Cincy State reps attended Ohio Leadership Academy

Cincinnati State administrators Aaron Akey (Lead Advisor, Humanities & Sciences) and Tara Sword (Director, College Credit Plus) recently graduated as fellows of the sixth cohort of the Ohio Leadership Academy for Student Success.

The academy, sponsored by the Ohio Association of Community Colleges (OACC), provides an intensive year-long experience focused on advancing student success, strengthening leadership skills, and preparing leaders for institutional change management roles.

The program has become a nationally recognized model for developing internal talent within community colleges, and has been replicated in several other states.

Tara Sword said, “The OACC Leadership Academy provided a new lens for the work we are doing at community colleges in Ohio. It helped me better understand how colleges like ours operate and what others are doing to deal with many of the same issues we face.” 

“I truly enjoyed traveling around the state and seeing other campuses, and of course the networking was top notch!” she added.

Aaron Akey said, “Through my experience in the OACC Leadership Academy program, I was able to make great connections with colleagues at other community colleges. I also learned a great deal about the structure and governance for higher education and community colleges in Ohio.”

“Most importantly, I was able to gain more insights on how to be an effective leader for implementing strategic initiatives.”

Each year, the presidents of Ohio’s community colleges nominate two employees to join the Leadership Academy. The group members meet throughout the year to discuss issues and work on projects related to six topic areas that are aligned with student success. 

The Academy curriculum also helps participants develop broader understanding of how different areas of a college work together to support student achievement.

The Leadership Academy is funded by several national organizations, ensuring that minimal expenses are required to participate.