Dan Cayse Leadership Award established by national co-op organization
The Cooperative Education and Internship Association (CEIA) has established the Dan Cayse Leadership Award, named for Cincinnati State’s past Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and longtime Dean of the Business Division, whose influence helped position Cincinnati State as a national leader in cooperative education.
The new award, which was announced at the 2025 CEIA Conference held April 6-8, 2025, will be presented annually to a faculty or staff member at any level whose work has significantly contributed to the field of work-integrated learning. The award reflects Cayse’s belief that leadership can be found across all roles within an institution.
The award honors Cayse and also recognizes Cincinnati State’s national prominence in cooperative education and celebrates a nearly 50-year legacy of cooperative and experiential education as a cornerstone of the College’s mission.
Dan Cayse joined Cincinnati State in 1974 and led the College’s cooperative education program for nearly four decades. Under his guidance, the program grew into one of the most respected in the country, known for high-quality employer partnerships and student outcomes. As Dean, he expanded experiential learning opportunities through collaborations with major employers like Procter & Gamble, The Walt Disney Company, and Kroger, among many others.
Cayse also served as a faculty member, and as an officer of the Cincinnati State chapter of the American Association of University Professors. Currently, he is a Board Member for the Cincinnati State Foundation.
Cayse’s leadership extended beyond Cincinnati, shaping the national dialogue around work-integrated learning. He delivered over 500 presentations, testified before Congress, consulted widely with colleges and corporations, and represented the U.S. at educational forums in Canada. He was instrumental in launching the first national advertising campaign for cooperative education and played a critical role in strengthening the visibility and impact of co-op programs throughout the nation.
Cayse also contributed decades of service to CEIA, where he served two terms as President and held multiple leadership roles, including Vice President of Finance. His dedication was recognized with numerous accolades, including CEIA’s Dean Herman Schneider Award, the E.Sam Sovilla Award from the Midwest Cooperative Education & Internship Association (MCEIA), and Educator of the Year from the Ohio Cooperative Education Association (OCEA).
Cayse is known not just for his accomplishments, but also for the countless professionals he mentored and elevated through his commitment to collaboration, mentorship, and service.
This recognition from CEIA underscores Cincinnati State’s national prominence in cooperative education and celebrates the College’s legacy and continuing impact as a premiere provider of innovation and service.