Emeritus Professors for 2025 are recognized

At the College’s annual Faculty Excellence Awards celebration on April 21, 2025, three new recipients of Professor Emeritus status were recognized. 

Professor Emeritus status may be awarded to a retired faculty member who served for at least 15 years in a full-time faculty role.

• A nomination must be prepared by a current faculty member and forwarded to the Faculty Senate.
• The Faculty Senate then seeks support for Professor Emeritus nominations through voting by all current tenured faculty members.
• Recommendations for Professor Emeritus recognition are forwarded from the Faculty Senate to the College President.

The 2025 Professors Emeritus are:

Connie Crossley, Professor and Program Chair for the Information Management program in the Business Division for 25 years

Her nomination noted these achievements:

• Connie provided leadership for a team of four full-time faculty and 24 adjunct instructors, including curriculum development, program recruiting and marketing, and community outreach. She served as a mentor to other faculty in the program.
• She successfully led the transition of the IM program from terms to semesters, and she spearheaded the development of 2-credit courses that allowed students to complete computer literacy coursework in smaller, more manageable components. She also guided the program through its initial program review process, and she facilitated the program’s first adoption of a publisher’s Learning Management System, further advancing online and hybrid course offerings.
• Connie served on numerous College committees, including the implementation of the Wm. Eickenhorst $2.2 million scholarship for Information Management and other Business Division programs, as well as committees focused on distance learning, academic planning for the Middletown Campus, and the development of an online learning orientation course.
• As an educator, Connie excelled at creating learning communities within her courses, fostering an environment where students could connect, collaborate, and support one another. She was a strong advocate for inclusivity, meeting students at their individual skill levels and helping them bridge learning gaps to achieve.

Janice Curry, Professor of Nursing in the Health & Public Safety Division for 35 years 

Her nomination noted these achievements:

• Janice demonstrated unwavering commitment to nursing education, scholarship, and mentorship, leaving an indelible impact on students and colleagues. Her ability to inspire and uplift those around her created a legacy of excellence and compassion within the Nursing faculty.
• She played a pivotal role in innovative curriculum development, inspiring countless students to pursue excellence in clinical practice and academic inquiry. 
• She consistently demonstrated a passion for fostering critical thinking, evidence-based practice, and compassionate patient care.
• Janice contributed significantly to obtaining in-patient and outpatient clinical sites for Mental Health Nursing, ensuring that students had the best possible experiences caring for patients with varying mental health disorders.
• In the community, Janice worked for 36 years at the Veterans Medical Center in Cincinnati, and she continues to serve on the Board at IKRON Corporation and the Recovery Center of Hamilton County. She also spoke to the Hamilton County Commissioners in support of the Mental Health Levy that was approved by voters in 2022. 

Claudia Miller, Professor and Program Chair for Occupational Therapy Assistant Technology in the Health & Public Safety Division for over 20 years 

Her nomination noted these achievements: 

• Claudia provided the cornerstone of the success of the OTA program, shaping it from its beginning into the stellar program it is today, by dedicating her time, passion, and commitment to the curriculum, students, and alumni.
• Her visionary leadership and unwavering dedication played a pivotal role in the program’s consistent demonstrations of excellence.
• Her mentorship of students and fellow faculty members imparted wisdom, instilled confidence, and nurtured countless individuals.
• Her contributions included active participation on many College committees and volunteering her time to support College activities outside of the OTA program.
• Claudia encouraged students to participate in state and national professional organizations, and as a result, numerous Cincinnati State OTA students and alumni have served as officers of these organizations, and have been recognized with awards for their achievements. 
• Claudia’s enduring legacy continues to ensure that each new generation of OTA students is equipped to thrive and excel in their professional pursuits.