Three Employees Honored With SOCHE Awards

The Strategic Ohio Council for Higher Education has announced its 2024-25 Excellence Award Winners, which include Edison State Community College employees Dr. Kevin Coghlan with a Faculty Excellence Award, Paige Kiley with a Campus Impact Award, and Kimberli Zornes with a Staff Excellence Award.

Edison State nominated Dr. Coghlan, Kiley, and Zornes for the awards based on the institution’s criteria, with special consideration of demonstrated excellence and performance throughout the past academic year.

Dr. Coghlan, Assistant Professor of Sociology, is an articulate faculty member who spends much time with his students, inspiring them to work hard and excel in their coursework. Dr. Coghlan is a hard worker who volunteers for several committees inside and outside of Edison State. He is also very helpful to other faculty members who may need help with professional development and often points his colleagues in the right direction to seek advice. Dr. Coghlan’s students talk about his knowledge and passion for the subject matter he covers. He is personable, has excellent interpersonal skills, and always listens to his students and engages them in multiple ways.

Director of Financial Aid Paige Kiley consistently strives to efficiently and pleasantly serve students from all backgrounds while navigating the ever-changing world of federal financial aid regulations. She has also been a strong contributor to the SOCHE Financial Aid Committee and even presented a financial aid basics webinar to members.

Zornes, Dean of Accreditation and Academic Effectiveness, demonstrates excellence in assessment and service to the College. She’s always available to help faculty with the steps needed to start a new program. Encouraging and patient, Zornes has been instrumental in assisting the Edison State provost in the development of a new practical nursing certificate.

Dr. Coghlan, Kiley, and Zornes were among colleagues from 18 of SOCHE’s member institutions honored, including Antioch College, Central State University, Franklin University, Sinclair College, the University of Dayton, Wilmington College, and Wright State University.

Formed in 1967, SOCHE is a regional consortium of 22 colleges and universities in southwest Ohio to promote educated, employed, and engaged citizens. SOCHE is the trusted and recognized regional leader for higher collaboration, working with colleges and universities to transform their communities and economies through the education, employment, and engagement of nearly 200,000 students in Ohio. For more information about SOCHE, visit www.soche.org.