This
is how breakthroughs happen.
A MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN
In a world shaped by rapid change and complex challenges, our mission at CECH is clear: prepare the next generation of educators, technologists and advocates to not only adapt—but to lead.
From classrooms to courtrooms, from data labs to digital learning environments, our students and faculty are driving change that matters.
But we are just getting started. With your partnership, we will expand opportunity, fuel discovery and transform the systems that shape our lives. Join us in shaping the future by redefining what is possible in higher education today.
LISA HUFFMAN, PHD Dean College of Education, Criminal Justice, Health Services, and Information Technology
BREAKTHROUGHS BEGIN HERE
The University of Cincinnati College of Education, Criminal Justice, Human Services, and Information Technology (CECH) is where purpose meets possibility. Here, we prepare the educators, counselors, public safety professionals and information technology leaders who will shape the future of our communities. Our graduates are the pillars of a thriving society, advancing education, health, safety and innovation across the region and beyond.
Now, we are entering a breakthrough era—one defined by bold investment in people, programs and partnerships. This vision centers on four breakthrough priorities:
• Expand access and empower students: We are committed to removing financial barriers and supporting the full student journey—from enrollment to graduation. Through scholarships, debt-free pathways and holistic support, we will ensure every student can thrive during their college years and graduate ready to lead.
• Reimagine teaching and scholarship: To prepare students for a complex world, we must transform how we teach and support them. By investing in immersive learning, mentorship and faculty excellence, we will unlock new models of education that meet the needs of today’s learners.
• Support the creation of new knowledge: We will fuel research that drives real-world solutions—from public safety to mental health to cybersecurity. With your support, we will empower faculty and students to use data, technology and innovation to improve lives and communities.
• Advance the health and vitality of the region: We will lead initiatives that strengthen our region, expanding access to mental health care, building safer communities and preparing a workforce ready to meet tomorrow’s challenges.
With your partnership, we can break down barriers, ignite discovery and shape a future where every student has the power to change the world.
The next chapter begins with you.
“Receiving a scholarship has been a true blessing during my college journey. It has eased the financial burden of higher education … giving me the financial flexibility to fully engage in my coursework, field experiences and leadership opportunities on campus. It’s allowed me to grow with confidence in my goal of becoming an elementary educator.”
SYDNEY GRAHAM, CECH ’27
Jeanette B. Chapman Scholarship and Charles A. Salie and Charlene A. Tucker Scholarship
EXPAND ACCESS AND PREPARE STUDENTS FOR SUCCESS
Support the full journey—from access to achievement.
We are committed to removing financial barriers and supporting every step of the student journey—from enrollment to graduation and beyond. With your support, we will ensure that every student has the opportunity to thrive.
Philanthropic priorities
• Scholarships: Grow annual and endowed scholarships to open doors for students across the college. This support is our top need and the most powerful tool for student success.
• Debt-free teachers: Eliminate the financial burden for future educators by covering tuition, student teaching income gaps and licensure costs, ensuring more teachers enter the workforce ready to lead and debt-free.
• Transfer and completion scholarships: Support adult learners and transfer students through targeted scholarships that help them finish strong and enter high-demand fields.
“I’ve always had an affinity for technology. Interacting with it, using it to disseminate information and automate things and just be more efficient in the things that I do—that’s kind of the heart of information technology. I didn’t want to go the computer science route because I wasn’t that passionate about engineering, but I was still passionate about tech. I couldn’t be any happier that I chose this to be my school. I couldn’t have asked for anything better when it comes to a university experience.”
SIINBOON DABA, CECH ’26
SUPPORT THE CREATION OF NEW KNOWLEDGE
Empower faculty and students with the tools to lead in a changing world.
Breakthroughs happen when research meets real-world challenges. By investing in data-driven discovery and interdisciplinary collaboration, we will generate solutions that improve lives and strengthen communities.
Philanthropic priorities
• Community impact research: Support projects that use big data and technology to address public safety, addiction, education equity and more—like efforts from our School of Criminal Justice faculty to disrupt the school-to-prison pipeline.
• Cybersecurity and innovation: Fuel the growth of the Ohio Cyber Range Institute and related initiatives that prepare students for careers in tech and protect our digital future.
Above left: Emma Rader, left, explains the building management system her team created while Taylor O’Black, right, looks on at the 2023 IT Expo.
REIMAGINE TEACHING AND SCHOLARSHIP
Create future-ready classrooms and empower student success.
To meet the needs of a rapidly changing world, we must transform how we teach and support students. With immersive technologies, strong faculty and holistic student services, we will create a new model of academic excellence.
Philanthropic priorities
• Endowed faculty positions: Attract and retain top-tier scholars through endowed chairs and professorships that elevate our academic reputation and drive innovation.
• Student success infrastructure: Invest in academic coaching, mental health counselors and peer mentoring—especially in high-demand areas like IT—to ensure students have the support they need to succeed.
ADVANCE REGIONAL HEALTH AND VITALITY
Strengthen community well-being through high-impact programs.
Great universities build strong communities. With your partnership, we will expand access to care, create hands-on learning opportunities and lead initiatives that improve well-being across our region.
Philanthropic priority
• Community-based mental health training clinic: Establish a clinic where students gain real-world experience under expert supervision while expanding access to critical mental health services in our community.
THANK YOU
Thank you for your consideration of a gift to fuel our next breakthrough moment. Together, we will break down barriers, elevate bold thinking and empower the next generation of changemakers in education, justice, health and technology.
With your partnership, we can build a future where knowledge knows no boundaries and where every breakthrough begins with access.
CONTACT
Lisa Fay Huffman, PhD
Dean
College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services University of Cincinnati
Lisa.Huffman@uc.edu
513-556-4307
Sarah Lewton
Senior Director of Development, CECH University of Cincinnati Foundation
Sarah.Lewton@foundation.uc.edu
513-556-1149
Precious Randall, CECH ’24, and Corin Manning, CECH ’24, pose for a photo at UC’s 2024 spring commencement. Randall, an aspiring elementary educator supported by the Charles A. Sallie and Charlene A. Tucker Scholarship, and Manning, a dual-degree IT and MBA graduate supported by the Darwin T. Turner Scholarship, exemplify the transformative impact of philanthropy on student success.
Randall graduated summa cum laude and completed multiple teaching practicums that prepared her for a career in early childhood education. Manning accelerated her academic journey to earn two degrees in five years while leading campus organizations and securing a full-time role at Rockwell Automation.
