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South Centers

College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences

CFAES

MEP team adds three

Bradford Sherman
South Centers/CFAES

Over the past five months, the Manufacturing Extension Partnership team at OSU South Centers has more than doubled in size with the addition of a new Program Manager and two additional staff members.
Dorinda Byers took the leadership reigns of the program in June when she was hired as the Program Manager. Supporting her in helping to move the program forward are fellow new hires Dawn Coleman, Program Assistant, and Kara Willis, the newest Growth Advisor.

Included on this page are short bios of each of the new MEP team members

Dorinda ByersDorinda Byers
With more than 15 years of experience, Dorinda possesses a proven track record of increasing organizational effectiveness, shaping cultures, strengthening teams, and positioning businesses for sustainability. 
Early in her journey, Dorinda found a niche in working with institutions and organizations to grow their business consulting practices.  She has worked at Zane State College, EZG Manufacturing, TechSolve, and APEG and is currently at Ohio State University. 

She has a passion for serving manufacturers, she loves to spoil her nieces, and nephews, to cook, travel, and read.

Contact Dorinda by email at byers.18@osu.edu, or by phone by calling (740) 680-0612.

Kara WillisKara Willis
Kara Willis, Growth Advisor, holds a B.A. degree in International Relations from Shawnee State University.  Over the past 17 years, Kara has developed skills in economic and community development, business development, fundraising, leadership, and strategic planning.

Prior to joining OSU South Center’s MEP, Kara served as Executive Director of Institutional Advancement at the University of Rio Grande. Mrs. Willis is eager to put her knowledge of development and higher education to work for our manufacturing businesses in southern Ohio.

Contact Kara by email at willis.662@osu.edu or by phone at (740) 289-2071 x 240.

Dawn ColemanDawn Coleman
Dawn Coleman is a Program Assistant with the Manufacturing Extension Partnership program at The Ohio State University South Centers. As a Program Assistant, she assists with the day-to-day operations of the program including the areas of communications, record-keeping, finances, and more.

Coleman joined the university in 2018 as an Office Associate in Jackson County, before joining the MEP program in August, 2019.

Contact Dawn by email at coleman.1002@osu.edu or by phone at (740) 289-2071 x 242.