CENTR AL 1971 FI E OF DE N T OF C GE LLE CO IO TECHNICA L OH T H E P RE SI PRESIDENTIAL SEARCH The Board of Trustees of Central Ohio Technical College (COTC) announces the search for the college s next president and invites applications for this leadership opportunity. The president, as chief executive officer, reports directly to the Board of Trustees and is responsible for providing leadership, direction and administration to accomplish the established mission and goals of the college. COTC s new president will be invited to begin work on or about January 1, 2019. Application Process To apply, submit an online application (jobs.cotc.edu) with full work history and attach a curriculum vitae and a cover letter that addresses the Opportunity Overview and the Desired Presidential Attributes as described in this document. Nominations and inquiries may be directed to Dr. Jacqueline H. Parrill, vice president for institutional planning and human resources and executive assistant to the presidential search committee chair, at Parrill.9@cotc.edu or 740.366.9407.
About Central Ohio Technical College Throughout its nearly 50 years of service, Central Ohio Technical College (COTC) has grown to become a recognized regional leader in providing high-quality programs of technical education in response to current and emerging employment needs. Today, this dynamic public college continues to hold steadfastly to that original mission, which not only grounds COTC s core identity in stability, but also infuses its faculty and staff with a singularity of purpose. While decades removed from COTC s founding in 1971, the college s Board of Trustees believes that technical education is even more relevant today. New technologies are arising with ever-increasing rapidity and central Ohio has found itself at the nexus of emerging global markets. COTC, with its longstanding commitment to technical education and workforce development, is ideally poised for these new opportunities. The college s main campus is located in Newark, Ohio, 35 miles east of Columbus, Ohio, the state s capital. The greater Columbus area enjoys a thriving economy and boasts a population of over two million in its greater metropolitan area. With the college s longstanding commitment to accessibility and affordability at the forefront, COTC implemented an aggressive plan for outreach and growth and now maintains three Higher Learning Commission (HLC) accredited full-service campuses in Coshocton, Mount Vernon and Pataskala, in addition to its main campus in Newark. The college is committed to providing education to all those who seek it, recognizing their diversity and needs. COTC is the only technical college in Ohio with four HLC accredited campuses. COTC s student-centered environment is at the core of all programming from high-quality, hands-on instruction and resources for first-generation college students and others who face personal challenges to opportunities for continued growth, development and success. Additionally, through its integration of academics and applied career preparation, COTC continues to be well aligned with local employer needs and economic development goals. The college offers 24 associate degree programs and 14 credit certificate programs in the in-demand fields of engineering technologies, computer and business information technologies, health technologies, public services and safety, and arts and sciences. The college offers additional customized workforce training through its Workforce Development Innovation Center (WDIC). Programs offered through the WDIC range from professional education and training of technical skill enhancement and safety certifications, to soft skills development and professional designation exam preparation. COTC s longstanding reputation for excellence allows the college to attract and maintain an excellent staff and faculty dedicated to the academic success of students. Further, through strategic planning and management, the college has eliminated all debt and remains debt free. From this position of strength, the college is well positioned for the future and maintains its vision to be recognized as Ohio s premier technical college focused on student success as well as for excellence in workforce development and technical education.
Quick Facts: Budget: Enrollment: * Total enrollment: 3,491 Traditional: 2,264 College Credit Plus (CCP): 1,227 Newark campus: 2,253 Traditional: 1,842; CCP: 411 Coshocton campus: 161 Traditional: 93; CCP: 68 Knox campus: 342 Traditional: 116; CCP: 226 Pataskala campus: 735 Traditional: 213; CCP: 522 *Autumn 2017 Financial Aid: More than $6,123,007 disbursed in federal, state and institutional aid College endowment: $3,047,577 as of 06/30/2017 Scholarship awards: $728,248 All sources including Newark Campus Development Fund, internal, etc. College: $24,819,759 Newark campus: $20,095,834 Coshocton campus: $1,308,898 Knox campus: $1,463,288 Pataskala campus: $1,951,739 Over 50% of the nearly 3,500 enrolled students live in Coshocton, Licking or Knox counties. More than 20 percent live in Franklin County, home of Columbus, the state capital, which borders the COTC Pataskala campus. Student Profile: * Average class size: 13 Average student age: 23 Diversity: 69% white 19% minorities; 12% unreported Gender: 67% female; 33% male Full-time: 20% Part-time: 80% Low-income, Pell-eligible: 62% Taking online classes: 1,191 Taking classes at high school: 935 High school students taking College Credit Plus classes: 1,227 Graduation rate: 17% Federal 4 yr. grad rate for first-time full-time students Transfer rate: 18% Tobacco Free COTC is a tobacco-free campus. Tobacco use of any kind on campus is prohibited at all times, by everyone, everywhere. In-State Tuition: Per credit hour: $179 Credit hours 12-18 are free Out-of-State Tuition: Per credit hour: $294 Credit hours 12-18 are free 13,645 COTC graduates have contributed to the area workforce earning certificates, double majors, associate degrees or double degrees since the first graduating class in 1973. 37 of Ohio s 88 counties are represented. Faculty and Staff: Full-time faculty: 55 Part-time faculty: 166 Staff shared with Ohio State Newark: 88 COTC staff (not shared): 61
Opportunity Overview Central Ohio Technical College (COTC) is well regarded in the region. Its progress and current stability provide a clear foundation on which the next president may begin working. While retaining a clear focus on the mission of the college, the next president must arrive with an appreciation for COTC s past, a willingness to observe and listen, and an ability to execute the leadership agenda, including: Further COTC s strong mission-driven commitment to technical education COTC is a technical college. Since its founding in 1971, COTC s purpose has been, and continues to be, providing students with technical skills and professional training designed to meet the immediate employment needs of new and existing businesses. The integration of academics and applied career preparation to enhance student learning is essential to meeting the workforce demands and economic development needs of people, businesses and communities primarily focusing on Coshocton, Knox and Licking counties. The next president will continue assuring that the technical education and training needs of students and employers in the area are met. A concentrated effort to rapidly identify the needs of regional businesses, position the college to respond to those needs, and further integrate academic and workforce programs are critical expectations for the next president. Non-Discrimination Statement COTC does not discriminate on the basis of age, ancestry, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDS status, military status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, or any other basis under the law, in its activities, programs, admission and employment. General information or concerns may be directed to the Title IX Coordinator Holly Mason or ADA/504 Coordinator Connie Zang, Warner Center, Suite 236, 1179 University Drive, Newark, Ohio 43055-1797 (740.364.9578). Embrace the unique partnership with The Ohio State University COTC shares its main and largest campus with The Ohio State University at Newark. In addition to being co-located on a 175-acre campus, the two institutions have a strong partnership whereby they share all buildings and generalpurpose classrooms, nearly 100 staff, operating expenses and a number of capital equipment investments. While the governance, mission, curriculum and faculty of each institution remain autonomous, an annual agreement designates shared costs for select personnel, facilities, operating expenditures and capital equipment investments. Both institutions maintain separate operating budgets. Shared departments include building and grounds, business and finance, the library, human resources, purchasing and auxiliary services, student life, financial aid, development, and marketing and public relations. The partnership substantially increases the range and quality of facilities and programs that the community, COTC students, faculty and staff may access and utilize. Most recently, the college deepened its relationship with the university by entering into an agreement whereby the university provides IT services to the college. The president will embrace this distinctive relationship and further maximize collaboration to increase effective resources utilization. Enhance enrollment management COTC is committed deeply to its core mission as an open-door college and to student success. From traditional technical education programs to workforce development programs, the college provides educational opportunities designed to meet the distinctive needs of an increasingly diverse student population. However, overall, enrollment has trended downward over the past five years. A strong focus on increasing enrollment and improving student retention and completion rates is essential. The president s role in conceptualizing and monitoring enrollment outreach and ensuring successful enrollment outcomes will be critically important items for this new leadership agenda. The opportunity to review the operation, organization and resources of enrollment services will present itself early in the new president s tenure, and will call on experience and understanding of current best practices in enrollment management. The importance of a gracefully aggressive enrollment program cannot be overemphasized, given the critical nature of the revenue stream flowing from tuition and fees.
Opportunity Overview Build the college community A keen practitioner of positive human relationships is important to empower an effective senior team; build the relationship between faculty and administration; and enable an affirming, respectful and healthy college culture. The culture of COTC will be amplified by the president s management style and abilities to communicate openly and build genuine relationships throughout the college community. Financial acumen Central Ohio Technical College (COTC) has a history of responsible fiscal management. The college is in a strong debt-free financial position with adequate reserves and access to the support of successful foundations in the community. The facilities and physical plant are in excellent condition. The college s enrollment decline has resulted in budget shortfalls that have been effectively managed. The president must have experience with budget reduction processes that include gathering input from constituencies, effectively communicating institutional financial stresses and executing decisions with resolve; and be vigilant to sustain a dependable and integrated financial base that will undergird the strategic plan. The college is dependent upon public funding. This leader must balance the constraints of government funding and enrollment while providing affordable access. Multi-campus experience Demonstrating its commitment to access, the college has three small, HLC accredited branch, or extended, campuses within its service area. These campuses enable the college to provide area residents with convenient access to education and increased workforce development initiatives serving area employers. The president will need to be a positive and visible presence in the communities served by each of the college s campuses, encouraging community involvement at each. Excellent listening and communication skills will be necessary for leading reviews of existing programs at each campus and overseeing strategies to increase enrollment. This leader will strike the balance between supporting these individual campuses while also instilling a sense of overall community. The United Faculty/Central Ohio Technical College, AFT/OFT is the sole and exclusive bargaining agent for all full-time faculty. The college benefits from the existence of a culture of interest-based bargaining. The current Agreement between the faculty union and the college will expire mid-2019. The confluence of the new president s arrival and the need to begin negotiations of the next iteration of the Agreement will provide a unique opportunity to build the relationship between faculty and administration. Given the college s unique partnership with The Ohio State University, seven members of the senior leadership team work for both COTC and Ohio State Newark and report to both the president and to the dean and director of Ohio State Newark: the vice president for business and finance; the vice president for institutional planning and human resources; the director of development; the director of marketing and public relations; the director of the library; the director of student life; and the IT manager, customer experience. The vice president for academic affairs and the vice president for the WDIC, community relations and the extended campuses work solely for the college. The president s abilities to delegate, evaluate and empower the leadership team will reinforce transparency, enrich morale and enhance trust with all those for whom the team is responsible.
Desired Presidential Attributes The next president of Central Ohio Technical College (COTC) will be a student-focused, inclusive, collegial, servant-leader with knowledge of strategic planning and sound fiscal management, who maintains a passion for technical higher education. The president will be a skilled advocate for the institution with the state government, external friends and donors, community and business leaders, and other COTC constituents. Demonstrated interpersonal skills; the ability to communicate across groups; a commitment to transparency, communication and collegiality; and previous success with labor relations are vital. The successful candidate will be experienced in and/or demonstrate knowledge of effective enrollment management, academic affairs, finance, development and multi-campus operations. An advanced degree and substantial experience in higher education as a senior leader, preferably in a technical or community college setting, are required. Leadership qualities and professional accomplishments that support the college s presidential agenda as outlined in this document will be critical. The ideal candidate will be: A proven, results-driven leader that fosters a culture of integrity. A solid record of professional achievements in higher education that will earn confidence, inspire trust and build respect of all COTC constituents, and attract and retain the best talent. The ability to lead with integrity, energy and optimism. An experienced, accountable manager. The ability to build and then lead strong management teams and execute broad, ambitious and fiscally responsible plans as well as make difficult and sometimes unpopular decisions. Strong financial and business acumen. An excellent communicator. The ability to energize and inspire students, faculty, staff, parents, alumni, trustees and external stakeholders, and to advocate for the college within the internal and external communities. COTC s next president will demonstrate: A firm commitment to technical education. The new president will embrace and advance the value of technical education, recognizing the unique and important role technical education plays in business and industry. The next president will articulate the ongoing significance of technical education and advocate for its future. Ability to build external partnerships and relationships. A leader with successful experience in partnering with K-12 organizations, colleges and institutions of higher education, business and industry, state legislators, elected officials and governmental entities. The president will nurture, expand and build external partnerships to further address the needs of the community and to advance the mission of the college. A collaborative leadership style. A fair and transparent leadership style and a commitment to working collaboratively with administrative leadership, students, faculty, staff and the Board of Trustees. The ability to engage with faculty in ways that garner their support and respect. The grace, diplomacy and resolve to shepherd COTC s many campus constituencies to build relationships and unite groups with competing needs. Talent for fundraising. The ability to represent COTC compellingly to donors and to energize stakeholders to support and champion the college. An accomplished record and continuing capacity to build new networks and avenues for fundraising. Financial insight. Demonstrated skills in prudent business and financial management. The ability to establish clear budget priorities and model careful stewardship. A visionary, strategic thinker. A deep understanding of the higher education landscape and the issues and challenges facing technical and community colleges. The ability to anticipate and plan for changes and effectively adapt to new challenges. Judgement to shape the college s course with the balance of vision and realism. Technology acuity. An understanding of the uses and opportunities of technology and the ability to apply that knowledge to keep COTC at the leading edge of effectiveness. Interpersonal skills. An engaging personality and presence. A fair and firm disposition. Flexibility in dealing with a broad spectrum of personalities and good humor in leading the meaningful work of the college. Commitment to diversity. An advocate for strengthening diversity, equity and inclusion with a proven track record, who will advance COTC s commitment to building a diverse, equitable and inclusive institution and community that welcomes students of all backgrounds, increases student access and supports student success. The proven capacity to recruit and embrace, in the broadest terms, an inclusive workforce.