News and Notes

On May 9, The Ohio State University hosted our first in-person commencement ceremonies since December 2019. We made history by holding not one but two spring commencements. The weather was cold and rainy, but it was still wonderful to be together in Ohio Stadium. - via Cleveland.com

The holiday weekend is traditionally the unofficial start of summer. Here at Ohio State, our summer term is already well underway. There is so much going on in our campus community, and I want to be sure to keep you all up to date.

I am thrilled to announce today that Dr. Melissa L. Gilliam has been named Ohio State’s next executive vice president and provost, effective August 1.

“It’s hard to have first impressions in such an unusual year.” That understatement comes from Columbus Partnership CEO Alex Fischer. It’s early February, and Fischer is talking with Kristina Johnson about her first few months as the president of Ohio State University amid the COVID-19 pandemic. - via Columbus CEO

While Mother Nature did not cooperate, even the rain could not put a damper on the excitement and enjoyment of our first in-person commencements since 2019 – two in one day!

Finals are behind us and we’re now in the countdown to our first in-person commencement in over a year. Amid this swirl of activity, I am taking time to look back and recognize how far we’ve come over the past nine months — an experience none of us could have possibly predicted.

The last days of the spring semester are upon us, and I wish all of our students the best on their finals this week. It has been an extraordinary year, marked by unparalleled challenges and accomplishments. You are almost at the finish line. Don’t forget to try to take some moments to reflect and look back at how far you’ve come – as individuals and as members of the Buckeye community.

I want to take the opportunity to address questions and concerns and provide information on the ways we are working to address safety issues on our campuses.