Notes from a Fellow Buckeye

Dear Colleagues,

You continue to show the world what an amazing institution we have; how much we are dedicated to our students’ education; how innovative and transformative research is finding solutions to society’s most complex problems; that life-changing health care and public service to patients is critical to our mission; and that Buckeyes help individuals and communities thrive. Thank you!

As we are well past the spring semester midway mark, I encourage everyone to reflect on the impact of your outstanding work so far this academic year. News of Buckeye excellence is never in short supply and none of our accomplishments would be possible without you! There are often so many faculty and staff accolades, it is difficult to highlight each in these monthly messages.

Celebrating success

Congratulations to Department of English Professor Angus Fletcher, who was awarded the U.S. Army’s Public Service Commendation Medal for training special operations personnel in leadership and decision-making skills. It is the fourth-highest public service decoration the Army bestows upon a civilian.

Kudos to Associate Professor of Crop Ecophysiology in the Department of Horticulture and Crop Science Alex Lindsey, who was recognized as the 2023 Ohio Certified Crop Adviser of the Year on March 14 during the Ohio Tillage and Technology Conference.

Five exceptional human resources professionals were honored with the inaugural Human Resources Excellence Award for their outstanding achievements and demonstration of the university’s Shared Values. Congrats to Alisa Schueneman, Val Stottlemire, Melissa Chavis, Brandi Gilbert-Hammett and Nicole Wakeley.

Dr. Rustin Moore, dean and Ruth Stanton Chair in Veterinary Medicine at the College of Veterinary Medicine, was honored with the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges’ 2023 Iverson Bell Award at the AAVMC’s Annual Conference and Iverson Bell Symposium.

And congratulations to the very talented Professor Caroline Hong, Area Head of Piano in the School of Music, who was awarded the Steinway Top Teacher Award earlier this month.

New leadership announcements

As Provost Melissa Gilliam shared with the university last week, Professor Deanna L. Kroetz will come back to Ohio State in September as dean of the College of Pharmacy. Dr. Kroetz earned her undergraduate degree here at Ohio State before completing a PhD at the University of Washington and a postdoctoral fellowship at the National Cancer Institute. Who better to add to the excellence of the nation’s seventh-ranked school of pharmacy than a fellow Buckeye! My gratitude goes to College of Pharmacy Dean Henry Mann for extending his appointment through August to ensure a successful transition.

Dr. Karen Rose will serve as the next dean of the College of Nursing, effective July 1, pending approval by the Board of Trustees. Dr. Rose currently serves as the college’s vice dean and is a tenured professor and director of the college’s Center for Healthy Aging, Self-Management and Complex Care.

And, we are excited to welcome Dr. John J. Warner next week as he joins the university as chief executive officer of the Wexner Medical Center and executive vice president at Ohio State.

I am also so proud of all that our students have accomplished together during this academic year so far, especially in recent weeks.

Please join me in congratulating the winners of the 28th annual Denman Undergraduate Research Forum, which included more than 200 presentations from senior undergraduate researchers. It is a remarkable honor that showcases their excellence as scholars and dedication to research. Like all Buckeyes, these students are finding solutions the world needs now. As I have said before, the success of our students is your success, so my thanks to all of you.

Congratulations also to the winners of this year’s Edward F. Hayes Advanced Research Forum, which showcases innovative and exemplary research being conducted by graduate students and postdoctoral scholars.

As always, our student-athletes also continue to make Buckeye Nation proud as they perform at the highest levels of competition. From gymnastics and basketball to hockey and our national championship pistol and synchronized swimming teams, Buckeye greatness is easy to find.

Finally, please remember to take advantage of our Lifestyle Spending Account, which is designed to support the health and wellness of faculty and staff. The Ohio State Employee Assistance Program is also always available to you and your families with an online member portal, online tools, and well-being and work-life resources.

As always, Go Buckeyes!

Sincerely yours,

Kristina M. Johnson, PhD
President