Event Recap, Insider Innovations: Human Connections, Digital Directions
Despite a steady snowfall across much of the state, faculty and staff from OFIC member campuses made their way to Ashland University on Friday, February 6, 2026 for the Insider Innovations professional development day. Hosted at the John C. Myers Convocation Center, this year’s program, Human Connections, Digital Directions, brought together career services professionals and campus partners for a day centered on collaboration, creativity, and student success.
Although winter weather reduced attendance, representatives from 10 member campuses across the state were present. The conversation and engagement throughout the day remained strong. Participants made the most of the opportunity to connect in person, exchange ideas, and learn from one another.
The morning began with check-in, light breakfast, and a welcome that set the tone for a thoughtful and interactive day. The first featured session, Bridging Borders to Careers: Connecting International Students, Alumni, and Employers, was presented by Josh Gory, Assistant Director of International Student Advising and Career Coach at Denison University.
Gory highlighted two innovative approaches designed to strengthen career pathways for international students. The first was a themed monthly alumni panel series featuring international graduates or alumni working abroad. The second was a regional event titled Columbus Connections for International Students, which brought together current international students, alumni, and local employers for meaningful conversations and practical guidance on navigating the U.S. job search process.
Attendees learned how Denison structured these initiatives, the benefits experienced by both students and employers, and how similar programs could be adapted to fit their own campus environments. The session offered clear takeaways for institutions seeking to expand support for international students while deepening alumni and employer engagement.
Midday programming featured an interactive workshop from 12twenty titled Advancing Career Services Through Shared Solutions, led by Jeff Beavers, Vice President of Partnership Development, and Lee Rivers, Account Executive for Campus Partnerships. The session, generously sponsored by 12twenty, encouraged participants to identify both shared and institution-specific operational challenges in career services. Through guided discussion and hands-on activities, attendees explored where cross-campus collaboration could have the greatest impact and examined how technology can strengthen coordination and improve outcomes for students.
Lee Rivers reflected on the day, sharing, “It was meaningful to hear about the challenges campuses are navigating, the creative ways they’re working through them, and to help create space for connection and network-building across Ohio.” OFIC extends sincere thanks to 12twenty for both their sponsorship and their leadership in facilitating a dynamic and practical conversation.
The day concluded with closing remarks and door prizes, but the true value of Insider Innovations was found in the connections built and ideas exchanged throughout the program. Even with winter weather limiting travel for some, the in-person format allowed for deeper conversations and relationship-building among colleagues committed to strengthening career readiness across Ohio’s independent colleges and universities.
Insider Innovations remains a free professional development opportunity exclusively for OFIC member campus faculty and staff, reflecting OFIC’s broader mission to connect students with scholarships, internships, and career opportunities that power Ohio’s economic future.
Plans are already underway for the next Insider Innovations day later this summer. Those with topic ideas, interest in presenting, or willingness to host on their campus are encouraged to reach out. Continued collaboration and shared learning will ensure that future gatherings are just as meaningful, regardless of what the forecast holds.