Frank Polen, director of curriculum, instruction and Adult Education at Buckeye Career Center (Submitted)

New Philadelphia, Ohio – A Buckeye Career Center administrator has been chosen to serve as a member of the inaugural class of scholars for the 2019–2020 Postsecondary Leadership Success Program.

Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Adult Education Frank Polen is among 20 post-secondary scholars from around the country to be selected for the yearlong program sponsored by the ECMC Foundation. 

The goal of this initiative is to bring together diverse perspectives and equip postsecondary career and technical education (CTE) leaders with the tools, resources, and skills needed to advance the field. Participating scholars will develop and refine their skills in organizational leadership and management; build critical interpersonal skills in communication, collaboration and problem solving; and hone their ability to facilitate institutional change — working with a personal mentor to strengthen areas for skills-building needed as an effective CTE leader.

Polen in his fourth year as a BCC administrator. He is actively involved on multiple workforce initiatives and community development committees and serves on the Tuscarawas County Chamber of Commerce Board of
Directors. 

Polen is also involved with several state and national career technical organizations. He was one of two recipients to receive the National Council of Local Administrators of Career Technical Education (NCLA) Dave Berryman Scholarship for Best Practice and Innovations in Career Technical Education, and is a graduate of the Ohio Association of Career Technical Superintendents (OACTS) New and Aspiring Superintendent
Academy (NASA).

Polen says he honored to have been selected for the program.

“I look forward to actively participating and learning from the other chosen scholars. This opportunity will allow me to continue to learn more about postsecondary education, so that we can continue to expand our
postsecondary trainings locally, regionally, and beyond. Fellow participants range from all parts of the United States and each state’s structure of technical training varies making this a great learning and professional experience,” he says.

BCC Superintendent Bob Alsept says this is a great opportunity for Polen and his career.

"He has worked diligently to understand the intricacies of career and technical education. He has worked tirelessly during a time of tremendous growth and change at Buckeye Career Center. At a time when a trained workforce is vital to our economy, I believe Frank would utilize the knowledge gained from this program to benefit our region and state. I believe this program will only enhance his abilities.”

The yearlong success program begins this month with Polen representing Buckeye Career Center at the ACTE National Policy Seminar in Washington, D.C. 

Polen and his wife Gretchen, a teacher at Port Washington Elementary, are the parents of two daughters, Kendall and Reese.

BUCKEYE CAREER CENTER