The Greenstein Award is given annually to a staff member, faculty member or administrator of COTC and/or Ohio State Newark. Its recipients are honored for their efforts, attitude, deeds and behaviors toward perpetuating a genuine spirit of mutual respect and cooperation between the two institutions.
Amy Mangus
Mangus is a three-time Ohio State Newark graduate and now one of its undergraduate academic advisors. When she started as an admissions counselor in 2022, she quickly became recognized as someone who cared deeply about the entire campus community. “Amy has spent countless hours cooperating with and working alongside our colleagues at COTC,” said Ohio State Newark Director of Admissions Wes Grunden, one of the people who nominated Mangus for this award. “She works to deliver on our promise to provide all students the best experiences possible.”
The Newark native is a driving force in showcasing the possibilities of higher education in Licking County. She collaborates with COTC’s admissions staff to co-host campus visits. “Through her partnership and planning,” Grunden said, “students learn about both schools and gain valuable insight into pathways to their future degrees.”
Mangus also works closely with the student life office, advocating for student safety and resources on campus. She serves as the staff advisor to the crochet club, supplying a social and creative outlet.
Her constant commitment to campus culture impacts and inspires more than just students. “Amy also forges pathways for her co-workers to achieve their goals,” said Cherie Schneider, admissions office operations coordinator at Ohio State Newark. “She has become a complement to both institutions’ visions for the future. She brings out the best in us all, both at Ohio State Newark and COTC.”
Asif Khan
Khan, associate professor of engineering/information technology (IT) at COTC, received the award during a faculty event on Aug. 18. As an alumnus of the college, “Asif is uniquely positioned to assist our students with preparing for their educational journey beyond our campus,” said Lisa Varrasso, associate professor of English and communication at COTC and one of the people who nominated Khan for this award.
He has served his alma mater for the last 11 years and became program director of its engineering and IT department four years ago. Khan has become a trusted mentor for students, providing hands-on demonstrations and training, as well as faculty, collaborating on community projects that impact COTC and Ohio State Newark. “Asif has helped build an inclusive and supportive environment where students and faculty from both institutions can thrive together,” said Kimberly Goudy, PhD, professor of business management technology at COTC.
Thomas Comisford, assistant professor of engineering technology at COTC, praised his department-mate even further. “His efforts have fostered an unprecedented level of cooperation between the two institutions, paving the way for greater collaboration and academic synergy.”
In addition to this year’s Greenstein Award, Khan has collected COTC’s Transitions Alumni Award and twice won the college’s Teaching Excellence Award. His forward-thinking and cooperative mindset perfectly matches the mission of the co-located campus. As Varrasso summarizes, “Asif improves the overall experiences of both COTC and Ohio State Newark engineering students and assists them in becoming more qualified employees.”