Congratulations to OCEA's 2026 Award Recipients - Crown Equipment and Carrie Hartsel of Ashland University
OFIC is proud to celebrate two outstanding honorees recognized at this year's Ohio Cooperative Education Association spring conference, held May 13–15, 2026 in Columbus.
Crown Equipment Corporation was named the 2026 OCEA Legacy Employer of the Year — a recognition that reflects the company's longstanding commitment to work-based learning and student success. Crown has been a valued partner of OFIC's Ohio Scholars Program and continues to demonstrate what it looks like when employers invest meaningfully in the next generation of Ohio talent. We are grateful for that partnership and excited to see it grow. If you're interested in connecting your students with employer partners like Crown Equipment, contact Melanie Garrabrant to learn more.
Crown Equipment - OCEA 2026 Legacy Employer of the Year
Herb Ford, Kathy Davis, and Kate Lange from Crown Equipment
We also extend our heartfelt congratulations to Carrie Hartsel of Ashland University, honored as OCEA's New Educator of the Year. This recognition reflects Carrie's dedication to her students and her commitment to expanding career-connected learning opportunities. Carrie, we are proud to celebrate you alongside the broader Ohio higher education community!
Carrie Hartsel - OCEA 2026 New Educator of the Year
Ashland University