News and Notes

I write to provide you with details on the national search for Ohio State’s next executive vice president and provost.

I write to share with you today that Susan Basso, Senior Vice President, Talent, Culture and Human Resources, has decided to step down from her position.

As we approach the close of our sesquicentennial, I continue to be impressed and encouraged by how the Buckeye community has rallied to overcome significant obstacles throughout the past year. Our perseverance and willingness to collaborate are our greatest strengths.

I write to share with you that Dr. Bruce A. McPheron, who has provided exceptional service to his alma mater in a number of roles, has decided to step down from his position as executive vice president and provost, effective this coming summer.

I hope you had a safe and healthy Thanksgiving holiday. This week is the last for regularly scheduled classes in an autumn semester like no other in our university’s history.

We are entering the final weeks of an unusual autumn semester in which we have met and overcome many challenges. We have much to be grateful for this Thanksgiving holiday.

Surging cases of COVID-19 across Ohio have prompted a statewide curfew, a stay-at-home advisory in the Columbus area, and the declaration that Franklin County has gone purple — reflecting “severe” exposure and spread of the virus. This is a moment for every Buckeye to help turn the tide. To that end, the university is implementing several additional action steps.

I want to express again my thanks and pride in our community as we collectively battle COVID-19. Your efforts to keep our campuses open this fall while learning, teaching, advancing research and scholarship, and caring for patients and their families have been extraordinary.