud to bring together experts from across our member institutions to share insights, spark ideas, and support professional growth. These lunch-and-learn sessions are a great way to connect, learn something new, and walk away with practical tools – whether you’re in the classroom, advising students, or working behind the scenes in higher ed.”
The full schedule of lunch-and-learns is currently open for registration, as are nearly a dozen other in-person and virtual events presented by SOCHE this fall. All SOCHE-hosted conferences, workshops, and trainings can be viewed at www.soche.org/events.
Formed in 1967, Strategic Ohio Council for Higher Education is a consortium of 32 colleges and universities located throughout Ohio and northern Kentucky. SOCHE is the regional leader for higher collaboration, engaging with educational institutions and industry to transform the economy through the education and employment of students in the tri-state area. See more at www.soche.org
2025-2026 SOCHE Lunch and Learn Schedule:
Thursday, Sept. 18, from 12 to 1 p.m. ET
Dana Bisignani – University of Cincinnati
Wednesday, Oct. 15, from 12 to 1 p.m. ET
Angelica Kennedy – Cincinnati State Technical & Community College
Tuesday, Nov. 18, from 12 to 1 p.m. ET
Painting a Shared Canvas: The Art of Campus-Community Partnerships
Kristen Collier, Dr. Kimberly Creasap & Rachel Scherzer – Wittenberg University
Thursday, Dec. 4, from 12 to 1 p.m. ET
The Art of Networking and Mingling: Putting Your Best Foot Forward
Dr. Roger Fulk & Morgan Wick – Edison State Community College
Wednesday, Jan. 21, from 12 to 1 p.m. ET
Bridging Support: Strategies for Student Engagement and Success
Valerie McLuckie, Josh Matos & Joshlin Lawson-Gullett – Franklin University
Tuesday, Feb. 10, from 12 to 1 p.m. ET
From Surviving to Thriving: How to Navigate Awkward Conversations
Dr. Derek Petrey – Sinclair College
Wednesday, March 11, from 12 to 1 p.m. ET
Matters of the Heart: Connections and Relationships
Dr. Dawayne Kirkman – Clark State College
Thursday, April 23, from 12 to 1 p.m. ET
From Doubt to Confidence: Helping Student Interns Navigate Imposter Syndrome
Kristy Stewart – University of Cincinnati
Tuesday, May 12, from 12 to 1 p.m. ET
Understanding Food: Theories of Eating and Tasting in Everyday Life
Dr. María Ortiz – University of Cincinnati
Mercer County Outlook 