Research, innovation leader appointed by Board of Trustees

The Ohio State University Board of Trustees appointed Peter Mohler as executive vice president of research, innovation and knowledge.

Mohler had served as the interim leader since March.

Under Mohler’s leadership, annual research and development expenditures increased by double digits in fiscal year 2022, setting a new university record.

As the executive vice president of the university’s Enterprise for Research, Innovation and Knowledge, Mohler plays a key role in expanding cutting-edge research, creative expression and scholarship, stimulating entrepreneurship and building strategic partnerships. He has been at Ohio State since 2011.

Board members also approved initial professional services funding for the new Battery Cell Research and Demonstration Center. When operating in spring 2025 from a renovated warehouse space on Kinnear Road, the center will serve as dedicated battery cell research, production and support space for the Institute for Materials Research.

The center will accelerate the domestic development of battery cell materials and manufacturing technologies while serving as an experiential learning setting for advanced battery technology workforce development. It will also operate as a hub for academic and industry connections across the chemical and physical sciences, engineering, business and policy.

The following actions were taken during the full board meeting:

Philosophy on institutional and leadership statements approved
The board adopted a philosophy on institutional and leadership statements, which uses a standard framework to ensure consistency in responses and sets forth the principles to which the institution holds itself in determining when to engage in speech. It is aligned with the Chicago Principles and Kalven Report.

Framework 3.0 approved
Trustees approved Framework 3.0, an update to the university’s master plan, which includes planning principles, recommendations and a vision for the Columbus campus. Robust engagement with faculty, staff and students was instrumental in developing a flexible and responsible vision for the near- and long-term (five to 15 years) development of campus.

Professional services and construction contracts approved
The board authorized the university to enter into or increase professional service and construction contracts for the following projects:

Battery Cell Research and Demonstration Center
Professional services contracts totaling $2.4 million, to be paid for with university funds and federal grant funds.

Airport, taxiway A rehabilitation
Professional and construction services contracts totaling $4.5 million, to be paid for with grant funds and partner funds.

Department of Economics relocation
Professional and construction services contracts totaling $1.8 million, to be paid for with university funds.

Waterman, Multi-Species Animal Learning Center
Professional and construction services contracts totaling $48.9 million, to be paid for with university debt, university funds, fundraising and state funds.

Resolutions in Memoriam approved

• Norman Kent Booth, professor emeritus of landscape architecture in the Austin E. Knowlton School of Architecture in the College of Engineering, who died on April 3, 2023.
• Richard E. Burkart, professor emeritus in the School of Music in the College of Arts and Sciences, who died on March 13, 2023, at age 91.
• Joseph A. Levey, professor emeritus in the School of Music in the College of Arts and Sciences, who died on Jan. 26, 2023, at age 97.
• Aaron J. Miller, professor emeritus in the College of Education, who died on May 19, 2023, at age 93.

New doctorate approved
Trustees approved the establishment of a doctor of education in teaching and learning degree with a specialization in practitioner inquiry of equity-based advocacy in the College of Education and Human Ecology.

Faculty personnel actions approved
The board approved the following appointments:

• Sheikh Akbar has earned the 2023 Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching in the Office of Academic Affairs.
• Floor Backes has been appointed professor (The Larry J. Copeland, M.D. Professorship in Gynecologic Oncology) in the College of Medicine for a term running from Sept. 1, 2023, through June 30, 2027.
• Steven Bengal has earned the 2023 Provost’s Award for Distinguished Teaching by a Lecturer in the Office of Academic Affairs.
• Micah Berman has been appointed professor (The Stephen F. Loebs Professorship in Health Services Management and Policy) in the College of Public Health for a term running from Aug. 15, 2023, through Aug. 14, 2028.
• Lijuan Bi has earned the 2023 Provost’s Award for Distinguished Teaching by a Lecturer in the Office of Academic Affairs.
• Nicholas Breitborde has been appointed professor (The Charles F. Sinsabaugh Chair in Psychiatry) in the College of Medicine for a term running from Aug. 1, 2023, through June 30, 2027.
• Steven Brown has earned the 2023 Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching in the Office of Academic Affairs.
• Amy Brunell has earned the 2023 Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching in the Office of Academic Affairs.
• Nick Brunelli has been appointed associate professor (Ervin G. Bailey Chair in Energy Conversion) in the College of Engineering for a term running from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2028.
• Christin Burd has earned the 2023 Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching in the Office of Academic Affairs.
• Carlos Castro has been appointed professor (The Ralph W. Kurtz Chair in Mechanical Engineering) in the College of Engineering for a term running from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2028.
• Natalia Higuita Castro has been appointed associate professor (College of Engineering Innovation Scholar) in the College of Engineering for a term running from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2028.
• Wei-Lun (Harry) Chao has been appointed assistant professor (Distinguished Assistant Professor of Engineering Inclusive Excellence) in the College of Engineering for a term running from Aug. 15, 2023, through June 30, 2028.
• Ted Clark has earned the 2023 Provost’s Award for Distinguished Teaching by a Lecturer in the Office of Academic Affairs.
• Stuart Cooper has earned the title of Distinguished University Professor in the Office of Academic Affairs.
• Greg Davis has been appointed professor (The George R. and Genevieve B. Gist Endowed Chair in Ohio State University Extension) in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences for a term running from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2028.
• Laura Deeter has been appointed professor (Sandy and Andy Ross Endowed Director of the Chadwick Arboretum and Learning Gardens) in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences for a term running from Aug. 15, 2023, through Aug. 14, 2028.
• Lin Ding has earned the 2023 Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching in the Office of Academic Affairs.
• Molly Downing has earned the 2023 Provost’s Award for Distinguished Teaching by a Lecturer in the Office of Academic Affairs.
• Theodora Dragostinova has earned the 2023 Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching in the Office of Academic Affairs.
• Rachel Getman has been appointed professor (Bernice L. Claugus Endowed Chair in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering) in the College of Engineering for a term running from Aug. 15, 2023, through June 30, 2028.
• Eric Green has been appointed professor (Excellence in Veterinary Care Diagnostic Imaging Professorship in the College of Veterinary Medicine) in the College of Veterinary Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2027.
• L. Camille Hebert has been appointed professor (Robert J. Lynn Chair in Law) in the College of Law for a term running from Aug. 15, 2023, through Aug.15, 2028.
• Elena Irwin has earned the title of Distinguished University Professor in the Office of Academic Affairs.
• Julie Johnson has been appointed professor (Dr. Samuel T. and Lois Felts Mercer Professor of Medicine and Pharmacology) in the College of Medicine for a term running from Oct. 9, 2023, through Oct. 8, 2027.
• Kay Bea Jones has earned the 2023 President and Provost’s Award for Distinguished Faculty Service in the Office of Academic Affairs.
• Joshua Joseph has been appointed associate professor (Endowed Professorship for Research in Internal Medicine in the College of Medicine) for a term running from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2027.
• Zak Kassas has been appointed professor (The Transportation Research Center, Inc. Chair in Intelligent Transportation Systems) in the College of Engineering for a term running from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2028.
• Stanley Lemeshow has earned the title Distinguished University Professor in the Office of Academic Affairs.
• Jason Lemon has been appointed dean and vice provost for online learning in the Office of Academic Affairs starting July 1, 2023.
• Zaibo Li has been appointed professor-clinical (University Pathology Services Anatomic Pathology Professorship) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2027.
• Trevon Logan has been appointed professor (ENGIE-Axium Endowed Professorship) in the Office of Academic Affairs for a term running from Aug. 15, 2023, through May 1, 2028.
• Steven Lopez has earned the 2023 President and Provost’s Award for Distinguished Faculty Service in the Office of Academic Affairs.
• Bernadette Melnyk has been appointed professor (Vice President for Health Promotion and Chief Wellness Officer) in the Office of Academic Affairs for a term running from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2025.
• Todd Monroe has been appointed research professor (Distinguished Professor of Aging Research) in the College of Nursing for a term running from April 24, 2023, through April 24, 2028.
• Steve Oghumu has been appointed associate professor (Excellence in Research and Education Leadership Professorship in the College of Medicine) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2027.
• Joel Paulson has been appointed assistant professor (The H.C. ‘Slip’ Slider Professorship in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering) in the College of Engineering for a term running from Sept. 1, 2023, through June 30, 2028.
• Ashley Perez has earned the 2023 Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching in the Office of Academic Affairs.
• Daniel Gallego Perez has been appointed associate professor (The Edgar C. Hendrickson Designated Chair in Biomedical Engineering) in the College of Engineering for a term running from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2028.
• Stephen Quaye has earned the 2023 Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching in the Office of Academic Affairs.
• Eduardo Reategui has been appointed associate professor (College of Engineering Innovation Scholar) in the College of Engineering for a term running from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2028.
• Katelyn Swindle Reilly has been appointed associate professor (College of Engineering Innovation Scholar) in the College of Engineering for a term running from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2028.
• Vincent Roscigno has earned the 2023 Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching in the Office of Academic Affairs.
• Abdollah Shafieezadeh has earned the 2023 Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching in the Office of Academic Affairs.
• Jenny Sheldon has earned the 2023 Provost’s Award for Distinguished Teaching by a Lecturer in the Office of Academic Affairs.
• Patrick Sours has earned the 2023 Provost’s Award for Distinguished Teaching by a Lecturer in the Office of Academic Affairs.
• Huan Sun has been appointed associate professor (College of Engineering Innovation Scholar) in the College of Engineering for a term running from Aug. 15, 2023, through June 30, 2028.
• Piers Norris Turner has earned the 2023 President and Provost’s Award for Distinguished Faculty Service in the Office of Academic Affairs.
• Devina Purmessur Walter has been appointed associate professor (College of Engineering Innovation Scholar) in the College of Engineering for a term running from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2028.
• Karla Zadnik has been appointed interim dean in the College of Public Health for a term running from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024, or until a new dean is appointed.
• Patricia Zettle has been appointed professor (John W. Bricker Professorship in Law) in the College of Law for a term running from Aug. 15, 2023, through Aug. 22, 2028.

Reappointments

• Stuart Cooper has been reappointed professor (Distinguished Professor of Engineering) in the College of Engineering for a term running from Sept. 1, 2023, through June 30, 2028.
• Isabelle Deschenes has been reappointed professor and chair (Bernie Frick Research Chair in Heart Failure and Arrhythmia) in the College of Medicine for a term running from Aug. 1, 2023, through June 30, 2027.
• Liang-Shih Fan has been reappointed Distinguished University Professor (The C. John Easton Professor in Engineering) in the College of Engineering for a term running from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2028.
• Gerald Frankel has been reappointed professor (Distinguished Professor of Engineering) in the College of Engineering for a term running from Sept. 1, 2023, through June 30, 2028.
• Andrew Glassman has been reappointed professor and chair (Frank J. Kloenne Chair of Orthopaedic Surgery) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2025.
• William Marras has been reappointed professor (The Honda Chair in Transportation) in the College of Engineering for a term running from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2028.
• Harvey Miller has been reappointed professor (Bob and Mary Reusche Chair in Geography) in the College of Arts and Sciences for a term running from Aug. 1, 2023, through June 30, 2028.
• Umit Ozkan has been reappointed professor (Distinguished Professor of Engineering) in the College of Engineering for a term running from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2028.
• Boyd Panton has been reappointed professor (Lincoln Electric Company Endowed Professor) in the College of Engineering for a term running from Sept. 1, 2023, through June 30, 2028.
• Mark Partridge has been reappointed professor (The C. William Swank Chair in Rural and Urban Policy Fund) in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences for a term running from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024.
• Kinh Luan Phan has been reappointed professor and chair (Jeffrey Schottenstein Endowed Chair of Psychiatry and Resilience) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2027.
• Giorgio Rizzoni has been reappointed professor (The Ford Motor Company Chair in Electromechanical Systems) in the College of Engineering for a term running from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2028.
• Brian Roe has been reappointed professor (The Fred N. Van Buren Professorship in Farm Management) in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences for a term running from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2028.
• Ian Sheldon has been reappointed professor (The Andersons Endowed Chair in Agricultural Marketing, Trade and Policy) in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences for a term running from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2028.
• Linda Weavers has been reappointed professor (John C. Geupel Chair) in the College of Engineering for a term running from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2028.
• Marcia Worley has been reappointed professor (Merrell Dow Professorship in Pharmaceutical Administration) in the College of Pharmacy for a term running from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2026.

Extensions
Wendy Frankel has been extended as professor and chair (Ralph W. and Helen Kurtz Chair in Pathology) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024.

Personnel actions approved
In addition to Mohler’s approval as executive vice president of research, innovation and knowledge, trustees approved severance updates that align the employment contracts for Jessica Eveland, secretary of the Board of Trustees, and Stacy Rastauskas, vice president of government affairs, with other senior leaders. The updates are effective Aug. 1, 2023. Both individuals remain with Ohio State.

Board committee appointments ratified
The board approved the ratification of committee appointments for fiscal year 2024-25 as follows:

Academic Affairs & Student Life

• Jeff M.S. Kaplan, chair
• Elizabeth A. Harsh, vice chair
• Elizabeth P. Kessler
• Reginald A. Wilkinson
• Michael Kiggin
• Pierre Bigby
• Joshua H.B. Kerner
• Susan E. Cole (faculty member)
• Hiroyuki Fujita (ex officio)

Finance & Investment

• Tom B. Mitevski, chair
• James D. Klingbeil, vice chair
• John W. Zeiger
• Gary R. Heminger
• Lewis Von Thaer
• Michael Kiggin
• Pierre Bigby
• Taylor A. Schwein
• Amy Chronis
• Kent M. Stahl
• Hiroyuki Fujita (ex officio)

Legal, Audit, Risk & Compliance

• Elizabeth P. Kessler, chair
• Michael Kiggin, vice chair
• Alan A. Stockmeister
• Jeff M.S. Kaplan
• Elizabeth A. Harsh
• Juan Jose Perez
• Joshua H.B. Kerner
• Amy Chronis
• Hiroyuki Fujita (ex officio)

Master Planning & Facilities

• Alan A. Stockmeister, chair
• Reginald A. Wilkinson, vice chair
• Elizabeth A. Harsh
• Pierre Bigby
• Joshua H.B. Kerner
• James D. Klingbeil
• Robert H. Schottenstein
• Hiroyuki Fujita (ex officio)

Research, Innovation & Strategic Partnerships

• Lewis Von Thaer, chair
• Reginald A. Wilkinson, vice chair
• Juan Jose Perez
• Taylor A. Schwein
• Phillip Popovich (faculty member)
• Hiroyuki Fujita (ex officio)

Talent, Compensation & Governance

• John W. Zeiger, chair
• Elizabeth P. Kessler, vice chair
• Alan A. Stockmeister
• Gary R. Heminger
• Lewis Von Thaer
• Jeff M.S. Kaplan
• Tom B. Mitevski
• Hiroyuki Fujita (ex officio)

Wexner Medical Center

• Leslie H. Wexner, chair
• Alan A. Stockmeister
• John W. Zeiger
• Gary R. Heminger
• Tomislav B. Mitevski
• Juan Jose Perez
• Taylor A. Schwein
• Stephen D. Steinour
• Robert H. Schottenstein
• W.G. Jurgensen
• Cindy Hilsheimer
• Amy Chronis
• Hiroyuki Fujita (ex officio, voting)
• Melissa L. Gilliam (ex officio, voting)
• Michael Papadakis (ex officio, voting)
• John J. Warner (ex officio, voting)

Capital investment plan for fiscal year 2024 approved
Trustees approved the capital investment plan for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024.

Operating budget for fiscal year 2024 approved
The board approved an interim operating budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024.

Joint use agreements approved

• The board approved a joint use agreement with the Ohio Manufacturing and Innovation Center. Ohio State was allocated $500,000 in the most recent state capital bill that was specifically designated for use by the center.
• Trustees also approved a joint use agreement with the City of Upper Arlington. Ohio State was allocated $450,000 in the most recent state capital bill designated for use by the city to aid the design and construction of the Upper Arlington Community Center.

Naming of university spaces approved
The board approved the naming of the following spaces:

• Dr. Ira S. Niedweske (DVM, MS ’77) Organic Chemistry Lab in Celeste Laboratory at 120 W. 18^th Ave.
• The Richland County Foundation Smart Manufacturing Lab (room 232) in Conard Hall at the Mansfield campus
• The Charter Next Generation Films PLC Lab (room 233) in Conard Hall at the Mansfield campus
• The Boyce Family Lacrosse Shooting Room at the Lacrosse Stadium at 630 Irving Schottenstein Dr.

University Foundation report approved
The board approved the report as of June 30, 2023, which includes the establishment of: two endowed professorships, the John & Christine Olsen Professorship in Head and Neck Radiation Oncology and the John & Christine Olsen Professorship in Head and Neck Surgical Oncology; one designated chair, the Edgar C. Hendrickson Designated Chair Fund; two scholarships as part of the Scarlet and Gray Advantage Endowed Matching Gift Program; 22 additional named endowed funds; and the revision of three named endowed funds.

Bylaw changes to Wexner Medical Center board approved
Trustees approved amendments to the bylaws of the Wexner Medical Center Board. The last revisions took place in November 2022.

Appointment to the Self-Insurance Board approved
The board approved the appointment to the board, which oversees the university’s Self-Insurance Program, effective Sept. 1, 2023, and ending June 30, 2025, of D. Brent Mulgrew.