About Us
Formed in 1967, SOCHE is a consortium of colleges and universities in Ohio that promotes educated, employed, and engaged citizens.
Mission
SOCHE is a leader for higher collaboration, engaging with colleges, universities, and industry to transform the economy through education and employment.
Educate
Grow educational and leadership opportunities for faculty, staff, and students.
Employ
Build the Ohio workforce by enhancing employment prospects for students and graduates.
Excel
Model collaboration excellence to find innovative solutions to advance higher education.
Endure
Establish SOCHE as the backbone organization of distinction in higher education.
values
Teamwork
Build our team focused on trust and accountability.
Ethics
Strive to be ethically grounded and act with integrity and excellence every day.
Accessible
Build programming for all in an equitable way.
Mindful
Remain conscious of community needs and collaboration to effect change.
SOCHE Membership:
Something for Everyone
College and University Deans, Officers, and Directors
- Councils or committees for most program directors on campus to collaborate with peers at other institutions. Go to the Councils and Committees page
- Special task forces to tackle pressing issues, like COVID-19.
- ODHE advocate for significant concerns impacting institutions.
Collaborative grant opportunities.
Students
- Hundreds of paid internship opportunities for most career fields and all education levels. Go to the SOCHEintern page
- Fellowship research opportunities for masters and doctoral level students. Go to the DAGSI page
- Federal Employment webpages to help with the process of applying for any federal position. Go to the Federal Employment page
- Cross Registration to allow eligible students to attend classes that are unavailable at their home institutions. Go to the Cross Registration page
- Volunteer opportunities and resources. Go to the Volunteer page
- Fast access to degree and certification program information. Go to the Degree Finder page
Faculty and Staff
- Hundreds of FREE webinars are available for personal and classroom use through a partnership with Innovative Educators. Go to the Webinars page
- Opportunities for personal and professional development through workshops, lunch and learns, and flexible course delivery webinars on various topics. Go to the Events page
- Collaborative meetings to share best practices, resources, and professional development tools. Go to the Councils and Committees page
- Funding opportunities to support research. Go to the DAGSI page
SOCHE by the Numbers
We’ve collected statistics for enrollment and achievements of all SOCHE members over the past six academic years. Scroll over the table below to highlight a specific stat and see how it has evolved.
SOCHE Members Combined Stats | 2019-20 | 2018-19 | 2017-18 | 2016-17 | 2015-16 | 2014-15 | 2013-14 | 2012-13 | 2011-12 | 2010-11 | 2009-10 | 2008-09 | 2007-08 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Students enrolled (FTE) | 138,266 | 137,427 | 146,197 | 149,762 | 149,236 | 150,788 | 89,339 | 90,459 | 85,759 | 71,336 | 63,278 | 64,080 | 62,410 |
Students enrolled (Unduplicated Headcount) | 226, 384 | 219,296 | 189,536 | 194,699 | 227,620 | 230,158 | 155,564 | 117,770 | 108,211 | 117,115 | 112,508 | 108,898 | 104,059 |
Out of state students* | 4,013 | 4,511 | 3,670 | 4,047 | 4,948 | 5,137 | 1,755* | 5,639 | 1,779 | 2,111 | 1,711 | 2,099 | 1,981 |
Undergraduate degrees awarded | 19,109 | 19,810 | 22,672 | 22,693 | 20,375 | 21,712 | 10,718 | 10,976 | 9,908 | 6,271 | 6,791 | 6,760 | 6,418 |
Associate degrees awarded | 6,544 | 6,291 | 6,239 | 6,346 | 5,872 | 5,313 | 4,567 | 5,102 | 3,437 | 3,649 | 3,273 | 3,307 | 3,055 |
Undergraduate STEMM degrees awarded | 4,827 | 4,973 | 9,909 | 9,793 | 2,368 | 2,105 | 1,195 | 1,215 | 5,477 | 1,648 | 1,459 | 1,460 | 1,372 |
Undergraduate degrees awarded to Black and Hispanic students | 2,089 | 2,159 | 3,184 | 3,063 | 2,266 | 2,380 | 1,806 | 3,342 | 1,377 | 918 | 890 | 890 | 914 |
Graduate and professional degrees awarded | 8,875 | 8,864 | 10,996 | 10,913 | 9,604 | 9,169 | 5,184 | 5,182 | 5,764 | 3,413 | 2,874 | 2,918 | 2,958 |
Graduate and professional degrees awarded to Black and Hispanic students | 914 | 903 | 1,266 | 1,201 | 1,067 | 1,054 | 889 | 996 | 994 | 314 | 373 | 272 | 307 |
Certificates awarded | 8,085 | 8,227 | 6,019 | 5,566 | 5,902 | 4,592 | 2,016 | 3,173 | 2,712 | 2,734 | 2,653 | 2,110 | 2,419 |
* First time undergraduates only. Only 19 institutions reported this statistic. 20 institutions reported for 16-17 and 17-18 years.
Economic Impact Study
This study employs data from SOCHE member institutions about enrollment, staffing, revenues, and expenditures, along with data from other research on non-local student and visitor spending, taxes, and employment by industry to assess the impacts on the economy.
The History of SOCHE
In 1967, the DMVC was formed to promote community service and inter-institutional cooperation in order to achieve educational advancement, research development, and administrative efficiency of the member institutions. 50+ years later we strive for the same goals by connecting higher education institutions to increase opportunity, propel change, and promote education.
DMVC is Created
Xenia Tornado
Project Reach
Established SOCHE office at Wright-Patterson AFB
DMVC name change to SOCHE (Southwestern Ohio Council for Higher Education)
Faculty Retreat for Diversity Awareness
Technology in the Classroom & Distance Learning Workshop
GC3 (formerly GCCCU) Partnership
SOCHE Sustainability Committee
SOCHE Intern
TEDx Dayton
First Ohio Internship and Co-Op Appreciation Day Observed
Innovative Educators
APDC
Career Adventures Camp
Dayton Strong
Workforce We Need Summit
COVID Taskforce
Consortium Libraries Share Materials
Cross Registration Program
Committee on the Academic Uses of the Computer for Education
Air Force Research Lab (AFRL)
Cable Television for Educational Outreach Committee
Articulation Workshop: Reducing Barriers and Expanding Educational Opportunities
Degree Finder
Democracy in Action Award
SOCHE Talks
Ohio Internship and Co-op Appreciation Day
SOCHE Ed
CINDAY CYBER Created
Ohio Community Connectors
SOCHE Engage
myVeteran Community
20 By 20 CHALLENGE
Launch of Federal Employment Portal
SOCHE Changes Names
Committee on the Academic Uses of the Computer for Education
Air Force Research Lab (AFRL)
Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT)
The original AFIT contract was awarded in the late 1980’s. The goal was to provide student interns to support AFIT’s mission-essential role of providing high-quality academic and continuing education, research, and development programs to enable the Air Force to sustain its competitive advantage.
Cable Television for Educational Outreach Committee
Established SOCHE office at Wright-Patterson AFB
DMVC name change to SOCHE (Southwestern Ohio Council for Higher Education)
Faculty Retreat for Diversity Awareness
Technology in the Classroom & Distance Learning Workshop
GC3 (formerly GCCCU) Partnership
Articulation Workshop: Reducing Barriers and Expanding Educational Opportunities
Degree Finder
Democracy in Action Award
SOCHE Talks
Ohio Internship and Co-op Appreciation Day
SOCHE Sustainability Committee
SOCHE Intern
TEDx Dayton
First Ohio Internship and Co-Op Appreciation Day Observed
Innovative Educators
SOCHE Ed
CINDAY CYBER Created
Ohio Community Connectors
SOCHE Engage
myVeteran Community
APDC
Career Adventures Camp
Dayton Strong
Workforce We Need Summit
20 By 20 CHALLENGE
Launch of Federal Employment Portal
SOCHE Changes Names
COVID Taskforce
DMVC is Created
Consortium Libraries Share Materials
Xenia Tornado
Cross Registration Program
Project Reach
Committee on the Academic Uses of the Computer for Education
Air Force Research Lab (AFRL)
Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT)
The original AFIT contract was awarded in the late 1980’s. The goal was to provide student interns to support AFIT’s mission-essential role of providing high-quality academic and continuing education, research, and development programs to enable the Air Force to sustain its competitive advantage.DMVC name change to SOCHE (Southwestern Ohio Council for Higher Education)
Cable Television for Educational Outreach Committee
Faculty Retreat for Diversity Awareness
Articulation Workshop: Reducing Barriers and Expanding Educational Opportunities
Technology in the Classroom & Distance Learning Workshop
Degree Finder
GC3 (formerly GCCCU) Partnership
Democracy in Action Award
SOCHE Sustainability Committee
SOCHE Talks
SOCHE Intern
Ohio Internship and Co-op Appreciation Day
TEDx Dayton
SOCHE Ed
First Ohio Internship and Co-Op Appreciation Day Observed
CINDAY CYBER Created
Innovative Educators
Ohio Community Connectors
APDC
SOCHE Engage
Career Adventures Camp
myVeteran Community
Dayton Strong
20 By 20 CHALLENGE
Workforce We Need Summit
Launch of Federal Employment Portal
COVID Taskforce
SOCHE Changes Names
Meet Our Members
SOCHE is an alliance of academic organizations that provide higher education in their communities. Each member is an advocate of innovation, opportunity and success. They strive to promote scholastic achievement through the development of new technologies and quality education.
Board of Trustees
SOCHE is governed by a Board of Trustees which includes presidents and representatives from member colleges, universities, and corporations.
The Executive Committee is responsible for the governance activities of the Consortium.
The duties of the Executive Committee include:
- Providing communication links among members.
- Consulting with members about varied interests relating to the activities of the Council.
- Assisting in preparation of proposals to the Board. Projects, programs, and activities approved by the Board are carried out under the direction of the Executive Committee in accordance with the polices and instructions of the Board.
The Executive Committee prepares the annual budget for submission to the Board and is charged with responsibility for the expenditure of the Council’s funds in accordance with the determination of the Board. The Executive Committee discharges these responsibilities through appointed staff.
Meet the SOCHE Team
Cassie Barlow
President
Cassie Barlow
President
Cassie joined SOCHE as the Director of Aerospace Professional Development in 2017. She was born and raised in Buffalo, NY and is an avid Bills fan. Cassie is an active volunteer on several different boards across the Dayton community. After traversing the world for 26 years in the Air Force, Cassie has chosen Dayton as her home and the Workforce Development area as her passion.
In the APDC she works with companies across the region helping them find the workforce they need as well as helping to build pathways to in-demand jobs. She also works with job seekers helping them find their niche. Cassie has a special focus on Veterans needs across our region and State. Cassie is an adjunct in the Organizational Leadership Department at Wright State and in her spare time loves spending time with her husband and daughter or reading a good book.
Patty Buddelmeyer
Executive VP of Development
Patty Buddelmeyer
Executive VP of Development
Patty Buddelmeyer, Executive Vice President of Development, has been with SOCHE since 2015. She has played a pivotal role in steering the organization towards new and diverse opportunities, thereby enhancing its portfolio and local impact. Her innovative initiatives include the establishment of workforce pipelines, the development of programming tailored to critical skills required by high-tech employers, and the creation of experiential learning opportunities for high school and college students across Ohio. Patty has a wealth of leadership experience, particularly in guiding STEM development teams, and a strong program management background. Patty also serves on the Wright Brothers Institute and Roads to Recovery Boards.
Prior to her tenure at SOCHE, Patty held technical leadership roles at CSG Systems, AT&T, and PNC Bank. Patty is grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the educational and career aspirations of others and continues to be a driving force in fostering growth and innovation through workforce development in Ohio.
Patty is originally from Beavercreek. She left Ohio to explore the world with her husband during his 22-year career in the Air Force. After many worldly adventures, they decided to make the wonderful city of Dayton their permanent home. Currently, Patty resides in Springboro where she enjoys spending time with her husband, three kids, and two dogs.
Karen Manzo
Senior VP Finance & Contracts
Karen Manzo
Senior VP Finance & Contracts
I am a lifelong resident of the Dayton Area. I have degrees in Accounting and Finance and attended Sinclair, Wright State and the University of Dayton. I have worked with SOCHE since 2013 in positions ranging from Accountant to Controller to current position of Senior Vice-President of Finance and Contracts. I have 3 adult children and 1 grandchild who live in Kettering, Columbus and Louisville. My favorite way to spend my spare time is hiking, traveling to all the State Park Lodges in the State, reading and scrapbooking. I am on the Board of Trustees for the Dayton Woman’s Club in Downtown Dayton.
Sandra Logan Wild
Senior Business Manager
Sandra Logan Wild
Senior Business Manager
Sandra has been with the SOCHE Team since 2014. She has a bachelor’s degree in Personnel and Labor Relations from the University of Maryland Global Campus and her master’s degree in Public Administration (MPA) from Wright State University. She has strong ties to the military as a “brat,” former WV Air National Guard member, military spouse, and the proud Mom of a USAF Reserves member. She wants to say she spends her time wisely, but you can usually find her on a walk, in the movie theater, or in front of a computer.
Mindy Claggett
Executive Program Manager
Mindy Claggett
Executive Program Manager
Joining the SOCHE staff in the spring of 2020, Mindy brought with her an extensive background in marketing and communications roles, including more than two decades of experience at higher education institutions. Mindy’s primary responsibilities at SOCHE include conceptualization, planning, and executing the organization’s various professional development events, as well as coordinating the councils and committees program and hosting associated meetings. She also is responsible for the annual SOCHE Excellence Awards program that honors faculty and staff for their outstanding contributions to member institutions.
In her previous role, Mindy was associate editor of revenue content at Cox Media Group Ohio, heading up a freelance team that produced nearly 300 content projects a year. Mindy has spent all but 10 years of her life in the Miami Valley, and she earned her Bachelor of Arts in mass communication, with a journalism emphasis, from Wright State University. In her free time, Mindy is a volunteer with Carriage Hill Riding Center and nonprofit Shoes4TheShoeless. She also has been training in martial arts for almost a decade. Mindy and her husband, Don, have been married for more than 25 years, and they’re very proud of their teenage son, Gannon.
Brittany Edwards
Executive Program Manager
Brittany Edwards
Executive Program Manager
Brittany Edwards is currently SOCHE Program Manager at AFRL/RX and has been with the organization since 2005. She has served as Program Manager at AFIT previously and has been instrumental in all things SOCHE. During her 20 years with SOCHE, Brittany has hired thousands of students, placing them in research positions on Wright-Patterson AFB. Throughout the academic year, Brittany attends area college and university career fairs , meeting with prospective student interns. Brittany has worked on base since 1991 in various capacities for Park University and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
Lauren Mitchell
DAGSI Program Manager
Lauren Mitchell
DAGSI Program Manager
Lauren is a recent grad from Wright State University with her Bachelor of Science in Psychology. She joined SOCHE in May 2023 as a Program Manager Intern and was hired full time as a Program Manager in January 2024. In her free time, Lauren enjoys spending time with family, working out, and traveling.
Melissa Quinn
Senior Program Manager, Customer Relations, and Industry Sector Partnerships
Melissa Quinn
Senior Program Manager, Customer Relations, and Industry Sector Partnerships
Melissa joins SOCHE with a background in Account Management, Sales, and Marketing. Melissa’s primary responsibilities at SOCHE include the creation and maintenance of Industry Sector Partnerships and providing excellence in customer satisfaction, retention, and growth, through team achievements at every touchpoint in the customer journey. Through the Industry Sector Partnerships she will be responsible in coordinating efforts with educational institutions, workforce development agencies, and community organizations to build a sustainable program for Ohio’s people and economic growth.
Anita Burns
Senior Accounting Manager
Anita Burns
Senior Accounting Manager
Anita Burns is the Accounting Manger at SOCHE. Her hometown is Fairborn, Ohio. She attended Sinclair College, and has had vast on-the-job training. In her free time, Anita enjoys walking her dog Dixie, camping, hiking, fishing, cornhole, darts, and bowling.
Sandy Henry
Executive Program Manager
Sandy Henry
Executive Program Manager
Sandy initially joined the SOCHE team in September 2021 as an AmeriCorps Maker Fellow. Valuing her contributions, she transitioned to a full-time role as a Senior Program Manager in August 2022. Before joining SOCHE, Sandy dedicated several years to education as a visual arts teacher in Columbus, Ohio, where she instructed both middle and elementary school students. In her free time, she enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking and camping, as well as traveling and spending time with her family, including her husband, two children, and two dogs.
Kersten Rosenberger
Executive Program Manager
Kersten Rosenberger
Executive Program Manager
Kersten Rosenberger, Senior Program Manager, Kersten joined SOCHE as a Senior Program Manager in 2023. Prior to joining SOCHE, Kersten was in the Air Force. After the Air Force, she worked in the education field in both the classroom and education administration in San Antonio, Texas before moving to Ohio in March of 2020. Kersten has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from McKendree University and a master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) from Western Governors University. In her free time, Kersten loves to spend time with her husband, 3 children, and 2 dogs.
Jesse Griffin
Marketing Director
Jesse Griffin
Marketing Director
Jesse began with SOCHE in January of 2023 as a Program Manager. He is excited to help students connect with fulfilling internship opportunities in Ohio.
In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and pets. He also enjoys playing music with friends and the occasional D&D session.
Madelyn Schaeffer
Program Manager Assistant Intern
Madelyn Schaeffer
Program Manager Assistant Intern
I am a senior at Wright State University working towards receiving my Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and will be graduating in December. I am certified in Organizational Leadership and a member of the National Society for Leadership and Success. I am working for SOCHE as a Program Manager Assistant Intern and after graduation, I will be transiting into a full-time role as a Program Manager. In my free time I enjoy hanging out with friends, reading, listening to music, and doing jigsaw puzzles.