Finalists for Cincinnati State’s next President will visit campus July 14-16
The Presidential Search Committee has interviewed nine semi-final candidates for the next President of Cincinnati State and expects finalists to visit campus July 14-16, according to an announcement on June 30, 2026, from Justin Howe, the Chairperson of the Search Committee and a member of the Cincinnati State Board of Trustees.
Howe’s announcement said nearly 90 candidates applied to become President. Virtual interviews with nine semi-finalists were conducted June 28 and 29.
Mr. Howe said the applicants included “an impressive number of experienced senior-level community college professionals” and added that “Cincinnati State’s stellar reputation that attracted these applicants is a credit to everyone who contributes to our College’s success.”
Howe’s message said the final candidates will be announced soon and will be invited to visit the College on July 14, 15, and 16.
On those dates, each of the finalists will tour the campus and participate in Open Forums with faculty, staff, students, alumni, and members of the community.
- Candidates will speak and answer questions.
- Then, Open Forum attendees will have the opportunity to share impressions of these candidates.
- The written feedback will be reviewed by the Board of Trustees as they interview the finalists and determine who should be offered the opportunity to lead Cincinnati State into the future.
Members of the Search Committee that interviewed semi-finalists are:
- Justin Howe, Committee Chair (Trustee)
- Jane Garvey (Trustee)
- Ted Scherpenberg (Trustee)
- Mark Walton ’78 (Trustee)
- Elliott Ruther (Chief of Institutional Advancement)
- Milene Donlin (Faculty)
- Paula Smith (Faculty)
- Abbey Yee (Faculty)
- Melissa Scott (Staff)
- Dr. Bonnie Smith (Administrator)
- Audrey Woods (Administrator)
If you have questions about the Presidential Search process, please reach out to the Search Consultant, Dr. Bradley Ebersole, at bradleyebersole@gmail.com or (740) 538-7989.