Current Award Recipient

Dan Cayse Leadership Award

Dr. Monica J. Posey, Cincinnati State Technical and Community College

Dr. Posey has been President of Cincinnati State for 10 years, and employed for a total of 34 years. She is the first African-American woman to lead a major institution of higher education in Greater Cincinnati. 

Under Dr. Posey’s leadership, Cincinnati State has reached its highest enrollment in more than a decade serving over 14,000 students, achieved its strongest financial position in 30 years, and is producing graduates with the highest average earnings among all 22 Ohio community colleges. During this same period, the College doubled its regional economic impact to $1.3 billion annually. 

Dr. Posey holds a Doctor of Education from the University of Cincinnati, a Master of Business Administration from The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, and a Bachelor of Science from Cornell University.  

She joined Cincinnati State after a business career with AT&T Company, starting as Assistant Dean of Cooperative Education & Graduate Placement in the Engineering Technologies Division.  Over time, she successfully took on several other administrative roles including Provost.   

At Cincinnati State, with faculty and the Deans, a visionary plan was developed to advance the cooperative education program and expand the efforts to include internships and service-learning. Now serving as President, Dr. Posey continues to advance work-Integrated programs as a core element of the College mission. 

She serves on the boards of GRAD Cincinnati, Cincinnati Works, and the United Way of Greater Cincinnati. Community recognition includes the Business Courier Women Who Mean Business, the Greater Cincinnati YWCA Career Women of Achievement, and Cincy Magazine 100 Most Influential. Dr. Posey and her husband, Rev. Dr. Michael J. Posey, have also engaged in extensive community work that encompasses tutoring, mentoring, and endowed scholarships at Cincinnati State and Mount St. Joseph University.