COTC president of 14 years announces retirement
NEWARK — Central Ohio Technical College (COTC) President Bonnie L. Coe, Ph.D., has announced that she will retire from the presidency effective January 1, 2019. Coe assumed the role of president at the two-year institution on May 24, 2004. She had previously served the college as vice president and dean of faculty from 2001.
“I am confident of COTC’s promising future, an excellent team is in place, and the faculty and staff’s continued belief in the transformative power of higher education will carry COTC into its next 50 years,” said Coe.
After assuming the presidency at COTC, Coe reaffirmed the college’s longstanding mission of providing high-quality programs of technical education leading to in-demand jobs. While keeping COTC’s commitment to accessibility at the forefront, Coe positioned the college for growth by implementing critical advances in the college’s infrastructure, resources, programming and leadership, resulting in increased institutional efficiency, productivity and quality academic programming. Through Coe’s leadership fiscal management was also a top priority and by June 30, 2011, the college had eliminated or covered all debt and remains debt free.
Additionally, Coe became a champion for the state’s College Credit Plus (CCP) program, which establishes clear pathways for high school and middle school students to earn college credit at no cost. During the autumn 2017 semester, COTC enrolled more than 1,200 CCP students.
The COTC of today is a dramatically different college from 2004. Under Coe’s leadership, COTC implemented an aggressive plan for outreach and growth, establishing three Higher Learning Commission accredited full-service campuses in Coshocton, Knox and Pataskala in addition to its main campus in Newark. The COTC Gateway, a one-stop shop for admissions, advising and records, was recognized nationally as a model for seamless student service in a centralized location.
“Bonnie’s vision for COTC has been in perfect alignment with the board,” said COTC Board Chair John Hinderer. “Growing the college and strengthening its financial position were our two major directives to her as president, and she has achieved these goals and more. We will be forever indebted to Bonnie for her contributions to COTC.”
The 12-month period until her retirement will allow a smooth transition of leadership between Coe and her successor. Robert Montagnese, COTC board vice chair, and president & CEO of Licking Memorial Health Systems, is chairing the presidential search committee with executive support from Jacqueline Parrill, Ph.D., COTC vice president for institutional planning and human resources.
Coe previously served at Sinclair Community College, as a high school principal and teacher and hospital administrator. She earned her doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Dayton, and master’s and bachelor’s degrees from The Ohio State University.
For those wishing to recognize Coe’s years of service to the college, she gratefully asks that any contributions be made to COTC’s Premier Scholarship fund. Additionally, Coe asks colleagues and friends to provide personal notes and cards that she can read after departing the college. Cards should be labeled “retirement” and dropped off or mailed to the COTC Office of the President, 1179 University Dr., Newark, OH 43055.
COTC is a fully accredited, public college dedicated to providing high-quality, accessible programs of technical education in response to current and emerging employment needs. COTC is the only technical college in Ohio operating four full-service campus locations: Newark, Coshocton, Knox and Pataskala.
Category: Education
