Mission, Vision, Purpose, Hallmarks & Values
Mission
Central Ohio Technical College’s mission is to meet the technical education and training needs of students and employers in the area.
Vision
Empowering lives through accessible education, COTC aims to transform students and communities, and advance regional workforce readiness.
Purpose
Central Ohio Technical College’s unwavering commitment to technical education is fueled by a passion for empowering individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving workforce. In close partnership with The Ohio State University at Newark, we strive to be a catalyst for economic growth and workforce development in our three-county service area. At COTC, we are deeply rooted in our local communities, driven by a shared vision of prosperity and dedicated to shaping a brighter future for all.
COTC’s purpose is to serve as a beacon of opportunity and innovation, bridging the gap between education and industry in Licking, Knox and Coshocton counties. We are committed to providing top-tier technical education and training programs that equip our students with the skills, knowledge and hands-on experience they need to excel in their chosen fields. By fostering a culture of excellence, we ensure that our graduates are ready to meet the evolving demands of local employers.
We are deeply embedded in the fabric of our three-county service area, and our actions are guided by the unique needs and priorities of our communities. Our programs and initiatives are designed to directly address the challenges and opportunities specific to our region, contributing to its growth and vitality.
As a driving force of economic growth, we actively engage with local businesses, industries and organizations to understand their workforce needs. By aligning our programs with the ever-changing demands of the job market, we prepare our students to become the skilled workforce that drives economic prosperity in central Ohio.
Our strong partnership with Ohio State Newark serves as a cornerstone of our success. Together, we provide students access to a wealth of resources and diverse educational opportunities. By sharing numerous administrative and student support services, both institutions realize substantial cost savings and operational efficiencies, enhancing the overall student experience.
We recognize that our role extends beyond the classroom. We actively engage in community service, leveraging our expertise and resources to address pressing issues, promote inclusivity and enhance the quality of life in our region.
At COTC, our mission and purpose converge to create an institution that empowers individuals, fuels economic growth and builds a brighter future for the residents of Licking, Knox and Coshocton counties. Together, we embrace the challenges of tomorrow and strive for excellence today, ensuring that our communities thrive in an ever-changing world.
Hallmarks
Our Hallmarks represent defining characteristics, distinctive qualities and unique strengths that set the college apart, guiding our continuous pursuit of excellence and innovation in higher education, and reinforcing our commitment to fostering a dynamic and inclusive community for all students, faculty and stakeholders.
Focus on Technical Education and Affordability
Central Ohio Technical College is celebrated for its strong emphasis on technical education and commitment to affordability. Our mission is to provide pragmatic, hands-on education that meets local workforce needs. We ensure our programs are responsive to evolving demands through strong industry ties and nimble curriculum development. COTC’s affordability is a cornerstone of our mission, offering low tuition, scholarships and grants, making higher education accessible to a diverse student body, including working adults, first-generation students and those from rural areas. This commitment helps students achieve family-sustaining wages and enhances local opportunities in higher education.
Community and Family Atmosphere
COTC thrives on its strong sense of community and family atmosphere. Both employees and students cherish the camaraderie and supportive environment that permeate our institution. The college is a close-knit community where an emphasis is placed on making everyone feel valued and appreciated, extending to the leadership’s dedication to student success and the personal touch offered by our support services. The hometown feel of our campus, combined with the warm atmosphere in classrooms and offices, creates a welcoming environment conducive to learning and growth.
Exceptional Faculty and Staff
COTC prides itself on its exceptional faculty and staff, recognized for their flexibility, empathy, understanding and passion for teaching. Our instructors are respected for their real-world experience and commitment to student success. The collaborative and supportive environment among faculty, staff and administration contributes to a positive and thriving educational community.
Strong Partnership with The Ohio State University
COTC’s robust partnership with Ohio State is a key organizational strength. This collaboration offers shared campus facilities, support services and cost-sharing arrangements that benefit students and employees. The partnership extends beyond campus, engaging local employers and contributing to our mission of providing pathways to future success. Additionally, the provision of health insurance through Ohio State underscores our commitment to employee well-being. This partnership is a cornerstone for student success, program excellence and community engagement.
Student-Centered Support Services and Focus on Success
COTC is dedicated to student success through comprehensive support services. We prioritize a student-centered approach, ensuring resources and programs support academic journeys, including personalized support services like success coaching. Resources such as the veteran’s lounge and food pantry address holistic student needs, creating a nurturing environment where students feel valued and empowered. By maintaining a focus on student-centered support services, COTC ensures all students have the necessary tools to achieve their academic and personal goals.
Strong Leadership and Positive Presence
COTC’s leadership team is highly praised for its positivity and effectiveness. Our team stands out for engaging with the community and valuing input, fostering a culture of inclusivity and collaboration. The partnership with Ohio State for campus administration adds strength and resources to our institution. The absence of a bureaucratic atmosphere allows for open communication and participation, ensuring voices are heard and decisions are made with input from various stakeholders.
Small Class Sizes and Favorable Faculty-Student Ratios
COTC’s commitment to small class sizes and favorable faculty-student ratios foster personalized learning and meaningful interaction. These settings enable tailored instruction and effective student support, creating a supportive learning community. Small class sizes enhance engagement, collaboration and hands-on learning experiences, contributing to high student success and satisfaction.
Values
We conduct ourselves on behalf of the institution according to six fundamental values.
1. Dependable Expertise
This value represents the characteristics of accountability, competence, consistency and trustworthiness. It reflects a steadfast commitment to being technically proficient and making evidence-based decisions. Individuals who embody Dependable Expertise are tenacious in their pursuit of goals, demonstrating determination while maintaining a stable and realistic approach to their responsibilities. Their tenacity is evident in their unwavering commitment to maintaining high standards of accountability, competence and consistency. They remain loyal to the institution’s mission and exhibit financial responsibility in their actions. Above all, they are reliable and dependable team members who prioritize the college’s needs and consistently follow through on their commitments, fostering an environment of proficiency and reliability in all aspects of their work.
2. Dynamic Engagement
Dynamic Engagement reflects an institutional commitment to agility, flexibility and resilience, enabling the institution to adapt to changing circumstances and challenges effectively. This resilience is the bedrock upon which the institution stands firm in the face of challenges, demonstrating an unwavering ability to bounce back and adapt.
Dynamic Engagement emphasizes clear and open communication as a means of fostering a courageous and motivated culture. This value embodies the importance of a positive and hopeful outlook, embracing fun, laughter and personable interactions in its approach to engagement. A humble leadership style is encouraged, along with resourcefulness and a relentless focus on the needs and experiences of students. Dynamic Engagement signifies an institution that thrives on its ability to connect with and serve its community with energy, adaptability and a student-centric approach.
3. Inclusive Collaboration
This value highlights the institution’s dedication to fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated. Inclusive Collaboration encourages individuals to work as a team, promoting support and mutual respect. It emphasizes the importance of being a team player who inspires greatness in others through inspirational leadership.
The institution is welcoming to all, valuing the unique contributions of each individual and ensuring that everyone feels included and valued in the collaborative process. This value reflects a commitment to harnessing the power of diversity and teamwork to achieve shared goals and create a welcoming and supportive community.
4. Unwavering Integrity
This value stands as a beacon of authenticity and genuineness, emphasizing the utmost importance of honesty, transparency and ethical conduct in all aspects of the institution’s operations. It promotes a culture where individuals are known for their integrity, earning trust through their actions and demonstrating a high level of trustworthiness. Relational and relatable interactions are encouraged, fostering a sense of openness and approachability. Unwavering Integrity assures that the institution operates in a transparent manner, consistently upholding ethical standards and valuing honesty as a cornerstone of its identity.
5. Innovative Excellence
This value underscores a commitment to continuous creativity and innovation in problem solving and decision making. Innovative Excellence encourages a forward-thinking approach, fostering a culture where individuals are open to new ideas while drawing inspiration from past experiences. Being open to learning and embracing a visionary and strategic mindset are integral aspects of this value. It reflects the institution’s aspiration to be at the forefront of innovation, driving positive change and staying adaptive in a rapidly evolving landscape. Innovative Excellence signifies a dedication to quality achieved through creative thinking, a strategic vision and a continuous quest for improvement.
6. Empathetic Compassion
This value signifies a deep commitment to caring for others and believing in the best in people. It underscores a culture of genuine concern and kindness, promoting empathy and compassion as core principles. Empathetic Compassion extends its reach to those who are often marginalized or overlooked, emphasizing the importance of thinking about and prioritizing their needs and experiences. This value is a testament to the institution’s dedication to creating an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone is valued, understood and uplifted.