Name: Kensey Balzer
Title: Admissions Representative
Location: Pataskala Campus
Email: balzer.24@cotc.edu
Phone Number: 740-755-7664
Educational Background:
Master of Science in Human Resource Management, Franklin University, 2017
Bachelor of Arts in Communications Studies, Ohio University, 2015
Why I enjoy working in recruiting and admissions for COTC:
My passion is and has always been people. I love helping people and I enjoy watching individuals pursue and achieve their dreams. College can be an intimidating next step for some students and I want to help alleviate some of their anxiety in transitioning to college life and make attending COTC an exciting experience. My college years were truly some of the best years of my life and I want to help others experience the same kind of journey here at COTC.
One of my favorite COTC moments:
Since starting my career at COTC, I have experienced so many special moments, but one of my favorite moments was College Aspire. College Aspire provides an opportunity for children and teenagers of different ages to be college students for a week. The participants in this event were so much fun to work with and seeing each of them getting out of their comfort zone and trying new things was awesome. It was such a rewarding feeling when I heard some of the participants say, "I can't wait to come to COTC someday for college."
I hope that many of the students that attended College Aspire will one day enroll at COTC and say one of their deciding factors was the week they spent with us.
Name: Kelly Connors
Title: Admissions Representative
Location: Newark Campus
Email: connors.153@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: Charles Finklea
Title: Customer Service / Admissions Support
Location: Newark Campus
Email: finklea.4@cotc.edu
Phone Number: 740-755-7008
Educational Background:
Master of Divinity, Ashland Theological Seminary, anticipated 2019
Bachelor of Science, Religion, Denison University, 2013
Associate of Applied Science, Business Management, Central Ohio Technical College, 2009
Why I enjoy working in recruiting and admissions for COTC:
I am a product of COTC, and I am both forever grateful for what they have invested in me and empowered me to do. The impact that COTC has in my life has inspired me to impact the lives of others the best way I can. Working in both customer service and supporting COTC admissions is the perfect opportunity to invest in others who are where I once was. It's my hope to inspire people to progress to their fullest possible potential in life.
One of my favorite COTC moments:
One day a non-traditional prospective student came into the Gateway. They were discouraged from a series of life circumstances that had recently overwhelmed them. They came in wanting to go to school, but they weren't sure if it was a real possibility for them to do so. This person knew they wanted more from life but wasn't sure where to start. I had the privilege to minister to both their personal and professional needs. Today, this individual has since become a model student and is beginning to help others in the community rise above difficult situations they find themselves in.
Name: Melanie Garrabrant
Title: Manager of Admissions
Location: All COTC campus locations
Email: garrabrant.34@cotc.edu
Phone Number: 740-755-7109
Educational Background:
Master of Arts, English: Rhetoric and Writing, University of Findlay, anticipated 2018
Bachelor of Arts, English, Capital University, 2016
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: Ashley Hughes
Title: Admissions Representative
Location: Newark Campus
Email: hughes.1822@cotc.edu
Phone Number: 740-755-7090
Educational Background:
Master of Arts, Interdisciplinary Studies – International Relations emphasis, The University of Oklahoma, 2012
Master of Library & Information Science, Kent State University, 2007
Bachelor of Arts, History, Mount Union University, 2005
Why I enjoy working in recruiting and admissions for COTC:
I have always considered myself to be a lifelong learner and huge proponent of higher education. I love helping people establish and attain their personal, educational, and career goals. There are so many amazing opportunities for students here at COTC!
One of my favorite COTC moments:
One of my favorite moments so far has been attending orientation for our College Credit Plus high school students. They inspire me with how motivated and excited they are to get a head start on their college career. Many of them will be ready to take on the world when they graduate with not only a high school diploma, but also a two-year associate's degree.
Name: Nicole Thompson
Title: Admissions Representative
Location: Knox Campus
Email: nthompso@cotc.edu
Phone Number: 740-755-7668
Educational Background:
Bachelor of Science, Criminal Justice Administration, Franklin University, 2017
Associate of Applied Business, Business Management Technology, Central Ohio Technical College, 2012
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@cotc.edu
Phone Number: 740-622-1408
Educational Background:
Bachelors in Applied Psychology, Franklin University (in progress)
Associates 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.
