Athenaeum by OHIO Today magazine

T H E P AT T O N C O L L E G E O F E D U C A T I O N

Athenaeum

2019-2020 academic year

A farewell from Dean Middleton

Introducing new Hip-Hop based education

Ohio University’s campus may have missed the myriad of visitors this past year, but it is your Forever Home. Photo by Rich Joseph-Facun, BSVC ’01

Patton College of Education

TA B L E O F CO N T EN T S

Features

Athenaeum

Renaming the building

Teacher Candidates impact P-12 learning

McCracken Hall is renamed Patton Hall to honor family

Teacher education students showed character and spirit as they adapted to a new normal

Hospitality program partners with veterans Professor and students help open a cafe and build a business model for veterans

Introducing Interim Dean Dr. Sara R. Helfrich, professor of literacy in Teacher Education, is appointed

Depar t men t s 02

Counseling & Higher Education

Outstanding Faculty & Staff

Educational Studies

Joy of Giving

Center Spotlight

Donor Honor Roll

Teacher Education

Alumni Spotlight

Grants & Scholarships

Regional Higher Education

Outstanding Students

Dean’s Message

03 Year in Review

04 Recreation & Sport Pedagogy

ON THE COVER: To foster safe social interaction, teaching fellow Alli Ciancibello, working with Master Teacher Lisa Kinnard, conducts individual sensory exploration exercises with the infants at the Child Development Center. Photo by Ben Wirtz Siegel, BSVC ’02

Athenaeum is published by The Gladys W. and David H. Patton College of Education at Ohio University, Office of the Dean, for alumni and friends of the College. The Patton College welcomes your comments and noteworthy items. Please send your letters to: Athenaeum Ohio University The Patton College of Education Office of the Dean 102L Patton Hall 1 Ohio University Dr. Athens, OH 45701 education@ohio.edu 740.593.9449 Visit our website: ohio.edu/education RENÉE A. MIDDLETON Former Dean, The Patton College of Education SARA R. HELFRICH Interim Dean, The Patton College of Education Director of Communications and Marketing: Kim Barlag Staff Writer: Tony Meale Designer: Sarah McDowell

@OHIOPattonCoE @PattonCEHS @ohiopattoncollege

ATHENAEUM | 2020

D E A N ’ S M E S S AG E

Embracing Change Dear OHIO Alumni, Change is the only constant in life, and 2020 certainly tested our limits and ability to adapt! While Fall 2019 provided in-person education and events, experiential learning, and hugs and handshakes, Spring Semester brought with it remote learning and social distancing. We learned firsthand how a global pandemic could change our lives forever. Much of that change made us stronger as a college and as a university community. We quickly adapted to remote education and found new ways to connect with each other at a distance. This issue of Athenaeum chronicles the tenacity of the human spirit and the grit of The Patton College. Perhaps you have heard of another significant change in the College. After 15 years of service to Ohio University as the 13th dean of The Gladys W. and David H. Patton College of Education, I am retiring as dean. However, I am staying engaged with OHIO in a number of ways. We have accomplished much together! But it’s time for me to pass the baton, and with great pleasure, I leave you in the capable hands of Interim Dean Sara R. Helfrich, as well as Associate Dean Patterson, Interim Associate Dean Nguyen, Assistant Dean Coon, department chairs, and our wonderful faculty, staff, and administrators. You can read about Dr. Helfrich on page 19.

Dr. Middleton served as Dean from 2006-2021.

I also want to thank the leadership and members of the Dean’s Circle of Engagement for their support of my leadership and providing me with their time, talent, and treasure. I am forever grateful! While change may be the only constant in life, some things do remain steadfast. The Patton College will continue to be a place where learning is lifelong and limitless, where diversity is celebrated, where advocacy is ardent, and where we cherish our students, alumni, faculty, staff, and administrators.

Dr. Renée A. Middleton Former Dean, The Patton College of Education

Patton College of Education

Year in Review Select newsworthy events from The Patton College 2019-2020 academic year Stevens Literacy Center celebrates three Career Bridges graduates.

OCTOBER 2019

The Patton College hosted its 2 biennial EdTalks in the Baker University Theater. The free event features dynamic presentations by four Patton College faculty members, followed by a brief question-and-answer session. Presenters were Julie Barnhart Francis, director of the Edward Stevens Literacy Center; Courtney Koestler, director of the OHIO Center for Equity in Mathematics and Science; Danny Twilley, assistant professor and director of the Ecotourism Certificate; and Yuchun Zhou, assistant professor in Educational Studies. nd

The Patton College hosted the Hospitality Hop, a networking event for Hocking Hills owner-operators and Restaurant, Hotel and Tourism students at Cedar Grove Lodge in Logan, Ohio.

that immerses participants in the world of education public policymaking. The residency featured keynote speakers, discussion panels, and networking opportunities, including a full day on Capitol Hill.

MARCH 2020

In response to Ohio University’s campuses closing due to the pandemic, The Patton College recorded a virtual “Green Carpet” tour of McCracken Hall for prospective students to see the wonderful resources our college has to offer. Coordinator of Undergraduate Recruitment Curt Plummer and Rufus showed them the best features of the building where they’d soon be spending a lot of time as Bobcats!

The Patton College hosted the 9th Annual Advocacy & Leadership Summit. The theme was “Make your voice heard: Learn how to share with purpose.” Speakers were Shannon Jones, executive director of Groundwork Ohio and former Ohio Senator and Ohio Representative, and Michelle Connavino, PRE4CLE Operations & Outreach and founder of The Patton College Connavino Honors Program.

The Stevens Literacy Center graduated its first class in the Career Bridges Health Care pilot program. Students completed nearly 100 hours of instruction time over five weeks, including 20 hours of job-shadowing at Hocking Valley Community Hospital, and received certificates in CPR First Aid and Customer Service. They also completed several specialized workshops, such as working with survivors of domestic violence, trauma-informed care, and working with aging populations.

DECEMBER 2019

APRIL 2020

The Patton College held its inaugural Education Public Policy Leadership Certificate (EPPLC) networking residency. A partnership between The Patton College and Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service, the EPPLC is a yearlong online certificate program

Former dean Renée A. Middleton participated in the virtual Holocaust Remembrance Day and the International March of the Living Ceremony, which in previous years brought to AuschwitzBirkenau more than 260,000 students, Holocaust survivors, educators, and leaders

from around the globe. Middleton attended the April 2019 March of the Living and participated in a study tour of Poland and the Holocaust. Her experience inspired her to be a more active proponent of Holocaust and tolerance education. The Patton College created a virtual recognition of the Class of 2020 in a video with a list of graduates following a heartfelt message from Dean Renée A. Middleton. The video reached more than 1,440 views and can be seen at tinyurl.com/y5x3c3mp. The Patton College started a Remote Teaching Munch & Learn Series, which discussed innovations in teaching and engaging students with technology. The series was held every two weeks for a total of five sessions. It was open to all OHIO faculty and its online community and hosted on Microsoft Teams. For a list of sessions and links to the recordings, go to ohio.edu/education/faculty-resources.

JUNE 2020

Prompted by events surrounding the killing of George Floyd, The Patton College initiated a Black Lives Matter Munch & Learn Series, with “Black Lives Matter: Mobilizing the University to Combat Racism.” The series presented seven sessions ranging from the academic and professional experiences of Black males and Black females to representing people of color in research and racial disparities in education. It was open to all OHIO faculty and its online community and hosted on Microsoft Teams. For a list of sessions and links to the recordings, go to ohio.edu/education/racism-munch-learn.

ATHENAEUM | 2020 03

R EC R E AT I O N & S P O R T P EDAG O G Y

How one professor and her students embraced virtual instruction

he process of adapting in-person classes to virtual instruction is certainly a challenge, especially for classes that—literally—require hands-on training. The Patton College of Education’s Coaching Strength & Conditioning class needed an infusion of innovation to make it work—but faculty and students involved now say the class is better than ever. Initially uncertain as to how she’d teach content that seemed only possible to do in-person, Assistant Professor of Instruction Dr. Annie Olcott used ingenuity and new technology to instruct and engage her students. And in the process, she determined that many of her new online

teaching strategies are actually better and will help students develop valuable portfolio material to boost their careers. As Olcott spent her summer break transitioning her class to an online format, her first step was to look at the course’s learning outcomes and ensure those were her priority as she adapted the course structure. No matter the format, her main goal was to prepare her students to be successful strength and conditioning coaches through the development of their knowledge, understanding, and application of the course material. Lectures and presentations of content support the development of student knowledge in coaching strength

Dr. Annie Olcott used ingenuity and new technology to engage students virtually. Photo by Rich-Joseph Facun, BSVC ’01

Patton College of Education

and conditioning. Olcott adapted her The professional coaching in-person PowerPoint presentations into introduction requires that the student engaging VoiceThread video recordings really think about their own personal that mimicked in-person lectures. But values and how they relate to their students had the freedom to watch them coaching values and practices. They on their own time and they could pause then portray this in their professional or rewind when they needed to stop and coaching introduction as if they were think or review content. advocating for themselves to players, Demonstration of student parents, administrators, and the understanding of the content within community. this course is also a significant outcome. “My intent with this assignment Students completed a weekly quiz was that students would have —Dr. Annie Olcott assessment related to the lectures a promotional video for their through Blackboard on their own time. professional portfolios and for their To help the students prepare, Olcott conducted a quiz-game future coaching programs,” said Olcott. review using Kahoot. Students joined the game via phone Coaching skills video assignments are also conducted in or computer to compete against their peers in the review. this manner. In the latest assignment, students created their The top three winners received one bonus point toward their first coaching skills video focusing on the push movement. weekly quiz. While the presentations on how to appropriately perform “My hope is that this motivates students not only to attend these movements were originally done in a face-to-face lab the weekly review but to be prepared and have already format, students provide the same athlete-focused sessions viewed the lectures and content for the week,” said Olcott. through the use of a VoiceThread presentation. “Student feedback is that they value this time with me as “While I made this move due to the online nature of the the instructor to ask any additional questions, as well as get a class,” said Olcott, “I think I will continue using this great chance to test their knowledge. When students are unable to instructional method. The development of this presentation make the scheduled review, they have since provided feedback not only encourages students to use a variety of technology that they are thankful for the recordings in order to test their to support their instruction, but it also provides them with understanding of the content.” a recorded exercise library that they are able to use in future Tim Hales, a recreation management student also working professional experiences.” on a minor in coaching, said he really enjoyed how the class is In addition to the students’ ability to apply knowledge structured, as well as the content that was being taught. learned, it is also important for them to be able to evaluate “Dr. Olcott did a fantastic job going into depth about the what an effective strength and conditioning coach material she was delivering on her VoiceThreads for us to performance is. Olcott created a follow-up to the coaching watch,” said Hales. “I enjoyed the weekly meetings we had skills videos to include a peer assessment of the skills videos. to discuss any questions I may have had or to listen in to Following the week of submission, students are paired with additional questions any classmates had, and this allowed other peers to view their created VoiceThreads and evaluate me to get an overall review of the content each week. What their performance and ability to deliver the specific coaching I have really enjoyed is how she is releasing the content to skill. The students will view the VoiceThreads and complete us. On Thursday or Friday, she will release the content for the assessments with detailed feedback via Blackboard. following week, allowing me the opportunity to get a jump on “While the limitations of today have forced this course the content if I have some spare time in my schedule.” into an online format,” said Olcott, “the new exploration Students’ ability to apply the knowledge learned in the of how content could be delivered has opened doors to “real world” is the next step in the preparation for these bigger and better styles of learning that best prepare future strength and conditioning coaches. Throughout these future strength and conditioning coaches for their the course, students participate in a variety of application professional careers.” activities, including professional coaching introductions and Hales agrees. “I think being able to be adaptive, like all coaching skills videos. Both of these assignments require students have had to be since March, will help us down the the student to create a VoiceThread presentation with road in terms of being able to handle obstacles that may come PowerPoint slides and audio comments, as well as action our way,” he said. —Kim Barlag videos filmed by the student.

“While I made this move due to the online nature of the class, I think I will continue using this great instructional method.”

ATHENAEUM | 2020 05

T E AC H ER ED U C AT I O N

Hip-hop based education program prepares teachers to incorporate culturally relevant pedagogy

he Patton College of Education is implementing the first ever hiphop based education program that will help prepare pre-service teachers to incorporate culturally relevant pedagogy into their own teaching styles. The innovative and progressive program known as Hip-Hop OHIO Patton Education (HOPE) is led by program coordinator and longtime hiphop producer Dr. Jason Rawls. Hip-Hop Based Education (HHBE) teaches the value of incorporating hiphop-based education, culturally relevant pedagogy, and relational pedagogy into the classroom to build healthy and affirming relationships while bettering engagement with students. Although this type of programming has been taught before, according to Rawls, this is the first time it will be incorporated into a College of Education’s Teacher Education program. Students in the Teacher Education Program will learn how to use the aesthetics of hip-hop culture in their classroom and the importance of incorporating culture and fun within their lesson plans. “I’ve always been into hip-hop and education, and as I’ve moved forward in my career, I saw this new way of combining my two passions in a way that can better serve both students and teachers in the classroom,” Rawls said. “Bringing hip-hop aesthetics into the classroom can allow for teaching to be made even more fun and for teachers to better engage with their students, particularly Black students who may not always feel seen.” Rawls explained that students of color don’t often see their culture brought into the classroom and that it can make it harder for them to be who they are.

Dr. Jason Rawls is coordinating the first-of-its-kind hip-hop based education program. Photo by Joe Timmerman

“In The Patton College, we strive to develop and incorporate innovative academic experiences that foster an appreciation for and deep understanding of other cultures and learning styles,” said Renée A. Middleton, former dean of The Patton College. “The HOPE program offers unique, one-of-a-kind educator preparation that provides cultural relevance and meaning for students in urban schools and communities.” The Patton College is also implementing the Brothers Rallying to Inspire and Shape Education (Brothers RISE) Initiative, an initiative that aligns with the HOPE program and is aimed at nurturing and recruiting outstanding individuals, particularly Black males, for leadership in education. Part of the program includes a week-long Brothers

Patton College of Education

RISE orientation, as well as academic and social support at each level of the students’ teacher preparation; a focus on psychosocial and racial identity and ethnic development of each student; opportunities to engage in research, professional development and mentorship; and potentially tuition assistance. Rawls has been working in hiphop professionally since 1997, having worked with artists like Doseone, Domo Genesis (Odd Future), Capital Steez (Pro Era), Beastie Boys, and Aloe Blacc. He has released over 20 albums and co-authored the book “Youth Culture Power,” which lays out a foundation for educators seeking to use youth culture to build constructive relationships with their students. —Samantha Pelham

McCracken Hall to be renamed for family dedicated to public education

he Ohio University Board of Trustees has passed a resolution to rename the home of the Gladys W. and David H. Patton College of Education from its current name, McCracken Hall, to Gladys W. and David H. Patton Hall. The board’s vote to change the name of McCracken Hall in honor of the Patton family took place during its October meetings on the Athens Campus. “In consultation with Dr. Patton and in recognition of her extraordinary generosity and the impact of her continued commitment to advancing The Patton College and arts education at Ohio University, The Patton College, the Division of University Advancement, and The Ohio University Foundation, recommend that the building that houses The Patton College be renamed Gladys W. and David H. Patton Hall,” said Nico Karagosian, vice president for University Advancement and President and CEO of The Ohio University Foundation. The Patton College was named in honor of the parents of Dr. Violet L. Patton, BSED ’38, because of her philanthropic commitments to the college. Violet Patton, who celebrated her 105th birthday on Aug. 30, committed $13.3 million in 2010 to establish the Violet L. Patton Center for Arts Education, and an additional $28 million to honor her parents, Gladys W. and David H. Patton, with the naming of the College. She committed an additional $22 million in 2019 to support the capital projects for which she has demonstrated

unwavering commitment and passion over the past decade. David H. and Gladys W. Patton were long-standing supporters of public education. In 1951, Dr. David H. Patton was selected as the superintendent of the Syracuse Public School System, for a 10-year term. Gladys W. Patton was also an educator and worked with her daughter, Violet Patton, to write a series of textbooks on etiquette for children. The current McCracken Hall was approved for renovation in 2015, a project made possible in large part by Violet Patton’s generosity. All parties involved also recognize the contributions of Thomas Cook McCracken, for whom the building was named in 1963 due to his service as dean of the College of Education and OHIO’s first provost. Suitable interior space will be identified and named in honor of Dr. McCracken at a future date. “Violet Patton’s deep and abiding commitment to education and the arts, and to the facilities in which learning takes place, has provided a transformative opportunity for Ohio University and its students,” said Patton College of Education Dean, Sara R. Helfrich. “Dr. Patton’s commitment has generated an evident legacy for the Patton family, and her generosity is astounding. Her gifts continue to truly transform arts and education at Ohio University and provide unparalleled opportunities for our students, faculty, and staff.” —Sarah Filipiak

Dr. Violet L. Patton (left), who received an honorary doctor of letters from OHIO in 2011, honored her parents Gladys W. and David H. Patton (right) with her philanthropic gift.

ATHENAEUM | 2020 07

R EG I O N A L H I G H ER ED U C AT I O N

Dr. Yahn’s preparation led to a seamless transition to all-virtual learning

hen, due to the coronavirus pandemic, Ohio University moved to remote and online instruction, it was a major adjustment for many professors and students. For OHIO Eastern Assistant Professor Dr. Jacqueline Yahn, however, it was not. In fact, she didn’t have to change much at all. Yahn’s courses, by design, allow for all-virtual contingencies. “When COVID-19 happened and I found out we were going to a virtual format, it quickly became apparent I was not going to have much, if any, access to campus, nor were my students,” said Yahn. “But I basically didn’t have to change anything. I didn’t have to change content for courses, I didn’t have to create new content for courses, and I was still able to communicate and share documents with students the same way we always do for class.” Yahn teaches three classes ranging in size from 13 to 38 students, all of which met via Zoom after Ohio implemented shelter-in-place orders. Fortunately, relying on technology was nothing new for Yahn—or her students. All of Yahn’s courses feature a hybrid design, which uses a blend of digital and face-to-face content and communication in order to achieve key learning outcomes. Each course requires one hour of student preparation before class and two hours of in-person meetings. “There will inevitably be adverse circumstances that come up for me and my students,” she said. “They can be smaller things like severe weather events, they can be more extensive

things like what we’re dealing with right now, or they can be more personal things where I have to be away from the university for a few weeks. But I want to keep my course running.” One way to achieve this? Flipped lectures. Yahn records all lectures and shares them electronically with students, who are expected to listen and take notes prior to class. Each lecture typically includes supported readings. “Students have time to really absorb the key content and topics that we’re working on before we have live class, so when they get to class, their questions are more specific, they’re more meaningful, and they’re more excited to talk about scenarios they’re seeing in the field,” said Yahn. “They’ve had time to really think about what they’re confused about or want more information on, and our class is more beneficial to them.” Once in class, the first hour unfolds in town hall format: students pose and answer questions about the lecture and readings and discuss their field work. “If I let them, we could have town hall for the whole class,” said Yahn. “But we have a strict cut-off time at an hour in so that we can do more hands-on work as a group and they can experiment with tools, techniques, and things that they might do in their classroom.” Yahn, who uses PowerPoint for flipped lectures, produces a plethora of evergreen content, which is designed and delivered in a manner that can be easily modified from one semester—or year—to the next. If Yahn wants to

Patton College of Education

update part of a flipped lecture, she can easily update slides or recordings without deleting the entire file or having to record a lecture from scratch. “These are a big hit with my students because they can manipulate how they listen to them,” said Yahn. “They can listen to one straight through, or they can listen to it in chunks depending on their schedule. They can also speed up, slow down, or rewind the lecture as needed.” Yahn uses file-sharing platforms, including Dropbox and OneDrive, in her courses. She also uses Blackboard to communicate with students and administer weekly 10-question quizzes called exit tickets. “Exit tickets provide students with the opportunity to measure their own progress in terms of how well they know the content we worked on for that week,” said Yahn, “and they give me the opportunity to see if there are any weaknesses in the group’s understanding of a concept, which influences what we might need to come back to.” Two of Yahn’s classes are comprised of students from multiple campuses, which previously met via the Ohio University Learning Network (OULN), while a third is comprised entirely of Eastern students. Each class has adjusted well to the all-virtual format, in part because they were already accustomed to it. “Having an internet option for sharing course content, lectures, quizzes, and assignments normalizes it for students,” said Yahn. “If we have

Dr. Jacqueline Yahn used a town hall format to encourage vibrant discussions about lectures and readings. Photo by Rich-Joseph Facun, BSVC ’01

to make a sudden transition, as we did with the coronavirus, they will adapt to it more easily.” Yahn’s digital syllabus plays a key role in that. It outlines expectations for each course, previews content, and explains communication and assessment protocols. It also empowers students to take ownership of their education. “I want there to be a transfer of responsibility in my courses,” said Yahn. “My whole focus, whether we’re in a crisis or not, is that they take responsibility for the knowledge and skillsets they need not only to enter the profession, but to be successful in the profession. When I design my courses, I think about how to emphasize their active role in the course.”

At the end of each course, students are permitted to keep their Dropbox file, which includes all lectures, readings, and course materials. These items serve as great resources and can have a lasting impact on students’ lives and careers. “They know that class is not going to be a time where I talk at them,” said Yahn. “We’re going to talk together, we’re going to work together, and they’re going to drive what we do.” While the last few months haven’t always been easy, they have been professionally rewarding. Yahn is not only helping students through a difficult time, but also dispelling some stereotypes about rural education. “The idea that rural schools and communities do not use technology

isn’t true,” said Yahn, whose research focuses on rural policy and leadership. “Some of my students live in the most rural parts of Ohio, and they were embracing technology in the classroom long before the pandemic began and will continue to do so long after the pandemic ends.” “Practically speaking, the pandemic does present opportunities for us to rethink our approach to higher education,” said Yahn. “Higher education doesn’t have to be completely online or completely in-person; it can be a combination of both, which could allow us to serve a larger number of students in both our undergraduate and graduate programs and reach audiences we’re not currently reaching.” —Tony Meale

ATHENAEUM | 2020 09

CO U N S EL I N G & H I G H ER ED U C AT I O N D EPA R TM EN T

Counseling and Higher Education got creative with support initiatives for students

s Ohio University adjusted to its new all-virtual world, faculty in the Counseling and Higher Education Department, including Drs. Peter Mather, David Nguyen, Laura Harrison, Lijing Yang, and Terrence McTier, partook in various initiatives to make life easier for students—and not just in the classroom. “Faculty went above anyone’s expectations and made sure that the students in our programs were prepared not only academically, but personally, too,” said Adam Brown, a master’s student and graduate assistant in the College Student Personnel program. “I think every student in our program is thankful for their efforts.” Quick to act throughout Ohio’s shelter-in-place order, Nguyen, who received Ohio University’s Outstanding Graduate Faculty Award in 2019, prepared meals for students for pickup at his house. Nguyen communicated with other faculty throughout the pandemic, urging them to continue to meet their educational obligations and to lean on each other for guidance and support. He also asked that they continue to put their students first and do whatever they can to help them through this process. Nguyen’s message spurred action. Harrison, for example, implemented “Cookie Wednesdays” as a means to connect with students. She baked cookies for them each week and gave handwritten notes of encouragement. “It seemed like something I could offer to let the students know professors are thinking of them even if

Higher Education students socially distanced while finding ways to stay connected, even getting free cookies on Wednesdays.

we can’t be with them,” said Harrison. “It’s frustrating to me that I can’t really help them with the COVID world because it’s so new to me, too. But I can at least try to let them know that I care about them.” While students were staying fed, their mental health also remained a priority. CHE faculty organized virtual town hall meetings, which allowed students to debrief about coursework, share concerns related to the pandemic, and celebrate positive developments in their lives. Each week, faculty hosted a chat— one for master’s students and one for doctoral students—that typically drew anywhere from 10 to 30 attendees. These meetings gave faculty members a chance to provide academic updates

Patton College of Education

and create a sense of community within the HESA program. If students expressed concerns about something, faculty worked together to develop solutions. Students have been extremely appreciative of these efforts and believe that they have truly made a difference in their lives. “The faculty were not asked to provide for us or do any extra work beyond the classroom,” said Brown. “But they made sure that the students were prepared not only academically, but personally, too. Every student enjoyed social-distancing in the parking lot, collecting their cookies on Wednesday, or gathering on Zoom to chat with our peers and professors.” —Tony Meale

ED U C AT I O N A L S T U D I E S

Taking a look at educator Bill Larson’s legacy

here are two words Dr. Bill Larson’s colleagues use to describe him: humble and dedicated. Before coming to work at Ohio University, Larson wore many hats in the public school realm: coach, principal, administrative assistant, assistant superintendent and superintendent. He taught one course at OHIO in 1986, then became an adjunct professor in 1993, a lecturer in 2000, an assistant professor in the tenure track in 2010 and an associate professor with tenure in 2014. Larson retired at the end of December 2020, accumulating over 58 years of public service work, with 27 of those at OHIO. “I feel very much blessed that my Maker has allowed me to keep going this long,” Larson said. “I feel like I worked in really good programs, and I’ve worked with very supportive colleagues. The University has been very nice to me, and I feel blessed.” “Dr. Larson is a one-of-a-kind colleague and mentor. His positive professional and personal attributes are exemplary. He has a way of motivating his co-workers to do their best work,” Linda Fife, director of OHIO’s Institute for Democracy in Education (IDE) within The Patton College, said. “His extensive knowledge, rich sense of history and his ability to relate to others is truly a gift that I feel privileged to witness and learn from.” In 1994, Larson helped create the Ohio University Leadership Project (OULP), an initiative directed at the professional development of school leaders in Southern Ohio. The idea originated at the time with the then-dean of OHIO’s Southern Campus. Larson has served as the director of OULP since the beginning. OULP had 15 superintendents in the first cohort. Now, over 25 years later, the program serves approximately 500 elementary principals, secondary principals, superintendents and treasurers, with two superintendent and two treasurer cohorts. “Dr. Larson has had a positive impact on hundreds (probably thousands) of school leaders over the span of his career. He exemplifies the importance of building relationships with all stakeholders as one of the keys to succeeding and moving forward,” Fife said. “Dr. Larson is very humble and rarely takes credit, but deserves much credit for the longevity and success of OULP.” Larson credits the success of OULP to its grassroots approach. Representatives of each cohort decide on topics and speakers for future OULP seminars, therefore addressing the professional development needs of administrators from Southern Ohio.

Over the years, Larson does not think he’s missed many OULP seminars. He has introduced the speakers, made arrangements and worked out details for the seminars. “OULP is the primary service I offer, within the realm of research, service and instruction,” Larson said. “I like doing it because I was a practitioner for a long time, and so I relate fairly well to the practitioners attending.” “Dr. Larson has responded to the needs of school leaders to provide needed and requested professional development opportunities in a more local setting. Networking with peers is also a critical component that is part of each OULP seminar,” Fife said. “Dr. Larson has seen this need and provided an opportunity for this critical interaction to occur.” After Larson’s retirement, Fife took over as the director of OULP. As director of IDE, she and Larson have partnered together on several occasions. “I feel blessed to turn the leadership of the OULP to Linda Fife,” Larson said. “By having been a participant in and a leader of the OULP, she is extremely well situated to be its director.” “I wish Dr. Larson all the best as he starts this new chapter on his life’s journey. I hope he will find new things that bring him happiness and joy,” said Fife. “Dr. Larson will be missed.” —Jalyn Bolyard

Dr. Bill Larson recently retired after more than 58 years of public service and dedication to education.

ATHENAEUM | 2020 11

Patton College teacher candidates impact P-12 learning during the pandemic

hio University students pursuing a degree—and career—in teacher education have always made commitments and sacrifices greater than many of their peers. But due to the pandemic, these students have been asked to commit to even greater responsibility, as well as adapt everything they learned about teaching to a completely new normal. “The Patton College’s teacher education majors have impressed me with a firmness of character and an indomitable spirit as they dedicate themselves to not only educating their students by any means necessary, but to keeping them safe and healthy as well,” said Renée A. Middleton, former dean of The Patton College of Education. Patton College education students have always held themselves to a higher standard out of a responsibility to teaching. For instance, they agree to a strict social media policy as part of acceptance into the program. Now, they have completed COVID training and committed to additional personal responsibilities and safety protocols to protect the health of the children they teach. And they have embraced change in order to fulfill their mission to educate.

To foster safe social interaction, teaching fellow Alli Ciancibello (left), working with Master Teacher Lisa Kinnard, conducts individual sensory exploration exercises with the infants at the Child Development Center. Photo by Ben Wirtz Siegel, BSVC ’02

Patton College of Education

Green scenes 12

ATHENAEUM | 2020 13

“Teaching during a pandemic is far from easy,” said Mike Tsironis, a senior middle childhood education major. “But it has been a huge growing experience for me thus far. I have learned that one of the greatest skills a teacher can have is the ability to respond and react to anything.” Tsironis is a professional intern at Nelsonville-York Middle School, and Tom Haskell (a.k.a. “Big Tom”) serves as his mentor teacher. At Nelsonville-York, approximately twothirds of the students are taking classes in person, and the rest are virtual learners. Tsironis assists the virtual students using Google Meet and said a highlight of his experience was teaching a synchronous lesson about the scientific method using a hybrid of in-person and virtual teaching skills. Kaila Dilullo, a senior middle childhood education major, is interning at East-West Elementary with mentor teacher Trisken Emmert. Their homeroom class consists of fifth-grade students who opted to complete the school year completely online.

Prior to the start of the school year, Dilullo participated in the school district’s two weeks of professional development for teachers to learn Canvas, an online learning platform. “It has been a difficult transition to teach completely virtually, but it has been rewarding to interact with students,” said Dilullo. “I feel the skills I am learning through this process about technology and teaching online have been extremely valuable. I will be able to take these skills into my future classroom experiences.” Emmert, Dilullo’s mentor teacher, said that the pandemic has helped her and Dilullo learn how to be better organized and prepared. With 31 students in their virtual homeroom, Dilullo assists Emmert by visiting breakout rooms and teaching small groups, uploading and grading assignments, conducting readalouds, and recording lesson videos. “My fifth graders adore her,” said Emmert. “She is still able to build rapport with students via online. And the high usage

Master Teacher Lisa Kinnnard works with an infant at the Child Development Center. Photo by Ben WIrtz Siegel, BSVC ’02 32

Patton College of Education

“With all of the changes that have occurred due to the pandemic, we have created a strong support system for one another.” —Alli Ciancibello Teaching fellow Alli Ciancibello. Photo by Ben Wirtz Siegel, BSVC ’02

of technology will also greatly assist her in the future. What we are doing for our virtual students can also be implemented during a typical school year.” Alli Ciancibello, prior to the pandemic, completed her professional internship at the Child Development Center (CDC). This year, returning to the CDC as a master’s student and teaching fellow, she has had to adapt to a hybrid of inperson and virtual teaching. “I was so excited to return to the classroom as a fellow this year,” said Ciancibello. “As a result of the pandemic, many unexpected challenges have arisen. It was clearly evident that this school year would be much different than what I remembered from last year.” Ciancibello co-teaches with Master Teacher Lisa Kinnard in the CDC’s infant room where some families chose to bring their children in person for fall semester, while others opted to hold off until spring semester. This resulted in the need to develop virtual experiences for the infants at home and adapt in-person activities for the safety of infants in the classroom. “I wasn’t sure what to expect at first, as I didn’t think infants would gain much from an activity via a computer screen,” said Ciancibello. “After a few virtual experiences, I was surprised to see how engaged the children were during our activities. With assistance from their parents, the children participated in teacher-led activities via Teams meetings. I was excited to see that the children were happy to see us and how much they enjoyed the activities even though they couldn’t be with us in person.” Planning activities for the infants in the classroom also proved challenging. For instance, it was no longer safe to use a sensory table that promoted social development through

group exploration. Instead, each child now has an individual sensory bin. In order to foster the collaborative experience, the teachers strategically placed the individual bins where safe/ distant interaction occurred. Children are able to observe the other children, make eye contact, and communicate while they are interacting in their individual bins. “This experience has given the additional insight that it is always worth it to try something new as it might just amaze you and lead to something really great,” said Kinnard. “Alli is the fourth graduate fellow I have had in my classroom. During the beginning of the pandemic, I had a different graduate fellow (Meghan). Both have impressed me with their positivity in navigating the challenges to teaching during the pandemic—an increase in classroom routines that ensure sanitary interactions/environment, navigating teaching virtually, and a commitment to making safe choices outside of school.’ Ciancibello felt, as did Tsironis and Dilullo, that this experience as a teaching fellow has prepared her for her career in a very positive way. “With all of the changes that have occurred due to the pandemic, we have created a strong support system for one another,” said Ciancibello. “I think I am much more confident in remote teaching now that I see it is possible with infants.” “Through all of this, I have been absolutely proud and inspired by our OHIO students—graduate fellows and professional interns,” said Kinnard. “They have shown professionalism, dedication, positivity, determination, and most of all, their commitment to the teaching profession.” —Kim Barlag

ATHENAEUM | 2020 15

OHIO alumnus partners with Patton College, creates Ornery Vets Cafe

oel Laufman has many passions in life, but two of them—drinking coffee and helping veterans—have a new business brewing in Athens. Laufman, an Ohio University alumnus and Vietnam War veteran, has partnered with The Patton College of Education’s Restaurant, Hotel and Tourism (RHT) program and Passion Works Studio to create Ornery Vets Cafe. The cafe, which is located at 30 E. State St., had its grand opening on March 11, 2021. “I’m pretty ornery but so far we are a good partnership,” Laufman joked. “Both of my partners bring a lot to the table. Let’s hope we dine well together.” Laufman, who has a master’s degree in Educational

Administration from OHIO, served in Vietnam from 196869 and suffers from PTSD. He wanted to provide a sober and therapeutic communal space for veterans and other individuals to meet and help one another. “I wanted a place where vets, first responders, and anyone with PTSD can congregate and share their stories with others who care,” said Laufman, who owns the cafe and the building. “Many of us older, experienced vets can hopefully point some of the younger vets in the proper direction to get the help they need.” Laufman, a former teacher, pitched his idea to Passion Works Executive Director and OHIO alumna Patty Mitchell, who in turn reached out to Patton College’s Assistant

FALL 2019 R E L A T I O N S H I P S Patton College of Education

From left, Thom Stevenson, Joel Laufman, Mercadies George and Patty Mitchell stand in the Ornery Vets Cafe. Photo by Ben Wirtz Siegel, BSVC ’02

Professor of Instruction Thom Stevenson to collaborate on the creation of Ornery Vets Cafe. The Patton College and Passion Works have collaborated on projects in the past. “Like people come together when good intentions are at hand,” Stevenson said. “Joel had heard through Patty that we wanted to create a space that embraced healthy eating and communal gathering in a community and for a population that needed it. Joel stepped up as great community leaders do, and we worked collaboratively to bring the project to fruition. Our hopes are that this intentional space creates safe spaces for veterans, persons with developmental differences, and the general community to meet, socialize, and nourish themselves in a multitude of ways.” OHIO Restaurant, Hotel and Tourism (RHT) students worked together to help prepare the space. They created menus, facilitated tasting opportunities, helped with the cafe layout, and provided ongoing training and handson leadership for cafe employees. Retail and Fashion Merchandising (RFM) students helped with visuals and cafe aesthetics, while students from the Russ College of Engineering and Technology designed equipment to create a

human-centered space that will accommodate the needs of all people and include a stage for live entertainment. “Student learning is at the very core of this project,” Stevenson said. “We seek to create a social support space that is inclusive in nature. The cafe is universally designed to benefit full participation of all.” Earlier this year, the cafe planning team hired Mercadies George, a previous sergeant in the Marines and current Ohio University student, as the new general manager. The goal is that after two years of sweat equity, and upon graduation, George becomes the owner of the State Street cafe. Recently, George, who is working toward the Bachelor of Specialized Studies, presented to the Center for Entrepreneurship and was awarded a small seed grant to install an automatic door opener to increase accessibility to the cafe. The cafe is located a few doors down from Passion Works, a collaborative community arts center in Athens that celebrates the power of creativity, connection, and purpose, and has a core group of practicing professional artists with developmental differences.

ATHENAEUM | 2020 17

Mercadies George works in the Ornery Vets Cafe. Photo by Ben Wirtz Siegel, BSVC ’02

“We will be a partner in developing work options for people of all abilities,” Mitchell said. “We will welcome vets to volunteer and visit Passion Works and will be selling art and product in the space.” Supporting local businesses is also a priority. Ohio companies are providing the tea and coffee, which include Solstice Coffee and Storehouse Tea, both out of Cleveland. River Willow Catering, owned by local business owner Katie Mosher, is providing healthy made soups, salads, and pastries for the cafe. The equipment came from Columbus-based The Wasserstrom Company. And many more local vendors will be added to the list. The seasonal menu will focus on locallymade items with an emphasis on healthy eating options created from locally sourced, in-season ingredients. All partners believe the cafe will have a positive impact on the community. Laufman, especially, knows how important a space like this can be. “I had no help from anyone for many years after Nam,” he said. “I was a member of the VVAW [Vietnam Veterans Against the War], but that was political, not therapeutic, as were other groups that I joined. I really didn’t start getting serious help from the VA [for PTSD] until about 10 years ago. I don’t want young vets to wait 40 years like I did.”

Laufman, who is from Cleveland, arrived in Athens in 1971. He taught grades 5-12 at Alexander Schools in Albany, Ohio, and spent the last 10 years of his career teaching high school history and government. “I loved it all,” he said. “Kids are our future.” Upon retiring, however, PTSD — “the monster,” Laufman says — began to rear its ugly head again. After his wife passed away, Laufman leaned on others for support. “My PTSD group really helped me cope, and I learned how important this work is to the vets community,” he said. “I thought it was about time to try to give back to my brothers and sisters in uniform and all those who suffer from this insidious illness.” In addition to healthy food, the cafe will offer meditation and yoga, among other healthy group activities. Laufman wants to improve lives, but he also wants to save them. “About 20 vets a day choose suicide,” he said. “If we can help vets find the assistance they need in a community that [cares] about them, we all win.” For that reason, Laufman hopes to expand the Ornery Vets Cafe business model to create franchises across the U.S., providing opportunities for veteran entrepreneurs to own their own cafes. —Tony Meale

Patton College of Education

Dr. Sara R. Helfrich Appointed Interim Dean

his past April, Dr. Sara R. Helfrich was appointed interim dean of The Gladys W. and David H. Patton College of Education, which became effective on June 16, 2021. This appointment followed Dean Renée Middleton’s announcement that she

dedicated faculty, staff, and students as we advance the college’s long-standing contributions to educational excellence through teaching, learning, and research.” Some of the initial areas Helfrich plans to focus on in the coming year include: • Explore areas for academic

would be stepping down in June.

collaboration within The Patton College and across OHIO to strengthen and streamline existing majors, as well as explore options for program development on regional campuses through a hybrid cohort model utilizing remote learning technology • Engage faculty and students along the continuum of the research process by providing workshops and grant writing sessions, mentors through the Grant Writing Mentor Program, monetary support for continued collection and dissemination of research, and incentives for publication • Welcome a largely new Student Advising staff to The Patton College and facilitate integration into the OHIO Guarantee+ Program, ensuring our students success on the path to graduation in four years • Expand P-16 clinical partnerships • Continue to focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion with the creation of a new Dean’s Fellow for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusive Education and a continued commitment to growing the Brothers RISE program Helfrich will continue in the interim dean role through the end of the 2021-2022 academic year or until a permanent dean of The Patton College of Education is named. —Staff Reports

Helfrich, who previously served as senior associate dean for research and graduate studies, is also a professor of literacy in the Department of Teacher Education in The Patton College of Education. “Sara brings a proven track record of success to this role,” Executive Vice President and Provost Elizabeth Sayrs said. “Her background in leadership, academics and research is a tremendous asset to our University,

Interim Dean Sara R. Helfrich. Photo by

and she will serve as an effective advocate for continuing The Patton

Ben Wirtz Siegel, BSVC ’02

College’s many successes during this time of transition.”

in such journals as Journal of Research in Reading, The Reading Teacher, and

Helfrich joined Ohio University in 2010. Prior to working as senior associate dean, she was coordinator of the reading program within the Department of Teacher Education. She has taught courses on reading methods, instruction and assessment, language and literacy development, and children’s literature. She has also been closely involved with the efforts of the Center for Clinical Practice in Education, working with undergraduate teacher candidates and graduate teaching fellows in partner schools in Southeast Ohio. Her research focuses on teacher preparation within the context of literacy instruction and the role of the partnership in K-5 teacher preparation. She has published

Reading Psychology. Helfrich worked as Faculty Fellow for Graduate Student Professional Development, bringing the Three Minute Thesis® competition to Ohio University, and was in the first cohort of the Mid-American Conference Academic Leadership and Development Program. More recently, she served as vice chair of Faculty Senate, chair of the University Curriculum Council, and as a member of the Reimagining General Education Task Force. “The opportunity to serve Ohio University and The Patton College of Education as interim dean is a great honor,” Helfrich said. “I look forward to continued collaboration with our

ATHENAEUM | 2020 19

CEN T ER SP OT L IG H T

OHIO’s Stevens Literacy Center Ambassadors use technology to teach students, adult learners during pandemic

he coronavirus pandemic disrupted lives in and beyond Southeast Ohio in countless ways. It closed schools. It closed restaurants. It left people wondering when a sense of normalcy, such as they knew it, will return. But it didn’t stop 13 dedicated Stevens Literacy Center Literacy Ambassadors from finding innovative ways to ensure that students and adult learners receive a quality education. “This experience has revolutionized how we teach and learn,” said Stevens Literacy Center Director Dr. Julie Francis. “Great things are going to come out of the ingenuity of educators, especially these savvy pre-service teachers. They are all working remotely and creating ways to stay in touch with children and families as they maintain the Center’s programming and move forward purposefully in service to others.” Using Google Classroom and other virtual programs, Literacy Ambassadors continued to educate students and helped them, and their parents, navigate trying times. Sophomore Hannah Rowan, for example, created a Google Classroom for students—nicknamed “Little Patton Pals”—that morphed into a website featuring read-alouds, science experiments, and physical activities. All Literacy Ambassadors contributed to the website, which will continue even after the pandemic ends. “We would like for this website to be a way to communicate with our Little Patton Pals that we would normally see every Tuesday evening,” said Rowan, a Mild-to-Moderate Educational Needs major. “We want to keep in touch with our students, as well as provide a little

bit of relief for parents as many of them are starting to become ‘teachers’ for their children.” A primary goal for the website is to ensure that Little Patton Pals remain connected with each other. To achieve that goal, Literacy Ambassadors have encouraged storytelling called #shelterinstory. “It is important to me that our Little Patton Pals know that we are here for them,” said Rowan. “They might not understand what is going on right now, so now is the time for us to really be there for them for whatever they may need.” Another sophomore, Annie Dill, coordinated virtual lessons and interactions between Little Patton Pals and Literacy Ambassadors, also known

as Big Patton Pals. These sessions ensure that Big Patton Pals remain a positive influence in their Littles’ lives. “When we all found out that we were going to have to remain at home for the rest of the semester and wouldn’t get to see the kids, we were disappointed and sad,” said Dill, an Adolescent-toYoung Adult Math and Science major. “We know it must be hard on parents who now have to adjust to working from home, if they are able to, and taking care of the kids. With most of us being future educators, we want to take advantage of this opportunity to not only help parents, but also gain experience in adapting to a unique teaching situation.” Graduate student Josie Jorgenson, meanwhile, worked with an

Henry, a five-year-old “Little Patton Pal,” attended The Patton Party at Ohio University’s men’s basketball game on Feb. 18, along with his 15-year-old brother, Malik, who is also a Patton Pal, and the Stevens Literacy Center Literacy Ambassadors.

Patton College of Education

Stevens Literacy Center Literacy Ambassadors regularly met with each other virtually via Zoom.

undergraduate Literacy Ambassador, first-year Jenna Hill, to create a Google Classroom for family literacy, which includes activities that are fun and educational across generations. “Jenna is a great help with finding and sending me resources that would be helpful and easy for our families to access online,” said Jorgenson, who is pursuing a master’s degree in Reading. “By doing this, I can create documents and instructions and link our adults to their lessons and families to their lessons.” Jorgenson, who uses Zoom to connect with families on a weekly basis to make sure that they are feeling supported, is also an Aspire instructor. Aspire, which is sponsored by the Ohio Department of Higher Education, provides free services for individuals who need assistance acquiring skills to be successful in post-secondary education, training, and employment. Ohioans 18 and older with less than a 12th-grade education are eligible to participate. Jorgenson is working virtually with parents to help them get their GED, improve their literacy and

math skills, and develop employability skills. She’s also incorporating mental health and self-care in her Google Classroom. “Many of our adults and families have expressed that they don’t have much support other than myself and would benefit from more self-care and mental health support, but aren’t sure how to go about this,” said Jorgenson. “I firmly believe that all humans would be more successful if they found support and took better care of themselves on a day-to-day basis, but a lot of adults who came from generational poverty, like the families I work with, struggle to find this balance.” To help bridge the gap, Jorgenson sent families books to read and questions to respond to, similar to an online book club. She also sent instructions for meditation and yoga, daily journal prompts that are confidential, and coping mechanisms for anxiety and stress, among other resources. “I think that this a great opportunity to provide learning experiences outside of our typical reading and math lessons

and focus more on what interests us,” said Jorgenson. “I am feeling inspired to get our families and adults excited about this new way of learning and how to use these new and different resources. The great thing is so many of the kids love the virtual learning experiences.” In addition, the Stevens Literacy Center worked closely with the OHIO Center for Equity in Mathematics (OCEMS) Director Dr. Courtney Koestler and Recreation & Sport Pedagogy Assistant Professor Dr. Brian Rider during this time. Koestler posted learning activities daily on her OCEMS Facebook page, while Rider made fitness videos for kids, which the Literacy Ambassadors posted on their new webpage. “We are all working together to keep kids and families in our region safe, healthy, and mentally and physically active as we prepare for a brighter tomorrow,” said Francis. “This is a very special group of people, and our outreach work will continue long after this pandemic has ended.” —Kim Barlag

ATHENAEUM | 2020 21

A LUMNI SP OT L IG H T

Patton College alumnae use tech to connect with students during COVID-19 pandemic

ue to the coronavirus pandemic, schools in Ohio and beyond have shut their doors. That, however, does not mean that teachers have stopped teaching or impacting their students. Madison Elementary, a Columbus-area school that employs five Patton College of Education alumnae, is a prime example of this. “Our teachers are doing a lot of creative things with the students through Google Classroom [and] are really thinking outside of the box during this time,” said Patton College alumna and Madison Elementary Principal Tricia Faulkner, who received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Elementary Education and School Administration in 1995 and 2002, respectively. “They are creating videos and uploading them [online]. Some videos include read-alouds, PE activities, small-group instruction, and virtual field trips. Many of our

teachers are continuing to build upon and maintain the relationships that they have worked so hard to build this school year.” On Thursday, March 12, 2020, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced that all K-12 schools would close for at least three weeks, beginning March 16. Ohio became the first state in the country to close K-12 schools to stem the spread of the virus. “The whole staff at Madison has stood together during this time, as we always do,” said Assistant Principal and School Improvement Coordinator Rian Burnett, who received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Early Childhood Education and Educational Administration and Leadership in 2006 and 2018, respectively. “We are using Google Hangouts and meetings to connect with our students and each other. All of our classrooms are set up with Google Classroom, and some teachers are even having hangouts to have lunch with students.

Five OHIO alumnae teach at Madison Elementary: (L-R) Tori Peterson, Rian Burnett, Leslie O’Bryan, Erin LaCasse, and Tricia Faulkner.

Patton College of Education

Teachers, staff, and administrators at Madison are responding with love, class, and—most of all—missing our students.” Madison Elementary’s response to the pandemic is commendable yet unsurprising. The Patton College prides itself on producing top-notch teachers and administrators who are prepared to work in any school—and through any hardship—in Ohio and beyond. Sharing an alma mater has only deepened bonds that often exist between and among faculty and staff. “It is awesome to work with so many fellow Bobcats,” said Faulkner. “It is fun to talk about each others’ experiences and compare what campus was like in the 1990s versus now.” Other Patton College alumnae on staff at Madison Elementary include: Leslie O’Bryan, who graduated with a degree in Psychology and Children’s Studies in 1990; Tori Peterson, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Middle Childhood Education in 2010; and Erin LaCasse, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Mild-to-Moderate Special Education in 2016. “I love having fellow alums as coworkers,” said Peterson, who teaches fourth-grade math and science. “We always represent OHIO with so much pride. I have a pennant in my room and my degree displayed for students to feel the presence of getting a college degree and the pride that is felt from it.” All of the alumnae believe The Patton College prepared them for their roles at Madison, which is located in Groveport, Ohio. “The Patton College prepared me by giving me a wide range of student-teaching experiences, by getting me into classes that fit my major really early, and by having professors that are real and intentional with you when discussing what teaching is really like,” said LaCasse, an intervention specialist. “The Patton College [is] still a great resource for me, as there are Facebook pages dedicated to OU Intervention Specialists where we can share ideas.” LaCasse, who teaches math and English Language Arts to kindergarteners and first-, second-, and fourth-graders, is the most recent graduate in the group. She feels right at home at Madison. “Working with so many alums made me feel comfortable right off the bat,” she said. “When I first started this job, I was very nervous, but when I found out I was among many

other OHIO [alumnae], I immediately knew I had something big in common with a lot of people I would work closely with every day. There is a huge sense of community knowing that we share the common bond of being a Bobcat.” LaCasse and other Madison teachers have leaned on Burnett for advice and support. Burnett praised Patton College faculty Drs. Leonard Allen and Charles Lowery, who were instrumental in her transition from teaching to administration. “I received a great education in the teacher preparation program, as well as the principal preparation program,” said Burnett, who provides teachers with instructional support and professional development in all subject areas. “I love working with my fellow Bobcat alums. We have a lot of Bobcat pride in our building and talk to our students about going to college in Athens.” If the students have any questions about OHIO, the teachers can surely answer them. They all regularly return to Athens to visit their favorite hangouts, including the College Green and Bagel Street Deli. For some, it has even become a family affair. Faulkner’s children have attended sports camps at OHIO, and Peterson often brings her two-and-a-half-year-old son when she returns to campus. He made his first trip to Athens at three months old. “When we come back, I go to all of my favorite food places,” said Peterson, whose top spots include Courtside Pizza, Casa Nueva, and Jackie O’s. “We try a new place once a year.” LaCasse, who makes it to Athens at least once a year, is also a frequent visitor. “I’ve made it down for homecomings to see friends who are still living there and just to visit [a] very special place in my heart,” she said. “College Green will always be meaningful to me. Some of my fondest memories at OHIO are just simple ones: walking around campus with friends, staying up late studying and doing homework with classmates, and the first time it’s actually warm during spring semester and everyone is outside, listening to music and smiling.” Hopefully, these alumnae will now have the opportunity to visit campus again with the restaurants open and the College Green once again full of happy and healthy people!

“It is awesome to work with so many fellow Bobcats,” said Faulkner. “It is fun to talk about each others’ experiences and compare what campus was like in the 1990s versus now.”

—Tony Meale

ATHENAEUM | 2020 23

Outstanding Students We are always OHIO Proud and Patton Proud of our undergraduate and graduate students who are active in not only their studies, but research, creative and extracurricular activities, experiential learning, and service. This is a small sampling of their achievements.

OUMAROU ABDOULAYE BALARABE As he pursues his Ph.D. in Higher Education and Student Affairs, Oumarou Abdoulaye Balarabe has established himself as a leader and advocate for international students on campus. This year, he was honored with Ohio University’s Outstanding Doctoral Student Leadership Award. “I must say that it is encouraging and humbling that both my student leadership involvement and academic commitment are recognized by the university,” Oumarou said. In March, the native of the West African nation of Benin co-founded the International Student Task Force at Ohio University, a coalition of student leaders that has raised over $20,000 to support international students affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. During the 2019-2020 school year, the graduate teaching assistant served as president of the African Student Union, as well as the programming board director of the International Student Union. He was also appointed as a graduate student member of Ohio University’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee and is the Graduate Student Senator for The Patton College of Education.

KAITLYNN “KAITY” KIRKPATRICK Kaitlynn “Kaity” Kirkpatrick, a junior Early Childhood Education major, has been working at the Francine C. Childs Early Learning Center in The Plains, Ohio, for almost three years. In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, Kirkpatrick’s workplace has been deemed an essential business, and she continues to work full time at the COVID-19 approved daycare center. “Many parents rely on daycare, especially if their job is essential,” said Kirkpatrick. “We have police officers, medical personnel, and other important citizens that have to contribute to our society. Without daycare, they would be forced to stay home instead of helping our community.” In addition to her Early Childhood Education pursuits, the Ashville, Ohio, native joined the Air National Guard in 2018. She sees herself stationed full time after she graduates in 2021. “I’d love to go on a few deployments with the National Guard before I officially settle down with an education job. There are so many opportunities, and I want to take my time finding the right fit,” said Kirkpatrick. Until graduation, she is focused on her studies, as well as making a difference for the children under her care at the Francine C. Childs Center.

Patton College of Education

SARAH MURPHY Sarah Murphy, a senior double major in Recreation Management and Outdoor Recreation & Education, attended, volunteered, and won a networking contest at this year’s Ohio Parks and Recreation Association Conference and Trade Show. The conference and trade show took place in February in Sandusky, Ohio, and housed 196 exhibitors’ booths. College student attendees were encouraged to network and collect a business card from working professionals, and Murphy collected over 100 cards. “I wanted to connect with as many people as I could to increase my chances of landing a job this time next year,” said Murphy. “It’s also a delight and a major reason I went—to hear the stories of the professionals, how they got to where they are, their tips and tricks, what they’ve learned, and what they’d do differently if they were my age again.” In addition to her double major, Murphy is pursuing a minor in Geography and a certificate in Environmental Studies. The Ansonia, Ohio, native served as the vice president of programming for the Residents’ Action Council at Ohio University for the 2019-2020 school year. In that role, she allocated a $13,000 budget and planned campus-wide programs and events.

BEAU UQDAH On his journey toward becoming an English teacher, third-year Integrated Language Arts major Beau Uqdah has been busy recruiting and welcoming students to Ohio University. This summer was Uqdah’s first time working as a Bobcat Student Orientation Leader, and he used his experience as a transfer student to make incoming firstyear students more comfortable. “I worked with parents and guests in the College of Arts and Sciences,” Uqdah said. “That was exciting because I did start college a year later, so I was able to share my experience of being a transfer, and then also how my mom and family adjusted once I had left to come to Athens.” Uqdah is the president of the Ohio University Transfer Ambassador Program, a group of students who serve as resources for those considering transferring to Ohio University. He also works as a student ambassador for Ohio University’s Brother’s RISE teacher recruitment initiative, a new program intended to create and increase dialogue for African American men entering the teaching field. “Frequently, Black men do not even know this is an option because we do not see ourselves represented in the field of teaching,” Uqdah said. Uqdah is also part of The Patton College of Education’s Creative, Active and Reflective Educators (CARE) Program, which allows education majors to gain field experience in the Federal Hocking Secondary School District while taking specially selected classes.

JAKE LUNDGREN Jake Lundgren, a third-year student studying Integrated Social Studies Education, was named “Rookie Orientation Leader of the Year” for his exemplary work on behalf of the 2020 virtual Bobcat Student Orientation (BSO). All in-person orientation sessions for incoming first-year and transfer students were moved to an online format due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Although Lundgren was not able to meet new Bobcats face-to-face, he and his colleagues aimed to make the most of every virtual session. “We have so many incredible people on our team that I was genuinely so honored to even be considered for the award,” Lundgren said. “We worked very hard to make this a great experience for all students!” Lundgren’s major is Adolescent-toYoung Adult Education (grades 7-12). He is also pursuing minors in History and Political Science, as well as a Diversity Studies Certificate. His position with BSO also aligns with his career goals. “Since I want to go into teaching high school, this age range is right around where I will spend my career working, so it is an excellent way to dip my toes into the water of ‘teaching’ this age group,” said Lundgren. In addition to helping new students prepare for their first year at Ohio University, Lundgren is also a leader in the College. He is a Student Ambassador for The Patton College of Education and a member of the Connavino Honors Program.

ALLIE RAINER & JOHANNA ANTONUCCIO Retail and Fashion Merchandising seniors Allie Rainer (left) and Johanna Antonuccio (right) were awarded Golden Anniversary Scholarships from Phi Upsilon Omicron (Phi U), a national honor society in family and consumer sciences. The highly selective scholarship is awarded to four students annually based on their scholastic record, participation in the honor society, and extracurricular activities. As seniors, both Antonuccio and Rainer felt winning this 2020-21 scholarship was a timely culmination of their past four years of involvement at Ohio University. In addition to her involvement with Phi U, Rainer is a peer mentor for first-year multicultural students, a member of the Ohio University Hearing Board, and a member of the Omega Upsilon Chapter of Alpha Omicron Pi Women’s Fraternity. The Marietta, Ohio, native is also a MacKenzie King Honors student, which has allowed her to conduct research on Generation Z’s fashion sustainability consciousness. Antonuccio has been highly involved with fashion organizations on campus during her past three years at Ohio University. She is the head of makeup for Variant magazine, a student-run campus publication. In this role, which she has held since 2018, she develops creative ideas for looks, works as a makeup artist, and coordinates makeup for photoshoots. In May 2019, she worked as a makeup artist for runway models during Columbus Fashion Week. Antonuccio, who is from Athens, Ohio, is also a member of Ohio University Fashion Associates and F.A.C.E.S Modeling. She has experience as a stylist and sales associate for multiple retail stores in Athens, including Kismet and Maurices.

ATHENAEUM | 2020 25

Outstanding Faculty & Staff We are especially OHIO Proud & Patton Proud of our faculty, staff, and students for their resilience and dedication during the COVID-19 pandemic. As many of the stories in this issue are a testament to challenges faced and overcome, here are a few more about the generosity and heart of the people of The Patton College.

LISA WILLIAMS

Associate Professor of Instruction Lisa Williams sewed 576 masks—four gross—to donate to OhioHealth O’Bleness Hospital in Athens. “I had already donated goggles, gloves, and masks that I had in my textiles lab to O’Bleness and thought that this was another way that I could help our medical workers while I am staying home,” said Williams, who teaches in the Retail and Fashion Merchandising program. “I am just so thankful that I have a useful skill that I can use to help others.” Williams pursued this project after reading an Athens Messenger article about the mask-making efforts of local businesses. Williams began sewing April 5 and worked between three and six hours each day. Each mask has two layers of fabric, a filter that cannot be removed, and can be sanitized in an autoclave or with UV light. “I am happy to see people helping in whatever way they can to support the community, whether it is educating children and university students in a new format, making things for our health care workers, working in essential services, taking care of our sick and elderly, and supporting our local businesses and their employees through takeout or monetary support,” said Williams. “It is heartening to see the community pull together for the sake of us all.”

LIJING YANG

The coronavirus pandemic left health care professionals around the world scrambling to treat patients, often without adequate personal protective equipment (PPE). Patton College of Education Counseling and Higher Education Assistant Professor Dr. Lijing Yang helped prevent that from happening in Southeast Ohio. On April 1, Yang and various Ohio University faculty, students, and community members donated about 3,460 medical and surgical masks to the Athens City-County Health Department. “We are thankful for the sacrifice and hard work of our local health care workers and first responders who save our lives and protect us from COVID-19,” said Yang, who coordinated the donation. “We live on the same globe and live in the same community. We are fighting against the virus, and we will continuously support our community in this battle.” Yang, who received her Ph.D. in

Higher Education from the University of Michigan, reached out to the Michigan Chinese American Coalition for help. The group, which includes numerous health care workers and businesspeople, identified reliable medical-device manufacturers in China. In fact, they purchased and donated a significant amount of PPE to various Michigan hospitals. With their help, Yang purchased masks for the Athens community. Several OHIO faculty joined Yang’s cause, even forming a task force called “PPE for Athens.” Task force members include College of Arts & Sciences Assistant Professor of Mathematics Dr. Qiliang Wu, Graduate College Graduate Writing and Research Center Tutor Yi-Ting Wang, Russ College Associate Professor of Engineering and Technology Management Dr. Yuqiu You, and Russ College Professors of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Drs. Chang Liu and Jim Zhu.

Ms. Lisa Williams sewed 576 masks to donate to OhioHealth O’Bleness Hospital in Athens, while many other Patton College faculty and staff found additional ways to help the community.

Patton College of Education

CONNIE PATTERSON

Several projects were conducted across OHIO to help provide international students with necessities like food during the COVID-19 pandemic. The International Student Task Force (ISTF) was created in March and conducted two needs assessment surveys in April and June among international students. The surveys showed that over 100 OHIO international students living in Athens would experience high level rental payments and food insecurity during the 2020 summer months. “For a while now, we’ve been hearing first-hand from our international students about how hard the implications of

COVID-19 have been on them and their families,” said Patton College of Education Assistant Dean for Academic Engagement and Outreach Dr. Connie Patterson. “Concurrently, as a community member, I’ve been watching how the City of Athens’ businesses have been stepping up to provide much needed support for our community.” To assist the local businesses and therefore help more international students, The Patton College of Education’s Strategic Planning Work Group, “Vibrant Outreach, Engagement, and Partnerships,” held a donation drive to raise funds to sponsor lunches. The donations were gathered with the idea in mind to sponsor lunches at a local

Athens establishment, Brenen’s Coffee Café. Donations came from all over The Patton College community, ranging from $10 to $250. After a week and a half, the college had $900 in donations. On July 7, Patterson presented the check to Brenen’s Coffee Café owner Josh Thomas, a Patton College alumnus. Thomas owns the coffee shop and deli with this wife, Jessica Thomas, a College of Arts & Sciences alumna. The two have been providing free meals during the COVID-19 pandemic. “This has been a welcomed charity to our international students who are faced with financial challenges exacerbated by the pandemic,” Patterson said.

Faculty Awards Dr. Laura Harrison, professor in the Counseling and Higher Education Department, received the Philip A. Tripp Distinguished Service Award from the Ohio College Personnel Association (OCPA). The Philip A. Tripp Distinguished Service Award is presented annually by OCPA to a student affairs professional in recognition of extended illustrious service to the field. The selection criteria for the Philip A. Tripp Distinguished Service Award include a minimum of 15 years of professional involvement in the field of student affairs, as well as significant and outstanding contributions to the profession through administration, writing, teaching, research and service to professional organizations. Harrison has served as a higher education administrative practitioner for 15 years and a full-time faculty member for 10 years. After serving as the associate dean of students at Stanford University, she came to Ohio University, where she has been an excellent scholar, mentor and leader in the field. Harrison is a respected author and researcher, having written four books and 27 journal articles/book chapters in her career to date. Her latest book, “Teaching Struggling Students: Lessons Learned from Both Sides of the Classroom,” garnered much attention from higher education, as did a recent OCPA presentation about her research for the book and what she learned from being a student herself.

Dr. Christine Suniti Bhat, professor in the Counseling and Higher Education Department, has been named the first Dr. Tommie Radd Professor of School Counseling. Established in 2020 by Dr. Tommie Radd, the professorship will provide annual research funding and other financial support and intellectual property to the Department of Counseling and Higher Education (see article on page 28). Bhat will integrate her scholarly work into The Patton College so that it can be expanded, enhanced, and incorporated into research and other areas of the University, and shared with families and school systems. Bhat is using Radd’s book, “Teaching and Counseling for Today’s World, Pre-K-12 and Beyond” (2014), which has been provided at no cost to students in the Professional School Counseling program. She is also preparing to research positive changes experienced by school communities that adopt Radd’s educational systems model, “Grow with Guidance.” Bhat has been a faculty member at Ohio University since 2006. She expresses her gratitude for the opportunity to work with the professorship. “Dr. Radd’s gift is transformational for the school counseling program,” Bhat says. “Our students will benefit from learning about and utilizing the model during their internships, and hopefully during their careers. They will have opportunities to engage in research on the effectiveness of school counseling interventions grounded in the model. Dr. Radd is inspiring, and she is a joy to work with.”

ATHENAEUM ATHENAEUM | 2020 | 2020 27

JOY OF GIVING

First professorship established in Ohio University’s Department of Counseling & Higher Education

hio University’s Gladys W. and David H. Patton College of Education is proud to announce the Department of Counseling and Higher Education’s first-ever endowed professorship, established by Dr. Tommie Radd, a forward-thinking educational leader and researcher whose Educational Systems Model is redefining the way schools prepare students for lifelong success. The Dr. Tommie Radd Professorship in School Counselor Education will provide annual research funding and other financial support and intellectual property to the Department of Counseling and Higher Education faculty member who holds the professorship. This support will allow Radd’s scholarly work to be integrated into the curriculum of The Patton College where it can be expanded, enhanced and incorporated into research and other academic areas of the University, and shared with families and school systems. “Over the course of my career, I have found the colleagues at Ohio University with whom I have worked and gotten to know to be exceptional,” Radd said. “Through the collegial relationships we have established, I have come to understand that these are colleagues who not only value the work I have done to improve our educational system, but are committed to the same goals. My hope is that together we can have a bigger impact on schools both near and far from Ohio University.” Radd, who resides in Gahanna, Ohio, has spent the past 40 years teaching, counseling and leading in schools. She has lectured and consulted for school

Dr. Tommie Radd is redefining the way schools prepare students for lifelong success. Photo by Ali Deck

districts and education departments around the world. A former professor of counselor education and graduate faculty research fellow at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, Radd has invested 35-plus years of research into developing her Educational Systems Model. The framework of that model uses a team-integrated approach that brings teachers, counselors, administrators and families together to help students develop personal, emotional, behavioral, social, academic and career skills that will position them for success throughout life. “I am pleased that Dr. Radd has shared her legacy with The Patton College,” said former dean Renée A. Middleton. “Her professorship and her life’s work in counselor education will enrich the education and professional careers of our students, making a lasting impact that can’t be measured.”

Patton College of Education

For Radd, her life’s work and this professorship are all about expanding the possibilities for all students by helping them build a broad base of skills, starting from the very beginning of their educational journeys. “This is the beginning of building a legacy at The Patton College of Education that will advance and expand the work I have done to improve the way educational systems serve students and the greater society,” Radd said, crediting her mother, Sophia Radd, for the tremendous support she’s provided over the years. “School counselors, providing leadership using a systems process, are an essential part of our long-term success. I am proud to be contributing to the mission of The Patton College, knowing that long after I am gone they will continue to help children and schools and, in the process, make our world a better place.” —Nick Henthorn

Thank you for your support!

DONOR HONOR ROLL | 2019-2020

Patton College Community, Thank you for your tremendous work throughout fiscal year 2020, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Your commitment to bettering the lives of our Ohio University students did not go unnoticed. Thanks in part to your unwavering loyalty, I am proud to report that more than 779 unique donors committed an impressive $2,453,943 in supporting The Ohio University Foundation and The Patton College during the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2020. Development work at Ohio University looks promising as we look to circle back with many alumni and friends that we couldn’t visit personally or who could not visit our beautiful campus this past year. Advancement will focus fundraising efforts on supporting students and the student experience, faculty and programs, and strategic spaces and places in and outside McCracken Hall. Investments in scholarships will continue to be enhanced through The OHIO Match, Ohio University’s Undergraduate Scholarship Matching Program. Through The OHIO Match, launched in July 2013, Ohio University is strengthening its endowed scholarship program by providing $0.50 for every dollar committed to eligible scholarship endowments through June 30, 2024. Additionally, The Ohio University Alumni Association will focus on a number of new and expanding initiatives in each of its four functional areas—Alumni Success, Alumni Experiences, Diversity Initiatives, and OHIO Initiatives—in the year ahead. This includes the continued development and expansion of the Bobcat Network alumni engagement platform, which will be relaunched in the new Graduway platform this year; the continuation of meaningful virtual engagement programs while also beginning to offer in-person opportunities; expanding engagement with current students and recent graduates; enhanced focus on alumni engagement in student recruitment; and continued collaborations with other colleges and units. As always, if I can be of service, please feel free to contact me at binegart@ohio.edu. Respectfully,

This honor roll recognizes outright gifts and pledge payments to any area within The Patton College of Education for July 1, 2019, through June 30, 2020.

Mr. William D. Schlegel Ernst & Young LLP The Hoyt Family Charitable Fund Mr. John A. Goodwin NML Northwestern Mutual

G RE ATE R THAN $50,0 0 0

Dr. Norman E. Dewire

Mrs. Joyce A. La Fond

Mrs. Elizabeth J. Maril

Mr. John P. DiVincenzo

Mr. Jorma Kaukonen

Mrs. Helen L. Somerville

Mrs. Beverly A. Rivera

$20,0 0 0 -$50,0 0 0 Ralph E. Martin

$1 0,0 01 -$20,0 0 0 Dr. Roderick J. McDavis Mr. John K. Kotowski Mr. John A. Koonts Mrs. Louise Baker LTC Raymond J. Asik Naomi J. Blodgett Fund Dr. Schuyler E. Cone

$5,0 01 -$1 0,0 0 0 PricewaterhouseCoopers Foundation Mr. Marc E. Filer Deloitte Foundation Mr. Dan Delawder Mr. Robert C. Beverage Mr. Aaron P. Roush Mrs. Kay J. Briner Mr. Paul A. Briner Ms. Mary E. Rauschenberg Ms. Linda Fife

$1 ,0 01 -$5,0 0 0 Mr. Jack Turner

Tim Binegar Senior Director of Development Ohio University Advancement

Mr. William R. Turner

Ms. Carol J. Del Propost Mr. John W. Beam Mr. William P. Saviers Mrs. Marlain R. Evans Dr. Renée A. Middleton

Mr. John E. Payne

Miss Karen A. McCready Ms. Lynda V. Bibler Kroger Mrs. Kathleen A. Marinelli Dale E. & Bernice E. Mansperger Foundation Dr. Arthur J. Marinelli Mrs. Dorothy I. Stoltz The Ohio State University Ms. Claudette C. Stevens Mr. Ricardo H. Jenkins Ms. Clarissa D. Jenkins Ms. Karen S. Ardner Mrs. Katherine L. Hoagland

$5 0 1 -$1 ,0 0 0 Estate of Sophia Fisher Ms. Rana D. Brown Dr. Betsy S. Johnson Dr. Carolyn W. Lester Mrs. Margaret A. Maul Mr. Ervin L. Anderson Ms. Frances M. Irvin Mrs. Patricia B. Barnhill Dr. Elizabeth M. Kean Mr. Richard A. Gerhardt Dr. Claude G. Perkins Dr. Alberta Yeboah- Ohwofasa Mrs. Barbara Veres Mrs. Janet L. Williams Mrs. Lou Ella C. Talbutt Mr. William J. Spanfellner

ATHENAEUM | 2020 29

DONOR HONOR ROLL | 2019-2020 $1 01 -$50 0

Schwab Charitable Fund

Mrs. Mona T. Hobson

Mrs. Patricia J. Paul

Mr. Robert A. Fletcher

Mrs. Joan S. Motheral

Mr. David L. Garver

Mr. Michael L. Foster

Dr. Larry L. Hungerford

Mrs. Sharon W. Wiggins

Mr. Lynn C. Adams

Mr. Don Gable

Ms. Martha Apple

Mrs. Margaret A. Hayden

Mr. Michael G. Campbell

Mrs. Marjorie D. Reese

Miss Nancy K. Hultz

Mrs. Laurie A. Halm

Ms. Terry J. Fife

Dr. Kathleen Garland-Rike

Mr. George J. Kucsma

Mr. David Charnes

Mrs. Margery A. Hamann

Mr. David M. Armitage

Ms. Judith A. Cain

Mr. Brian A. Welchko

Zeta Omega Chapter

Mrs. Shirley M. Wolfe

Mrs. Sharon S. Grimes

Miss Margaret R. Hellems-May

Champlin/Haupt Architects, Inc. Mr. David A. Potts

Dr. Betty L. Skillman

Dr. James W. Mahoney

Mrs. Marjorie Humphreys

Miss Anita L. Polacek

Mrs. Susan J. Reid

Ms. Elizabeth Daly

Dr. Linda M. Reven

Mrs. Mary J. Disney

Dr. Barbara A. Hansen

Mr. Carl W. Michael

Ms. Molly A. Schaller

Dr. Richard P. Seligman

Mr. Worth Harman

Mr. George I. Talbott

Dr. Scott Malcom

Mr. John A. Oaks

Mrs. Deborah A. Oles

Mr. Ronald R. Rohner

Mr. James E. Roscoe

Mrs. Wendelin K. Bonar

Mrs. Elizabeth K. Miller

Mr. Dwight A. Garrett

Mr. Kevin T. Mathes

Dr. Patrick F. Cosiano

Dr. Lynne L. Hamelberg

Mrs. Judith E. Adamkiewicz

Mr. William L. Fife

Mrs. Rebecca N. Oaks

Mr. Dennis Liston

Miss Barbara K. Kuzma

Mr. James A. Jamieson

Mrs. Jacquelyn S. Trinler

Mr. Jerald R. Chase

Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club

Dr. Richard H. Berge

Mrs. Mary L. Deel

Mrs. Louise A. Newlove

$1 0 0 O R LE S S

Dr. Cynthia J. Osborn

Mrs. Emily B. Good

Fashion Associates

Mrs. Judith A. Williams

Mrs. Pamela Gary

Mrs. Johanne H. Raymond

Dr. Beulah Sellers-Davis

Mrs. Monica B. Durbin

Dr. Frederick W. Law

Mrs. Martha S. Lockridge

Mr. John N. Bode

Mrs. Carol Schaeffer

Mrs. Cheri L. Logan

Mrs. Linda D. Brown

Mrs. Sylvia M. McClure

Ms. Eleanor M. Pasek

Ms. Jeanie L. Tennant

Mrs. Pamela Cormany

Mr. Roy L. Nixon

Mr. Charles L. Lipps

Mr. Robert A. Courtney

Mr. William G. Shaffer

Ms. Lynn E. Straley

Mrs. Loretta Duffy

Mr. William B. Clauss

Mrs. C. Joy Jones

Dr. Shirley T. Robinson

Mrs. Joyce B. Wallach Miss Donna L. Gyor

Ms. Vicki C. Rhonemus

Ms. Jo A. Montgomery

Mrs. Vera B. Gable

Ms. Donna J. Taylor

Mrs. Christine S. Battist

Mr. Kenneth L. Rhoads

Ms. Bridget Leahy-McNutt

Ms. Loni S. Shegog-Hunt

Mrs. Carolyn A. Kowalchik

Mr. Don F. Baker

Mr. James B. Pyers

Mrs. Arlene M. Johnson

Ms. Francine Garofalo

Ms. Cheryl D. Pokorny

Mr. Steven L. Easterling

Mrs. Frances D. Vots

Mr. Howard Ellegant

Dr. Deborah E. Crabtree

Dr. Robin D. Muhammad

Kiwanis Club of Athens

Mrs. Sandra S. Laurenson

Miss Mary C. Quinlan

Mrs. Gayle D. Schroeder

Mr. Ken Dray

Mrs. Judith A. Ogilvie

Mrs. Jeanne L. Haseley

Mr. Steven R. Thorndill

Mr. Todd M. Anderson

Mrs. Norma R. Fox

Ms. Mary S. Carder

Ms. Barbara E. Williams

Mrs. Joan L. Orford

Mrs. Janet Stevens

Miss Kathryn S. Hirsch

Dr. David F. Lawson

Mr. Thomas J. Potts

Mr. David A. Lackey

Dr. Paul M. Gardner

Mrs. Kara E. Rappolt

Mrs. Elizabeth B. Girard

Dr. Jacob F. Froning

Mr. Jerry R. Clegg

Bridgestone-Firestone Trust Fund

Mrs. Mary L. Kuster

Mrs. Susan B. Bishop

Mrs. Natalie A. Luskevich

Dr. Hazeldean Meyers

Mrs. Jane N. Van Nostrand

Mrs. Aloma A. Chorey

Ms. LuAnn McNickle Mrs. Sally E. Grossenbacher Mrs. Molly R. Charnes

Mrs. Norma J. Ryan Mrs. Mary H. Megeath

Mrs. Joan W. Wagner- Brenneisen

Mrs. Jeanne Smiledge

Mrs. Wanda Hardy

Ms. Gwendolyn P. Ferguson

Dr. Leona M. Cibrowski

Mr. Roy E. Barclay

Mrs. Mary R. Littleton

Mrs. Terry L. Gellin

Dr. Donald L. Bubenzer

Mrs. Mary H. Gallagher- O’Toole Dr. Carol L. Webb

Mr. David R. Calhoun

YourCause, LLC Trustee for PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Ms. Karen A. Butt Dr. Daniel B. Hill

Dr. John E. McClure

Patton College of Education

Mr. Terry L. Nance

Mrs. Donna L. Fulks Mrs. Marlis L. Sever Mrs. Lisa E. Murray Dr. Gayla L. Thompson Mr. David L. Moritz Mr. Joseph A. Kocab Ms. Nancy F. Orcutt Ms. Lillian J. LeFevre Mrs. Jaime K. Feldman Mr. William S. Fife

Mr. C. Kennon Fisher

Mr. Jay O. Boyer

Mr. Philip W. Mitchell

Mr. James G. Archibald

Mrs. Marcia Kelsey

Tri-County Career Center

Mrs. Elizabeth Kopyscinski

Mr. Kingsley N. Meyer

Mr. Thomas Zavodsky

Mrs. Cristina M. Jayne

Mr. James F. Colson

Mrs. Phyllis M. Ward

Mrs. Cheryl Lathrop

Mr. Richard L. Hayes

Mrs. Diana McCauley

Mrs. Paula P. Webb

Dr. Robert A. Cohen

Miss Patricia A. Boykin

Mrs. Elizabeth A. Arnold

Mrs. Dianna J. Uzzel

Mrs. Kristina M. Risk

Mr. Richard A. Rice

Ms. Marilyn S. Myton

Mrs. Sara W. Drake

Ms. Rochelle Young

Mr. Steven Sloan

Mrs. Donna H. Kennedy

Mr. Dale E. Floyd

Miss Amy R. Nelson

Mrs. Jeryln K. Guy

Dr. Ayres G. D’Costa

Mrs. Susan Barton

Mrs. Wanda K. Ketron

Ms. Amanda J. McKenzie

Mrs. Carol J. Sauber

Mrs. Barbara F. Johannes

Mrs. Elaine M. Mulford

Mrs. Margaret B. Kadunc

Dr. Judith L. Cole

Mrs. Julie A. Jennison

Mrs. Charlene S. Rutherford

Ms. Jane C. Turner

Mr. George W. Safley

Mrs. Francine Fraundorf

Mrs. Margaret K. Kaercher

Dr. Marilyn K. Hutchins

Mrs. Carol L. Shults

Ms. Debra M. Rhodes

Mr. Michael J. Wagner

Mr. Nicholas M. Dubos

Mrs. Elizabeth R. Murzynsky

Mr. Steven Gramet

Ms. Laura S. Doty

Ms. Joy Kapsala

Dr. Barbara P. Laster

Mrs. Dawn M. Mock

Mrs. Patricia Lefevre

Mr. Willard K. Cale

Mr. Robert W. Bevacqua

Mrs. Karen M. Bush

Mrs. Aderene M. Lowry

Mr. Allen Reeves

Mrs. Lynda F. Berman

Dr. Max W. Evans

Mrs. Jacque Montgomery

Mrs. Candace M. Doherty

Dr. Gary K. Wright

Mr. Robert L. Maher

Dr. Robert A. Casto

Mrs. Cheryl A. Rudolph

Ms. Connie Altier

Mrs. Jerusha A. Lomax

Mr. Phillip C. Larson

Mrs. Karin A. Kopchak

Mrs. Sandra E. Ash

Mr. Richard E. Stevens

Mrs. Patricia Marin

Mrs. Marie E. Conrad

Mrs. Kim L. Forbes-Powell

Mrs. Wanda F. Castner

Ms. Vivian Hall

Mrs. Julie A. Hoersten

Mr. James O. Miller

Mrs. Connie Schneider

Ms. Robin L. Shantel-Perry

Mr. Thomas M. Vukovic

Mrs. Eloise K. Gibson

Miss Maryalice Roush

Mrs. Nancy A. Foster

Mrs. Joyce A. Lee

Mr. Randolph W. Shrider

Mrs. Rosana Thomas

Mrs. Addajane L. Wallace

Ms. Kathy Skinner

Mrs. Beverly D. Francis

Mr. Bob Toy

Mrs. Patricia Delduca

Mr. Norman J. Rex

Mrs. Barbara A. Murphy

Miss Teri S. Schwartz

Dr. Larry M. Pendley

Mr. Edward W. Kifer

Mrs. Donna F. Harris

Mrs. Thelma J. Meyer

Ms. Margaret Benedict

Col. Calvin G. Lyons

Mr. John A. Trohan

Mr. Dalton D. Hogue

Mrs. Sarah J. MacAdam

Dr. Anthony A. Galdieri

Mrs. Bethany A. Rudy

Ms. Sandra P. Newman

Ms. Tara B. Woods

Mr. Thomas E. McBee

Mrs. Laura L. Corcoran

Ms. Michelle Johnston

Prof. John T. Yun

Mrs. Joan B. Kleber

Mr. Richard G. Schmidt

Ms. Penelope L. Printz

Mrs. Vivian J. Bevins

Mr. Michael J. Musyt

Mrs. Janet M. Kalas

Mrs. Muriel A. Butler

Ms. Rene M. Phillips

Ms. Sharon V. Clayton

Ms. Deborah L. Matthews

Mrs. Kelly P. Bodner

Ms. Donna Blakeman Roddenbery

Mrs. Betty L. Harden

Mrs. Alison M. Sampson

Mrs. Hazel L. Blanchard

Mrs. Laura Will Landucci

Mr. Kirk T. Cobb

Mr. Gregory A. Valenzisi

Mr. Blaine S. Bierley

Mr. John W. McCarty

Mr. Neil J. Tharp

Mrs. Margaret S. Crago

Mrs. Karen P. McCafferty Heath

Ms. Catherine J. Ames

Ms. Carol R. Robertson

Mrs. Susan C. Ehni

Mrs. Sandra S. McLoney

Mr. H. E. Henderson

Ms. Barbara L. Carvey

Mrs. Elizabeth A. Stanford

Mr. Dane H. Osborne

Ms. Shirley A. Bartin

Mrs. Phyllis K. Davis

Mrs. Janyce J. Noll

Ms. Carolyn King

Mr. Stephen M. Lenzo

Mrs. Nancy A. Rosenthal

Mr. James T. Wetzel

Mrs. Mary B. Lightle

Mrs. Laureen R. Mooney

Mrs. Cheryl A. Popp

Dr. Robert G. Cyders

Mrs. Nila M. Elsass

Mrs. Ruth A. Smith

Dr. Mikiko L. Crawford

Mr. Edward R. Krahenbuhl

Mr. Thomas C. Smith

Mrs. Sandra K. Weilnau

Mr. James R. Brooks

Mrs. Anna McFarland

Mrs. Patricia A. Mason

Mr. Ralph H. Francis

Dr. Luther L. Haseley

Mrs. Elaine K. Nieberding

Mrs. Rosemary D. Durant

Mrs. Laura M. Vale

Mrs. Linda A. Smith

Mrs. Carole J. Myers

Ms. Catherine M. Johnson

Dr. Mel D. Coleman

Mr. Michael L. Brant

Dr. Charles A. Walker

Mr. Robert D. Grace

Mrs. Evelyn J. Keiser

Ms. Deborah S. Winter

Dr. James L. McElroy

Mrs. Lisa A. Glass

Miss Patricia R. Redmond

Mrs. Vivian R. Schweb

ATHENAEUM | 2020 31

DONOR HONOR ROLL | 2019-2020

Dr. Carol J. Henderson

Mrs. Susanne G. Ray

Mrs. Amy Trenor Burt

Mr. Rex M. Payne

Ms. Carol L. Patterson

Verizon Foundation

Ms. Peggy Jameson

Mrs. Mary E. Culp

Mrs. Janet Swope

Mrs. Suzanne H. Lamb

Ms. Patsy J. Perry

Ms. Vana W. Hartley

Ms. Stephanie N. Lickfelt

Mrs. Henrietta Patton

Mrs. Dorothy J. Harman

Mrs. Annette D. Lowe

Ms. Fay A. Day

Mrs. Susan Reeves

Mrs. Brenda C. Devine Network For Good

Ms. Michelle E. Smith

Miss Rita M. Von Berg

Ms. Margaret W. Edwards

Mrs. Kim C. Lane

Mrs. Helen D. Hapanowicz

Ms. Marlene E. Wallace Mrs. Barbara L. Owens

Mr. David M. Keck

Mrs. Elizabeth D. Clark

Mrs. Melinda J. Eliot

Ms. Leslie A. Joyce

Ms. Lynn C. Elliott

Mrs. Kathy L. Jackson

Mr. Michael Ward

Mrs. Marilyn Cunningham

Mrs. Deborah T. Redding

Mrs. Rachel A. Wentworth

Mrs. Jayme L. Koegler

Mrs. Jane S. Hiller

Dr. Jeanette Hale

Mr. Daniel S. Smith

Mr. Bruce C. Boyer

Mrs. Anne Bernosky

Mr. Reginald Jokisch

Mrs. Florence E. Tipple Mrs. Susan C. Konovaliv Mrs. Joan C. Athey

Mr. Robert H. Vasil

Mrs. Linda L. Toth

Mr. Phillip A. Stephenson

Dr. John A. Deno

Mrs. Catherine A. Jones

Mr. Ralph G. Peggs

Ms. Polly D. Woodard

Mrs. Joyce C. Parkhurst

Mrs. Barb Kranz

Mr. Robert J. Ward

Mrs. Pamela J. March

Mrs. Shirley J. Thompson

Mrs. Judith M. Fulton

Miss Colleen R. Clemans

Mr. Frank L. Hillenbrand

Mrs. Suzanne Thompson

Mr. Michael E. Doudican

Miss Betty J. Roby

Dr. John M. Hoyes

Dr. Arthur W. Stellar

Dr. Kathleen S. Hillman

Mrs. Jana M. Chapman

Mr. Terry Robb

Mrs. Leslie A. Stevenson

Ms. Barbara C. Hester

Mr. Gregory J. Gurka

Mr. William J. Blitz

Mr. Richard Evans

Mrs. Elizabeth Saling

Mrs. Kelly M. Logan

Mr. George A. Roth

Mrs. Nancy J. Thatcher

Dr. Margaret A. King

Mrs. Sarah A. Cox

Mrs. Donna T. Burch

Mrs. Judith Jeffers

Mr. Ronald J. Hagan

Mr. Alfred L. Smith

Mrs. Sue A. Shuck

Philadelphia Deliverance Church

Mrs. Polly P. Canfield

Mrs. Julie N. Beery

Mrs. Patricia C. Conn

Mr. Richard L. Davis

Ms. Linda K. Banko Clements Mr. D. Mark Fife

Ms. Debbie Bonhard

Mrs. Kathy Lehman

Mr. Merrill M. Roback

Mrs. Brenda B. Cobb

Mr. James P. Smith

Mrs. Lois E. Laughlin

Mrs. Charlotte A. Kline

Mrs. Carol Bloom

Mr. Joseph A. Cwiklinski

Colonel (Ret) Paul G. McLaughlin Mrs. Susan Titus

Mrs. Patricia T. Bevins

Mr. Steven L. Benedict

Mrs. Lydia E. Guerrieri

Mrs. Susan E. Lee

Mr. Wallace K. Shackell

Mrs. Sarah J. Trout

Ms. Norma J. Kolb

Mrs. Yuriko Gilbertson

Mrs. Karen L. Ciula

Ms. Fran D. Morris

Mrs. Betty Blackburn Davis

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Ms. Ethel Brundage

Mrs. Sandra L. Hager

Mrs. Sarah C. Arnett

Mr. Roger Fulk

Mrs. Joan L. Russell

Mr. Donald C. Gatchell

Mrs. Kathy S. Woolison

Dr. Ervin M. Zitlow

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Ms. Patricia A. Gilmore

Mrs. Mary F. Kern

Mrs. Sandra R. Shipley

Mrs. Sheryle L. Kraml

Mrs. Peggy A. Hancher

Mrs. Joan F. Gilliland

Mrs. Lynne W. Goldsmith Dr. John S. Mulka Mr. John O. Norquest

Mrs. Rebecca J. Cyrus

Mr. Lawrence Simmons Mrs. Carolyn R. Dix Dr. Charles T. Christine Mrs. Jeanne L. Nevel Mrs. Monica R. Blake Mrs. Wanda T. Nime Mrs. Phyllis Sindlinger Mr. John D. Emerich Mrs. Virginia E. Aupperle Ms. Audrey E. Wilson Mrs. Barbara A. Benczo

Patton College of Education

Mrs. Pamela A. Smith

Mr. Donald R. Forquer Mrs. Marijane K. Kubach Ms. Suette C. Adams Ms. Melissa J. Schroeder Mr. Keith D. Maxwell Mrs. Carolyn M. Stueve Mr. Robert R. Richards Dr. Lois S. Harkins Mrs. Cynthia A. Bratcher Mrs. Hazel R. Dunn Mrs. Elizabeth J. Melick Mrs. Ellen Levenson Mr. Frank A. Poling Mr. Alan G. Swank Ms. Louise M. Genovese Ms. Diane L. Jones Dr. George W. Johnson Mr. Craig Taylor Mrs. Sandra K. Flenner Mr. Robert E. Montgomery Dr. Kenneth L. Hoyt Dr. John D. Leonard Mr. David N. Logan Mrs. Carol J. Hunt Dr. J. Eileen Haugh Mrs. Peggy A. Phillips Mrs. Terry T. Fadel Mrs. Donna Miller Mrs. Patricia B. Campbell Mr. Richard E. Stanley Mr. Darrell J. Householder Mrs. Kristina B. Gerig Ms. Jennifer L. Gilbert Mr. Kent F. Williams

G rant s & C ont rac t s recei ved | 20 1 9 -2020 PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

TITLE

SPONSOR

AMOUNT

Yuchun Zhou

Exploration of the hypothesis-generation process as guided by secondary data analysis in clinical research

Clemson University

$32,465.00

Sara Helfrich CREATinG Readers

Ohio Deans Compact on Exceptional Children

$29,974.32

Jennifer Ottley

U.S. Dept of Education

$641,643.72

Yegan Pillay Appalachian Ohio Opioid Workforce Expansion Project

Health Resources & Services Administration

$432,000.00

Lisa Harrison OHIO MENTOR

Ohio Department of Higher Education

$0.00*

Gregory Foley

Outreach for Outcomes Project Extension

AQR Press, LLC

$20,000.00

Allyson Hallman-Thrasher

RALLY (Rural Appalachian Leaders and Local Youth) for STEM

National Science Foundation

$0.00*

William Larson

Ohio University Leadership Pogram Fall 2015 Spring 2016 Subsidy

Ohio Department of Higher Education

$0.00*

TOTAL:

$1,156,083.04

STEM+ FOR ALL

* multi-year award; funding received in previous fiscal year

S cholar ships Filer Family Scholarship Carolyn Williams Lester Memorial Fund Clark E., Sr. and Marie J. Williams Memorial Scholarship The Richard E. Jenkins Memorial Scholarship

John F. and Rita L. Wilson Professorship in Mathematics Education Marian Ickes Wolf Scholarship The J.W. Beam Endowed Scholarship Kay J. Briner, BSED ’64, and Paul A. Briner Scholarship The Dr. Tommie Radd Professorship in School Counselor Education

ATHENAEUM | 2020

Ebony Bobcat Network, Dr. Michele Curtis Penick, 1966 Endowed Scholarship Norman R. and Joyce A. La Fond Memorial Scholarship in Education Lisa Donovan Memorial Child Development Center Playground Fund

NONPROFIT ORG U. S . P O S TAG E

P A I D

Patton College of Education Ohio University 102L Patton Hall 1 Ohio University Drive Athens, Ohio 45701

A mural of Dr. Renée A. Middleton is seen on the graffiti wall outside Bentley Hall on April 22, 2021—honoring her 15 years of service and leadership as former dean of The Patton College of Education in the days leading up to the end of spring semester and her tenure as dean. Photo by Laura Bilson, BSVC ’23

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