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Top 3 on 2, 2/2/12

February 1, 2012

Why did you choose to work at Ohio State? As I was about to finish my law school education, I knew I wanted to do something unique with my law degree. I had a fabulous staff mentor in law school, Tricia Hackleman. Tricia is a former Buckeye employee who worked at the old Ohio Union. I learned quickly that once you’re a Buckeye, you’re always a Buckeye … and you encourage everyone else to be one also! I was hooked.

What do you like about your job? Although Student Conduct can, at times, be a place students find intimidating, I find student conduct work extremely rewarding. The work allows me to apply the skills I gained in law school to the higher education environment. Student Conduct allows me to assist students in learning from their experiences while they are at a critical time in their growth as collegians.

If you weren’t working at Ohio State, what would you rather be doing? My long-term goal is to become a university attorney, so if I’m not at OSU, I plan to be at another great institution. However, I have this crazy dream job that entails playing or coaching softball for a living.

Of what honor or recognition are you most proud?
Last year, I was chosen to be a consultant for my international sorority, to assist 40 young women in creating a new chapter of the organization at Capital University here in Columbus. I was humbled by the opportunity and thrilled to be part of a growing organization that I care about so deeply.

Who is your hero? My grandmother, Betty Anne, and my aunt, Fran. As educators, mothers and mentors, they have instilled in me the critical importance of education and family. I look up to their moral character, humble nature and commitment to everyone else but themselves.

How do you apply the ‘One University’ concept? In Student Conduct, we daily apply the concept to ensure we are serving students, assessing risk properly and addressing campus and community issues. We partner with an array of offices to consult on student behavior and refer students to the proper OSU department for care and other services. Not a day goes by where I haven’t met with or talked to a wonderful staff member outside of my office! I also recently partnered with faculty and law students from the Moritz College of Law to create a student mediation program for OSU students as a free avenue to resolve conflicts and disagreements.

What is your favorite activity outside of work? Any family gathering is bound to be a ton of fun with my rather large family. I also enjoy playing almost any outdoor sport or watching any Georgia-based sports team.

What are you going to do when you retire? Travel, travel, travel! Greece is next on the running list, but I’m hoping to get there before retirement!

Ohio State’s enrollment ticked up 0.7 percent for the 2012 winter quarter to 62,386 students, an increase of 428 students from winter quarter 2011. While the Columbus campus and Ohio State Newark both gained students, the other campuses all saw enrollment drop.

The Columbus campus enrollment climbed 1.8 percent, adding 954 students to a total of 55,305. Ohio State Newark officially added 40 students, increasing its enrollment 1.6 percent to 2,536.

Ann Donahue, Newark’s director of enrollment, said the latest numbers indicate OSU Newark will be closer to 2,560 students. Those 64 students are down from the 115 students Newark added in fall quarter 2011.

OSU Marion saw the sharpest decline, a 20.9 percent decrease, or 366 students, due to its closure of the Delaware Center. Ohio State created a relationship with Columbus State Community College’s Delaware campus, where Ohio State students can attend classes there and still earn OSU credits. About 540 OSU students are doing so this quarter, said Matt Moreau, admission and financial aid director at OSU Marion. That is significantly down, however, from the more than 900 students who attended the Delaware Center in winter quarter 2011.

The Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center in Wooster dropped 59 students, or 9 percent, to 596. OSU Lima had 100 fewer students enroll, falling to 1,233, a 7.5 percent drop. OSU Mansfield had enrollment of 1,329 students, losing 3 percent (41 students).

Overall, non-white student enrollment increased, especially among students who are Hispanic, native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander and those whose ethnicity is from two or more races. Non-Ohio undergraduates climbed 15.3 percent to 6,912 students.

The entire 2012 winter quarter enrollment report can be found at registrar.osu.edu/serrs/WI12/WI12Report.pdf.

Top 3 on 2, 1/19/12

January 18, 2012

Why did you choose to work at Ohio State? I was a designer at a local architecture firm that focused on higher educational design. We were doing a lot of projects on OSU’s campus and I had made a lot of connections and enjoyed working with the Department of Student Life. Upon completing the Knowlton School of Architecture project, a position opened up in the Projects Group within Student Life, so I jumped at the opportunity.

What do you like about your job?
I enjoy being involved with the design process on so many different types of projects on our campus. I recently completed design work on the Ohio Union and am now working on the South High Rise project. It is a lot of fun working with our student interns to gain a new perspective of their expectations for buildings. It really helps me stay fresh and current with new ideas.

If you weren’t working at Ohio State, what would you rather be doing? I love engaging with seasoned people. I used to volunteer at my church in the hunger outreach program and I also ran errands for many elderly people in my community. It was always amazing to hear their life stories of how their families lived through slavery, the civil rights movement and other obstacles. So I would really enjoy working in a retirement community.

Of what honor or recognition are you most proud?
I was very involved with the Ohio Union project and last year our group received a first-place award for the best New Construction Project in the country by the Association of University Interior Designers. It really made me feel proud that all of our hard work was recognized.

Who is your hero? My mother. She is a person of good character with a heart full of compassion. When I was young, my mom dropped out of college to take care of my great-grandmother to avoid placing her in a nursing home. She took care of her for many years while raising my cousins and me. She is the best person I know and I love her very much.

What is your favorite activity outside of work?
I love spending time with my friends and family. I have a young child and we often go to the Columbus Children’s Theatre or Lincoln Theatre to see featured plays or Jazzy Kids programs. It is a blast! I also am very artistic and hands on, so I enjoy arts, crafts and woodworking. We recently bought a new house, so I have been very busy with my woodworking projects.

What are you going to do when you retire? My cousin traveled across the country on a motorcycle when he retired and said it was the best thrill of his life. I am a little more conservative and would like to do it in a Winnebago. I just think that would be so much fun.

Algae grown in an Ohio State biosystems engineer’s lab has further developed in ponds at a Wooster farm this summer, generating thousands of gallons of oil that will be turned into renewable fuel.

Yebo Li, an assistant professor of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering with the university’s Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, is working with West Virginia-based Touchstone Research Laboratory in the development of innovative technology for efficiently and profitably growing algae in open ponds for production of fuels and other high-value, bio-based products. Also partnering in the venture are Cedar Lane Farms, a nursery and greenhouse operation near OARDC’s Wooster campus; engineering firm GZA GeoEnvironmental of Cincinnati; and SRS Energy of Dexter, Mich.

“Algae needs only one-tenth of the land soybeans need to produce the same amount of oil,” says Li, who also is a specialist with Ohio State University Extension. “And because algae is about 40 percent lipids (oil) and 60 percent biomass, there’s also an opportunity to use this biomass that’s left over after oil extraction as a fertilizer or as a feedstock for making energy through anaerobic digestion.”

Two years ago, Touchstone, which produces algae, sought OARDC’s expertise in anaerobic digestion — the process of creating biogas from organic materials such as manure and food-processing waste inside a biodigester.

Li discovered that the nutrient-rich liquid effluent remaining after a biodigester turns waste into methane can be used to feed the algae. So Li is now growing algae in his lab using the liquid effluent, perfecting a formula to test in the field. The effluent comes from quasar energy group, which operates its flagship biodigester on OARDC’s BioHio Research Park.

Funded by close to $7 million in grants from the US Department of Energy, Touchstone will be testing this system in four algae-producing ponds at Cedar Lane Farms — with an annual production capacity of some 2,000 gallons of oil, which will be turned into fuel. Construction began this summer.

Top 3 on 2, 1/5/12

January 4, 2012

Why did you choose to work at Ohio State? I was a volunteer with the Wyandot County 4-H program for many years and wanted to be more involved. A position opened up at the OSU Extension office in Marion County, and I started there in 1996. After seven years I wanted to try something different, so I applied at the Marion campus and started in 2003. It’s not a huge campus, but it has beautiful lawns and ponds and is a nice place to work.

What do you like about your job? I like the aspect of being involved in the process of helping companies and businesses train their employees to learn new or better skills. We work with anyone, from hospitals to small private businesses that want to train their employees in leadership or be more productive overall. I have numerous duties, and the people I work with are all just great.

How do you show appreciation for each other as Ohio State staff members? We really work as a team, so we will sit down and have lunch together and discuss what we are working on and how we can be more productive. It’s nice that everyone cares what you’re doing. For example, everyone on staff can help with orientation for next quarter, even though that is not our department. We also celebrate events like a staff appreciation week in the summer and Michigan week activities. Everybody works together and has fun together as well.

Who is your hero? I don’t particularly have one hero. I do think that the brave men and women who serve in our armed forces, protecting our country and people, all deserve to be heroes, which is especially important during this time of year.

Of what honor or recognition are you most proud?
I was very involved in 4-H in my high school years. Now, my husband and I have two grown children, and when our son was 9, he too wanted to join 4-H Club. We helped out and eventually signed on as active advisors. We also did the same with our daughter when she joined. After my children grew up, I stayed on for another 10 years as an advisor. In 1998 we were asked as a family to attend a banquet for the Wyandot County 4-H, where we were honored as a 50-year 4-H family. In 2000, I was given an honorary 4-H member distinction.

What is your favorite activity outside of work?
My favorite thing to do is to be with my family. We go to our son and daughter’s homes often now. I love to sit down with the grandkids and see what they are involved in, especially the different athletics they play. We go to a lot of soccer games, (we had five grandchildren playing soccer this fall), and it is always enjoyable. They also do cheerleading, basketball and baseball. Now, two of them also are in 4-H and they have received some honors.

Before the Buckeyes took on Florida in the TaxSlayer.com Gator Bowl, university members and volunteers took part in a service project with the University of Florida to benefit the local Jacksonville, Fla., community.

They worked with War on Poverty (waronpoverty.org),which helps build minority communities in and around Jacksonville by providing services and nutrition, financial, homeownership and business education.

Students and staff from both schools put together patio gardening kits and healthy snack packs for community members on Dec. 30. Volunteers then distributed and showed community members how to use the patio gardens and snack packs.

Top 3 on 2, 12/8/11

December 7, 2011

Why did you choose to work at Ohio State? In addition to being a graphic designer, I’m also certified in Earth and Space Science Education. The unique opportunity to blend my two passions — art and science — at such a respected institution seemed like a no-brainer.

What do you like about your job? I love being part of the Buckeye Nation. Recently I was a chaperone on a high school trip to New York City, and during our tour of Rockefeller Center, the guide asked where our group was from. When he heard Ohio, his immediate response was, “O-H!” How cool is that?

What is the greatest life challenge you’ve overcome? I’m a recovering under-achiever. I spent years not doing what I said I was going to do because I saw myself failing before I even started. Now I keep a small sticky note taped to my computer monitor that reads, “The only way to find the right idea is to try the wrong one and see what happens.” It’s not a cure, but it does inspire me to take chances I might not otherwise.

How do you apply the ‘One University’ concept?
I spend a lot of time researching university related websites and publications to see if there are elements I can incorporate into projects I’m working on. For example, our college is in the process of redesigning all of its websites, and we’ll be employing the same main navigation method that’s used on osu.edu so that visitors have a consistent online experience. It’s a balancing act because each group, unit or organization wants its own identity, but there’s strength in unified messaging and appearance.

If you weren’t working at Ohio State, what would you rather be doing? I eat, sleep and breathe music, so I’d be employed in the music industry in some way. Maybe I’d have a job at the Paradise Rock Club in my favorite city, Boston. Just about any band that matters has performed there at one time or another.

Who is your hero? This will sound like a joke, but I’m being completely serious — Buffy the Vampire Slayer. She’s the first female protagonist who taught me that a woman doesn’t have to act like a man to be a hero.

What is your favorite activity outside of work? As a recent first-time homeowner, I’ve been spending a lot of time shopping for art to hang on the walls. I’d be happy to fill them from ceiling to floor, so I have to exercise some restraint.

What are you going to do when you retire? Some days I think I’d like to move to Panama or Costa Rica and grow my own coffee. Other days, a lakeside cabin on Lake  Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire sounds good.

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

Ohio State alumnus and Foundation director Keith Monda and his wife, Linda, have committed $5 million to The Ohio State University College of Arts and Sciences to create the Keith and Linda Monda International Experience Scholarships. Within five years, their new endowment will be providing 50 Arts and Sciences students every year with funds for an international experience as part of their degree program. The gift is in support of Ohio State’s comprehensive Fundraising campaign which is expected to launch publicly in the next year.

Monda, who retired in 2008 as president of Coach Inc., earned his bachelor’s and master’s in economics at Ohio State and attributes his success in business to his strong Arts and Sciences education. “Ohio State gave me the disciplined, analytical thinking skills to solve complex business problems,” he said. “If you learn how to think about things in the proper manner, you will use those skills throughout your career.”

Providing the opportunity to travel and experience first-hand the variety of viewpoints, cultures and languages outside of the United States is an important goal for the College of Arts and Sciences, according to Joe Steinmetz, executive dean and vice provost of the college. To that end, the college will contribute $75,000 annually to the Mondas’ scholarships.

“Keith and Linda have dedicated their lives to finding ways to make education and educational experiences accessible and affordable to all persons,” said Steinmetz. “Their extraordinary generosity will ensure that a vital part of a student’s education, the experience of studying abroad, will become a reality for many of our students who do not have the means to experience education and life in another country.”

Ohio State has focused on globalizing its curriculum to better prepare students and is in the top 20 nationally for the number of students studying abroad, according to the national Institute of International Education. In all, 1,945 Ohio State students participated in a study abroad experience during the 2009-10 school year. The average international experience costs $5,000-$7,000 — a cost that for many poses a hurdle. The Monda Scholarships are expected to average $6,000 for students who demonstrate need.

Top 3 on 2, 11/17/11

November 16, 2011

Why did you choose to work at Ohio State? This Ohio State position had previously been created, and it was recreated to be a shared service position. So I was originally hired to work for Ophthalmology and Neurology, and Psychiatry is a department that we just took on this year. Part of why I was hired for this position may be because I had previously worked as vice president for human resources for 25 years in private industry, so I was used to the concept of shared services. I feel fortunate to be at Ohio State because my previous company was sold. So it was a time when I never expected to be unemployed, and yet I was.

What do you like about your job?
I think what I like the best is working with the staff members, residents and physicians and seeing their work and accomplishments, which are just amazing to me. I also love working with students and help them along their path. This job is much different than my previous experience, so it’s all kind of new and exciting to me.

What are some staff-oriented activities you participate in? One of the things that I noticed when I first started working here was that the overall Ohio State staff recognition program is fabulous. But what I thought was missing was team building within my department. So what we started doing was having potlucks at lunchtime. We bought crockpots and started dreaming up what we would put in them. We started with baked potatoes and would have people bring toppings, a main course and appetizers. We don’t really have any big agenda, but we have our potlucks in order to get to know each other.

How do you apply the ‘One University’ concept? The new OSU shared services initiative started a few years ago, so it’s been interesting thinking about One University. I live that every day. I have employees that are part of the

Medical Center, part of the university and part of OSU Physicians. As part of such a large group, you have to really accept that you’re not always going to get your own way. People are used to functioning in their own silos. Now all of a sudden it’s a bigger view. Now we have to work together for a bigger outcome, and we’re all going to have to give in a little bit.

Of what honor or recognition are you most proud?
What really is amazing to me and what I love about my job is that people seek me out for advice and problem solving. I guess I just feel like it’s a real honor to be trusted and be sought out like that.

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

Ohio State qualified seven bidding groups after receiving 10 responses to its Request for Qualifications for its potential parking concession (visit osu.edu/news/newsitem3293 to see the qualifiers). The university is considering entering into a long-term lease for the operations and maintenance of its parking systems. It is part of a comprehensive look at OSU’s non-core assets to see how they could be leveraged to generate additional revenue to support Ohio State’s academic mission.

“We are pleased that we received such a large number of responses. We will continue the selection process by interviewing the qualified bidders and inviting them to come to campus to conduct diligence,” said Geoff Chatas, senior vice president and CFO. “The number of bidders likely will be reduced after the interview process and, assuming we decide to proceed, we will issue the final RFP in the first quarter of 2012.” The bidding process is expected to conclude by spring 2012.

Top 3 on 2, 11/03/11

November 2, 2011

What do you like about your job? In general, I manage the office. The clinics assist law students who try cases like a real law firm, so I help the students with office activities, filing cases and with general classes, as well as filing cases for attorneys downtown. Of course I have great colleagues, and the professors are wonderful, but what I like most is working with the students. We have mock trials in the department, and it’s fun to see what the students have learned through the semester. It’s a very diverse job, and I get to see a lot of things.

What are some staff-oriented activities you participate in? Moritz College of Law always has a Christmas party. We also have an end-of-the-year celebration, Halloween parties and Beat Michigan parties. During the annual bar tests that the students take, we volunteer for a bar tailgate. The staff members go down to Veteran’s Memorial during lunchtime, and we serve them lunch. It’s a very serious time for them, and I think it helps them to relax and see familiar faces.

If you weren’t working at Ohio State, what would you rather be doing? It’s a regret that I have that I didn’t go to college, because if I had, I would be doing something in zoology and something with animals. I used to volunteer at Citizens for Humane Action and am always helping to find animals new homes.

Who is your hero? My father is a World War II Pearl Harbor survivor. Since July I put a fundraiser together on Facebook to send him back to Hawaii for the 70th anniversary in December. So far we’ve raised $2,881 and had his flight donated. I’m also in the process of getting gift cards donated for his meals. When we surprised him with the tickets, he was speechless, which is rare for him. So it’s a big accomplishment to actually have him go on this trip and participate in all of the memorial activities for that week.

Of what honor or recognition are you most proud?
I have what I call my student board in the office. When students send me e-mails or cards, such as thank-you cards, I put them on this student appreciation board. In order to get on the board, you have to have a picture taken with me. Most students come in at the beginning of the year and say they want to be on it by the end of the semester. I’m very proud of that board, and I love becoming friends with and getting to know the students.

If you were the university president for a day, what would you do? I would make a permanent change and get rid of A and B parking passes and only have staff/faculty passes and student passes.

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

Top 3 on 2, 10/6/11

October 5, 2011

Why did you choose to work at Ohio State? I felt working at Ohio State would be the best transition and use for my qualifications after serving in the USAF for 25 years. I also grew up just down the road in Fairfield County and had the OSU fight song memorized by the time I was 5, so this was a dream opportunity.

What do you like about your job? Helping people, making their day just a little better and the high sense of accomplishment that occurs from it.

What is the greatest life challenge you’ve overcome? Keeping my son Joshua in my life.

How do you apply the ‘One University’ concept? I try to live by and instill in my employees that there is always something we can do to fix or remedy the situation, and we never tell our customers that it’s not our job.

If you weren’t working at Ohio State, what would you rather be doing? Farming!! It’s something that I love; the smell of the fresh-worked soil in the spring, the crops popping up through the ground, the sight of a new-born calf and most of all the smell of harvest on a crisp autumn day. The home farm has been in my family for 140 years, and I’m very proud of that.

Who is your hero? Several, but to name a few: Del Barr, my high school teacher; Jim Reed, who taught me the love of history; Brian Randolph, who had the most integrity of anyone I’ve ever met — and because of him I try to instill that integrity in what I do and who I meet — and my brother, Mike, who always knew what he wanted and made sacrifices to achieve it. Because of his sacrifices I can now live my dream.

What is your favorite activity outside of work? Working on the farm, going to all the fairs and festivals Ohio has to offer (the Fairfield County Fair is Oct. 9-15) and going to Weldon’s Ice Cream. I love spending time with my wife and children.

What are you going to do when you retire? I am retired! You mean my second retirement. But I will probably never really retire, I just have different paths I follow. But when I finish this path, I would like to travel and work on old tractors and cars more.

If you were the university president for a day, what would you do? Let’s put it this way…Gordon Gee is doing a fine job, and since he came to Millersport to eat Weldon’s Ice Cream, he’s got my vote and can just keep my presidency for the day.

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

Top 3 on 2, 9/22/11

September 21, 2011

Why did you choose to work at Ohio State? I worked here as a student and never wanted to leave OSU after graduation. I loved being a Buckeye as a student and have loved working here.

What do you like about your job? I like being able to work with and learn from such professional and talented people. Everyday I feel challenged and rewarded with learning new things to support the university.

What is the greatest life challenge you’ve overcome? I think that learning how to deal with day-to-day challenges is what life is about. Once I realized that change is constant and life is about overcoming obstacles, I think you can tackle what life throws your way.

How do you apply the ‘One University’ concept? It is exciting to see all the separate and valuable resources at Ohio State working closely together. I am looking forward to being a part of all the changes in the future.

If you weren’t working at Ohio State, what would you rather be doing? I would love a job that would allow me to travel.

Of what honor or recognition are you most proud? I worked hard when I was a student at OSU. Whenever I made it to the dean’s list, I was always very proud.

Who is your hero? My parents are my role models. They have shaped me into the person I am today. I work every day to provide the same guidance to my children.

What is your favorite activity outside of work? I love to spend time with family and friends. I like watching sports and going to all Buckeye games as much as possible. When weather and time permits, I enjoy a round of golf as well.

What are you going to do when you retire? I hope to travel, spend time on a beach with warm weather and have more time with family.

If you were the university president for a day, what would you do? Don a sweater vest and institute Jim Tressel Day.

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

Top 3 on 2, 8/11/11

August 10, 2011

Why did you choose to work at Ohio State? I chose Ohio State for the rich professional environment coupled with the many additional  resources I am able to explore here.

What do you like about your job? The best part of my job is the ability to help people — I love to see them succeed. I have the good fortune of being able to provide resources to my colleagues in the areas of organizational development, skilled trades apprenticeship programs and health and wellness programs.

What is the greatest life challenge you’ve overcome? Vietnam, 1968-69. It was hazardous to your health.

How do you apply the ‘One University’ concept?
I try to facilitate collaborative/cross-organizational programs with other areas within Administration and Planning (parent organization) and other OSU departments.

If you weren’t working at Ohio State, what would you rather be doing?
I would probably be a high school teacher/coach.

Of what honor or recognition are you most proud? Marrying “Saint” Karen on
Aug. 12, 1967.

Who is your hero? My heroine is my wife. She has so many skill sets — wife, mother, registered nurse, counselor and consoler. It is mind boggling all the ground that she can cover with our family and friends.

What is your favorite activity outside of work? Golf is my favorite activity outside of work. I really enjoy the camaraderie, the outdoors and the pursuit of the game. I have met many wonderful people through golf, especially at the OSU Golf Club.

What are you going to do when you retire? I plan to play golf, attend Project 60 classes, volunteer and learn to cook specialty dishes.

If you were the university president for a day, what would you do? I would continue to champion the “excellence to eminence” concept. It is the future of the university and the state of Ohio.

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

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.

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