Dr. Marion James Rufus Kent, Ph.D., Founder
Dr. Marion James Rufus Kent was the 1996 City of Cincinnati Public Employee of the Year, an award given by the Cincinnati Human Relations Commission.
At the time he received the award, Dr. Kent was working as an Employment and Training Supervisor for the City of Cincinnati, a position he held from 1980 until his retirement in 1996.
During his employment tenure, Dr. Kent developed several Technology Training Programs and Computer Assisted Basic Education Programs for At Risk Youth and Adult GED Testing.
Additional career highlights for Dr. Kent include:
- Civil Rights Activist: As a college student, he was an active member of the NAACP and participated in civil rights demonstrations.
- Educator: From 1963 to 1980, he worked as an elementary school teacher, coordinating teacher, Director Career Opportunities Program, (COP) and Associate Planning and Development Branch as Demonstration Project Director for the Cincinnati Public Schools.
- NAACP Committee Chairman: He chaired the Economic Development Committee for the Cincinnati NAACP Branch, advocating for African American businesses.
- Ohio Department of Education Award: In 1975, he was honored for outstanding leadership as the Director of the Cincinnati Career Opportunities Program (COP).
- Realtor, Real Estate Investment and Home Builder.
- Member: Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, The Kappa Alpha Psi Hymn