Name: Brant Baker

Title: Admissions Representative - College Credit Plus

Location: Newark Campus and Pataskala Campus

Email: baker.2829@mail.cotc.edu

Phone Number: 740.755.7159

Educational Background:

Master of Education (M.Ed.): Higher Education Administration, Tiffin University

Bachelor of Arts: Communication, Tiffin University

Why I enjoy working in recruiting and admissions for COTC:

My passion has always been in education, especially within the high school setting. COTC and College Credit Plus was the perfect partnership for me to dive into my passion. Everyday I get to interact with our high school partners and help students achieve the many milestones in their educational experience. From starting a college course while in high school, to completing 12-15 credit hours of college rigor or even earning an associate's degree by the time they graduate from high school is an amazing opportunity for them and I am glad to be a part of that opportunity.

One of my favorite COTC moments:  

Of all the favorite moments I have had at COTC, I would say my most favorite moments are when a student (or parent) expresses their gratitude and recognizes my work ethic and efforts to assist them in their challenges when juggling their high school schedule, college classes and extra-curricular activities. The amount of work and dedication I put into this career is truly paid-off by a simple thank you. 

Name: Kelly Connors

Title: Admissions Representative

Location: Pataskala Campus

Email:   connors.153@mail.cotc.edu

Phone Number: 740.755.7128

Educational Background:

Bachelor of General Studies, Concentration: Psychology, Sociology

Kent State University, Kent, Ohio

Why I enjoy working in recruiting and admissions for COTC:

Working in admissions has always been a passion of mine. I love being able to sit down with students, listen to what they are passionate about and help guide them to the right major. There is no better feeling than being able to inspire and guide someone on their college journey.

One of my favorite COTC moments:  

One of my favorite moments at COTC was when I did my first visit day tour. I led the students around campus and was able to help them make a final decision about where to go to school. They were so impressed by the labs, student services and all the wonderful opportunities COTC has to offer. At the end of the tour, they let me know they couldn't wait to enroll at COTC!

Name: Melanie Garrabrant

Title: Director of Admissions and Recruitment

Location: All COTC campus locations

Email: garrabrant.34@mail.cotc.edu

Phone Number: 740.755.7109

Educational Background:

Master of Arts, English: Rhetoric and Writing, University of Findlay

Bachelor of Arts, English, Capital University

Why I enjoy working in recruiting and admissions for COTC:

As an advocate of education, I love connecting with prospective students who want to continue learning! I especially enjoy helping students differentiate offerings, learning about programs, and encouraging them to build a career at any stage of life. It's amazing to see students light up when they gain new knowledge!

One of my favorite COTC moments:  

One of my favorite opportunities is being privileged to work with students who transfer to COTC after their experience at another school wasn't quite the right fit, or after having taken time off from college, deciding to return. So many students share they appreciate COTC's smaller campuses, personal attention, and care! It's heart-warming to engage with students who seek learning and challenge themselves to grow. It's fantastic when students are as proud to be a part of the COTC family, as I am!  

 Name: Nicole Thompson

Title: Admissions Representative

Location: Knox Campus

Email: thompson.2478@mail.cotc.edu

Phone Number: 740.755.7668

Educational Background:

Bachelor of Science, Criminal Justice Administration, Franklin University

Associate of Applied Business, Business Management Technology, Central Ohio Technical College

Why I enjoy working in recruiting and admissions for COTC:

Working in admissions allows me to talk to prospective students about a career they are passionate about. It is fun to see students become excited about how much hands-on learning is at COTC, helping them really connect with a real-world job!

One of my favorite COTC moments:

In 2012, I was chosen, as a COTC student, to participate in the Cultural Immersion Program and travel to Reggello, Italy – the Tuscany region – with 14 other students for two weeks at no cost! This program let me see in person what I thought I would only be able to see on TV or in the movies. Having the opportunity to travel internationally and experience culture, language, art, music, and great food, was a life-changing experience; one that's hard to explain! I highly encourage all students to travel and love to hear stories from other students about their international travel through the Cultural Immersion Program at COTC!

Name:   Toni Trowbridge

Title:   Admissions Representative

Location:  Coshocton Campus

Email:  trowbridge.35@mail.cotc.edu

Phone Number:  740.622.1408

Educational Background:  

Bachelor of Arts in Applied Psychology, Franklin University

Associate of Applied Science in Human Services, COTC 

Why I enjoy working in recruiting and admissions for COTC:  

I enjoy helping individuals realize their dreams and encouraging them through the process.  It is rewarding to see the light in our students eyes when they succeed.

One of my favorite COTC moments:  

Running into a student at their high school after they had visited our campus and seeing the excitement they had about attending college in the near future; a dream they had not envisioned prior to visiting COTC.

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