The goal of the National Organization for Student Success (NOSS) is to assist higher education professionals in making a positive difference in the lives of students.
NOSS: OH Mission Statement: As a state chapter we are committed to:
Providing students the scaffolding necessary to achieve college-level success and to become lifelong learners
Providing members opportunities for continuing professional development and networking
Providing the public with information about the needs and successes of developmental students and educators
Student Scholarship Winners
NOSS: OH is proud to offer yearly student scholarships. Applications are open in the Spring and awards are granted in Fall. Scholarship recipients attend our fall conference and participate in our student panel discussions. We are very proud of our student scholarship recipients!
2023 Scholarship Winners
Olivia Raubenolt
Ayla Deck
2024 Scholarship Winners
Robin Green
Bria Haney
Nissa Hardy
2025 Scholarship Info Coming Soon!
Membership Benefits of Joining NOSS: OH...
Annual Conference
The annual conference is the crown jewel of our organization. Held in either October or November, our annual conference features world-renowned keynote speakers and a robust amount of guest presenters. We are proud to offer hybrid options for our conference so that you may participate, regardless of your location.
Monthly Newsletters
Delivered to your inbox as well as archived on our site, members are kept up to date with our monthly newsletter. Pertinent organization information as well as member spotlights and achievements in addition to professional development opportunities are relayed through our newsletter
First Friday Chats
On the 1st Friday of every month, members have the opportunity to engage in professional development. Our First Friday Chat series features special guests lecturing on various topics pertaining to higher education. Sessions are recorded and archived for viewing at a later date if you cannot attend.
Fourth Friday Roundtable Discussions
Connect and network with peers and colleagues as you discuss relevant topics in higher education. Informal in nature, this is an opportunity to learn what your colleagues are doing at their institution. Sessions are occasionally recorded.
Summer Book Club
Book club meets during the summer months to allow members time to read selected titles and gather without the additional academic obligations. Recorded and archived for viewing at a later date.
Quarterly Round- UP
If you are a busy student support professional or an adjunct that is unable to attend virtual events during the day- fear not! Every quarter we hold evening round-ups, a review of prior virtual events.
Thoughtful Thursday
On the 3rd Thursday of every month, members have the opportunity to engage in discussion regarding all things mental health, wellbeing, and sense of belonging as it pertains to higher education.
A brief overview of our membership...
Institution Type
All higher education professionals are welcome to join NOSS: OH regardless of institution type.
Below are the institutions that NOSS: OH members hail from
Professional Division Breakdown
NOSS: OH invites all divisions of higher education professionals to join our ranks. We look forward to growing our student service membership demographic.
Faculty by department
NOSS: OH welcomes all faculty from all disciplines and backgrounds.
Meet the Executive Board
Dr. James Predovich, President
James is currently the course coordinator for FYEX and Music at North Central State College. James earned his Doctoral degree at the University of Cincinnati College- Conservatory of Music where he studies with Gillian Benet Sella, formerly of the Israel Philharmonic. James has served as a practitioner for the 12th World Harp Congress in Sydney Australia and is currently the piano and harp adjudicator for the Columbus Symphony Youth Orchestra Young Musician’s Program. James has presented extensively with NOSS: Ohio, and most recently, at Heartland CRLA, TxNCLCA, Bucks County Community College Faculty of the Future, and OCLCA. James is a 5-time recipient of the Canvas Artist Award in addition to receiving the Golden Mic award in 2020. Most recently James earned his credential in Effective Online Instruction from ACUE. James is Principal harpist for the Central Ohio Symphony and Perrysburg Symphony. He also plays regularly with Mansfield, Springfield, Lima, Butler Philharmonic, and Westerville Symphonies.
Stacey Souther, President-Elect
Stacey S. Souther is professor of psychology at the Eastern Campus of Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C). Professor Souther earned her masters degree in developmental psychology at The University of Toledo and undergraduate degrees in biology and psychology from Heidelberg University. She has been teaching psychology at Tri-C since 2004, having previously taught at Heidelberg University, University of Toledo, and Owens Community College. Her areas of expertise are in cognitive development in infants and children, specifically language and perceptual skills.
Kim Ciroli, Member-at-large
Kimberly Ciroli is an Associate Professor of Instruction of Early Childhood and Elementary Education at Ohio University Eastern. Ms. Ciroli was trained in and inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach to Early Childhood education. Ms. Ciroli specializes in Elementary Reading, Special Education, and developmentally appropriate practice. Her work focuses on integrating best practice into the public-school setting and putting theory into practice. Her research interests include relationship building with remote classrooms and well as how co-teaching improves outcomes for teacher candidates and P-12 learners. Ms. Ciroli obtained a bachelor’s degree from Ohio University in Elementary Education, an endorsement from Ohio State University in Early Education of the Handicapped, and a master’s degree in Elementary Reading.
Carter Jastram, Treasurer
Carter Jastram holds a Master’s in Educational Theory and Practice (Mathematics) and has worked at Columbus State Community College since 1992, where he taught various mathematics classes and tutors in the Math Skills Learning Center. He has been an OADE member since 1992, served as Membership Coordinator from 2000-2019, and Treasurer from November 2006. Carter is a member of the Celtic Irish band group Mad Maudlin and performs frequently at the Dublin Irish Festival.
David Paulik, Member-at-large
David Paulik is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at Cuyahoga Community College’s Westshore Campus, currently in his third year of a tenure-track appointment. He holds advanced degrees in Ministry and Theology (MA, 2024) and Educational Psychology (MA, 2018) from Kent State University, and is pursuing a Ph.D. in Developmental and Learning Sciences at the University of Cincinnati (expected 2025). David is an active member of professional organizations including the American Psychological Association (APA) and the National Organization for Student Success (NOSS), and serves on the board of the Ohio Undergraduate Psychology Research Consortium. With expertise in teaching, program design, and faculty development, he is dedicated to enhancing student success and supporting educator growth.
Dr. Bethany Henderson-Dean, Recorder
Bethany Henderson-Dean is the Chair of Biology and an Associate Professor at The University of Findlay, where she has taught since 2004. She holds a B.S. in Biology from Heidelberg University and a Ph.D. in Molecular and Cellular Biology from Ohio University. Bethany has extensive experience in academic leadership and student success initiatives, including nine years on the University’s Tenure and Promotion Committee, two years on the ADA Taskforce, and six years co-leading Prime the Pump, a summer bridge program addressing educational gaps. She also serves on the Rhodes State College RT Advisory Board and is active in NOSS Ohio and NOSS National. A strong advocate for equity and accessibility, Bethany leverages her collaborative skills and strategic mindset to enhance student outcomes and foster inclusive learning environments.