Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today announced the selection of Dr. Venita Kelley as the governor’s special representative for closing the achievement gap.
C.J. Prentiss, a former state senator who has held the position since March 2007, retired on August 17.
C.J. Prentiss
“C.J. spent a long career dedicated to the promise of an equitable, affordable and quality education for each and every Ohio child, regardless of their personal circumstances,” Strickland said. “She has turned around the lives of many young Ohioans who have been at risk for drop-out and successfully took many steps to bridge the achievement gap between the economically advantaged and disadvantaged in our state. I commend C.J. for all of her accomplishments and thank her for her contributions to the state.”
After taking office, Strickland charged Prentiss with the task of increasing the graduation rate for African American males, historically the population most at-risk of dropping out of school.
"It has been a privilege to work with C.J., as both a district superintendent and as state superintendent, focusing on at-risk students," said Deborah S. Delisle, state superintendent of public instruction. "Her work has inspired many students to renew their commitment to education and her passion for this work is contagious. I look forward to working with Venita to continue this important mission."
Prentiss’ accomplishments since taking the position include hosting the first Governor’s Conference on Increasing the Graduation Rate for African American Males.
Additionally, over the first two years of this effort, participating school districts realized an average of 18.6 percent increase in the overall ninth and tenth grade promotion rate. Additionally, 49 percent of students that were in the program the first year passed four or more sections of the Ohio Graduation Test, and more than 60 percent passed three or more sections.
“If we can get this done, we not only save taxpayer dollars by making sure these children succeed, but we save human lives and communities,” said Prentiss. “With Dr. Kelley’s appointment the Governor replaces me not only with a person who has the passion for the job but who has the skill set to continue the task.”
Venita Kelley
Venita Kelley has decades of experience in education and communications. She most recently served as the urban scholar for the cultural competency professional development training segment of the Governor’s Initiative to Close the Achievement Gap, based in the Institute of Urban Education at Central State University.
“Venita brings an understanding of the unique educational needs of children from all backgrounds and economic conditions,” Strickland said. “Her background in communications will be a great asset to our ongoing efforts to strengthen this important effort and expand its reach across Ohio.”
A former professor of communication and ethnic studies, Kelley is the founder and CEO of Kelley Communication and Consulting, a cultural competence, leadership development and media consulting firm, since 1994. She is widely published in communication, psychology, and education, and she has received a number of community, local and national recognitions for her work and service.
Kelley, in addition, has served as a consultant for cultural competency at Lincoln Public Schools; an executive coach for visual media for the CBS Corporation, Screen Actors Guild and Writers Guild of America-West, and as faculty member and administrator for several universities, including Harvard University, the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, the University of San Diego, and Spelman College.
“I am eager to continue Governor Strickland’s priorities to expand access to education in Ohio and retain our most at-risk students,” Kelley said. “ Drawing from my background in communication, the dynamics of intercultural interaction, student development and education will be helpful as we continue to build the Closing the Achievement Gap program and, in turn, help graduate a larger number of at risk Ohio students and prepare them for success beyond high school.”
Kelley received a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1985, a master’s degree from Howard University in 1987, and a Ph.D. in communication studies from the University of Kansas in 1995.