Denise Turner
Diagnostic Medical Sonography Technology
In recognition of Medical Ultrasound Awareness Month this October, COTC celebrates the impact that the many alumni, current students and faculty of its diagnostic medical sonography technology program have on the lives of their patients.
Denise Turner has not had a clear-cut path to her dream career. As a matter of fact, she originally earned a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Culture from New Saint Andrews College in Moscow, Idaho. Now she is redefining the possibilities for her career and her life at COTC.
Kim Gates
Surgical Technology
Associate Professor Kim Gates is not only a registered nurse, but earned a Master of Science in Nursing and specialized professional certifications in the field (CNOR – specialty professional nursing certification for patient care before during and after surgery and C.S.T. – certified surgical technologist). That translates to classroom expertise and being able to offer COTC surgical technology students exactly what they need to know to get a job and continue to succeed in their career.
Adiza Okine
Information Technology
From Africa to Ohio, Central Ohio Technical College student Adiza Okine has found a supportive community that will help her achieve her career goals. After moving to Newark five years ago, she realized that she could pursue a degree in information technology thanks to COTC’s campus being just fifteen minutes from her home with her aunt.
“I chose IT software development and programming because I want to be an IT specialist in software and coding. Also, my dad and brother are technicians, so it’s like technology runs in the blood,” said Okine.
Bonnie Buchanan
Business Management Technology
Professor Bonnie Buchanan has been teaching at Central Ohio Technical College for more than 17 years. She teaches at the Newark campus and online in a wide range of business topics from introductory courses to software application to team building. Over her years at the college, she has designed and implemented many courses and served as a faculty mentor. Buchanan is also a U.S. Navy Veteran and COTC alumna.
Jacob Ward
Digital Media Design Technology
Thirteen years after starting a degree at a different college, Central Ohio Technical College (COTC) student Jacob Ward is pursuing an Associate of Applied Science in Digital Media Design Technology to redefine his career.
“I like the idea of creating and bringing something to life for someone,” he said. “I’d love to work with a sports team to help develop their website or help design their merchandise.”
Ward began working on his degree in spring 2021 with the full support of his wife and three kids.
Julie Newhouse
English and Communications
Julie Newhouse has been a part-time faculty member at Central Ohio Technical college since 2006. She teaches speech courses, including Small Group Communications, Public Speaking and Fundamentals of Communication. She also works as a lecturer and adjunct faculty at three other universities in central Ohio, volunteers at the Licking County Library and is a homeschool group elementary art teacher.
Nicole Wells
Business Management Technology
COVID-19-related life changes caused many to struggle to find balance with their children being at home, but Nicole Wells, mother of five and grandmother of three, found it to be the opportunity she needed to complete the Central Ohio Technical College (COTC) degree she originally began in 2013.
“I chose to pursue my degree so I can be a better role model to my children, and I really wanted to finish what I started,” said Wells.
Eric Jorrey
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Instructor Eric Jorrey has been teaching sociology courses at COTC since 2015. His classes are available at the Newark and Pataskala campuses and online. He frequently publishes and presents research in sociology. Recent topics incluce ”Know Your Rights: DACA and DREAMers,” ”Giving Thanks: Myths and Realities of American Indian Issues and Rights,” and “Get Out the Vote!”. His research interests include social constructionism, racial and ethnic intergroup relations, juvenile delinquency, gender and crime, and marriage and family, among others.
Lexi King
Associate of Science
Lexi King is a high school senior that recently joined the ranks of COTC alumni. King attended COTC through College Credit Plus (CCP) and graduated with an Associate of Science this month, a few weeks before getting her high school diploma from East Knox High School.
“I’m really proud,” she said about her accomplishment. “In the beginning, I was a little hesitant because I was a [high school] junior going into college classes — a real college student. It’s a lot different than high school. The experience opened my eyes to what I can do.”
Gary Johnson
Fire Science Technology & Fire Science Technical Rescue
Associate Professor Gary Johnson has been teaching full time at COTC since 2013. Prior to teaching, he was a firefighter and paramedic with the Marysville Fire Department from 1980 to 2012, serving as assistant chief from 1987-2000 and chief from 2000-2012. He is also a U.S. Air Force Veteran.
Reina Arey
Nursing Technology
From a young age, Reina Arey wanted to be a nurse. Back then, she was in awe of the nurses who cared for her younger siblings in the NICU. Today, it is the nurses braving the COVID-19 pandemic who continue to inspire her as she pursues a nursing degree at Central Ohio Technical College (COTC).
“Nurses have a desire to help people. When someone is hurt, nurses can nurture them back to a healthy state,” she said as she explained her appreciation for the profession.
Robert Johnson
Human Services Program
Instructor Robert Johnson began teaching at COTC in 2018 and has classes at all four COTC campuses – Newark, Coshocton, Knox and Pataskala – and online. His schedule includes a variety of courses from the human services student’s first semester to their last. He is a U.S. Navy veteran, COTC alumnus and Licensed Independent Social Worker.
Kimberly Goudy
Business Management Technology
Professor Kimberly Goudy started teaching at COTC in 2002. She teaches entrepreneurship, management and marketing courses at the Newark and Knox campuses and online. She has presented at more than a dozen national and international conferences and made appearances on NBC4.
Clair Fink
Digital Media Design Technology
Clair Fink went away — far away — to college right after she graduated from high school. But after one year, she realized it was not the experience she expected. With the financial burden of attending an out-of-state university weighing heavy on her mind, the Zanesville resident returned home and transferred to Central Ohio Technical College (COTC). Now she’s in her final semester of the digital media design technology program.
Whitney Reese
Radiologic Science Technology
In celebration of National Radiologic Technology Week® this November, COTC recognizes the vital work of faculty, students and alumni.
Assistant Professor Whitney Reese has been teaching at COTC since 2009. She serves as the radiologic science technology program’s clinical coordinator and is the faculty advisor of the Radiologic Science Technology Student Organization and COTC’s Ohio Delta Chapter of Lambda Nu National Honor Society for Radiologic and Imaging Sciences. In addition to teaching, she is a registered radiographer through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists and worked at Licking Memorial Health Systems for 15 years until May 2021. Reese is also a COTC alumna and participates in the COTC Alumni Council.
James Jarc
Digital Media Design Technology
Assistant Professor James Jarc started teaching at COTC part-time in 2014 and then became a full-time faculty member in 2018. He is a Level II Google Certified Educator and has several micro-credentials in areas such as special education, curriculum design and online instruction. Prior to teaching, he owned a firm that offered creative and technical services to clients across the country.
Kennard Haynie Jr.
Information Technology
Just a few years ago, information technology (IT) student Kennard Haynie Jr., known as KJ, would lay his head down at night in his Baltimore, Maryland, home thinking that higher education would always be just a dream for him. After leaving family, friends and an unhealthy lifestyle in Maryland, Haynie moved back to Ohio for a fresh start. While riding as a passenger in his friend’s car he noticed Central Ohio Technical College’s (COTC) Pataskala campus, and Haynie realized that his dream could become a reality that would lead to the life he wants.