CEIA Distinguished Achievement and Excellence Nomination form: The Dan Cayse Leadership Award
CEIA recognizes distinguished achievement and excellence by annually recognizing educators and employers who have excelled or made significant impact in work-integrated learning. Previous Achievement and Excellence Award winners for all CEIA awards can be viewed online.
The Dan Cayse Leadership Award
The Dan Cayse Leadership Award
Introduced in 2025, this award recognizes a leader who has made significant and sustained contributions to the field of Work-Integrated Learning (WIL). The award honors individuals whose leadership has advanced WIL within their organizations and/or across the broader field through strategic initiatives, lasting impact, and a demonstrated commitment to supporting others. Nominees should have a record of leadership and contributions that extends beyond their immediate responsibilities and reflects a meaningful, lasting influence on the advancement of WIL.
The Dan Cayse Leadership Award honors Dan Cayse, retired Vice President at Cincinnati State College. Joining in 1974, he led cooperative education for 38 years and twice served as Dean of the Business Technologies Division. As Dean, he significantly enhanced the co-op program, creating partnerships with Disney, P&G, and Kroger. Cayse was influential nationally, consulting for colleges and corporations, giving over 500 presentations, representing the US in Canada, testifying before Congress, and helping launch the co-op national ad campaign. A dedicated leader in the Cooperative Education and Internship Association (CEIA), he served two terms as President and multiple terms as VP of Finance. In 2005, CEIA awarded him the Dean Herman Schneider Award for his lifelong commitment to work-integrated learning. He was also honored with the E. Sam Sovilla Award by the Midwest Cooperative Education & Internship Association (MCEIA) and was named Educator of the Year by the Ohio Cooperative Education Association (OCEA).
Crucially, Cayse mentored numerous leaders and practitioners, teaching at the Academy, building relationships, and training board members and volunteers, embodying true leadership.