![co-op student](https://www.uc.edu/news/articles/2023/04/n21166314/jcr:content/image.img.cq5dam.thumbnail.500.500.jpg/1682087716065.jpg)
University of Cincinnati names Dean of the College of Cooperative Education and Professional Studies
Michelle Clare, MA, will serve as the founding Vice Provost for Continuing Education and Dean
Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, Valerio Ferme, PhD has appointed Michelle Clare, MA, as Vice Provost for Continuing Education and inaugural Dean of the College of Cooperative Education and Professional Studies at the University of Cincinnati, effective May 1, 2023, pending approval by the UC Board of Trustees.
“As we undertook a national search, it became clear that Michelle Clare, who had been serving in the interim dean role since August 2022, understands the University of Cincinnati’s rich history in cooperative education better than most, and that she has the progressive vision to innovate our experiential offerings so as to meet the evolving needs of our students and industry partners,” says Ferme. “I am confident she will work to elevate our newly established College of Cooperative Education and Professional Studies to the next level.”
Michelle Clare, MA
The College of Cooperative Education and Professional Studies was established on Jan. 1, 2023. The new college combines and expands the work of the division of Experience-Based Learning and Career Education (formerly ELCE) and the Office of Professional and Continuing Education, which includes the Cincinnati Talent Accelerator Program (CTAP), Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) and Communiversity.
Throughout her 15-year career with UC and the former Division of Experienced-Based Learning and Career Education, Michelle has served in both faculty and administrative leadership capacities and was instrumental in expanding ELCE’s academic mission, including career education. Clare is a respected leader in the field of Cooperative Education and Experiential Learning, having served on the boards of state and national co-op associations and as an invited speaker at national and international conferences including the U.S. News Workforce of Tomorrow Conference in Washington, D.C.
"I'm excited for this incredible opportunity to serve as the university's first dean of the College of Cooperative Education and Professional Studies," says Clare. "My vision is that UC will be the place adult learners go when they are seeking all levels of educational opportunity and career advancement; and that corporations and nonprofits will see UC as a key partner in developing their workforce and organizations. Our goal is to do so in a very coordinated way, through support and collaboration with all UC colleges, the Cincinnati Innovation District and other valued stakeholders.”
The University of Cincinnati is ranked the No. 1 public university for co-op and internships by U.S. News & World Report. As the founder of cooperative education, UC is uniquely qualified to address the needs of a transforming workforce. Last year, University of Cincinnati students participated in more than 7,500 paid co-op experiences and collectively earned more than $75 million.
Featured image at top: UC co-op students working on a Turner Construction site. Photo/Joseph Fuqua II/UC Marketing + Brand
Related Stories
University of Cincinnati names Dean of the College of Cooperative Education and Professional Studies
April 21, 2023
Michelle Clare, MA, will serve as Vice Provost for Continuing Education and inaugural Dean of the College of Cooperative Education and Professional Studies at the University of Cincinnati, effective May 1, 2023.
UC growth continues as Big 12 newbie admits largest class
September 15, 2023
It's now official. The University of Cincinnati enrolled 50,921 students for the fall semester. Growth has been continuous with the student body increasing by 19% during the past decade.
Chronicle of Higher Education: More international students finding success in U.S., Cincinnati
October 17, 2023
UC's Jon Weller speaks with the Chronicle of Higher Education for a story about growth in new student visas. India has overtaken China as the largest source of international students in the United States. At UC, India also continues the largest share of international students on campus.
2023: A year in review
December 15, 2023
Review the University of Cincinnati's historic and productive year in 2023 through our year-in-review website.
Carnegie Foundation recognizes UC with Leadership for Public Purpose classification
June 24, 2024
UC part of inaugural group honored for focusing on developing students as leaders
Just in: UC tops 50,000 students
August 21, 2023
The University of Cincinnati is anticipating a record fall enrollment with a projected 50,500 students. The growth represents a 5.39% increase and reflects the university's core values around academic excellence, access and inclusion, and affordability.
UC Serves 2023 underscores university's commitment to Cincinnati community
April 27, 2023
This year, the university is celebrating the return of UC Serves – a day for staff and faculty to share the experience of intentional, focused service to the communities surrounding the University of Cincinnati campuses and beyond. The day of service helps connect UC with community neighbors and build stronger connections among university employees. UC Serves brings staff and faculty to the front lines in supporting UC’s institutional commitment to service and community impact in support of our local non-profit partners.
President Pinto looks ahead to 2024
January 8, 2024
University of Cincinnati President Neville G. Pinto welcome students, faculty and staff back to Spring Semester 2024.
UC President Neville Pinto shares 2024 State of the University address
April 16, 2024
University of Cincinnati President Neville G. Pinto shared his 2024 Sate of the University address with the campus community on April 15.
WVXU: How university co-op programs help reduce student debt
July 17, 2023
After the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a plan to cancel student debt, many borrowers will have to start paying back their loans later this year. UC started its co-op program more than 100 years ago and continues to create more experienced-based learning opportunities for its students, even helping some students graduate debt free.