Christi Amato started at Sinclair College in 2007 when her husband got stationed in Dayton with the Air Force. Throughout the years, she has held several positions around the college, ranging from working with military students to student support to online learning.
Now she is bringing those experiences together as Sinclair’s new vice provost.
She said she chose Sinclair because it works to find solutions to students’ problems. As someone who may have to move often and transfer credits, Amato knew Sinclair would be a good fit. She became passionate about serving students who need flexibility in how they complete their classes.
She was named vice provost in July. In her new role, she will continue to handle responsibilities with e-Learning. Additionally, she will work with the AI Excellence Institute, work-based learning, and a new workforce innovation program.
Amato said she is excited about the new opportunity, but knows it comes with great responsibility.
“There’s just opportunity. There’s opportunity to make sure that the initiatives we are working on touch as many students as possible,” Amato said.
Amato wants to ensure that new programs will be beneficial and not create more work for faculty and staff. She wants to ensure Sinclair uses its current resources effectively and can cater to students’ individual needs.
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Providing students with flexibility in how they complete classes will be key. Amato mentioned night and weekend classes for those who work during the day, as well as skill sprints. These let students take shorter programs that focus on teaching them specific skills.
Another focus of Amato’s is work-based learning, as she believes students should have the opportunity to participate in apprenticeships, internships, job shadowing, and co-ops. She said these programs should be adaptable to whatever stage someone is in, whether someone is already in the workforce or just getting started.
Sinclair’s AI Excellence Institute is another one of her responsibilities. Amato said artificial intelligence can be both scary and exciting for education, but the institute will help students, and staff learn about AI and how it can be used to students’ advantage while staying ethical.
Understanding AI is crucial to responding to it properly, according to Amato. She said that while AI can be beneficial, there are also risks. Sinclair plans to take a realistic approach and include everyone the technology will affect.
When she’s not working, Amato’s family keeps her busy. Amato has two daughters and her husband, who have all either graduated from Sinclair or are attending.
Amato grew up in Toledo and said that before Sinclair had never lived in Dayton. Now she considers herself to be part of the community with connections to the college and her coworkers.
As Amato remembered the process of figuring out her goals, she wanted to share some advice with students who are in the same position.
“Just keep going, ask questions, and accept support when it’s offered,” Amato said.
She wants students to know it is okay not to have everything figured out and that Sinclair wants to help. Amato said students should take advantage of the resources they can get from the college, and not be afraid to reach out to faculty and staff.
Luc Nsabindora, reporter
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