WC recognizes initial cohort of Choose Ohio First grant recipients
From the left, Russ Kincaid, Kyla Begley, President Corey Cockerill and Samantha Martin chat following the banquet held in honor of the first cohort of Choose Ohio First grant recipients. (Submitted photo)
As Dr. Russell Kincaid scanned across the room, viewing Wilmington College’s inaugural cohort of Choose Ohio First recipients, he alluded to the world of professional sports in which teams select the most promising and accomplished players.
“With all of you here, Wilmington College had an excellent draft,” he said.
Last year, the Ohio Department of Education awarded the College a $728,000 Choose Ohio First grant to support students entering STEM fields at WC. The grant will support five cohorts of students, each receiving $52,000 annually for four years. The College recognized the first cohort of 15 students at a banquet on Sept. 22.
The grant will provide scholarships to students pursuing degrees.in targeted STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) disciplines at the College, including the fields of agriculture/animal science, chemistry, biology/life science and environmental science.
President Corey Cockerill noted this grant will enable the College to recruit and retain underrepresented populations — including women, minority students and first-generation college students from rural and Appalachian regions — into these academic programs, addressing critical workforce needs while enhancing diversity in these fields.
“This initiative will directly support economic and job growth in key STEM areas, particularly throughout southwest Ohio,” she said. “By equipping students with the skills needed in critical industries like pharmaceuticals, agriculture, environmental science and veterinary medicine, we are helping to fill regional labor shortages with well-prepared, highly skilled graduates.”
At the banquet, Cockerill cited the legacy the first cohort of Choose Ohio First grant recipients is creating at WC. “We celebrate more than scholarship — we celebrate possibilities,” she said, noting the College offers a caring community that will support them in having an enriching educational experience. “We’re thrilled that you’re here.”
The president cited Kincaid, professor of mathematics and physics, and the area coordinator for natural sciences, and other College officials for their work that led to the College securing the grant. Kincaid added that the College is committed to providing the students with an environment in which they can grow and reach their potential.
“Each of these students distinguished themselves in high school,” he said. “We’re expecting big things from you at Wilmington College. We’re here to help you discover your purpose.”
Adam Lohrey, vice president for enrollment management and marketing, said this grant dovetails well with the College’s hallmark for affordability in making higher education accessible to often underrepresented populations.
“Wilmington College has worked hard to provide top-notch facilities and faculty expertise necessary to prepare students for in-demand STEM career fields,” Lohrey said. “With these additional scholarship funds, the College is poised for growth, making it more affordable than ever for students to meet the needs of our local economy.”
The inaugural cohort includes Alyssa Ackroyd, Kyla Begley, Krystal Bunger, Alexander Cade, Addisyn Downing, Heather Dutenhaver, Rheyse Hamon, Adam Haney, Brooke Hatcher, Riley Lynn, Samantha Martin, Maggie Mirizzi, Dakota Pierson, Emma Powers and Channing Toy.