Ohio State appoints inaugural vice provost and dean for online learning

The Ohio State University has selected Jason Lemon as its inaugural vice provost and dean for online learning. Lemon currently serves as vice provost and dean of the University of Cincinnati (UC) Online. He will begin his appointment on July 6.

Lemon will provide oversight and strategic leadership for the growth and expansion of Ohio State’s online learning programs. His work will align with Ohio State’s Academic Plan and the university’s vision to create and implement a transformative, learner-centric model for online education. Critical components of this work include building an enhanced, shared infrastructure to advance the online student experience, lowering barriers to entry and providing program evaluation.

“Jason brings deep experience in online and professional studies,” said Ohio State Executive Vice President and Provost Melissa L. Gilliam. “He will join a team of dedicated, talented and innovative colleagues who connect learners to an Ohio State education, wherever they may be.”

“I’m excited to join the Ohio State community,” said Lemon. “Its longstanding focus on excellence is intrinsic to the mission of Ohio’s flagship university. By expanding online innovation, Ohio State will lift even more professionals and adult learners to new levels of achievement.”

At UC, Lemon served as the founding leader of the university’s online education unit. Since 2018, UC Online expanded from 14 online programs serving 1,800 students to 115 programs with nearly 8,000 students under his leadership. Lemon also led the transition away from vendor-supported online programs to an in-house shared service model that accelerated conversion rates, enrollments, program offerings and partnerships with colleges to enhance and support their online educational offerings. Prior to UC, Jason served in online and professional studies leadership roles at the University of San Diego and the University of California, Berkeley.

“Educational achievement is a powerful catalyst for personal and professional growth,” said Lemon. “It also lifts families and communities by creating new opportunities, encouraging innovation, and establishing examples of achievement for others to learn and do things they had previously thought beyond their grasp. Opening the door of the university to more of Ohio’s adult learners through online learning will create more opportunities and allow people from across the economic and professional spectrums to find the credentials, skills, learning outcomes, licenses and information they need to build their future.”

David Jenkins, dean of the College of Social Work, chaired the search advisory committee.