Ohio Northern University director receives Edwards Award
Aug. 30, 2007
NOTE: A photograph is available at http://umns.umc.org.
By Vicki Brown*
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) - The director of institutional research for a United Methodist university in Ohio was awarded a $5,000 graduate scholarship from the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry.
The board presented Christine C. Cole with its 2007-08 Esther E. Edwards Graduate Award during its Aug. 23-25 meeting.
Cole has been director of institutional research at Ohio Northern University for the past 10 years. She is a candidate for a doctorate in Leadership in Higher Education at Capella University in Minneapolis.
"I am honored to be selected for this award, and I appreciate the investment that the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry is making in my potential as a future leader in higher education," Cole told the board's directors.
The Esther E. Edwards scholarship was established for a United Methodist female administrator or faculty member who is pursuing a doctorate or terminal degree that will provide the basis for leadership in higher education with a United Methodist-related college or university. The recipient must be employed at a United Methodist-related academic institution.
The scholarship honors the retired director of the board's Office of Loans and Scholarships.
In nominating Cole, Ohio Northern University President Kendall Baker said she was instrumental to the university's development of assessment measures to meet the requirements of accrediting agencies. "Her success has required enormous patience and persistence," he said, adding that Cole is able to "articulate the needs, requirements and alternatives in a lucid and convincing way."
A native of Fayetteville, N.C., she received a B.S. in Business Administration from Methodist College in 1991 and an M.S. in Education with a specialization in Higher Education Administration from Capella University in 2003.
Before moving to Ohio, she was the operations manager of the circulation department at the Observer-Times in her hometown.
Cole began her career at Ohio Northern University in 1997 as coordinator of institutional research. She became the director in 2001. Her responsibilities include collecting and analyzing data about the university and student learning and performance outcomes; supporting the evaluation of university programs, services and personnel; and disseminating information that generates informed decisions and improved institutional performance and accountability.
Cole is an active member of Ada (Ohio) First United Methodist Church, where she participates in mission projects, an emergency food pantry, Christian education and the children's choir. She and her husband, Brian, have one daughter.
*Brown is an associate editor and writer in the Office of Interpretation, United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry.
News media contact: Linda Green, (615) 742-5470 or newsdesk@umcom.org.
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United Methodist News Service Photos and stories also available at: http://umns.umc.org
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