The Council on Occupational Education (COE) Staff Member Attends the 2025 PACE Conference

The 2025 Postsecondary Adult and Career Education (PACE) Conference was held April 3-4, 2025, in Dublin, Ohio. PACE includes programs such as Workplace Education, Corrections Education, Adult Diploma Program, Ohio Options for Adults, Ohio Technical Centers (OTCs) and the Aspire Program. PACE is designed to provide quality career and technical training to prepare learners for certificates, certifications, and licenses that align with and meet the demands of the workforce. The 2025 PACE Conference provided invaluable workshops and seminars to amplify the skills and knowledge in career and technical education and enhance student outcomes. The attendees shared best practices and ideas and connected with community educators, and workforce leaders to foster student success in technical education.

On behalf of COE, Dr. Tennie McBryde, Assistant Vice President of Institutional Evaluation, conducted a presentation titled “COE Accreditation Process” at the 2025 PACE Conference. Several highlighted sessions included “Classroom Management at the Adult Level,” “Admissions/Retention,” “Supercharging the Student Experience: Communication, Retention Strategies, & Financial Aid Updates,” FinAid: Navigating COD, EdExpress, & NSLDS,” and “Fast Tracking Ohio’s Manufacturing Workforce with Stackable Credentials MSSC.” Dr. McBryde stated, “It was great to be among the membership at the PACE Conference where she utilized the opportunity to collaborate with the attendees as they demonstrated the commitment to continuous improvement in career and technical education.” She added: “The workshops provided an opportunity for meaningful networking and engagement with membership, constituents, and colleagues.” Hence, collaboration is one of the core values at COE, where the Council fosters partnerships and actively engages with educational institutions to collectively enhance the quality and effectiveness of technical education through accreditation. COE looks forward to supporting the PACE Conference in 2026!

Pictured: Left- Commissioner Kristian Smith, Center- Dr. Tennie McBryde, Right Coordinator, Sandy Elliott