Two leaders representing Central Ohio Technical College (COTC) have graduated as fellows of the Ohio Leadership Academy for Student Success.

Eric Veigel, PhD, dean of strategic partnerships and community engagement, and Amanda Snider, assistant director of advising and retention, are the latest COTC employees to finish the program.

It was created by the Ohio Association of Community Colleges (OACC) to strengthen leadership pipelines across the state’s 22 community colleges. The academy brings together mid-level professionals for an intensive year-long experience focused on advancing student success, strengthening leadership capacity and preparing leaders for institutional change management roles.

“It’s an honor to congratulate Eric and Amanda as the newest graduates of the Ohio Leadership Academy for Student Success,” said John M. Berry, PhD, COTC president. “We look forward to seeing how those two talented leaders continue to champion student success and shape the future of COTC.”

The academy’s focus on supporting students and developing leaders comes at a pivotal time for Ohio, as employers across industries, including manufacturing, information technology and healthcare, continue to seek skilled talent.

“We’re heavily focused on supplying those prepared professionals to the regional workforce,” Berry said. “Being able to rely on leaders like Eric and Amanda — plus so many other talented COTC faculty and staff who work alongside them — makes achieving those aims attainable.”