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Top 3 on 2, 7/14/11

July 13, 2011

Why did you choose to work at Ohio State? I chose Ohio State for the many opportunities to learn and grow professionally.

What is the greatest life challenge you’ve overcome? When my college career was interrupted at age 19, I did not know if I would ever be able to obtain a degree. I’m forever grateful to Otterbein College’s Adult Nighttime Degree Program for offering courses that allowed me to complete my bachelor’s degree while working full time and raising a family. When I finally graduated after eight years of night classes, I was eight months pregnant with my fourth child.

How do you apply the ‘One University’ concept? The OSU Comprehensive Cancer Center offers me the opportunity to work with a diverse group of researchers throughout the university who submit collaborative research grant proposals. It has been a wonderful chance to meet and support people from other colleges and institutions.

If you weren’t working at Ohio State, what would you rather be doing?
I would like to work with a free clinic offering health care to people who cannot afford or do not have access to regular medical care. In fact, I’ve thought about going back to school to obtain a nursing degree so that I could pursue this goal.

What are you going to do when you retire? I hope to travel to sacred sites throughout the world, such as Machu Picchu, Stonehenge and the Great Pyramid of Giza.

Who is your hero? Everyone has heard of Mother Teresa and Albert Schweitzer. These two are at the top of my list. Both were humanitarians who had a vision and passion to help others. However, one of my personal heroes also is an OSU graduate. During my high school years, I had the honor of working with Lillian Bernhagen, the Worthington Schools’ nurse. She taught me the basics of first aid and inspired my interest in health and healing. I’m still inspired by her active engagement in health and wellness. At nearly 95, she is managing editor for the Holistic Discoveries quarterly magazine.

What is your favorite activity outside of work? One of my favorite activities is participating in book study groups. I belong to two groups studying metaphysical and spiritual literature. At church, I also am a member of the Adult Learning Council Program Committee, planning and participating in spiritual topic discussion groups.

If you were the university president for a day, what would you do? I would offer a one-day, free clinic to residents in the central Ohio area.

To nominate a staff member for an upcoming issue, e-mail oncampus@osu.edu.

Kathleen McCutcheon has built a career on bringing disparate organizations with little in common under a “one human resources” umbrella. Ohio State deemed her skill set invaluable as it continues its own culture transformation and hired McCutcheon to be vice president and chief human resources officer.

In her new role, McCutcheon will oversee a staff of more than 150 professionals — along with a dotted-line reporting relationship with human resources leaders in colleges and vice presidential units — who maintain the human resource functions for more than 27,000 faculty and staff.

McCutcheon, who last worked as senior vice president, human resources for American International Group’s Retirement Services (AIGRS), began her appointment June 27.

“With more than 25 years of experience leading the human resources efforts of large organizations, Kathleen will bring particular expertise to Ohio State’s ongoing commitment to supporting our academic mission, enhancing our culture, simplifying and streamlining our processes and systems and refining and implementing our talent strategy,” said Ohio State President E. Gordon Gee, who added McCutcheon was hired after conducting a national search.

McCutcheon said she is thrilled with the opportunity to help a world-class university reach a preeminent level.

“There is always a component of excitement and the unknown when a new leader comes into the organization, and I’m looking forward to meeting each person in the Office of Human Resources, understanding what they do, listening to their ideas and making the university a great place to work, not only in human resources but overall,” she said. “I am honored to be able to lead a human resources team of the quality of Ohio State’s, and the sky’s the limit.”

Read the full story at oncampus.osu.edu/2011/06/osu-hires-new-hr-leader.

Top 3 on 2, 6/2/11

June 2, 2011

Why did you choose to work at Ohio State? Ohio State chose me! As I was working to complete my PhD, the position in my department was being taught on a rotation basis. My department asked for me to take the class over and make it a more cohesive class.

What do you like about your job? I have the best of both worlds. I get to interact with undergrad students through my teaching appointment on a regular basis, which is just so much fun. I get to teach others about something that I have a lot of passion about. As I am trying to finish up my PhD now, I also get to do research about trees, and anyone who knows me knows I am crazy about trees.

What is the greatest life challenge you’ve overcome? As it relates to OSU, I wondered if I could even get a college education. I started at OSU with no advanced education at 31 years old and four children still needing my care. I was not a great student in my younger years, so I did not know if I had the skills necessary to complete a bachelor’s degree. I ended up graduating summa cum laude and going on to graduate school.

How do you apply the ‘One University’ concept? I have been blessed to work with an amazing group of people to try and get our campus certified as a Tree Campus USA. In order to do this, our group has to work with administration, FOD, the campus landscape architect, along with people from Plant Pathology, Natural Resources, Horticulture and Crop Science and groups including Chadwick Arboretum, Students for a Sustainable Campus … I am leaving so many out, but you get the picture. This effort has brought together so many diverse groups from many departments to work toward a common goal.

If you weren’t working at Ohio State, what would you rather be doing?
Being a vineyard owner and winemaker. I love the process that goes into making a great wine. I’d still be using my education and I just think it would be an interesting thing to do.

What is your favorite activity outside of work? Working in my own garden. I call it “Adris’ Arboretum.” I can get lost in my own world during this time. I also enjoy drawing and painting, although I wish I had more time for this. I am inspired by the world around me and it really gets the creative juices going.

If you were the university president for a day, what would you do? I would promote my own agenda, which would be to encourage the addition of more trees on campus to beautify and enhance our own urban forest. I would do that by making sure all departments have the day free to participate in a campus-wide tree planting and beatification activity. Then we would all go out when we are done and share a really good glass of wine!

To nominate a staff member for an upcoming issue, e-mail oncampus@osu.edu.

Top 3 on 2, 4/21/11

April 20, 2011

Why did you choose to work at Ohio State? I wanted to be a part of this great institution, and I also wanted to further my education.

What do you like about your job? I enjoy the opportunity to meet faculty, staff and students across the university, learning about novel research from various disciplines and helping people through the human subjects protection process.

What is the greatest life challenge you’ve overcome? I suppose it would be a bad supervisor experience I had during school; it taught me that some folks just won’t like you no matter what you do, and you can’t take it personally. I decided to succeed in spite of it. “But still, like air, I’ll rise.”

How do you apply the “One University” concept? Remembering there is no “they;” we are all on the same team (i.e., “us” is the university, not just our department).

If you weren’t working at Ohio State, what would you rather be doing? My first higher education experience was at Columbus State, and it was so positive, it turned me on to lifelong learning. If I weren’t here, I’d probably help them out, like assisting their graduates with continuing their studies here and with students’ career goals.

Who is your hero? The late Robert Lee Colvin, my father. I miss his humor and lust for life. My dad never met a stranger.

What are you going to do when you retire? If Program 60 is still around, I’ll probably take classes here at OSU!

If you were the university president for a day, what would you do? I would look into evaluating and expanding Your Plan for Health, our preventive employee wellness program. I would like to incorporate more educational programs, deeper discounts for gyms and fitness classes throughout areas employees live in and provide more training for the volunteer Wellness Ambassadors (like me) so that we can be utilized more often by employees in our respective areas.

A highly successful Operation Feed campaign at Ohio State last year netted a new record of giving: 115,000 meals raised for the Mid-Ohio Foodbank — an 8.5 percent increase over 2009.

This year Ohio State is aiming for 120,000 meals. Every year of the campaign OSU has increased its donation to help feed the more than 40,000 people in central Ohio who go to a soup kitchen, food pantry or shelter each week for emergency food assistance.

Coordinators in each college or unit will be directing faculty and staff in how to give, but Operation Feed also has a virtual drive online to make giving easy. Donors may visit fooddrive.midohiofoodbank.org/goto/OSU and give any amount. The campaign contiues through May 20.

Overall the Mid-Ohio Foodbank is aiming to raise 5 million meals.

For more information, contact Michele Bondurant at bondurant.11@osu.edu or 292-0641.

Top 3 on 2, 4/7/11

April 6, 2011

Why did you choose to work at Ohio State? My mom was having surgery at The Ohio State Medical Center. During my mother’s stay at the hospital I took several walks throughout the hallways there. I noticed a bulletin board with a job posting for the childcare program. I mentioned to my father that there was a job opening at the childcare program and he strongly encouraged me to apply. I never imagined that I would ever work for the university. I decided to apply for the position and see what happens. Luckily, all went well and I got the assistant teaching position I applied for.

What do you like about your job? I really enjoy having the same group of children for the first two years they’re enrolled at the program. Being able to have the same children and parents is great because we all grow, face challenges, and learn new things together.

How do you apply the “One University” concept? I apply this concept by providing an essential service for the parents and students. In order for a family to become part of the child care family at least one parent must be affiliated with the university. They can be an employee of the university or student.

Who is your hero and why? My parents without a doubt are my heroes. They are very loving and caring. There isn’t anything that I can’t ask them to help me. Both of my parents have always been very supportive of me and are my biggest cheerleaders.

If you weren’t working at Ohio State, what would you rather be doing and why? I would love to have my own shop, making chocolates and baked goods with my parents.

What is your favorite activity outside of work and why? Spending time with my mom, dad, and our dog Lucky.

If you were the university president for a day, what would you do? I would recognize all of the different areas of the university because each department plays an important role.

Faculty and staff can learn about many of the benefits of working at Ohio State at the Hidden Benefits Fair from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. April 14 at the Ohio Union.

OSU units and organizations highlight goods and services that sometimes fly under the radar at such a large university, and outside vendors often provide substantial OSU-only discounts or specials; the fair is one way they let employees know about their offers.

While at the event, employees are encouraged to schedule a free 20-minute biometric screening from Your Plan for Health (YP4H). To schedule a screening, visit yourplanforhealth.com and click on “Biometric Health Campus Screenings” on the right.

Top 3 on 2, 3/17/11

March 16, 2011

Why did you choose to work at Ohio State? There’s no place I’d rather work, period. Specifically, I like the culture, diversity, family atmosphere — which of course is all linked to the people at Ohio State.

What do you like about your job? Everything: The drive and passion of our students, faculty and staff are world class and simply inspiring. OSU is a huge family of magnificent people and I am honored to be a part of it! Working in information technology, I get to see the future and with the current streamlining initiatives I hope to have the ability to evolve into the next generation of IT professionals.

How do you apply the “One University” concept? We truly are “One University” and all of us who work here need to keep that in mind. Simply put, we are here to serve students, faculty and staff. Regardless of our position, we all play an integral role in helping OSU meet the missions set forth by our leadership. Knowledge sharing is something I specifically enjoy about working at OSU.

What honor or recognition are you most proud of and why? Frankly it’s the little things that keep me going. The notes and e-mails that faculty, students and staff leave me are some of the most wonderful pieces of correspondence I receive and really keep me going. It’s nice to be remembered, too … I still occasionally run into people from my first job at the Medical Center and people don’t hesitate to thank me for something I did 10 years ago … This shows that no matter how trivial it may seem, doing something right the first time matters.

What is your favorite activity outside of work and why? Whether it’s a trip to Disney or just a family cookout, spending time with my family is my favorite activity outside of work.

What are you going to do when you retire? I sincerely hope I can continue to be part of OSU indefinitely. If I do retire I fully plan to come back and volunteer my time to one of the several colleges I have had the privilege to serve as a staff member.

If you were the university president for a day, what would you do? Continue to embrace the change. This is an opportunity for all of us and I would continue to push forward with this directive set forth for our great institution. I’d also wear a bow-tie for good measure.

More than 5,080 current and retired Ohio State University faculty and staff on the Columbus campus contributed a record $1,280,798 through the 2010 Bucks for Charity Drive.
Cash and payroll pledges surpassed last year’s totals, and it was the eighth year in a row that donations exceeded the $1 million mark.

The funds support research, programs and services of more than 300 central Ohio health, human and environmental service related agencies.

The organizations participate in the Bucks for Charity campaign through 10 federations. The federations include the Community Health Charities of Ohio; Community Shares of Mid Ohio; EarthShare Ohio; United Negro College Fund; United Way of Central Ohio; and United Way of Delaware, Fairfield, Licking, Pickaway and Union counties.

“The generosity of Ohio State faculty, staff and retirees is overwhelming. What a wonderful display of support for our community,” said Michele Bondurant, Ohio State’s Bucks for Charity program manager.

The Bucks for Charity campaign is coordinated by the Office of Human Resources.

Top 3 on 2, 3/3/11

March 2, 2011

Why did you choose to work at Ohio State?
I had worked in health care for many years, most recently in a long-term care setting.  The opportunity to work at Ohio State was something I couldn’t resist.  I wanted to work in a setting where people are beginning new and exciting parts of their lives.  At Wilce Student Health Center, I play a role in contributing to our students’ academic success by helping to keep them physically and emotionally healthy.

What do you like about your job? Many of our students, for the first time, are encountering the health care industry without the support of their parents. Insurance and regulations are confusing even for the “experts,” and it’s rewarding to help our students understand the processes.

What is the greatest life challenge you’ve overcome? About four years ago, I fainted and hit my head on a concrete floor and sustained a traumatic brain injury. Afterward, I struggled to form sentences, walk and think clearly.  I never really thought about how important the brain is. Now when I watch “blooper” television clips that show people crashing their heads into walls, I don’t laugh. I cringe. That’s serious stuff.

If you weren’t working at Ohio State, what would you be doing?
I would love to operate a dog-sitting business. The dogs and I would spend our days walking, snacking and napping!

How do you apply the ‘One University’ concept? I currently sit on the HIPAA Privacy Officers’ Committee, made up of privacy officers from the university, Medical Center and the OSU Health Plan, among others. We are developing a comprehensive and consistent training course that will be utilized by all staff who create, use and maintain the confidential health information of students, clients and patients.

Of what honor or recognition are you most proud? I served four years in the Air Force and was awarded Honor Graduate in basic training and technical school. My entire military experience is one I’ll never forget. I had the opportunity to live in different countries and become familiar with different cultures. I learned how wonderful life is in the USA.

Who is your hero and why? My parents. They taught me to be a strong, independent woman. I never wanted for any of the necessary things in life, and today I have a true appreciation for their hard work and the lessons that they taught me.

Top 3 on 2, 2/17/11

February 16, 2011

Why did you choose to work at Ohio State? I started as a student looking to find a job close to where I lived in Lincoln Tower and was hired by the Residence & Dining Halls Service Desk (present-day Service 2 Facilities). While answering calls at the service desk, I was given many opportunities to take on additional responsibilities that led to meeting a lot of new people and learning more about how the university works. When I graduated, a full-time position was available and, since I knew I would find the job interesting as well as enjoy working with the staff, I applied.

What do you like about your job? Whether I’m meeting with staff to discuss their space needs, walking through a building to survey its physical condition or hunting down equipment that has moved, everyone and everything has some form of a story to tell. At the end of each day, I feel like I’ve either acquired a new skill or learned a little more about how another department/campus operates.

How do you apply the ‘One University’ concept? In answering calls to 2-HELP, managing thousands of keys/locks and working in my current position, I’ve always needed to rely upon folks from other offices and departments to be able to complete the tasks assigned to me. This has opened the door for me to make contact with a lot of people who I respect and feel I can ask for their advice or help even when I’m not required to do so. The contacts I’ve made have enabled me to provide more robust solutions to my departmental customers as well as, through re-use of equipment, reduce costs for both my department and other colleges/offices outside Student Life.

If you weren’t working at Ohio State, what would you rather be doing? Since I have a CIS degree, I probably would be working in the computer software support field. If money were no object, then I would probably be doing the things I currently don’t make the time for, like getting another degree, volunteering with assistance animals, fishing/camping/racquetball and learning to play both the piano and drums.

Of what honor or recognition are you most proud? One year, the residence hall staff who manage the front desks joined together and created a Facebook group “Rob Lyons is My Hero.” It meant a lot to me because it told me they felt like I was helping them instead of just being an administrator who only contacted them when something went wrong.

If you were the university president for a day, what would you do? Walking through buildings around campus, I’ve noticed another thing we all share in addition to a power plant is graveyards of files/furniture. I would promote creation of a single day when departments would be required set aside time to go through at least some of their files, equipment, etc., and render unto Archives, Surplus, recycling and trash what is theirs.

To nominate a staff member for an upcoming issue, e-mail oncampus@osu.edu.

Peter Mohler, a prominent medical researcher, has been named director of the Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute. The appointment was approved Feb. 11 by the OSU Board of Trustees.

Mohler comes to Ohio State from the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, where he is distinguished associate professor of cardiovascular medicine and associate professor of internal medicine and molecular physiology and biophysics.

Mohler will be an asset to Ohio State’s medical research program, according to Thomas Ryan, director of Ohio State’s Heart and Vascular Center.

“Peter is an emerging leader with strong skills as a researcher and team builder,” said Ryan. “He will be an inspiration to young scientists who come to Ohio State, and his own laboratory experience is stellar, earning him a place among the top cardiovascular scientists in the country.”

Prior to joining the University of Iowa faculty in 2006, Mohler was an assistant professor in pathology at Vanderbilt University. He was named a Pew Scholar by the Pew Charitable Trusts in 2007 and a Kavli Scholar of the US National Academy of Sciences in 2009. His research program focuses on solving the pathways underlying potentially fatal human diseases including cardiac arrhythmia, diabetes and neurological dysfunction.

He earned a doctorate in molecular physiology in 2000 at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and completed a post-doctoral fellowship in 2004 at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute at Duke University. Mohler is the recipient of numerous honors and awards for his work and he has been an invited speaker at research conferences around the world. He also is the principal investigator for numerous research grants.

Top 3 on 2, 1/6/11

January 5, 2011

Why did you choose to work at Ohio State? I had experienced OSU as an undergraduate and knew that it was a wonderful place to work. I applied for an academic advising position at OSU Marion at the end of my graduate program at Bowling Green. I felt that working on a regional campus would offer many unique professional opportunities that I might not find elsewhere.

What do you like about your job? No two days are the same! Working with college students ensures never-ending challenges and possibilities. I also am fortunate to work with an amazing staff that makes my job enjoyable and rewarding.

What’s the greatest life challenge you’ve overcome? Balancing work and family life has proven to be a challenge at times. With the support of my family and OSU, I’ve been able to juggle both successfully.

How do you apply the ‘One University’ concept? Sharing ideas and resources with colleagues across the university is a critical component of this concept. Within the academic advising community at OSU, there is so much talent. By sharing best practices, we can all be more effective in our work with students.

If you weren’t working at Ohio State, what would you rather be doing? My passion is working with college students, so if I weren’t at OSU, I’m sure I would be working in higher education elsewhere.

What is your favorite activity outside of work?
Spending time with my husband Randy and our 5-year-old son Emerson is what I love to do when I’m not working. Being with my family reminds me of what’s important in life and helps me put my priorities in perspective.

What are you going to do when you retire? That’s so far away, it’s hard to imagine! My husband and I would like to travel. And I’ll have time to catch up on all of the reading that’s accumulating on my bookshelf.

If you were the university president for a day, what would you do? I would arrange to take my whole family to a football game!

To nominate a staff member for an upcoming issue, e-mail oncampus@osu.edu.

Top 3 on 2, 12/9/10

December 8, 2010

Why did you choose to work at Ohio State?
I grew up in the Cleveland area, but subsequently spent a couple years in China researching and attending graduate school in Seattle. The Buckeye state was sending vibes for me to return to the “Heartbeat of it All.”

What do you like about your job? I enjoy interacting and connecting with OSU students, staff, faculty and the community. My favorite aspect of my job is creating and organizing a variety of East Asia-related programs that enable me to be aware of the current state of the China/Taiwan academic field.

What’s the greatest life challenge you’ve overcome? When I was 12, my family’s home was burned down to rubble. However with the help and support of family and friends, we overcame this hurdle and were able to rebuild our lives.

How do you apply the ‘One University’ concept? As a team player in the Office of International Affairs, I collaborate with many different groups to create interdisciplinary programs striving to elaborate on the “One University” concept by building bridges that elevate OSU from prominence to eminence.

If you weren’t working at Ohio State, what would you rather be doing? As an idealist, I probably would start orphanages in rural parts of China because many orphans have been left behind as a result of China’s rapid economic development.

Of what honor or recognition are you most proud?
I cannot think of anything from the top of my head.  Humility is a value that I hold dear.

Who is your hero? My mother is my hero because she has taught me perseverance by example.

She also always echoed Cervantes and told me, “to right the unrightable wrong, to love, pure and chaste from afar, to try, when your arms are too weary, to reach the unreachable star.”

What is your favorite activity outside of work?
I enjoy horseback riding because it gives me a great workout.

What are you going to do when you retire? Give away my worldly possessions and drive around in a Winnebago around the Western Hemisphere.

If you were the university president for a day, what would you do? I would make it my point to meet as many OSU staff and understand how everyone plays a vital role at OSU.

To nominate a staff member for an upcoming issue, e-mail oncampus@osu.edu.

The University Staff Advisory Committee, which sponsors the annual Hidden Benefits Fair, has decided to move the fair from its usual December slot to April 14 at the Ohio Union.

The opportunity to secure a larger, more centralized location was a key reason for the move, said Jen Mercer, co-chair of USAC’s Outreach Committee. Feedback from faculty and staff who attended the event prompted USAC to re-evaluate how the event was positioned.

The benefits of moving the event to April are many, Mercer said, including being able to host more vendors, the greater possibility of better weather (rain and snow have hampered attendance in the past) and keeping the event apart from the stressful holiday season. The free Hidden Benefits Fair, which showcases numerous services available for Ohio State faculty and staff, regularly attracts up to 2,000 people.

Top 3 on 2, 11/04/10

November 3, 2010

Why did you choose to work at Ohio State? My first position at OSU was as a part-time staff member at the Molecular Neurobiology Center. (Thanks for taking a chance on me, Juli!) When friends asked what I did, I jokingly told them I was a part-time brain surgeon. In reality I wasn’t saving lives, but I was optimistic that the dependent tuition benefit would come in handy down the road. And it did!

What do you like about your job? The College of Social Work is a place where I find friendship, encouragement, diversity and … if I’m lucky … I arrive in the morning to find an e-mail from Judy or Meghan announcing “goodies by the shredder.” Working at a smaller college gives me exposure to so many different facets of the university. I’m constantly learning, refuting the old adage that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.

What would you improve at Ohio State? I’d do my best to clarify confusing, and sometimes contradictory, business policies.

What advice would you give a new employee? Strive for teamwork and be willing to go the extra mile. Whenever possible, say “yes!”

Of what honor or recognition are you most proud?
It was a great honor to receive the 2010 Dianna Barrett Staff Person of the Year Award from the college. But this award is as much a tribute to the talents of my co-workers who graciously answer my questions, provide wise counsel and respond to my pleas for help.

If you weren’t working at Ohio State, what would you rather be doing? I’d be hiking and picnicking through every national park, starting with Zion.

What are you going to do when you retire? I’m counting on a rosy future for OPERS so I can travel the globe.

If you were the university president for a day, what would you do? Offer free parking for all employees!

To nominate a staff member for an upcoming issue, e-mail oncampus@osu.edu.

New research links three molecules to a critical tumor suppressor gene that is often turned off in multiple myeloma, a presently incurable cancer of the blood. The findings might offer a new strategy for treating this disease and other blood cancers, according to researchers at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center-Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute who led the study.

The silenced molecules are called miR-192, miR-194 and miR-215. All of them are microRNAs, a large class of molecules that are master regulators of many important cell processes.

The study, published in the Oct. 19 issue of Cancer Cell, suggests that re-activating these three molecules triggers expression of the P53 tumor suppressor gene. This, in turn, slows the growth and leads to the death of myeloma cells and could provide a new strategy for treating the disease. More than 20,100 Americans are expected to develop the disease this year.

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