Oren turning over reins to Roberts at education group

Kathy Oren, head of the Community Education Coalition based in Columbus, will be stepping down as president and CEO effective Dec. 31st.

Oren has been with the education coalition for 12 years and has been leading the group since the retirement of John Burnett two years ago. She talked recently about her decision to retire.

After her retirement, former Bartholomew Consolidated Schools superintendent Dr. Jim Roberts will lead the coalition.

Oren talked about the condition she will be leaving the coalition

During her tenure the coalition has moved forward with efforts such as Tu Futuro and Umoja Unity in working to improve education efforts aimed at minority students, has become a Lumina Talent Hub and 21st Century Talent Region, and launched branding efforts for a unified AirPark Columbus College Campus. Her work has also led to funding from groups ranging from the Strada Education Foundation to the Indiana Commission on Higher Education.

A retirement celebration was held for Oren last week at the Upland Pump House.

Photo: Kathy Oren and Jim Roberts at her farewell event last week. WRB photo.