President Ravi V. Bellamkonda welcomed the group with enthusiasm.

“We’re so glad that you’ve chosen Ohio State,” he said. “In my mind, you’re already succeeding because you’ve made one of the smartest possible decisions and that is becoming a Buckeye. By choosing The Ohio State University, you’ve given yourself an extraordinary gift.”

Bellamkonda introduced Trevor Brown, interim executive vice president and provost, who introduced students to the university’s alma mater, “Carmen Ohio.” The song, Brown said, “unites us all as an enduring tradition.”

Members of the men’s and women’s glee clubs and representatives from the university’s community – faculty, staff and students – guided the audience through the song, illuminating each line’s meaning.

Among the speakers were Ohio State University Marching Band drum major Ben Fox and Joy Dunne, current Buckeye and 2026 Olympic women’s ice hockey gold medalist.

“My best advice,” Dunne said, “is to ask for help. We all need it. There are so many resources, not just for student-athletes, but [all] students here. So, take advantage of it. Learn together. [College can be] a lot, but there are so many people that want to help you.”

Melissa Shivers, senior vice president for student life, closed Convocation by getting everyone on their feet to sing “Carmen Ohio.”

“There’s a tiny bit of choreography to know about it and it starts with finding some fellow Buckeyes to stand next to,” she said, encouraging students to stand together and sway to the song, as is tradition.

“On behalf of President Bellamkonda, Provost Brown and the entire senior leadership, faculty, staff and board of trustees of the university, I wish you the very best of luck on your Buckeye journey,” she said.

“We’ll be with you every extraordinary step of the way.”

Before Convocation, Bellamkonda also spoke about some of the initiatives and projects he is excited about as the new academic year begins. He noted students and faculty would be traveling to Florida this week for the launch of NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope. More than two dozen Ohio State faculty, students and postdoctoral scholars have played a role in designing Roman’s surveys.

“We’ll be announcing an exciting startup program for student startups called BuildX,” he said. “We want 100 investable student startups to come out of Ohio State from our students.”

BuildX is designed to tap into the entrepreneurial spirit of students at Ohio State. The university will tap a $1 million fund to support students and their ideas. Bellamkonda said the program would include academic courses for credit.

“This year, we’re hoping to have 20 startups that will pilot the program as we launch it. And every year, we’ll build more,” he said.

Bellamkonda said he is also looking forward to the second year of the AI Fluency initiative. About 50 new courses are available or in development and 60 faculty fellows will be embedded across campus to support the program.

The students, members of the first cohort of the Buckeye Bridge initiative, filled a ballroom in the Ohio Union Monday evening to learn more about the university and the new program that offers a tuition-free path to finish their bachelor’s degree.

Trevor Brown, Ohio State’s interim executive vice president and provost, welcomed the students and encouraged them to build relationships on campus.

“Thank you for joining us on this journey,” he said. “If I can give you one piece of advice, and you may hear this again, is find a way to get connected. … Hopefully you’ve got connections here with your classmates as you come from Columbus State, but you’re going to find Ohio State to be big but incredibly welcoming.”

Columbus State President David Harrison reminded the students that they share a bond with their peers.

“Look around the room, find somebody that you haven’t met yet, connect with them,” he said. “When you get on this campus, it’s big, and it’s fast-paced, and there’s a lot going on. Having somebody there who’s with you, who you know you can bond with, who you have a shared experience with, is something that’s really important.”

Students at the event learned about on-campus resources including recreational sports and wellness opportunities. They had a chance to ask questions about financial aid – and they learned from former Columbus State and Ohio State graduates.

Nearly 200 students are expected to participate in the Buckeye Bridge initiative. Low- to middle-income Ohioans who earn an associate degree from Columbus State will qualify for the new program at Ohio State, which will cover all tuition and mandatory fees – enabling more central Ohioans to earn their bachelor’s degrees.

One of those students is Samauj Samuel, a Columbus native who will enter Ohio State in the fall after completing his associate degree at Columbus State. Samuel said his dream was always to attend both Ohio State and Columbus State, and the Buckeye Bridge program made that dream affordable.

He said it’s a credit to both institutions that the program illustrates their commitment to access and affordability.

“When you see two institutions, Columbus State and Ohio State, actually go about it and actually do what they claim that they’re about, it speaks a ton about … their commitment to furthering education for all different types of students,” he said.

Brown let the Buckeye Bridge students know that the time and effort they invested in Columbus State and now Ohio State would be worth it.

“I can guarantee you, if you put the time in, you put in the effort, if you get connected, you’re going to have a tremendous experience here,” he said. “You’re going to get a great education. You’re going to be challenged, but you’re also going to be included, and you’re going to be welcomed. So congratulations. We’re thrilled that you’re here and we’re looking forward to the next couple of years as you navigate this big, amazing, exciting place.”

Lars Bildsten, the Frederick W. Gluck Chair in Theoretical Physics and director of the Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics at the University of California, Santa Barbara, will deliver The Ohio State University’s summer commencement address. An Ohio State alumnus, Bildsten is the 2026 recipient of the university’s Joseph Sullivant Medal.

Approximately 1,700 degrees will be awarded at the Aug. 9 ceremony at the Schottenstein Center. The ceremony begins at 2 p.m.

“As one of the world’s foremost physicists, Lars Bildsten has dedicated his career to scientific research and discovery that has transformed our understanding of the universe. He embodies the world-class talent developed here at Ohio State, as well as the commitment to excellence and consequential work of our alumni,” said Ohio State President Ravi V. Bellamkonda. “Dr. Bildsten’s record of impact and service is an inspiration, and we’re looking forward to the message he’ll share with our graduates at summer commencement.”

The Sullivant Medal was created in 1920 by Thomas Mendenhall, one of Ohio State’s founding faculty and a professor of physics and mechanics. Its namesake, Joseph Sullivant, was a member of the university’s first Board of Trustees and greatly influenced the university’s development and educational character.

Awarded just once every five years, the medal is one of the most prestigious honors Ohio State bestows on its alumni and current faculty, recognizing extraordinary scholarly achievement.

Bildsten is a theoretical astrophysicist recognized for his work on the properties and behavior of stars, both when they burn their thermonuclear fuel for billions of years and when they explode as supernovae or emit gravitational waves.

He grew up in Chillicothe before moving to Worthington. He started taking classes at Ohio State as a high school student. He earned his undergraduate degree in engineering physics from Ohio State in 1985 and has maintained close ties with the astronomy and physics departments over many years.

He regularly contributes support to the department’s endeavors, including hosting a public lecture on “Hearing the Stars” in March 2025.

Bildsten was the 2000 Edwin Salpeter Lecturer at Cornell University, the 2004 Biermann Lecturer at the Max Planck Institute for Astrophysics, the 2010 Beatrice M. Tinsley Centennial Visiting Professor at UT Austin, the 2014 Bishop Lecturer at Columbia University and the 2023 J. Robert Oppenheimer Lecturer at UC Berkeley.

He was awarded the Dannie Heineman Prize for Astrophysics in 2017, and was elected to the National Academy of Sciences in 2018 and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2026. He is a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the American Physical Society and the American Astronomical Society.

“Lalita and I are humbled by the opportunity we’ve been given,” he said. “To be able to serve this university and this amazing community of scholars, our city and the state of Ohio, it’s a dream realized.”

Since being named the university’s 18th president earlier this year, Bellamkonda has met with students, faculty and staff, as well as alumni, elected officials, business leaders and others in the extended Ohio State community. Those conversations have given him a window into Ohio State’s position as a powerhouse across academics, research, student outcomes, healthcare and athletics – and the opportunities for the university community to reach even higher. 

“Our life-changing patient care, our academic excellence, our Buckeye student-athletes – I want to hear about it all,” he said. “It reminds me that this university truly belongs to all of us. When we work together, our collective impact is transformative.”

Looking ahead, Bellamkonda wants Ohio State to continue this path of what he calls “excellence at scale.” That includes a $1.68 billion research enterprise, which he hopes to grow to $2 billion, as well as the university’s top-ranked medical center and its newly opened hospital tower.

The achievements don’t stop there. The university’s programs in nursing, business and engineering are all top-ranked in the country. A top-30 national ranking in biomedical innovation is proof of Ohio State’s real-world research impact.

That success doesn’t happen in a vacuum, however. It is the university’s people that Bellamkonda considers to be the greatest asset, he said.

“We have the greatest people,” he said. “The people who work here are motivated by our land-grant mission and by a deep care and compassion for each other and the people we serve. They want to have an impact on this community. They give their best and believe that together, we will be a top-ranked, consequential university.”

That land-grant mission includes making education accessible to citizens of Ohio, something Bellamkonda is passionate about.

Programs like the Regional Campus Commitment, which promises a tuition-free education to qualifying Ohio students with a family income of $100,000 or less and demonstrated need and who begin their education at one of the regional campuses, and the Ohio State Tuition Guarantee, which locks in in-state tuition, room and board for four years, make the quality education at Ohio State affordable.

Equally important, Bellamkonda noted, Ohio State offers access to excellence: Students who choose Ohio State can pursue a signature undergraduate experience defined by world-class academic programs and real-world learning opportunities that will prepare them to be successful professionals and engaged citizens.

That quality starts with a commitment to attracting and retaining top talent. Bellamkonda aims to elevate and celebrate Ohio State’s current excellent faculty and their scholarship, including by ensuring more faculty are nominated for prestigious awards and recognition.

He also wants to make Ohio State a destination of choice for even more world-class scholars. The new Game Changer Scholars initiative is bringing two renowned academics to the university: Chief Judge Jeffrey Sutton, who will be joining the Moritz College of Law, and Kang Xu, a leading expert in battery technology who will join the College of Engineering.

And that’s just the beginning. Bellamkonda also pointed to the Provost’s Endowed Chair Matching Program, a $100 million investment in Buckeye faculty through new and existing endowed chairs. With the program, which will be supported by a combination of private philanthropy and matching university funds, Ohio State will strengthen its academic talent and culture, support groundbreaking research and advance innovation across disciplines.

Bellamkonda said those and other efforts represent a comprehensive commitment to retain and build a faculty with global impact. 

“More than 50 of our active faculty are members in academies of medicine, engineering, science and inventors,” he said. “You become an academic powerhouse by hiring the best and the brightest. We have done and will continue to do just that.”

Members of the university community have taken note of Bellamkonda’s commitment to inviting all Buckeyes to join a “relentless pursuit of excellence.”

“Moving from his position of executive vice president and provost to president of Ohio State, Ravi brings with him a strong personal and professional understanding of our faculty, staff and students,” said Valarie Williams, professor of dance and chair of University Senate Steering Committee.

“His humanity coupled with his research profile allow him to lead with empathy and compassion. Working with him as Faculty Council Chair, I know that Ravi has our best interests at heart. He listens, contemplates and makes swift decisions. Ravi and Lalita are the right people at the right time to lead our university.”

In sports, the Buckeyes continue to excel on and off the field. New Academic Progress Rate data shows that 20 Ohio State programs achieved a perfect single-year score. In the last academic year, 227 Buckeyes were named to the Academic All-Big Ten team.

“When I walk into a laboratory or a studio, I am blown away by what our students are achieving,” Bellamkonda said. “And not just what they are doing, but how they are doing it – with joy.

“That joy sets this community apart. It gives me every confidence that we will move Ohio State forward together as the finest public university in the country, with impact in our state and around the world.”

The new ranking reflects Ohio State’s increasing momentum in innovation, commercialization, and clinical translation, supported in part by a significant rise in patent activity and intellectual property development across the university.

“This recognition affirms the intentional work we have done to move discovery out of the lab and into the world where it can improve lives,” said John M. Horack, vice president for research at Ohio State. “Our research community is focused not only on breakthrough science, but on ensuring those discoveries translate into therapies, diagnostics, and technologies that make a meaningful difference.”

The Cure Innovation Index evaluates universities on a range of indicators tied to biomedical innovation, including startup creation, industry partnerships, licensing activity, and the development of treatments that reach patients. Ohio State’s performance highlights its strength in connecting fundamental research with commercialization pathways.

A key driver of this success has been the university’s growing patent portfolio. The increase in patents reflects an expanding culture of innovation among faculty, researchers, and students, as well as strategic investments in infrastructure that supports invention disclosure, protection, and market translation.

According to recent national patent rankings by the National Academy of Inventors, Ohio State has climbed to No. 21 among U.S. universities and No. 30 globally, underscoring a sustained commitment to research that leads to tangible solutions in health care, technology, and beyond.

This dual recognition, top-tier placement in the Cure Innovation Index and strong growth in patent rankings, reinforces Ohio State’s position as a national leader in research commercialization and translational science.

This translational strength, as noted by the index, is further reinforced by Ohio State’s Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA), a prestigious designation that supports the university’s ability to accelerate the movement of scientific discoveries into clinical applications. This award is led out of the Clinical and Translational Science Institute. 

“As we look ahead, our priority remains clear,” said Horack. “We will continue to push boundaries, strengthen partnerships, and deliver innovations that improve health and well-being locally and globally.”

The pitch event featured 12 teams presenting their ventures to a panel of judges representing a cross-section of entrepreneurs and business professionals. Teams delivered timed pitches followed by a timed question-and-answer session, and judges selected six ventures to receive funding. The ventures will advance as the President’s Buckeye Accelerator Cohort 5 companies.

The finalists were chosen from more than 50 student ventures that took part in Boost Camp, the Keenan Center’s semester-long, pre-accelerator program, earlier this spring. A preliminary pitch competition narrowed the group to the 12 teams that competed in the pitch finale.

“What impresses me most is our students’ instinct to tackle real problems. They’re not just imagining what the future could look like — they’re building it,” said Cheryl Turnbull, senior director of the Keenan Center. “Through the President’s Buckeye Accelerator and the resources of the Keenan Center, these founders gain the skills and confidence to transform challenges into viable businesses and solutions that can create meaningful impact.”

Student founders said the program’s support helped them strengthen their ventures and plan for what comes next.

“Throughout Boost Camp, we were able to build and improve SimVive based on user feedback with the help of incredible mentorship,” said Kevin Ravakhah, SimVive co-founder. “Now, with PBA funding and support, we’ll be able to expand our patient- scenario library, pursue accreditation, and help more EMS providers prepare for real-world emergencies.”

The six selected ventures are:

• Coachable, a digital platform that lets coaches create, animate and share plays while giving players instant, secure access to their team’s playbook. Founder: Eric Ishekwene (Engineering).
• Colectic, a curated marketplace that helps vintage resellers manage online sales and operations. Founders: Bria Isaacson (Fisher College of Business); Ritika Chakraborty (Fisher College of Business; Public Health).
• PathoTrace, a passive gel tape that captures airborne microbes and changes color to flag contamination, with app-based tracking. Founders: Hannah Myers (Engineering); Meredith Kuhlman (Fisher College of Business); Cynthia Song (Engineering).
• Side Coach Sports, building an operating system for youth sports where scheduling, payments and athlete interactions happen in one place. Founders: Luke Carrell (Fisher College of Business); Nick Sawyer (Education and Human Ecology).
• SimVive, a browser-based clinical decision-making simulator for EMTs and paramedics, allowing providers to practice realistic emergency scenarios with dynamic vitals, interventions and feedback. Founders: Kevin Ravakhah (Arts and Sciences); Nick Ravakhah (Engineering).
• Viera Wellness, developing an at-home screening kit combining immediate symptom relief with long-term prevention for common, overlooked vaginal health conditions. Founders: Sandy Ilangovan (Arts and Sciences); Ajay Gopalan (Arts and Sciences); Sridurga Karthik (Arts and Sciences).

For the founders, the experience also brought new perspective on business models, customer discovery and the impact they hope to create.

“PBA has been an incredible opportunity for me,” said Luke Carrell, Side Coach Sports co-founder. “It’s pushed me to rethink my business model, engage more deeply with customers and ultimately grow into a stronger entrepreneur. The Keenan Center for Entrepreneurship has provided tremendous support, both financially and through invaluable mentorship and guidance, which has been instrumental in Side Coach’s growth. We truly would not be where we are today without it.”

“The President’s Buckeye Accelerator showed me the potential I have in entrepreneurship,” said Eric Ishekwene, founder of Coachable. “It provided real mentorship, real engagement and tangible financial results. Being able to build something that creates meaningful impact made the experience even more rewarding. I’m honored to be selected as one of the winners.”

The finale was held April 8 at the Ohio Union’s Archie M. Griffin Ballroom West. Additional finalist teams that pitched included Ding!, Harrigan Systems, Mango, Overturn, QR Connect and SpaceReg Navigator. All ventures will receive the opportunity for continued mentorship and support from the Keenan Center.

Watch a recording of the President’s Buckeye Accelerator finale and learn more at the Keenan Center website.

Founded in 2001, CURA’s mission is research and outreach to foster more sustainable, resilient and connected communities in Ohio and beyond using geospatial science and technologies.

The April 10 event featured a number of speakers, including CURA’s co-founders W. Randy Smith and Hazel Morrow-Jones as well as officials from the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission and the Ohio History Connection.

Collaboration was the unofficial theme of the day. Harvey Miller, CURA’s director and a geography professor, welcomed guests and shared his thoughts on the center’s success. 

“What makes CURA’s story especially meaningful is that it’s always been a collective,” he said. “A collective effort whose success is a product of the dedication of its founders, the leadership of university partners, the trust of community collaborators, and the energy and insight of students and researchers at every stage of their career.”

One such former student is Robert Dietz, chief economist and senior vice president for economics and housing policy at the National Association of Home Builders, as well as CURA’s first graduate research associate in 2001.

Dietz spoke to the group via video about his experience with CURA and the many ways it shaped his career.

“[CURA] was excellent training for my current role as chief economist of a national trade association with 140,000 members and a team of 12 economists conducting analysis of the housing market and researching what we believe is among the most crucial domestic policy issues of today: How big is the housing deficit and what are the root causes for the lack of housing construction in the U.S.?

“… The tools my team uses to examine these issues and the policies we recommend, [as well as any] testimony to Congress and state legislatures, are all based on the topics and tools I learned at Ohio State and CURA back in the late 1990s and early 2000s.”

Ryan King, dean of social and behavioral sciences, congratulated the center for its dedication to community engagement.

“Ohio State was founded on the land-grant promise that a great university owes something to the people that it serves,” he said. “And I applaud CURA for taking that promise seriously through your word, through your deed, and through your fulfillment of that mission.”

CURA’s focus on making society better, King said, shows how social science can have a positive impact on individuals as well as their communities.

“It’s social science with a soul,” he said.

One of CURA’s signature projects is the Ghost Neighborhoods of Columbus, a digital re-creation of neighborhoods – predominantly housing Black people and immigrants – destroyed during the building of the interstate highway system.

Shelbi Toone, project lead of the  Poindexter Village African American Museum at the Ohio History Connection, called CURA’s work “priceless.”

“When I found out about the maps and that you could actually look back at the maps and see the houses that were there before the freeways and then turn it into something that the public can actually see and understand – it has been a game-changer for the possibilities of telling that story.”

Representatives from the Ohio Legislature and Ginther’s office closed the event, presenting Miller with commendations in honor of the center’s quarter century of service.

Rep. Dontavius Jarrells spoke about the impact CURA has had on his constituents in Ohio House District 1, which includes downtown, Franklinton, Bexley and the Near East Side.  

“So, for 25 years, CURA has taken on complex issues and made them usable for the people responsible for solving them,” he said. “You’ve helped leaders understand where growth is happening, where gaps persist and where attention is needed most. You have informed decisions on housing and transportation, public health, and environmental sustainability and economic development in ways that strengthen not just Columbus, but the entire state.”

The goal of the program? Producing research and teaching that addresses pressing societal challenges through community partnerships, as well as providing professional development opportunities for participants.

“It’s inspiring to see the different disciplines that our engaged scholars are active in,” said Jason Reece, vice provost for engaged scholarship and community engagement. “It’s compelling to see the different ways in which our faculty work with the community.”

Matt Wu, assistant professor of chemistry in the College of Arts and Sciences, has been energized by the program.

“This was an unforgettable experience,” he said. “Not only have I really gravitated toward this newfound community, but I’ve found a place where, once a month, I get to be inspired.” 

Wu can admit that chemistry may not seem like an obvious discipline for community engagement. And that is partly why he applied for the program. Engaged Scholars supported him as he imagined new possibilities, he said.

“I found myself asking what the purpose of a chemistry curriculum is,” Wu said. “Is it just to get a letter grade? Or is there a larger purpose we can help our students meet?”

One of the classes Wu teaches is an introductory chemistry course. It’s a large class that involves many experiments – experiments that are often discarded, Wu said.

“Can we think of a way where the efforts of thousands of students aren’t just thrown away? Maybe they could be in the service of local communities; an authentic give and take.”

Wu hopes to partner with organizations like the Mid-Ohio Food Collective and Mid-Ohio Farm.

“I’d love to help finesse their workflow. Help them try to increase crop yields so food goes back to local communities,” he said. “My graduate student Cassie Miller has been collaborating with farming stakeholders. Perhaps we can look at issues with topsoil and how chemistry students can be of service.”

Many of Wu’s students come from Ohio. He believes that contributing directly to their home communities would be enriching.

“I think they would appreciate more of these connections, where they’re not just doing an experiment for the sake of doing it,” he said. “Can we do something where we think about the reciprocity between the university and local communities? This program has really got me thinking about broader impacts.”

A California native, Wu enjoyed learning more about Columbus from city experts brought in as speakers.

“As a faculty member early in my career,” he said, “I’m just here in my office trying to get my work done. I don’t always take note of what’s happening outside the university. The Engaged Scholars Academy has provided a window to better understand Columbus.

“There’s so much good happening here,” he said. “It’s on me now to take that additional step to strengthen relationships.”

Part of building connections inside and outside of Ohio State is storytelling – that is, being able to discuss your work and its implications. That’s not something that always comes easily to academics, Reece said, particularly when the work is unusual.

“Being able to communicate about your work is so important for professional development,” he said. “When scholars are trying to find funding for their work, we want them to share that it is distinct and different.”

Wu is grateful for this assistance but considers it a secondary benefit of the program.

“All the tenure help, the professional development, that’s part of the program already,” he said. “It’s like extra frosting on top. First and foremost, though, this is an enriching experience as a citizen here. You really get to know the place where you live.”

The Engaged Scholars Academy comes with Wu’s emphatic recommendation. It’s a great starting point for academics who are new to Columbus, he said. The application for the 2026-27 academic year is now open.  

“When you become engaged with the community, you realize that there are doors where you’re invited in to be part of something bigger, part of this larger community that is Columbus.”

He does have one edit for the program name, however.

“It really should be named the ‘Inspired Scholars Academy.’”

The application for the Engaged Scholars Academy is available on the program’s website: https://engage.osu.edu/engaged-scholars-academy.

Brown joined Ohio State’s faculty in 2001 and became dean of the John Glenn College of Public Affairs at its inception in 2015. Prior to that, he served as director of the then-Glenn School.

In June 2025, he was named senior vice provost for academic affairs in the Office of Academic Affairs. In this role, Brown has served as deputy to the provost and as a partner and resource for deans, vice provosts and other academic leaders ­– and helped lead strategy for ensuring student academic success and strong student outcomes.

As interim provost, Brown will lead programs and initiatives in the Office of Academic Affairs, overseeing deans of all Ohio State’s colleges, regional campuses and University Libraries, as well as the Enterprise for Research, Innovation and Knowledge.

“We are pleased to be able to further elevate Dr. Brown’s portfolio and responsibilities at Ohio State,” Bellamkonda said. “He brings stores of knowledge about our academic mission and its many programs, as well as a deep understanding of and appreciation for the shared governance process with which we operate.

“Most of all, Dr. Brown is a dedicated public servant. Like his mentor and friend, the late Senator John Glenn, he has committed himself to the betterment of society through the act and, importantly, teaching of public service.”

Brown said he is ready for the next challenge.

“As President Bellamkonda has said, Ohio State is an academic powerhouse, and our focus on teaching, research, creative expression and community engagement is critical to improving the lives of Ohioans and families around the world,” Brown said. “I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to advance that important mission and continue the university’s momentum related to academic excellence.”

Brown has performed extensive service for Ohio State. Over the last five years he has served as co-chair of the academic transition task force during the COVID-19 pandemic, executive dean of the professional colleges, senior advisor to the provost, and interim dean of Fisher College of Business, alongside his role as Glenn College dean. As a scholar, Brown worked with local, state, federal and foreign governments, as well as public organizations, to improve organizational and managerial performance. He has conducted applied research projects for the city of Columbus, IBM Center for the Business of Government, Pew Center on the States, U.S. Department of the Navy, and others. His research on government contracting has been utilized by the U.S. Government Accountability Office and the U.S. Office of Management and Budget. From 1994 to 2013, he helped lead the Parliamentary Development Project, a U.S. Agency for International Development-funded organization that provided technical assistance to Ukraine’s national parliament.

He is also a renowned researcher in public management and organizational theory, contracting and contract management, and strategic management and performance measurement. The National Institute of Governmental Purchasing recognized him as the Scholar of the Year in 2013. The American Society of Public Administration’s Section on Public Administration Research awarded his co-authored book, “Complex Contracting: Government Contracting in the Wake of the U.S. Coast Guard’s Deepwater Program” (Cambridge University Press), as the Book of the Year. He is also a fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration. 

Brown received a PhD in public policy and political science from Indiana University and a BA in public policy from Stanford University. From 2021 to 2024, he also served in the leadership of the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration, which promotes the ideal of public service through higher education. 

While Brown’s appointment as interim executive vice president and provost will begin immediately, pending Board of Trustees approval, he will continue to hold the title of dean of the Glenn College through April 30. Beginning May 1, Stephanie Moulton, professor and associate dean for faculty and research at Glenn College, will be acting dean.

Moulton, who holds a PhD from the School of Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana University, is a visiting scholar at the Philadelphia Federal Reserve Bank and a faculty affiliate of Ohio State’s Institute for Population Research in the College of Arts and Sciences as well as the University of Wisconsin’s Institute for Research on Poverty.

She also serves on the Scientific Advisory Board for the Wealth and Mobility Study at the University of Michigan’s Stone Center for Inequality Dynamics. Moulton is a member of the Academic Research Council for the Urban Institute’s Housing Finance Policy Center and an elected fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration. 

“Dr. Moulton is a dynamic, collaborative and proven leader,” Brown said. “We look forward to working with her on the Council of Deans and the many program areas in which our Glenn College excels.”

Bellamkonda, who trained as a bioengineer and neuroscientist through a PhD at Brown University and a postdoctoral fellowship at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, has served as Ohio State’s executive vice president and provost since January 14, 2025. Previously, he served as provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at Emory University and the Vinik Dean of the Pratt School of Engineering at Duke University.

In his role as Ohio State provost, the university’s chief academic officer, Bellamkonda led a university-wide portfolio of programs and initiatives in the Office of Academic Affairs and Enterprise for Research, Innovation and Knowledge that support innovative and lifesaving research as well as faculty and student success in Columbus and on campuses across the state.

He played an integral role in crafting and leading early phases of the Education for Citizenship 2035 strategic plan through its core academic excellence initiatives aimed at enhancing student success, investing in faculty and strong programs, and advancing Ohio State’s leadership in artificial intelligence. Under his leadership, the university launched AI Fluency, a bold initiative to integrate AI into the undergraduate experience; a new Career Center of Excellence designed to better connect students with internships, jobs and success after graduation; and faculty hiring programs that are attracting top scholars to the university.

“Dr. Bellamkonda is well positioned to lead this institution at a time when Ohio State continues to see record achievements both in terms of student success and impact in the many communities we serve,” said John W. Zeiger, chair of the university’s Board of Trustees. “Throughout his career in higher education, including his time at Ohio State, Ravi has proven to be an innovator as well as someone who cares for and builds trust with faculty, staff and students through collaboration and consensus-building.

“We are pleased to welcome him to his new role as Ohio State’s 18th president.”

As a member of President’s Cabinet, Bellamkonda has worked closely with leaders of the Wexner Medical Center and Athletics, as well as administrative units including the offices of Administration and Planning, Student Life, Human Resources, External Affairs and Business and Finance.

He oversaw the deans of all 15 colleges at Ohio State, four regional campuses and University Libraries, working regularly with University Senate and additional shared governance bodies. That work and the momentum that it has helped build for the university in terms of academic excellence, Bellamkonda said, will continue to be the priority.

“Ohio State is a nation-leading academic powerhouse,” Bellamkonda said. “I understood very early on in my tenure as provost that this is a special place. Because of our teaching, scholarship and research, our scope and incredible reach, and the passion and commitment of our people and Buckeyes everywhere, we can do things other universities in this country, and around the world, simply cannot do.

“And as we look to the future, the university has a bold vision to further build that excellence at scale — with talented teams that execute at the highest levels across academics, student service, research, life-changing patient care and athletics. When we have excellence at scale, we create impact that is transformative. This is why what we do at Ohio State matters.”

At Emory, Bellamkonda launched and led several major initiatives, including faculty recruitment and retention efforts focused on arts and humanistic inquiry, and artificial intelligence in areas such as medicine, business, law and more. He helped lead the Student Flourishing initiative, which included curricular innovations, and the Emory Purpose Project focused on well-being and ethics.

As the engineering dean at Duke, he played a key role in launching two interdisciplinary institutes: the Duke Quantum Center and the Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies Also during his tenure, annual extramural research increased from $68 million to more than $100 million each year while the Wilkinson Engineering Building was designed and built.

Bellamkonda also previously served as the Wallace H. Coulter Professor and chair of the joint Department of Biomedical Engineering shared between Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University. He also served as associate vice president for research at Georgia Tech.

His appointment as Ohio State’s provost marked a return to Ohio as he began his career at Case Western Reserve University, where he served as an assistant and associate professor, and associate chair for graduate education.

Bellamkonda has a bachelor’s degree in engineering from Osmania University, and he is an internationally renowned biomedical researcher whose lab has invented novel approaches to treat pediatric and adult brain tumors. He won numerous honors from professional societies in biomedical engineering and biomaterials. Bellamkonda served as president of the American Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering from 2014 to 2016.

In 2021, he received a National Institutes of Health Director’s Transformative Research Award for his work, supported by the National Cancer Institute. The tumor monorail device developed in his lab has been recognized as a breakthrough technology by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. He is the scientific founder of Exvade Bioscience, a startup that is pioneering first-in-human trials for the tumor monorail device. In December 2025, the first patients were enrolled in a Phase 1 clinical trial to evaluate the device, designed to safely monitor recurrent glioblastoma.

Additionally, Bellamkonda is an elected Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science; International Academy of Medical and Biological Engineering; and Society For Biomaterials; as well as an elected Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors. He has been awarded 11 U.S. patents.

“We warmly welcome the appointment of Ravi Bellamkonda as Ohio State's next president,” said University Senate Secretary Jared Gardner and Faculty Council Chair Valarie Williams in a joint statement.

“Working closely with him in his role as executive vice president and provost, we have seen firsthand his deep commitment to the academic mission of this university and to engaging with our shared governance structures and with our faculty, staff and student leaders.”

 Added faculty representatives to the Board of Trustees Phillip Popovich and Eric Bielefeld: “We have been inspired by the vision and energy that Dr. Bellamkonda has brought to Ohio State as provost, and we are confident that he will bring those same qualities to the presidency. We look forward to continuing to work with him on behalf of the university and the state of Ohio.”

Bellamkonda and his wife, Dr. Lalita Kaligotla, clinical associate professor and senior director of leadership, policy engagement and innovation in the College of Nursing, are the proud parents of two adult children and C.J. the goldendoodle.

“Our family has found a home at Ohio State, and we are looking forward to doing hard things worth doing — together with this dynamic community of citizens. Our relentless pursuit of excellence has the power to transform the world starting right here in Ohio.”   

Ohio State will announce plans for leadership of the provost’s office in the coming weeks. 

The Buckeye Day of Dialogue is part of the university’s Listen. Learn. Discuss. initiative to provide all Buckeyes with an opportunity to engage one another in respectful and thought-provoking conversations.

Ohio State President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr., who has championed civil discourse since he arrived at the university, opened the session with an optimistic message to a room of about 150 students, faculty and staff.

“A university campus is the ideal place to set a new and positive model for the respectful and open exchange of ideas and opinions, even when the topic is difficult, even when the convictions are deeply held, even when consensus is not exactly the goal,” Carter said.

“I think Ohio State has the opportunity to not only work in this space, but to be the lead. … I’m proud of the work that’s been done so far to equip our students with the civil discourse tools that they will need to be successful leaders and community members. I look forward to the work ahead.”

The event was moderated by Aaron Yarmel, associate director of the Center for Ethics and Human Values, who facilitated an inquiry dialogue about free speech and protests on college campuses. This topic was submitted and selected by attendees in real time through a voting procedure.

“This builds on a long-standing legacy of civil discourse here at Ohio State. This is our tradition, and this is a next step in that tradition,” Yarmel said. “But the reason why I think of this as a next step is that there’s a question we need to ask, which is, what does it look like to transition from celebrating civil discourse to actually doing it?”

Yarmel highlighted important themes, reasons and disagreements raised by the participants, directing attendees to explore them in greater depth: Does anyone have a right to not experience so-called “hate speech,” what role should students have in the determination of time, place, and manner restrictions on speech, and what speech policies best allow universities to fulfill their mission?

Yarmel facilitated the conversation using CEHV’s 4Cs of Civil Discourse:

• Be Curious

• Be Charitable

• Be Conscientious

• Be Constructive

Yarmel said civil discourse requires us to slow down and listen to others in order to understand the points they are trying to make. It’s a skill that can move beyond the classroom and into our day-to-day lives.

“We often rush through dialogues in our personal lives. I think we often get the low-resolution version of somebody’s argument,” he said. Successful dialogue requires us to “push to understand and clarify before there’s any movement to critique.”

The Buckeye Day of Dialogue was supported by the Chase Center for Civics, Culture, and Society, CEHV, the College of Public Health, the Office of Academic Affairs and the Office of Student Life.

Ohio State climbed to 12th place nationally among all universities for total research expenditures. The university also strengthened its standing in industry-sponsored research, rising to 6th nationally and underscoring its growing impact as a leader in discovery, innovation and academic excellence.

“Ohio State’s rise in the national rankings demonstrates that our university competes with the best of the best in doing research that changes lives and creates economic growth in Ohio and around the world,” said President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr. “This achievement is a remarkable testament to the talents and dedication of Ohio State students, faculty, staff and partners, whose work reaches every corner of our state and beyond.”

The National Science Foundation’s annual Higher Education Research and Development (HERD) survey rankings highlight Ohio State’s more than $1.58 billion in research expenditures for fiscal year 2024 – a new university record. That represents an increase of over 9% from the previous year.

“Our growing research enterprise drives groundbreaking medical treatments, improved technology for Ohio farmers and manufacturers, safer communities and more effective schools,” Carter said.

“I’m incredibly proud of our researchers, whose creativity and commitment continue to elevate this university’s reputation as a powerhouse for innovation and impact,” said John M. Horack, vice president for research at Ohio State.

The university’s research and development expenditures have more than doubled since 2012, increasing by more than $600 million over the past four years. The new numbers place Ohio State above esteemed research programs at Harvard, Duke and Yale.

Ohio State’s total federal research expenditures for FY 2024 were $774.2 million, an increase of 11% from FY 2023. Sponsored research by federal agencies included $400 million from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), an 11% increase from the previous year.

The university’s research and development includes a 3% increase in industry-sponsored research to $159.5 million and an 8% increase in state-sponsored research to about $66.9 million.

Among other federal funders, the National Science Foundation sponsored more than $81 million in Ohio State research, up 19% from FY 2023, and the Department of Defense supported $74.9 million in university research, a 31% increase from the previous year.

The university has long-running partnerships with business leaders like Honda and Amgen, which help fuel the university’s top 10 ranking in industry-sponsored research.

Honda and Ohio State recently celebrated 25 years of collaboration, which has produced more than $130 million in philanthropy and sponsored research, supported over 400 research projects, and created internships and learning opportunities for thousands of students. Recent collaborations include the Battery Cell Research and Demonstration Center, where Ohio State faculty, Honda engineers and industry partners will advance next-generation energy storage technologies.

Late last year, the Honda Research Institute announced a $2.6 million investment to expand research on Ohio State’s SciTech campus, including a new Advanced Materials Science Lab to support collaborative research and data-driven innovation for future Honda technologies.

“The strength of our partnership with Ohio State is that we are two entities working as one team. This unique relationship enables us not only to conduct groundbreaking research every day, but to use our combined expertise to explore new and innovative opportunities,” said American Honda Executive Vice President Bob Nelson. “This collaboration provides benefits both to Honda and Ohio State every single day, and that is a testament to the value of this partnership.”

Amgen, one of the world’s leading biotechnology companies, has invested in empowering Ohio State’s students today and preparing them for the future. The company supports the Amgen STEM Learning Center, a new tutoring center targeting first- and second-year students enrolled in gateway STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) courses.

Amgen also collaborates with the Center for Design and Manufacturing Excellence (CDME) in the College of Engineering. CDME provides students with hands-on industry experience at Amgen, where they work directly on real-world projects in areas such as data visualization, documentation, marketing and process efficiency, while gaining meaningful exposure to company culture, values and professional networking. 

“Ohio State’s leadership in industry-sponsored research and applied STEM education makes the university a strong partner for Amgen,” said Sandra Rodriguez-Toledo, vice president of site operations at Amgen. “By working directly with Ohio State students, we are helping develop the next generation of talent while demonstrating how applied learning can translate directly from the classroom to impactful outcomes in industry.”

“As a high schooler, even if you look like you’re in college, you feel self-conscious,” he said. “You feel like you might stick out.” 

Last fall, Yetman took three classes through the Ohio State Academy, the university’s implementation of College Credit Plus. In Math 1150, he wound up with an unlikely classmate: his grandfather, Randy Marker.

Marker joined the class through Program 60, an initiative that allows Ohio residents 60 and older to audit courses tuition-free. Marker is also an Ohio State alum, graduating in 1979.

“I felt energized being on the campus again,” he said. 

Marker describes himself as a lifelong learner with an aptitude for math. Yetman found math to be an intimidating subject. Taking a college math class was outside of his comfort zone, he said.

“I talked to Randy about it, and he encouraged me to take the class,” Yetman said. “I think that sparked his interest in it, too.”

Marker and Yetman worked on assignments and studied for exams together. There was a feeling of friendly competition, they both agreed. Occasionally, Marker would receive a call from his grandson about a homework problem while he was in a meeting.

“He’d say, ‘Have you figured out problem 5?’ and my head is a mile away from problem 5,” he said. “And now I’m feeling pressure because he’s so much further on the assignment!”

Marker recently retired from the family business, Marker, Inc., an Ohio construction company. Walking to and from class, he shared the real-world applications of what they were learning with Yetman.

“I’d venture to say that I learned just as much in class as I did walking with Randy,” he said. “He has so much business acumen and world knowledge. It was almost worth taking the class just to have that time with him.”

The learning went both ways, according to Marker. His grandson helped him with new tools, like AI.

“I saw how Oliver could plug things into a system and suddenly, a door opened for me,” Marker said. “You can do so much more with it. Next thing you know, I’m using it in meetings. I would not have picked up on it as quickly had it not been for Oliver opening my eyes.”

“At Ohio State, they want you to learn about AI and how to take advantage of it,” Yetman said. “My grandpa and me, we taught each other a lot about AI – how do we use it for math? We’d be plugging figures into it an hour before an exam, so we’d better learn how to solve equations I would not have figured out otherwise.”

Yetman’s confidence in his math skills grew over the semester, he said.

“After talking with Randy and taking this class, realizing I can do this,” he said, “I applied to Ohio State to study business economics and I got in.”

The end of the semester was bittersweet, Yetman said. 

“Most people, they’re coming to the end of a rigorous math course, there’s relief that finals are done,” he said. “But for me, it felt like an opportunity I might not have again and I was almost sad it was ending because I’d had so much fun and he’d made the class exciting.”

Yetman might have the chance to study with Marker again, the grandfather said. He plans to take more classes.

“Ohio State has done a great job with this program,” he said. “I’m surprised there aren’t more people using it.”

Marker has more grandchildren, he said. His youngest is 2.

“Now we joke about how old I’ll be when I’m taking classes with them,” he said. “I have to do it with all of them!”

The university prioritized admission decisions for Ohio residents who applied by the Nov. 1 deadline. Students from all 88 counties and more than 750 schools were part of this first admissions announcement. More than 1,700 students admitted to the Columbus campus were first-generation college students. These students will form the backbone of the class admitted to Ohio State in the fall of 2026.

“We are excited to welcome these future Buckeyes to Ohio State. They represent students from across the state who are academically gifted and expressed an early interest in our university,” said Executive Vice President and Provost Ravi V. Bellamkonda. “I look forward to welcoming this new class in the autumn."

The admitted class includes 184 students who earned a perfect ACT or SAT score. These students stand to benefit from a new program that is part of the university’s Education for Citizenship 2035 Strategic Plan.

In September, Ohio State President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr. announced the President’s Scholars Program will provide full-cost-of-attendance scholarships and academic support to Ohio students who score a perfect 36 on the ACT or a perfect 1600 on the SAT. It was one of three new scholarship programs to expand access and opportunity for more Ohio students. 

More than 1,435 students applied and were admitted to the Columbus campus through the Ohio Guaranteed Admission program, which guarantees admission to the top 5% of their class to the main campus of any Ohio public college or university, provided they meet application requirements.

The program builds on the Governor’s Merit Scholarship program, which is designed to provide up to $5,000 per year in financial assistance to high school seniors who are identified as graduating in the top 5% of their class. This financial assistance has been successful in encouraging Ohio’s top graduating high school students to remain in Ohio for their postsecondary education.

Students can learn more about their status at the applicant center portal. All non-Ohio residents and international applicants who applied for early action will receive admissions decisions on Jan. 23.

Admitted students have until May 1 to pay their acceptance fee.

Students interested in attending Ohio State on the Columbus campus in autumn 2026 still have time to apply by Jan. 15. Students who apply by Jan. 15 will receive their admission decision on March 6.

Ohio State continues to admit students and offer admission opportunities at its regional campuses in Lima, Mansfield, Marion and Newark and Ohio State ATI in Wooster throughout the admissions cycle from October through July. Eligible low- to middle-income students who enroll on one of these campuses will qualify for the new Regional Campus Commitment, which covers all tuition and mandatory fees.  

Shared during President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr.’s 2025 State of the University address, the AI Faculty Hiring Initiative advances Ohio State’s Education for Citizenship 2035 strategic plan. By positioning AI as a central priority, the plan highlights the university’s commitment to accelerating innovation and achieving a new level of academic excellence.

The new hires will join one of three AI Faculty cohorts:

• Foundational AI — Elevating the theoretical, mathematical and algorithmic underpinnings of AI.
• Applied AI — Harnessing AI to revolutionize the translation of ideas to real-world solutions for Ohio and beyond.
• Responsible AI and Cybersecurity — Ensuring ethical innovation and safeguarding digital landscapes for a secure future.

Initial faculty searches are underway, and the first group of hires will join their respective cohorts in autumn 2026. The 100 AI-focused faculty hires will complement the existing expertise at Ohio State, including the approximately 300 scholars who already are innovating with AI in their respective fields.

The AI Faculty Hiring Initiative builds on Ohio State’s comprehensive and ambitious AI strategy, advancing the integration of AI across research, teaching and learning to transform the academic experience university-wide. A key component, the AI Fluency initiative, was announced in June and ensures that every student, beginning with the Class of 2029, graduates fluent in applying AI within their field of study.

Earlier this month, the university launched the AI^(X) Hub, or AI to the power of X, a university-wide hub spanning all 15 of Ohio State’s colleges that will serve as a catalyst for research and innovation in AI. The hub empowers faculty, researchers and students to harness AI for the public good and develop solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges. The incoming 100 AI-focused faculty will become integral members of the hub, driving collaborative projects and advancing innovation across disciplines.

“Ohio State is committed to pursuing academic excellence while harnessing AI in classrooms, studios and research labs,” said Executive Vice President and Provost Ravi V. Bellamkonda. “AI is reshaping both education and research, and Ohio State stands at the forefront of this evolution. Our exceptional faculty and students are exploring AI’s exponential possibilities across diverse disciplines, driving innovation, advancing impactful research and preparing to lead in a rapidly changing world.”

The ceremony, held at University Hall, dates to 1919 and concludes with a wreath-laying at a memorial rock in front of Bricker Hall. A 21-gun salute and a rendition of “Taps” are also part of the tradition.

Ravi V. Bellamkonda, Ohio State’s executive vice president and provost, led the wreath laying and noted that traditions like the Rock Ceremony help connect the university across generations.

“The thing about traditions and having a culture of honoring them is that they bind us through time,” he said. “They bind us to those who’ve gone before and on whose shoulders we stand today as we look ahead.”

Bellamkonda said the commitment to service is part of a proud tradition at Ohio State.

“As Buckeyes, we always pay it forward, to give of ourselves, to help those who are in the greatest time of need. Nowhere is that spirit more prominent than amongst our young men and women here who are part of our ROTC program and the former service members who are completing their education on our campuses,” he said. “You inspire us through your commitment to service and for striving for excellence in everything that you do.”

During the ceremony, Bellamkonda awarded an honorary degree to Jesse Brown, an Ohio State alumnus and one of the first Black Navy aviators. Brown died in combat during the Korean War.

The provost was joined by Joshua Davis for the wreath-laying. Davis, president of the Ohio State chapter of the Student Veterans Association, said the Rock Ceremony is a reminder of why service and sacrifice still matter.

“Many of us who have worn the uniform understand that service does not end when we take it off. It evolves,” he said.

SVAOSU supports and assists veterans, service members and their families in their transition to civilian life upon completion of service, and helps them navigate any challenges with their time on campus.

“It becomes about building community, lifting up one another, and creating opportunities for the next generation of veterans and their families,” Davis said.

Ohio State is a nationally recognized university for the military-connected community with an ambitious goal of being the best in the nation. University President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr., a 38-year veteran of the U.S. Navy, set a goal for Ohio State to be the first choice and gold standard for every veteran in America seeking postsecondary education, career transition and lifelong well-being.

More than 2,300 military-connected students attend the university in undergraduate, graduate and professional programs, including over 400 ROTC participants. Additionally, Ohio State employs approximately 1,600 faculty and staff veterans.

Ohio State will observe Veterans Day on Nov. 11. There will be no classes and offices will be closed.

Kroetz, also a professor of pharmaceutics and pharmacology at Ohio State, was recognized by the academy for her scientific contributions in pharmacogenetics – among them, identifying genetic markers that predict drug toxicity in patients – and for her exceptional mentorship and academic leadership. 

“Mentoring has always been a key component of what I do, because I have always been involved in graduate education,” she said. “I’ve considered job No. 1, when you’re on the research faculty, is to train the next generation of scientists.” 

The NAM was founded in 1970 as the Institute of Medicine and is one of three academies that make up the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine in the United States. The academies are private, nonprofit institutions that work outside of government to provide objective advice on matters of science, technology and health. 

“The National Academy of Medicine has been instrumental in shaping U.S. and global policy around the promotion of health for decades. I’m thrilled to congratulate Dr. Kroetz on her election to this prestigious and dedicated community of scholars,” said John M. Horack, vice president for research at Ohio State. 

With her background in both the pharmacy profession and the science around drug development, Kroetz looks forward to engaging in national conversations about the health sciences as a new member of the NAM. 

“I’m very honored and really humbled to be elected,” Kroetz said. “And I do want to take it as an opportunity to be involved where I can, and to promote the profession, making sure pharmacy and all of the health sciences have a voice at the table.” 

Kroetz describes her research program as “bedside to bench,” taking human tissue samples to the lab to investigate the molecular mechanisms behind problems physicians see in the clinic. 

Her initial genetics research focused on a family of proteins called ABC transporters that perceive drugs as unfamiliar molecules and pump them away from tumors and other disease targets, limiting the drug’s effectiveness and exposing sensitive surrounding tissue to toxic compounds. She and colleagues explored genes that regulated the transporters’ functions with the aim of designing agents that could block their activity. 

Among the toxicities associated with ABC transporters is their role in chemotherapy-induced sensory peripheral neuropathy, which causes pain, numbness, tingling or burning in the hands and feet, loss of function in the fingers and increased temperature sensitivity. A primary focus of Kroetz’s lab in recent years has included genome-wide association studies to identify genes that contribute to individuals’ increased risk for this toxic side effect and molecular studies to understand how these genes are involved in the neurotoxicity. 

These investigations advanced from the earliest days of human genetics to the rapid genomic sequencing available today through the Pharmacogenetics Research Network funded by the National Institutes of Health for 15 years, Kroetz said. 

“Multiple centers were working on pharmacogenetics and every group across the country was working on a specific class of drugs. We got together several times a year to share resources and help each other,” she said. “This never would have happened without the NIH umbrella funding across these groups.” 

She is a rare example of a pharmacy scholar in academia, combining training as a practicing pharmacist with a scientific doctoral degree and research-heavy career exploring molecular mechanisms behind drugs’ therapeutic – and potentially toxic – effects and how the human body responds to both. 

“I’m still keeping my lab going, but I also wear a different hat. I see pharmacy both from the profession side and the research side, both of which are really equally important,” she said. “So this is an opportunity to help give back to the profession as well.” 

Kroetz earned a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy at Ohio State and a PhD in pharmaceutics at the University of Washington, and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the National Cancer Institute Laboratory of Carcinogenesis. 

She was appointed dean of Ohio State’s College of Pharmacy in 2023 after spending the previous 30 years at the University of California, San Francisco, as a faculty member and eventually chair of the School of Pharmacy Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences. 

Kroetz has been elected a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (2018), the American Heart Association (2002) and the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (2008). She has also received mentoring awards from numerous professional societies. 

The academy elected 90 regular members and 10 international members during its annual meeting. The newly elected members bring NAM’s total membership to more than 2,500, which includes more than 200 international members. New members are elected by current members through a process that recognizes individuals who have made major contributions to the advancement of the medical sciences, health care and public health.  

Kroetz is one of 10 current Ohio State faculty members who have been elected to the NAM.

The launch follows President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr.’s State of the University address earlier this month, in which he announced details of his Education for Citizenship 2035 strategic plan. Leadership in AI is a key pillar of Carter’s plan, part of his vision for the university to achieve a new level of academic excellence.

“With the launch of the AI^(X) Hub, Ohio State is not just embracing the future – we are creating it. The hub will be a catalyst for groundbreaking research and transformative innovation in artificial intelligence,” Carter said. “Together, we are empowering our faculty, researchers and students to harness AI for the public good and develop solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges.”

The AI^(X) Hub will equip researchers with advanced tools and expanded capabilities to drive innovation and accelerate discovery. Specifically, it is designed to:

• Build a brain trust for AI: Create a cutting-edge research space – a dynamic intellectual hub where domain experts and AI scientists converge to solve complex problems and spark high-impact innovation.
• Provide scalable shared infrastructure: Develop robust data/model commons integrated with cutting-edge computing clusters to democratize access to high-performance computing and curated datasets for rapid advances across all disciplines from medicine, science and engineering to the social sciences and humanities.
• Forge a vibrant AI ecosystem: Accelerate collaboration between researchers, entrepreneurs and industry leaders to streamline the path from discovery to deployment, bringing ideas from the lab into the real world.
• Deliver AI-powered solutions: Advance products and services from medical diagnostics to sustainable agriculture that fuel economic growth and create lasting societal benefits.

“The launch of AI^(X) Hub is a natural evolution of the university’s commitment to artificial intelligence,” said Ravi V. Bellamkonda, Ohio State executive vice president and provost. “This new hub will serve as a dynamic catalyst – connecting faculty, staff and students, accelerating innovation, and ensuring Ohio State remains a leader in shaping the future of ethical and impactful AI.”

Led by Ness Shroff, Ohio Eminent Scholar and internationally recognized expert in AI and networking, the hub positions Ohio State as a global leader in both foundational and translational AI research. From decoding disease to building resilient autonomous systems, the AI^(X) Hub will cultivate an innovation ecosystem where cross-disciplinary synergies fuel breakthroughs with profound societal impact.

“The AI^(X) Hub is designed to be a dynamic engine for research and innovation, connecting Ohio State’s world-class research community with partners around the world to power discovery, drive interdisciplinary collaboration, and ensure we are shaping the future of AI through bold ideas, shared expertise and meaningful impact,” said Shroff, a professor in the departments of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Computer Science and Engineering.

AI^(X) Hub builds on the university’s commitment to excellence in artificial intelligence, advancing the university’s role as a national leader in AI-driven discovery, education and societal impact. As part of these efforts, Ohio State launched AI Fluency, which is embedding AI education into the core of the undergraduate academic experience, equipping students with the ability to not only use AI tools, but to understand, question and innovate with them – no matter their major.

At the event, Ohio State leaders and Google Public Sector representatives announced that university students, faculty and staff can now access secure versions of Google AI tools, ensuring that Google does not save or share the information they enter. The event included demonstrations of the Google Gemini large language model, the Google NotebookLM research assistant and note-taking tool and other applications.

Data & AI Day was designed to help Ohio State instructors, researchers and staff learn more about how Google’s AI tools complement the university’s AI Fluency initiative, said Ohio State’s Executive Vice President and Provost Ravi V. Bellamkonda. Starting this year, the initiative will embed AI education into the undergraduate curriculum, preparing students to use AI tools, as well as understand, question and innovate with them.

“Our mission is to shape the future for our students,” he said. “Every student who’s coming in this year will graduate being bilingual – fluent in AI and the application of AI in their careers.”

Ohio State’s partnership with Google Public Sector also ensures that Ohio State’s faculty and researchers have access to advanced technology that can help carry out their work, Bellamkonda said. 

“What we’d like to do is to empower you, our faculty, our scholars, our teachers to have access to the tools, to have access to resources, and then you interpret how AI makes the most sense for you,” he said. “How might we create a moment for our students to think about them discovering something that they did not know before? AI Fluency at its core is our journey together at Ohio State.”

The goal of Data & AI Day was to shed light on how colleges and universities can adapt to AI’s growing role in education and research, said Google Public Sector Chief Technology Officer Charles Elliott.

“We really try to focus on making sure that AI can be folded into the workstreams that many of you do. And of course, think about productivity,” Elliott told participants. “There’s a lot of great resources … out there specifically for teaching. I encourage all of you to go check those things out.”

Data & AI Day included breakout sessions for classroom instructors and researchers. Google Public Sector representatives demonstrated how instructors can use Google AI tools to assist with tasks such as course and lecture design and helping students prepare for exams.

By experimenting with the tools, “you will have an idea of what you can do,” said Jillian Yoerges, Google for Education workspace specialist. “You will also have an idea of what your students can do.”

Breakout sessions for researchers included demonstrations on how to use Google AI tools to access hundreds of models and datasets on a wide variety of subjects and distill complex research articles into succinct audio overviews, among other functions.

“Understanding what tool to use for what is important,” said Chris Daughtery, education strategy lead representative for Google Cloud.

For more information on how Ohio State students, faculty and staff can access Google AI tools, visit Ohio State’s Sign Up and Provisioning website.

The participants will meet as a cohort eight times over the course of the 2025-2026 academic year. Programming will focus on several topics, including professional development, research best practices and a better understanding of the issues facing communities throughout Ohio.

“This is a great opportunity to embed some of our faculty in this community,” said Jason Reece, vice provost for urban research and community engagement. “We will help them build relationships with community partners so they can understand the perspectives of our nonprofit organizations.”

Program sessions will vary, with some taking place on campus and some in the city. Reece plans to host community leaders and arrange visits to area nonprofits. Other sessions will ask cohort members to look inward.

“What’s their identity as an engaged scholar?” he said. “We want them to articulate, together, the themes that are important to them as they develop their scholarship.”

Matthew Wu, assistant professor of chemistry in the College of Arts and Sciences, is eager to get started. Wu studies chemical education research, specifically in laboratory settings.

“I have been trying to incorporate more scientific, civic engagement in my research program,” he said. “The goal is to redefine what STEM means and broaden its relevance, application and interconnections with civic responsibility with students of all majors.”

It was important, Reece said, for the program to use a cohort-style implementation.

“The cohort model is really helpful, not only in building relationships between scholars but sharing insights with each other,” he said. “Peer-to-peer relationships, and the building and learning that comes with them, is what people get most excited about.”

Wu found the cohort model appealing.

“The reason that I am specifically in an educational research field is that I like learning,” he said. “I’m excited to meet new people, to talk shop and to be part of a collectively transformative experience. I want to learn new ways to collaborate with people to better the lived experiences of everyone around us.”

Given the size of the university, it is easy to focus solely on one’s own department, Wu said. The community-focused nature of the program was one of the reasons he applied.

“Ohio State is a really big place,” he said. “Identifying ways to plug in, interact with people who share similar sentiments and identify feasible ways of enacting high-impact, public-facing activities is one way to ensure that my efforts can be transformed into something meaningful.”

Reece is excited to see Ohio State scholars put their weight behind solutions for community issues.

“This really is a fulfillment of the land-grant mission,” he said. “We want to lift up these programs that we know have an impact, whether that’s offering dental care to an underserved area, helping with community planning and affordable housing, getting youth engaged in STEM – there are so many things that our faculty are engaged with here.”

Wu is from California. All too often, he said, academics parachute into a community they don’t understand and treat its inhabitants like research subjects.

“We need to know the community before we can even begin conceptualizing what service should be,” he said. “We are here to empower those around us. We need to see beyond our offices, our departments and our colleges. Especially as an education researcher, I need to stay tethered to the people I intend to serve.”

The virtual panel was part of a year-long series promoting discussion on how to enhance U.S. competitiveness in the global marketplace, said Dominic DiCamilo, senior director of the Office of Global Business for Ohio State’s Center for International Business Education and Research (CIBER).

“At Ohio State, our CIBER focuses on bridging the gap between academic and business practice, whether that’s supporting export training, building global talent pipelines or funding international research with direct application to real-world business challenges,” he said. “We collaborate across disciplines and industries to help companies and communities navigate the global marketplace more effectively.”

The panel focused on strategies to strengthen relationships between Ohio’s business community and companies that have ties to Japan.

“Japan is the fourth-largest trading partner in the United States, with more than $230 billion in bilateral goods traded last year,” DiCamilo said. “Japan is also a top foreign investor in the U.S. and in Ohio, in particular.”  

Ohio has the third-largest number of workers employed by Japanese companies in the nation, after only Texas and California, which have far larger total populations, said Justin Kocher, senior director of international business development at JobsOhio, the state’s economic development agency.

“I’m not sure people realize the extent. … It’s in the order of 70,000 people in our state are employed by Japanese companies,” he said. “Honda alone employs some 16,000 people here in Ohio, so we’re very fortunate to have that investment.”

In Ohio, Japanese companies represent 25% of all international employment, Kocher said. Japanese employers find Ohio attractive for a variety of reasons, including low taxes and an affordable cost of living compared to other states, as well as a skilled workforce, he said.

“We have the third-largest advanced manufacturing workforce,” Kocher said. “If you’re going to choose a place to establish your facility, you want to do it in an area where there’s a lot of potential people to pull from.”

Over the past decade, JobsOhio has worked with organizations such as the Japan Business Federation, known as KEIDANREN, to recruit and retain Japanese businesses in Ohio, said Teruko Wada, director of KEIDANREN’s International Affairs Bureau.

“You need to have trust with the partners, the people that you work with, and trust cannot be gained overnight,” she said. “JobsOhio and KEIDANREN, we started partnering in 2015, when KEIDANREN first dispatched a mission to Ohio with a huge delegation of high-level business leaders from Japan. JobsOhio has been instrumental in making it happen.”

A major strategy to continue to attract Japanese business operations and trade partners is for Ohio business representatives to build relationships with their Japanese counterparts over time, said Duane Detwiler, senior chief engineer, vice president of research and director of the Honda Research Institute USA Inc.

“I find in all cultures that it’s important to spend the time and put the effort into building the relationship, and then the other [business] activity is much more streamlined and much more effective,” he said. “And it does take a little bit of time, but often that time pays dividends down the road.”

Another major recruitment and retention strategy is for Ohio business representatives to familiarize themselves with management styles prevalent in Japan, said Andrew Lower, senior vice president of THK Manufacturing of America Inc. The mechanical components manufacturer is based in Hebron, Ohio.

“For the most part, the Japanese business executive is less risk-tolerant than a U.S. business executive. So when they’re making certain decisions about strategy, about retention and expansion at that plant, they need that level of certainty,” Lower said.

“They need to make sure that the team, the local domestic staff that is here, that they can trust them to be able to execute whatever those changes are that they need to do. I speak Japanese – that’s been extremely beneficial in my career growth for the plant, and for my own personal career growth.”

Hiroaki Kawamura, associate professor at the University of Findlay’s Department of Language and Culture, said he advises students to study the organizational culture of the industries where they seek employment.

“Each company has its own culture. Each industry has its own culture. And when we talk about culture and language, we need skills,” he said. “We will use everything we have to build relationships.”

Wada said she foresees a continued mutually beneficial relationship between Japanese companies and the business community in Ohio and the United States.

“Japan is the No. 1 investor [in U.S. goods and services] for the last five years, so that’s how much Japanese companies favor the U.S. market,” she said. “We still have a very strong appetite to invest in the U.S.”

The panel discussion was presented by CIBER and The Risk Institute, which are housed in the Fisher College of Business, and the East Asian Studies Center.

The joint venture will empower those who are transitioning from active duty to civilian life, as well as individuals with connections to the military, by creating access to Ohio State’s flagship graduate business education program. 

“The varied experiences, discipline and leadership skills that veterans and our military-affiliated students bring to our learning community are incredibly valued at Fisher and Ohio State,” said Trevor Brown, interim dean at Fisher. “We are pleased to expand our work with the National Veterans Leadership Foundation to create yet another pathway for veterans to access a career-shaping business education while redefining and repurposing the valuable experiences they gained as members of the military.”

Creation of the new FTMBA scholarships is the latest step in Fisher’s growing collaboration with the NVLF, Brown said. In October 2024, the college announced the creation of the National Veterans Leadership Foundation Scholarship Program, which supported military-connected individuals interested in pursuing specialized executive education programs at Fisher. 

“Veterans in our Full-Time MBA program consistently stand out as leaders in the classroom, within student organizations, and in the community,” said Lori Kendall, academic director of the FTMBA. “We’re excited to offer these scholarships to continue fostering a learning environment enriched by their unique perspectives, and to support their development as agile, principled business leaders.”

The new scholarships build on Fisher and Ohio State’s reputations as institutions that are highly supportive of military-connected individuals, Brown said. Fisher has been acknowledged by USA Today, G.I. Jobs and the Military Times for its leadership in aiding military-connected individuals. Military-affiliated students represented 11% of the 2024 incoming FTMBA class.

Similarly, Ohio State has been recognized as one of the top universities for military-connected students, ranking 15th among public institutions and 22nd overall in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 rankings. The university serves over 2,100 military-connected students and employs approximately 1,600 faculty and staff members who have served in the armed forces.

“The Ohio State University has long been dedicated to providing meaningful educational opportunities for veterans and military-affiliated students,” said Jim Miller, president of the NVLF. “These new scholarships strengthen the university’s and Fisher’s standing as institutions committed to our veterans. We’re proud to collaborate with them to create educational opportunities that will help refine their skills, apply their field experiences in new ways and develop into principled and effective leaders.”

Scholarships are open to qualified veterans and military-connected individuals who enroll in the FTMBA program for matriculation in Autumn 2025. The final application deadline for admissions consideration to the program is June 6, 2025. 

“This is daunting,” he said, staring out at the crowd in Ohio Stadium.

And the world students are graduating into can be daunting, he said. Still, he encouraged the graduates to accept and give help no matter the circumstances.

“You are the ones who will build and strengthen bridges of understanding and cooperation here in America and around the world. It’s not always an easy thing to do, but it’s worth the effort,” he said. “You never know where your friends and allies are going to come from. But you must allow yourself to be surprised and receptive to others not like you.”

He also reminded students to remember what they learned at Ohio State.

“Serving a purpose greater than yourself is at the core of the Buckeye philosophy,” he said. “You can’t go wrong with it.”

A friend of Bolden’s, Ohio State President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr. told graduates that it can be easy to look at someone like the former astronaut and think they won’t measure up. He suggested that the students all look closer.

“The people on this stage have something in common,” he said. “Something that is an example to all of us. Something the world needs more of. They have all answered a call to serve the greater good.”

Students can answer that call however they see fit, he said, whether that’s public service, military service or philanthropy. Ohio State has prepared them for success.

 “With the Ohio State degree you are earning today, I know you will answer that call and make the world a better place. And when you set out to create good, there’s a multiplier effect. Each act of service, each positive interaction with another person, has an impact far beyond what you might think is possible.”

During the ceremony, Atul Gawande, celebrated physician, public health expert and author, received an honorary Doctor of Science. In addition, Distinguished Service Awards were given to William B. Farrar and Elizabeth B. Germain and Richard B. Germain in recognition of their support of the university.

Ninety-one countries were represented in the graduating class, including Costa Rica, India, Kenya and Sweden.

A total of 12,357 degrees and certificates were awarded, of which 294 were doctorates, 1,770 master’s and 975 professional degrees. The remaining 9,318 were bachelor’s and associate degrees and certificates.

Several degrees and specialty programs from the university’s 15 colleges ranked in the top 10 in the latest graduate school survey.

For example, the rankings place the College of Nursing at the top of the list among public institutions for its Master of Science degree program. The traditional, in-person master’s program ranks No. 3 overall – up one spot from last year – and No. 1 among public colleges of nursing. This marks the seventh consecutive year for the MS program to rank among the nation’s top 10.

The college’s online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program – which placed No. 19 last year – vaulted to No. 9 overall and No. 5 among public institutions this year.

Graduate business programs at Fisher College of Business saw significant increases in their rankings. Fisher climbed to the No. 8 spot in the business school rankings among public colleges and universities, and to 24th overall, for its Full-Time MBA program. The Working Professional MBA program climbed to No. 8 overall and No. 5 among publics.

The dispute resolution program at the Moritz College of Law ranked No. 1 in the nation for the second year in a row. And the College of Public Health’s highly regarded Master of Health Administration program climbed this year to 5th in the U.S.

“Graduate programs at Ohio State continue to demonstrate excellent academic rigor in disciplines that are valued by students and employers alike,” said Ravi V. Bellamkonda, executive vice president and provost. “I am proud that our colleges’ faculty and staff provide our students with the highest quality graduate education through these strong programs.”

U.S. News’ rankings of graduate and professional programs cover just a small portion of the programs offered at Ohio State, and not all programs are ranked each year. Ohio State enrolls more than 14,000 graduate and professional students in 102 doctoral and 127 master’s programs.

Some highlights from the 2025 rankings, by college, are listed below:

In the College of Arts and Sciences, audiology was ranked 9 overall and 7 among public institutions. Political Science and sociology both ranked 18th, while speech-language pathology was placed at 21. History was ranked 22, followed by English at 26. Psychology earned a national ranking of 30 and was 14th among public institutions. Economics was also recognized, ranking 37th.

Fisher is also home to four specialties that were ranked in the top 30 nationally: supply chain (4), production/operations (12), accounting (27) and finance (28).

The College of Education and Human Ecology’s graduate program ranked 27th overall. Seven out of eight of its graduate specialty programs are now in the top 10 nationwide, with the college’s Educational Administration specialty at No. 4. The eighth specialty program, Educational Policy, ranks in the top 20 nationwide at No. 14.

The College of Engineering’s graduate program ranked 27th overall, was rated first in Ohio, and 13th among public universities. The Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering ranked 9th, while 10 other engineering specialties placed in the top 30: materials (14), nuclear (15), industrial/manufacturing (16), aerospace/aeronautical (21), electrical (23) and mechanical (24), chemical (27), civil (28), computer (28) and environmental (30).

The Moritz College of Law remains highly ranked, at 28th overall out of 195 accredited law schools and 10th among all public law schools. This is the fourth year in a row that the college has secured a spot in the top 30. Ten other programs rank in the top 50 nationally: criminal law (16), health law (17), legal writing (17), constitutional law (31), contracts and commercial law (30), business and corporate law (35), international law (41), trial advocacy (43), environmental law (44) and tax law (35). 

U.S. News & World Report uses a four-tier system for its Best Medical Schools ratings, with the highest-performing medical schools in tier 1 and the lowest in tier 4. For the second year in a row, the College of Medicine placed in tier 1 for Best Medical Schools: Research, making it one of the top 16 medical schools for research in the country. Ohio State is one of 35 schools in tier 2 for primary care. In the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, the clinical doctorate programs in Physical Therapy jumped to No. 4 (previously No. 8) and Occupational Therapy climbed to No. 9 in their respective fields.

The John Glenn College of Public Affairs maintained its position at 16th, marking the college’s 11th year within the top 10% of public affairs graduate professional degree programs on the list. Placing first among Ohio universities, the college was also ranked in seven specialty areas: public management and leadership (7), nonprofit management (9), local government (18), social policy (19), public policy analysis (20), urban policy (22) and public finance (25).

Public Health is ranked in the top 12% of colleges and programs of public health in the nation at 22nd and is the highest ranked public health program in Ohio. The college’s health policy and management specialty is ranked 21st.

The College of Veterinary Medicine, Ohio’s only veterinary medicine college, is ranked fourth in the country out of 33 U.S. veterinary schools accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education. A perennial top-five-ranked veterinary college for nearly two decades, the college is known for its world-renowned history and tradition of excellence and innovation in education, research, outreach and patient care.

The Ohio State University’s Salmon P. Chase Center for Civics, Culture and Society hosted a conversation between Ohio State President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr. and Johns Hopkins University President Ronald J. Daniels at the Ohio Union on Tuesday. The Chase Center is an independent academic center for teaching and researching the foundation of the American constitutional order and its impact on society.

“The Chase Center arose to address two related concerns. First, many Americans appear to lack essential knowledge about our common civic tradition. And second, we Americans seem to have lost our capacity to discuss and debate with each other as fellow citizens in a civil and productive manner,” Chase Center Executive Director Lee J. Strang said. “Together, these have led to a worrisome polarization of American life and a precipitous drop in trust in American higher education.”

Strang said the conversation with the presidents focused on how colleges and universities educate and prepare students to be engaged citizens in a robust democracy.

“Our mission is to take these young people who are on our campus and show them we are a force for good,” Carter said. “What does good mean? That means that they’re going to go out, become a great citizen, which means doing something bigger than themselves.”

Carter said being a good citizen means being engaged and willing to serve your community. He said the job of Ohio State, broadly, is to expose students to every angle of an argument and let them know that Ohio State would teach them not what to think, but how to think.

Daniels said it is important for institutions like Ohio State and Johns Hopkins to recognize the fragility of democratic institutions and to prepare students to defend democracy and democratic values.

"You don’t inherit an understanding of democracy through the gene pool. You have got to be educated for it,” Daniels said.

“It requires an understanding of the institutions that undergird our democracy. It requires an understanding of the values that we are seeking to represent and embody. It requires a capacity to operate as citizens who can navigate difference, to see how you are able to build coalitions in support of shared objectives and so forth. All of these things require education.”

Both presidents emphasized the importance of combining research and citizenship education to prepare students for democratic engagement. Daniels said conversations about the university’s role in a democracy and the bedrock values of the university should begin with each class of first-year students.

Carter emphasized that students come from all over the world to Ohio State so they can be a part of campus life. He said students want to engage with the more than 1,400 student organizations and have meaningful dialogue with their peers in the thousands of courses offered.

Carter mentioned the university’s new Listen. Learn. Discuss. platform as a way for the campus community to have meaningful conversations about difficult subjects.

“How can you learn how to have a civil conversation and disagree, but maybe disagree in a better way?” he said. “It’s really just a chance to learn how to have your opinion, listen to the opinions of others, still hold on to your opinion, but not be a jerk about it.”

Strang said the center will continue to cultivate open dialogue through public events like the conversation held this week. The center’s first classes will be offered this fall and, over time, will be offered to all Ohio State students: undergraduate, graduate, and professional. The center will welcome its founding faculty in the new academic year, he said, who are extraordinary scholars from America and the world’s leading academic institutions.

He announced that the Chase Center had received a $3 million gift from the Stanton Foundation – a national leader in the protection of First Amendment rights and a longtime donor to Ohio State. The foundation, established by Ohio State alumnus and CBS executive Frank Stanton, supports key causes that were dear to Frank during his lifetime, including the cultivation of an informed citizenry and the First Amendment.

The gift will support Chase Center scholars, conferences, events and other programs in Ohio.

The conversation with the presidents was co-sponsored by the Center for Ethics and Human Values (CEHV), the Institute for Democratic Engagement and Accountability (IDEA) and the John Glenn College of Public Affairs.

“I had very bad shin splints, and I found that the shoes that I was wearing and also the way I was running had a large impact on me getting injured,” he said. “I really started looking into biomechanics.”

Diallo was one of dozens of Ohio State students who presented their research during the 30th annual Richard J. and Martha D. Denman Undergraduate Research Forum. The event was held recently at the Ohio Union.

“The Denman students must not only be scholars and researchers, but creators, makers and presenters as well,” Ohio State President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr. said in his welcome message to participants. “You truly embody the mission of Ohio State – to prepare thoughtful, capable leaders in every field of study.”

Diallo’s research centers on the development of medical equipment that people of all ages can use to assess their risk for injuries and learn how to prevent them.

“With increasing age and neurological disorders, you do see people more susceptible to falling,” he said. “We’re trying to mitigate that risk of them falling by using balance-based preparations to enhance their balance stability while they’re working, performing everyday tasks.”

Diallo said he plans to enroll in graduate school and further his research. He said his studies have also helped him avoid further injuries.

“On the sports side of things, I’m just a lot more cognizant of biomechanics now,” he said. “As I continue to progress in my research, I’ve become more and more cognizant of how external factors or even internal factors can affect me being injured.”

Other areas of research that students presented during the Denman forum included interventions for runaway adolescents with depressive symptoms. Amalia Rodriguez-Giusti, Yvonne Gong and Natasha Slesnick presented research on the topic.

“I wanted to focus on that because runaway adolescents tend to be a really at-risk group,” said Rodriguez-Giusti, a human development and family science major. “Annually, there are 3.1 million adolescents that suffer from depressive symptoms.”

Rodriguez-Giusti’s research explores therapies that can help teens reconnect with their families and improve their mental health.

“You take the parents or guardians in one individual therapy session, and you teach them how to set up better boundaries,” she said. “And then you take the adolescents and teach them how to better handle difficulties. And then you put them together to see how well they can mesh together and … help them learn healthier lifestyles and hopefully create their happiness.”

Maddison McMaken, a business major, presented a concept titled “Green Roots Market – Innovating Food Systems for Urban Sustainability in Franklinton.”

“Green Roots Market is focusing on alleviating food insecurity in Franklinton, Ohio, which is a Columbus neighborhood, by providing fresh, locally grown produce through sustainable hydroponic systems grown on-site in greenhouses,” she said. “It also offers educational opportunities in gardening, sustainability and hydroponics, encouraging the local community to grow their own produce.”

The ultimate goal of the Green Roots Market concept is to provide a sustainable source of fresh produce, McMaken said.

The market concept is designed to provide “space for the community with a cafe, outdoor growing area and an educational space, multifunctional area for the community,” she said. “They can see it … and learn about how to grow themselves.”

Song will provide strategic vision and leadership for the college toward its goals of educating the next generation of public health leaders and supporting faculty, staff and students in producing influential public health research and innovation, including interdisciplinary collaborations here on campus and throughout the world.

“As a leader, Paula is committed to building strong, collaborative teams,” said Ohio State Executive Vice President and Provost Ravi V. Bellamkonda. “She believes that creating a space where every voice is heard and valued is crucial for achieving academic and operational excellence, and I am excited for the college’s future under her leadership.”

While at VCU, she served as interim dean of the College of Health Professions from 2023-24. Previously, she served as the director of residential master’s programs in the Department of Health Policy and Management at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she was an associate professor.

Song’s arrival at the university will mark a return to familiar territory. She began her faculty career at Ohio State in 2007 — the same year the College of Public Health was established — as an assistant professor in the Division of Health Services Management and Policy. She also served as a faculty affiliate for the Institute for Population Research.

“It is such a privilege to return and lead this fantastic college,” Song said. “There is so much talent, passion and dedication among the faculty and staff. They are leaders in public health research and education, dedicated to making a lasting impact. Our equally passionate students are poised to be the next generation of public health and health administration leaders.”

A gifted scholar, Song’s research interests are centered on the financial management of health care organizations and the impact of payment policies on patient and provider experiences. Her research has appeared in numerous peer-reviewed publications, and she has authored or coauthored several book chapters and multiple editions of leading health care finance textbooks.

Song earned her PhD in health services organization and policy, her master’s degree in applied economics, and her Master of Health Services Administration from the University of Michigan. She completed her undergraduate studies in biological basis and behavior at the University of Pennsylvania.

“Returning to Ohio State feels like coming full circle and a true homecoming for me,” said Song. “I am deeply committed, personally and professionally, to the success of our students, faculty and staff. I am excited to be a Buckeye again!”

Ohio State's College of Public Health is the state's first accredited public health college. It is ranked first in Ohio, 16th nationwide among public institutions and 29th overall by U.S. News and World Report.

Nationally ranked graduate specialties within the college include Master of Health Administration (8), biostatistics (22), epidemiology (25) and health policy and management (17). The college has five divisions spanning the breadth of public health.

Since 2023, Karla Zadnik has served as interim dean of the College of Public Health. From January 2024 through January 2025, Zadnik also served as the university’s interim executive vice president and provost, and in this role she was instrumental in overseeing the search process and recruiting Song to Ohio State. Upon Song’s July 9 arrival, Zadnik will resume her duties as dean of the College of Optometry.

“I am grateful for Dr. Zadnik’s steady leadership and stewardship of this search, and I also thank the members of the search advisory committee for their input and perspectives,” said Bellamkonda. The committee was chaired by Rustin Moore, the Rita Jean Wolfe Endowed Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine.

The Pierre Agostini Prize is the university’s most prestigious award for scholarly and artistic achievement and will be given annually to a faculty member whose research or creative work is recognized by their peers to be so groundbreaking and influential that it deserves to be called “world class” and would typically be recognized through national or international awards.

Agostini was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2023 for his work with attosecond pulses. The scientist donated a replica of his medal to the university’s Department of Physics in the spring of 2024, saying he was “proud to be your representative of Ohio State’s scientific community in Stockholm.”

Nominations for the Agostini Prize will be reviewed and ranked by a committee of faculty who compose the Agostini Prize Review Committee. Members of the committee will reflect the caliber of the prize and breadth of the nomination pool. The committee will typically include eight eminent faculty representing an appropriate range of disciplines, each of whom is noted for their distinguished achievements in research or creative expression. The Enterprise for Research, Innovation and Knowledge will administer the award.

Winners will receive $50,000, split evenly into a cash award and a research budget. The awardee will also have the opportunity to present a brief overview of their work to Ohio State’s Board of Trustees in the Research, Innovation and Strategic Partnerships Committee.

“What better way to honor Professor Agostini’s contributions than through an award that celebrates the best of our faculty’s creativity and research,” said Peter Mohler, executive vice president for research, innovation and knowledge. “The Agostini Prize will encourage faculty to push their work even further, benefiting all of us at Ohio State and in communities across the globe.”

The prize’s inaugural winner will be announced this spring while Agostini is on campus working with students and faculty.

The funds will enable the program to add 189 Head Start slots to the program, which currently serves 263 Columbus children and families enrolled in Early Head Start, a more than 70% increase, said Don Fuzer, the program’s principal investigator.

“By adding 189 Head Start child care slots to our existing program, we will create a birth-to-5 model of high-quality early education and services to ensure continuity of care for children and their families,” he said. “We hope to enhance brain development at a crucial time of life and create supportive relationships that will have a long-lasting impact on families.”

Head Start and Early Head Start are free, federally funded programs to promote school readiness for infants, toddlers and preschoolers from low-income backgrounds. Early Head Start programs support children from birth to age 3, while Head Start programs serve children between 3 and 5 years old.

“We strive to meet the needs of families who live in ZIP codes that have the highest rates of poverty, infant mortality and lack of resources,” said Sherrie Sutton, the program’s executive director. “Our goal is to promote school readiness for the children we serve by engaging parents in their role as primary caregivers while assisting families to become more self-sufficient.”

Cross-collaboration among university departments and community engagement set the Ohio State Early Head Start Program apart from other programs across Ohio and the country, said Melanie Tracy, service integration coordinator with the College of Education and Human Ecology’s (EHE) Schoenbaum Family Center, where the program is based.

“We not only offer early childhood education and child care centers and family child care homes throughout Columbus,” she said, “but our goal is to also work with parents to ensure family stability and to help their economic growth.”

The program provides a host of neonatal services, which has resulted in a zero percent infant mortality rate for expectant mothers who participate in the program, Tracy said.

“We have a natal educator who provides information on breastfeeding and safe sleep, healthy eating and making sure that our moms take care of themselves as much as they take care of their children,” she said.

The program includes a weekly home visit for parents who need support identifying and addressing barriers to their children’s education, Tracy said.

“Twenty-four percent of those families experienced homelessness or housing insecurity last year,” she said. “We are working on making that a much lower statistic.”

The program provides support services to families through partnerships with community agencies and Ohio State colleges and departments including Nursing, Optometry, Speech and Hearing, and the Nisonger Center.

“We work with Nationwide Children’s dental clinic and their health services to provide oral health care to our kids and immunizations as well as wellness checks,” she said. “The Nisonger Center provides mental and behavioral health, as well as early intervention assessments.”

Twenty-nine percent of children served by the Ohio State Early Head Start Program in 2023 had a developmental disability, and program administrators connected parents with comprehensive services, Tracy said.

“These wraparound services are so important for the quality of care and the well-being of our families,” she said. “We offer speech and language assessments to our children to make sure they’re all developmentally moving forward as they should be.”

College of Nursing students work with parents to address stress and mental health issues, said Jennifer Kosla, an assistant professor at the college. The College of Nursing and EHE also offer socialization events at public libraries to give parents an opportunity to share experiences.

“That is so beneficial sometimes just to validate what you’re going through, to share ideas or information,” she said. “Either families can walk to a location or use the bus line. Our students are providing information or education on topics that are important to the families.”

The Ohio State Early Head Start Program has received national attention from the Bipartisan Policy Center in Washington, D.C., for its innovative approach.

“Our families receive support beginning in pregnancy until the child enters kindergarten,” Kosla said. “We like to call it a continuum of care. We have a lot of staff who work with families for years and years, and it’s such a good thing because it builds trust, relationships.”

The Ohio State Early Head Start Program was established in 2015 through a federal grant. For more information, visit the program’s website.

“That may take the form of public service or philanthropy or community leadership or even military service,” Carter said. “It may mean raising a family or doing the everyday things that make our community a better place. The point is, we all have an opportunity and a calling to create good. With the Ohio State degree you are earning today, I know you will answer that call and make the world a better place.”

Hightower is president and CEO of the Columbus Urban League, a former Ohio State hurdler and Olympian. She graduated from Ohio State in 1981 with a degree in communications.

During her time at Ohio State, Hightower was a four-time All-American and an undefeated 15-time Big Ten Champion. She held 11 Big Ten and Ohio State records and set a world record in the 60-yard hurdles. She was inducted into the Ohio State Hall of Fame in 1993. 

After retiring from the sport in 1988, Hightower served as the Women’s Track and Field Team Leader of the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens and served two four-year terms as president and board chair of USA Track and Field beginning in 2008. She also chairs the Gender Equity Task Force for the World Athletics. 

Carter said Hightower’s accomplishments on and off the track serve as a metaphor for life.

“Few, if any, of us could follow Stephanie Hightower around the track,” he said. “But we can follow the example that she, our award recipients and so many others have set to serve a purpose greater than ourselves.”

Hightower encouraged the graduates to overcome any obstacles that life may present by drawing on the strength of the Buckeye community, and to create a sense of community wherever they go as they embark on their careers.

“When we unite as a community and as a nation, we are invincible, unconquerable, unstoppable,” she said. “Take these lessons to heart. A crisis is a chance to be a hero. Other people are essential. Together, we can achieve something far greater and more consequential than you can ever do alone.”

Hightower shared how she navigated challenges during her track career, including placing fourth in the 1984 Olympic trials and becoming an alternate although she had been favored to win a gold medal. Rather than giving up, she channeled her champion spirit into an exhibition meet before the Olympic Games.

“I blasted the field, which included the three women who would be running at the L.A. Games later that month,” she said. “I learned a life lesson that I still think about today: You don’t run for the gold. You don’t run for the time. You run for yourself.”

During the ceremony, John Zeiger, chair of the Ohio State Board of Trustees, conferred Distinguished Service Awards on Natala Hart and Virgil Strickler.

Hart is a nationally recognized leader in student financial aid who dedicated her professional career to improving access to higher education for first-generation, underrepresented and disadvantaged students and families. Hart joined Ohio State in 1986, where she directed the Office of Student Financial Aid for 10 years before being promoted to a new leadership position as the university’s senior advisor for economic success.

Strickler was the longest-running general manager of the Ohio State Fair prior to his retirement in February 2024. During his tenure, he was a partner with Ohio State’s College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

Of the 3,511 degrees that were awarded, 186 were doctorates, 527 master’s, 14 professional and 2,784 bachelor’s and associate’s degrees and certificates.

At Ohio State Marion, Schlueter will lead initiatives to enhance and broaden the university’s dedication to student achievement, innovative teaching and learning, research opportunities and community engagement.

“Jennifer is an experienced leader deeply committed to educational access and innovation,” said Ryan J. Schmiesing, senior vice provost for external engagement. “Her passion for collaborative problem-solving and high-impact learning practices makes her an exceptional choice for dean at Ohio State Marion.”

In her current role, Schlueter is responsible for creating and managing institution-wide processes in academic strategy, policy and operations. Before joining The New School, Schlueter held leadership roles at Columbus College of Art & Design (CCAD), serving as the college’s inaugural dean of graduate studies before becoming associate provost and dean of academics.  

In joining Ohio State, Schlueter will return to familiar ground. Before joining CCAD, she was an Ohio State faculty member for nine years in the Department of Theatre (currently the Department of Theatre, Film, and Media Arts). She served as director of undergraduate studies and associate chair, and she also took on university-level service as a faculty fellow of curriculum development at the Graduate School and as project director of the Global Arts & Humanities Discovery Theme. At Ohio State, Schlueter received several top teaching awards, including the Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching, the Ronald and Deborah Ratner Distinguished Teaching Award, and, while a graduate student, the Graduate Associate Teaching Award. 

“Ohio State has been fundamental to my development as a scholar, artist, teacher and leader,” said Schlueter. “Because I have been an Ohio State student, faculty member and administrator across my 16 previous years at the institution, I know, personally, what it is to be mentored by Ohio State’s faculty, to teach its students across campuses, and to collaborate across its colleges. I am excited to return to serve it as Marion’s dean and director, and to bring my experiences beyond it with me as I do.” 

Schlueter’s creative endeavors have received accolades from prominent publications, including Backstage Magazine and the Chicago Tribune. In addition, she has directed full productions and staged readings, written several journal articles and book chapters, and was commissioned by BBC Radio 4.

Ohio State Marion fosters student engagement through its supportive campus culture and small class size. In May 2024, the first class of Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology graduates completed their degrees at Ohio State Marion. This innovative program emphasizes hands-on learning, including immersive internships and senior capstone experiences with regional manufacturers.  

“The Marion campus is rich with expertise and opportunity,” said Schlueter. “From the Prairie Learning Lab to the Memories Project, Marion faculty dovetail their research with service learning and civic engagement work in ways that are ripe for expansion and amplification.” 

More than 1,500 first-year Ohio State students start their academic journeys on a regional campus. Students can complete the first one to three years of any of Ohio State’s 200-plus majors on the Marion campus before transitioning to the Columbus campus to complete their degree. Nine majors can be completed at Ohio State Marion. 

Schlueter’s appointment rounds out new leadership across Ohio State’s four regional campuses. She will join Margaret (Meggie) Young at Ohio State Lima, Jason Opal at Ohio State Mansfield and Matthew Smith at Ohio State Newark, who began their service earlier this year. Together, this cohort of four regional campus deans will work together to ensure the university is enhancing access and impact across Ohio.

“The commitment to the regional campuses that President Carter has articulated — and the opportunity to join a cohort of new deans with a mandate to lead a collaborative, strategic, growth-oriented approach to that commitment — is once in a lifetime,” said Schlueter. “The mission to provide people across Ohio with a pathway to an affordable, well-reputed post-secondary education — and to connect them with world class faculty, facilities and programs in the process — is needed now more than ever.”

Schlueter earned her PhD in theatre performance, history, and theory, and her master’s degree in theatre from Ohio State. Her Bachelor of Arts is in theatre from Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri.

“We are grateful to Ohio State Marion Dean and Director Greg Rose for his longstanding leadership,” said Karla Zadnik, interim executive vice president and provost. Rose will retire from Ohio State at the end of December after 20 years as dean and over 40 years as a faculty member at Ohio State Marion. John Maharry, assistant dean of academic opportunities and professor of mathematics on the Marion campus, will serve as acting dean and director from Jan. 1 until Schlueter’s arrival, pending approval of the Board of Trustees. 

“We also deeply appreciate the members of the search advisory committee, chaired by Noelle Arnold, senior associate dean in the College of Education and Human Ecology, for their commitment to finding our next exceptional leader,” said Zadnik. “We look forward to welcoming Dr. Schlueter back to Ohio State.”

The ceremony will be held on Sunday, Dec. 15, at 2 p.m. at the Schottenstein Center, and the university will issue approximately 3,600 diplomas. 

“Stephanie Hightower is a trailblazer and an incredible asset to Columbus, the state of Ohio and our university, and we are honored to list her among the Ohio State alumni changing the world for the better,” said President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr. “She is an advocate and trusted resource for underrepresented communities. Her passion for empowering the public and driving economic transformation, while supporting education and family stabilization, epitomizes the Buckeye spirit. I know she will elevate our autumn commencement for graduates and their loved ones.” 

Hightower graduated from Ohio State in 1981 with a degree in communications. During her time at Ohio State, she was a four-time All-American and an undefeated 15-time Big Ten Champion. She held 11 Big Ten and Ohio State records and set a world record in the 60-yard hurdles. She was inducted into the Ohio State Hall of Fame in 1993. 

After retiring from the sport in 1988, Hightower served as the Women’s Track and Field Team Leader of the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens and served two four-year terms as president and board chair of USA Track and Field beginning in 2008. She also chairs the Gender Equity Task Force for the World Athletics. 

Hightower joined the Columbus Urban League (CUL) in 2011 as the organization’s first female president and CEO. CUL develops workforce initiatives that prepare young people and adults to succeed in the high-wage jobs of the future, financial education that leads to greater home ownership, and financial stability and entrepreneurship resources that support minority-, women- and veteran-owned small businesses. 

Under Hightower’s leadership, the organization has sought to become more than a traditional social services agency but also provide services to assist Black and underrepresented individuals participate fully in central Ohio’s economy.  

Over the years, Breathe Hope has held collaborative events with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

Breathe Hope President Melanie Riether helped to organize the thrift sale.

“With the generations changing and the world changing, fundraising is entirely different from what it used to be. So we’ve been trying to take it in different, creative ways,” said Riether, a third-year medical anthropology major. “Being college students, shopping from big brands is not the best option while in school. … We’re trying to save money.”

Items being sold were donated by many students, ranging from members of Ohio State sororities to friends who support advancing cystic fibrosis treatment and research, Riether said.

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disorder that causes severe damage to the lungs, digestive system and other organs in the body.

In July, Governor Mike DeWine announced that The state of Ohio will expand its screening of newborns for different types of cystic fibrosis, allowing those affected to get early treatment and have a better chance of living a healthier life.

Spreading awareness of cystic fibrosis is very important, and this year's thrift sale was filled with people eager to shop and contribute to the cystic fibrosis cause, Riether said.

“This year’s event saw a steady flow of participation, and we received positive feedback from students, making it feel like a step forward compared to last year,” she said.

Riether is excited about other events this year, including the 65 Roses Challenge, a successful international fundraising event named for a child who didn’t know how to say cystic fibrosis, so he called it “65 roses.”

For the 65 Rose Challenge at Ohio State, Breathe Hope will set up a stand in the Oval the day before and on Valentine’s Day to sell roses to spread awareness of cystic fibrosis and fund cystic fibrosis research.

Breathe Hope is an official student organization at Ohio State, which contributes to its success, Riether said.

“The size of the campus allows us to engage more students, creating awareness about cystic fibrosis in ways that align with their passions,” she said. “This presence enables us to make a lasting impact and extend our advocacy efforts in a meaningful way.”

Riether believes that spreading awareness of cystic fibrosis will garner more support for Breathe Hope and allow people to better understand the organization’s goal for the Ohio State community.

“We always like to say at Breathe Hope: We want students to be aware of how thankful they should be for the lifestyle that they have. So that’s the number one goal – is just building an aware community [of] students who want to come together to share this.”

Pending approval by the Board of Trustees, Bellamkonda, who is currently provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at Emory University, will begin his tenure at Ohio State effective January 14, 2025. 

“We couldn’t be more pleased to welcome Dr. Bellamkonda and his exemplary record of research, teaching and service to the Ohio State community,” Carter said. “In searching for a chief academic officer, it was critical that we find the exact right individual – someone who exemplifies our commitment to excellence in academics as well as collaborative leadership.” 

“Dr. Bellamkonda is that person, and I look forward to working with him to help shape our strategic vision for the future of our university and its impact on Ohio, the nation and our world.”

As Ohio State’s provost, Bellamkonda will oversee a university-wide portfolio of programs and initiatives in the Office of Academic Affairs that support faculty and student success across the university’s campuses. The deans of all 15 academic colleges and University Libraries report to the provost, who also serves as a member of President’s Cabinet, which includes leaders of The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and key administrative units, including the Office of Student Life; Office of Human Resources; Enterprise for Research, Innovation and Knowledge and more.

At Emory, Bellamkonda has launched and led several major initiatives, including faculty recruitment and retention efforts focused on arts and humanistic inquiry, as well as artificial intelligence in service to humanity across areas such as medicine, business, law and more. In addition, he helped lead the ambitious Student Flourishing initiative, which included curricular innovations as well as the Emory Purpose Project focused on well-being and ethics.

Prior to his tenure at Emory, Bellamkonda served as the Vinik Dean of the Pratt School of Engineering at Duke University. During his tenure, annual extramural research increased from $68 million to more than $100 million each year. He also helped launch two interdisciplinary institutes – the Duke Quantum Center and the Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies – and the Wilkinson Engineering Building was conceived, designed and built.

“I believe deeply in the noble mission of higher education and the excellence of higher education in the United States, especially its impact on research, shaping the future through the education of our students, and our responsibility to engagement in our communities,” Bellamkonda said. 

“I am excited to have the opportunity to serve The Ohio State University with its scale and reach. Ohio State is one of the great land-grant universities in our nation, and we are poised under President Carter’s leadership to excel in every part of our academic mission. My leadership philosophy is to relentlessly pursue excellence, and I am honored to join all of the incredible faculty, staff and students at Ohio State who make that their mission each day."

Trained as a bioengineer and neuroscientist, Bellamkonda also previously served as the Wallace H. Coulter Professor and chair of the Department of Biomedical Engineering, and associate vice president for research, at Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University. He began his professional career at Case Western Reserve University, serving as an assistant and associate professor, as well as associate chair for graduate education.

Bellamkonda earned a PhD at Brown University and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Bellamkonda has a bachelor’s degree in engineering from Osmania University. He has won numerous honors from professional societies in biomedical engineering and biomaterials. He served as president of the American Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering from 2014 to 2016.

Bellamkonda is an internationally renowned biomedical researcher, whose lab has invented novel approaches to treat pediatric and adult brain tumors.

In 2021, he received a National Institutes of Health Director’s Transformative Research Award for his work, supported by the National Cancer Institute. The tumor monorail device developed in his lab has been recognized as a breakthrough technology by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. He is the scientific founder of a startup, Exvade Bioscience, that is pioneering first-in-human trials for the tumor monorail device. Additionally, Bellamkonda is an elected Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science; International Academy of Medical and Biological Engineering; and Society for Biomaterials; as well as an elected senior member of the National Academy of Inventors. He has been awarded 11 U.S. patents.

“We are delighted to help bring someone of Dr. Bellamkonda’s considerable accomplishments and collegial spirit to Ohio State,” said John J. Warner, co-chair of the university’s search committee and the chief executive officer of The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and executive vice president at Ohio State.

Comprising faculty, staff and students from across Ohio State, the committee was co-chaired by Janet Box-Steffensmeier, Distinguished University Professor, Vernal Riffe Professor of Political Science and professor of sociology in the College of Arts and Sciences.

“We are honored to have Dr. Bellamkonda join our faculty due to his outstanding academic achievements and visionary leadership,” said Box-Steffensmeier. “We are confident that his contributions will inspire and elevate the academic experiences of all our students, faculty and staff at Ohio State.”

Bellamkonda will succeed interim executive vice president and provost Karla Zadnik, who will continue to serve as interim dean of the College of Public Health while that dean search continues before returning to the College of Optometry as dean.

“Our deepest thanks go to Dr. Zadnik, who has provided critical insight and guidance, and will continue to do so throughout this transition,” Carter said. “She is a wonderful partner and colleague – and will work closely with Dr. Bellamkonda as part of our exceptional college leadership team.”

Total enrollment at Ohio State increased to 66,901, up 2.3% from 2023. The new numbers are part of the Autumn Semester Enrollment Report released today. The report includes key data about Ohio State’s undergraduate, graduate and professional students on the Columbus and regional campuses.

“The historic first-year enrollment numbers speak to the exceptional value of an Ohio State education. We are excited to welcome this record-breaking class as they begin their academic careers on the Columbus and regional campuses,” said Ohio State President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr. “Ohio State remains a top choice for students and their families. We are committed to offering our Buckeye community an affordable and accessible education.” 

In addition to the record class on the Columbus campus, the university’s regional campuses and Ohio State ATI on the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences Wooster campus, continue to grow. Total new first-year students on those campuses have increased year-over-year, reaching nearly 20% growth over the past two years – 14.7% in 2023 and 3.9% in 2024.

Graduate student enrollment also reached a record high of 11,408 students, and professional student enrollment remains stable.

The record numbers are part of an intentional strategy following the graduation of one of the university’s largest classes and two years of decreasing the size of the first-year class. The university continues to emphasize serving the Buckeye state, and 71.1% of all enrolled students are Ohio residents.

The new first-year class on the Columbus campus is exceptionally talented, with 96% graduating in the top 25% and 64% graduating in the Top 10% of their high school classes. Average ACT and SAT scores remain at or above the 94th percentile.

Ohio State has updated its admissions process to ensure compliance with the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in the Students for Fair Admissions cases. The percentage of minority students in the new first-year class, 29.5%, is consistent with previous years.

Fueled by overall growth, Ohio State is experiencing increases in many student populations. African American student enrollment increased to 5,449 and Hispanic student enrollment increased to 3,895 students. Both are record highs.

“Ohio State is reaching new heights thanks to impressive and, at times, record-breaking growth across our campuses,” said James Orr, vice provost for strategic enrollment management. “Enrollment at the university reflects the dedication of thousands of colleagues across our campuses to recruit, retain and graduate our students.”

The university remains committed to an affordable education and expects to distribute $415 million in financial aid in 2024. Last year, Ohio State adjusted the Buckeye Opportunity Program to allow all students on regional campuses to qualify for the program immediately at the beginning of their first semester. The program covers tuition and mandatory fees for Ohio residents who are eligible for Pell Grants and show significant need.

In addition to ongoing affordability programs, Ohio State students are graduating on time. The 4-year graduation rate of 72.8% on the Columbus campus reached a record high. The 6-year graduation rate remained stable at 87.7%.

“I’m from Hamilton, which is one of those industrial legacy cities,” he said. “In my own childhood, I got to experience what happens within a place when jobs disappear, when the housing market no longer functions. To me, that was a visceral experience.”

That early exposure led Reece to his job as an associate professor of city and regional planning at the Knowlton School at The Ohio State University, where he studies the role planning plays in a city’s development. 

Less than a decade ago, Reece, as part of the university’s Kirwan Institute, collaborated with the Ohio Housing Finance Agency to create what is now known as the Opportunity Index and its interactive mapping tool.

The goal of the tool, said Reece, who also serves as vice provost for urban research and community engagement at the university, is to provide context for neighborhoods in the state. That context comes from 15 opportunity indicators in five categories: housing, education, transportation, employment and health.

“We used two kinds of knowledge [to create the indicators]: the research literature and extensive community engagement,” Reece said. “We’re looking at proximity to jobs, looking at the physical conditions of a neighborhood. Is it environmentally healthy? Are there parks? Is there access to food? How are the schools doing?” 

When Reece began his work, data for the index was hard to find. That is no longer the case.

“This is a different era where we have oodles of data and all these different mapping tools,” he said. “The challenge now is to make meaning of that and to figure out how to contextualize and use the information.”

While the influx of data is a good problem to have, sometimes the figures don’t paint a whole picture, said Reece.

“We recognize that the data and the map is a first look, it’s a snapshot,” he said. “There’s a lot about neighborhoods that’s qualitative, that’s experiential. It’s important to do a deeper dive into understanding the community, beyond just the data. But data is a good place to start.” 

Users of the tool can see where their neighborhood ranks on the index, from very high to very low opportunity. Just as important, though, is the Community Change Index, which lets users see how an area’s housing market and social demographics have changed over time.

“You can get a feel for which direction neighborhoods are trending,” Reece said. “You may have a neighborhood that isn’t doing so well but when we look at the Change Index, we can recognize that it’s actually on an upward trajectory. It’s a helpful tool.”

As Reece knows, a person’s neighborhood can shape their future in myriad ways.

“There’s the old real estate adage, ‘Location, location, location.’ That’s very much the case in the context of what we’ve learned, in regard to why the quality of your environment matters so much,” Reece said.

These impacts go beyond the individual, he said.

“If you think about young people, these environmental factors have the deepest impact on youth development and the ability for kids and families to thrive. … If we know kids are in challenging environments, then we also know that if we improve those environments, kids are going to see better outcomes. Those kids are the labor force of the future, the leaders of the future. Making sure families are healthy and in safe environments is critical – that impacts our entire region.”

“You may not know this, but crumbs are dangerous in space, so we don’t bring things like crackers,” said Robyn Gatens, director of the International Space Station for NASA. “Crumbs might get in someone’s eye as they float around and that’s a hazard.”

Gatens was the keynote speaker at the Deep Space Food Symposium held at The Ohio State University last week. She was joined by a full day’s worth of speakers including Christian Lange from the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), NASA colleague G. Michael Green and John Horack, the Neil Armstrong Chair in Aerospace Technology at Ohio State.

Ohio State President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr. opened the symposium, highlighting what became a theme for the day: collaboration toward a greater goal.

“This is a special gathering for a special topic, a special mission,” Carter said. “… There’s a lot of excitement here. This is where academia, industry, government all come together to solve some of the biggest challenges we think about [for] deep space exploration.”

In addition to panels, the day also featured the announcement of the American winner of the CSA and NASA’s Deep Space Food Challenge. The challenge invited teams around the country to submit proposals for “novel and game-changing food technologies or systems that require minimal inputs and maximize safe, nutritious and palatable food outputs for long-duration space missions, and which have potential to benefit people on Earth.”

Food, Gatens said, is a vital resource for astronauts. Not just for nutrition, though.

“If you think about the social and psychological role that food plays in your life – a gathering of friends and family for dinner, celebrating holidays and breaking bread, spending time together – there’s comfort in having your favorite food and beverages when you’re away from home,” she said. “And that’s no different for our astronauts in space on long-duration missions.”

Interstellar Lab, a Floridian team, won the top prize with its modular, bioregenerative system for producing fresh microgreens, vegetables, mushrooms and insects.

Green, chief of staff for the Space Technology Mission Directorate at NASA, highlighted the importance of challenges in finding solutions to complex problems, calling them “the best starting point” for students and professors. Academia has a large role to play, Green added.

“So many times it is important to partner with our friends in academia to look at a tough problem that maybe we don’t know how to solve,” he said.

Gatens agreed.

“The partnership here at Ohio State has been really important for this challenge.”

Audience members listened to the speakers with rapt attention. While attendees were mostly graduate students, faculty and contractors, two stood out: 12-year-old Molly Pease and her mother, Colette.

After seeing “Apollo 13” for the first time last year, Molly admitted to being “obsessed” with space. Her mother came across the symposium and noted that it was open to the public.

“We were just at the NASA booth and totally geeked out,” she said. “You just say, ‘NASA,’ and the cool factor exponentially increased. It felt like the chance of a lifetime for her to see the director of the International Space Station.”

The annual celebration is an opportunity for new students to gather together, meet their peers and hear from university leaders about the traditions and opportunities at The Ohio State University.

“You have an incredible journey ahead of you, full of new knowledge, new friendships, new traditions,” said President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr.

While not a new Buckeye, Carter was also celebrating his first convocation since becoming the university’s 17th president. He had two points that he wanted students to understand, the first being his commitment to establishing a safe campus environment and that safety remains his top priority.

“The second thing I want you to know is that this university aims to challenge you. We’ll challenge you academically, of course, but you'll also be challenged to engage with new ideas and new points of view, to think critically and sometimes disagree, respectfully,” he said. “So as we share our views, it’s important to do so with civility and respect – a skill that will serve you well on all of our campuses, as you graduate, and eventually head out into the world.”

Melissa Shivers, senior vice president for the Office of Student Life, said one of the best ways to build connections with new classmates is to become involved on campus. The university has more than 1,400 student organizations that range from club sports and faith-based communities to professional organizations.

“Data shows that students who are involved on campus tend to succeed at the university and beyond at higher rates,” Shivers said. “Students who are involved in co-curricular activities are significantly more likely to have relationships with other Ohio State students and faculty, to feel like they are a part of the Ohio State community, to report that they have developed as a leader during their time at Ohio State compared to peers who were not engaged.”

Students who attended commencement were also offered a glimpse of their future. Each student received an envelope with a Block O pin and a scarlet graduation tassel. The pin serves as a symbol of the new bond between the first-year students and the tassel symbolizes the goal of graduation. Both items were gifts from the university Alumni Association.

“From the moment you stepped onto one of our wonderful campuses, you became a part of that incredible Ohio State family, with more than 600,000 alumni around the globe, ready to support and celebrate you,” said Alumni Association President and CEO Molly Ranz Calhoun. “As you begin this chapter of your Ohio State story, you will quickly discover what it means to be a Buckeye for life.”

The program provides scholarship funding to undergraduate and graduate students in internships with startup companies and small businesses. Students are matched with organizations offering project-based internships throughout Ohio State’s summer term (May-August).

“This is an exciting program for us because it gives students an opportunity for real world work experiences and to do some fun things,” said Cheryl Turnbull, senior director of Ohio State’s Keenan Center for Entrepreneurship, a campus-wide hub for the development of student entrepreneurs and part of Ohio State’s Enterprise for Research, Innovation and Knowledge.  

The Wheeler and Wolstein Internship Program is funded by contributions from the late Tom Wheeler, an industrial engineer and Ohio State alumnus, and the Bert and Iris Wolstein Foundation.

“The dollars that they give go 100% to allowing students to have an internship that our startup companies and small businesses don’t have to pay for,” Turnbull said. “It’s a win-win for our companies and for our students. Students get a great experience, and the companies have access to this awesome talent.”

This summer, students interned at companies ranging from business incubators to real estate development companies to technology firms. Several of the host companies got their start through the Ohio State President’s Buckeye Accelerator program that helps students launch business ventures.

Information systems major Parker Haskett interned for one such company, ParaWave, which provides drone technology to first responders. Haskett said he gained valuable experience while managing the company’s social media and website. He also created a three-page leaflet detailing the company’s services for prospective clients.

“I made their new website from scratch using WordPress. … I did get to use my interest in website design,” Haskett said. “I was able to combine my knowledge of ParaWave into this three-pager.”

Radiologic sciences and therapy major Safa Mohamed oversaw customer relationship management operations for PointPro. The company assists businesses in assessing risks and managing assets.

“I gained exposure to the technology industry, which I hadn’t had before,” she said. “Working remotely caused me to manage my time very efficiently.”

Biomedical engineering major Hari Kasi interned for the Ohio Innovation Fund, a business incubator. He conducted market research and brainstormed growth strategies for various central Ohio companies.

Kasi said the internship complemented his personal interest in entrepreneurship. He is a co-founder of Almara, a startup that was one of the winning teams in this year’s President’s Buckeye Accelerator. The company aims to connect cancer patients with potentially life-saving clinical trials.

Kasi said his internship with the Ohio Innovation Fund culminated with a capstone project that enabled him to draw on his background in clinical research. He assisted life sciences and biomedical companies in coordinating clinical trials.

“Working really close with companies was amazing because you got to see how the team develops and see investment and how to keep fueling growth on their journey,” he said. “That really interested me to see how you can position yourself during the clinical trial stage to be successful.”

City and regional planning major Brady Foy interned with real estate firm Spire Development, working with the company’s team to analyze the current state of central Ohio’s real estate market and project future trends.

“I gained a lot of understanding of the real estate world,” he said. “I worked on the development side, I worked with property management, [completed] a lot of the bookkeeping stuff, which is something I’ve never even thought about. [I exchanged] a lot of emails with all different parts of the business. It was my first 9-to-5 experience.”  

Shannon Bradley, the Keenan Center’s program coordinator for entrepreneurial programs and talent, encouraged the students to draw on their internship experiences when they enter the workforce.

“Every project that you worked on has a direct impact on the company,” she told the students. “I encourage you to tell that story to future employers. Make sure you’re showcasing what you’ve done.”

OSEP contributes $810,000 each year to the university or affiliated philanthropic causes that promote sustainable energy and environmental initiatives. Working with OSEP, the Office of Academic Affairs engages Ohio State faculty, staff and students to submit proposals that advance university priorities and promote interdisciplinary and community collaboration.

Grants include $50,000 to Professor Patrice Hamel, College of Arts and Sciences, for a global education project titled “Experiential Learning in Sustainability: An International Perspective.”

The project’s goal is to promote education about the environmental benefits of transitioning to a low-carbon economy and providing information to communities about how to reduce their carbon footprint, Hamel said.

“Sustainability is something very broad that is a multi-component, multifaceted sort of problem,” he said. “It is global in the sense that there are so many aspects that are interconnected.”

In collaboration with a France-based consultant (C. Cohen-Dujardin) with expertise in the low-carbon transition, a group of Ohio State students will be trained to research, collect and present data on how to build a U.S.-relevant version of an educational workshop focused on sustainability.

Another group of students will be placed as interns in French companies that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability. The program will enable students to learn more about practices that benefit the environment while gaining practical work experience, Hamel said.

“Instilling a culture of sustainability or an awareness for what we need to do to have a world that is more sustainable would probably be most efficient while students are still in college,” he said. “I like the fact that this is a project that’s going to educate students in their formative years before they decide what professional careers they’re going to follow.”

Another $50,000 OSEP grant has been awarded to John Irwin, a manager in Ohio State Facilities Operations and Development (FOD), for “Campus Shop: Paving the Way for a Sustainable Campus.”

The grant will enable FOD to transition from gas-powered power tools to more environmentally friendly battery-powered, electric tools to maintain campus grounds, such as concrete crushing and paving equipment, saws, generators and debris blowers, Irwin said.

“In the process of writing this grant, we were working with the [university] sustainability team,” Irwin said. “That got us more in touch with them. We’re actually going to start collaborating more on sustainability goals, which is a direct result of applying for this grant.”

A $40,402 OSEP grant has been awarded to Geddy Davis, the Byrd Center’s Weather & Climate Services program coordinator. The grant will fund the project, “Improving Weather and Climate Understanding and Teaching Among Ohio Environmental Professionals and Volunteers.”

The initiative was inspired by a growing demand from environmental professionals for enhanced weather and climate science educational content, Davis said.

“Our goal is to empower Ohio’s environmental educators and volunteers with the knowledge and tools they need to effectively teach about climate and weather,” Davis said. “The project will address common barriers, such as lack of knowledge, concerns over controversy, and the absence of specific curricula tailored for Ohio.”

The grant will facilitate the production of in-person and asynchronous course sessions, building upon a foundational chapter of the soon-to-be-released Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist (OCVN) Handbook. The project will also offer one-day training courses in various regions of Ohio and develop an accessible virtual training platform.

The educational modules are designed to reach a broad audience of environmental professionals, equipping them with the necessary resources to engage and educate communities across Ohio, Davis said.

Along with Davis, the collaborative project involves the Byrd Center's Education and Outreach team, led by Jason Cervenec, and the State Climate Office of Ohio, led by Aaron Wilson, in partnership with Ohio State University Extension. Also participating is Anne Baird, director of the OCVN Program.

Other OSEP grant award winners include:

$50,000 to Cecil Okotah, Department of Athletics, for Advancing sustainability through the utilization of electric leaf blowers to achieve cleaner air and reduced noise levels.

$50,000 to Richard Niese for a real-time utility dashboard for Off-Campus Wexner Medical Center Facilities.

$37,900 to Jack Gruber, College of Engineering/Knowlton School, Solar GPS Tracking of Animal Behavior and Landscape Use Dynamics at the Wilds.

$22,900 to Emma Kline, College of Arts and Sciences, for Lost Waters: The Secrets of Neil Run.

In addition, OSEP supported the following projects this year:

Smart Campus Challenge, $185,000.

Targeted Investment in the Arts, $175,000.

Center for Automotive Research Battery Challenge Grant Match, $50,000.

State Science Day, $25,000.

WOSU Annual Fundraiser Support, $25,000.

Wexner Center for the Arts General Support, $25,000.

Ohio State Hackathon, $22,500.

WestFest Community Science Day, $15,000.

“You’re […] proof that you’re never too old or too young for teaching and learning,” he said, praising the class of 2024.

Carter asked that the graduating students take two ideas from the university’s motto, “Education for citizenship.”

The first is the importance of community.

“We are all citizens – not just of any one nation or state – but of the world, and of every community we’re a part of.”

Second, Carter emphasized contributing to those communities.

“Throughout our lives, each of us has the opportunity – and I believe, obligation – to serve these communities. To give back or pay forward so they can be better for those who follow us,” he said. “This service can be taken in many different forms, and all are them are valid.”

Angus Fletcher, professor of English, shared his research on the science of success. He advised students to embrace hardships and be grateful for the lessons they provide. Antifragility, a concept he introduced to the audience, is a key skill for success in life.

“Antifragility is the power of hearts that get tougher from heartbreak, loving harder with experience,” he said. “It’s the power of minds that get wiser from wrongs turns, fortifying themselves with lessons learned. … We are all born with the power of antifragility. It is a gift of nature. And any time you want, you can use its power. All you have to do is activate your gratitude for adversity.”

In addition to degrees and certificates, Distinguished Service Awards were given to Michael A. Bumgarner and Leslie G. Bumgarner as well as Stephen G. Mehallis for their extraordinary commitment to the university. 

The 1,779 degrees awarded Sunday included 263 doctorates, 699 master’s and 13 professional degrees, as well as 804 undergraduate and associate degrees and certificates. Nearly 60 countries were represented at the ceremony, with students hailing from Australia, France, Paraguay and Zambia.

Spears-McNatt’s last day in office with Ohio State will be Aug. 26. An interim police chief will be named before her departure.

Spears-McNatt is a Buckeye for life – having graduated from the university and joining OSUPD in 1994.

“This is a unique opportunity for me to retire from my current role, while also taking on a new challenge that aligns with my career goals,” Spears-McNatt said. “I will miss Ohio State and all my fellow Buckeyes, but I am also excited to take on this new challenge.”

Spears-McNatt became OSUPD’s first female chief in 2018 after working her way up through the ranks over the past 30 years. During her time with OSUPD, she received several honors, including a Commendation Award and a Medal of Valor. In just six years as chief, Spears-McNatt has greatly increased the diversity of the division and has shaped the organizational culture. She hired more than half of the officers currently employed by OSUPD, and has appointed or promoted more than two-thirds of the current police supervisors, setting the police division up for success well into the future.

Spears-McNatt led the police division in accomplishing important initiatives that have contributed to the overall safety of our Buckeye community. This includes the integration of safety enhancements that led to an overall significant decrease in major crimes, both on and off campus.

Approximately 1,600 degrees will be awarded at the Aug. 4 ceremony at the Schottenstein Center. The ceremony begins at 2 p.m. and will last approximately 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Tickets are not required for guests.

“Throughout his career, Dr. Fletcher has been a dedicated mentor, dynamic writer, passionate educator and researcher who epitomizes the passion all Buckeyes have for finding solutions the world needs,” said President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr. “I know he will help elevate this special day for our graduates and their loved ones, making it memorable and meaningful. We couldn’t be more excited that he will be speaking during summer commencement.”

Fletcher began his academic career working for four years in a medical school neurophysiology laboratory. It was during this time that Fletcher says he learned that the brain functions less like a computer that processes data and is more driven by emotion and story.

Fletcher changed his academic focus and went on to earn a Ph.D. in literature from Yale University. He has since worked with numerous companies, including animation studio Pixar, on how narrative storytelling and creative technology stem from the same areas in the brain. 

Before joining Ohio State, Fletcher previously taught at Stanford University, the University of Southern California and Yale. He also works with Ohio State’s Max M. Fisher College of Business and other business schools around the country, helping students train the brain’s creativity centers.

In 2021, Fletcher began working with the U.S. Army’s Command and General Staff College, training special operations personnel in leadership and decision-making skills. In 2023, he was awarded the Army’s Public Service Commendation Medal (PSCM) for his work.

The PSCM is the fourth-highest public service decoration that the Army can bestow upon a civilian. The PSCM is awarded for distinguished service or achievements that contribute to the accomplishment of an Army mission. 

“Any mouthguard helps prevent injuries,” she said. “But no mouthguard can prevent injuries if it isn’t worn.”

Earlier this month, students at West High School benefited from Mendel’s expertise, as well as that of her colleagues and students in the Sports Dentistry Club. Twenty-five high school football players saw dental students who made molds of their mouths that will be turned into free, custom mouthguards. 

Players are more likely to wear mouthguards that fit well, Mendel said, and a custom mouthguard will have a more comfortable fit.  In addition to being more comfortable, the mouthguards have one more alluring feature.

“The dentistry students can put logos on them, names,” she said. “You can personalize it, which makes the mouthguard a little bit cooler. Hopefully they’ll want to wear them.”

Founded last year by third-year dentistry student Ethan Leonard and his classmate Logan Shope, the Sports Dentistry Club has only hosted one mouthguard event but plans to do more based on this year’s success. Community engagement is a pillar of the club’s mission.

“We wanted it to be educational and service-led,” he said. “We want to give back because dental school is such a privilege.”

West High School, part of the Columbus City Schools, has long needed upgrades for its sports teams. Resurrected in 2023, the school’s booster program has pitched in to raise money for athletic uniforms and facilities. In its first year, Sports Dentistry Club donated toothbrushes and so-called “bite and boil” mouthguards that West High players could mold at home.

Wanting to do more this year, Leonard organized the mouthguard event, which was held at Postle Hall. Cardinal Transportation, a local charter service, volunteered to drive the students to Ohio State’s campus.

Each West High student was assigned three dental students: one who made the mold, one who assisted and one who shepherded the high schooler from the lobby to the procedure room and back again. Mendel and four other faculty members oversaw the work.

“I was blown away by the camaraderie of the College of Dentistry,” Mendel said. “Faculty volunteered; students volunteered. We had staff that helped, too. It made me feel so good that everyone pitched in – that brought the school together.” 

The West High students enjoyed the event just as much, Leonard said.

“I didn’t expect that,” he said. “But they seemed to really enjoy it. We got a lot of ‘thank yous.’ It was neat to see that as a provider after playing high school sports myself.”

Commenting on the event’s success, Carroll Ann Trotman, the college’s dean, said, “I’m proud that our staff, faculty and students are pitching in to provide care for student-athletes at Columbus area schools. These are great opportunities for our students to help meet an important need and to have a positive impact on the lives of others.”

Trotman added, “This is just one example of what can be accomplished when the college community works together. I’m grateful to the Sports Dentistry Club members, to Dr. Mendel, and everyone who helped with this worthwhile effort.”

Leonard and Mendel agree that the club will host more mouthguard events in the future, focusing on area schools that may not have easy access to dentists.

This type of community work is important, Mendel said. Dentistry students get to hone a skill they’ll be using in their careers while they help student athletes stay healthy.

“You do hope that if they do it as a College of Dentistry student, it will carry over into their practices as well,” she said. “You want students to learn that skill but also to learn the philosophy.”

Pat Tillman, the NFL-star-turned-Army Ranger, walked away from a lucrative professional football career to join the elite unit following the 2001 terror attack. Sowers was a Columbus high school student at the time, felt the same call to service and enlisted at the earliest opportunity – he wanted to join the Army at 16.

“They told me to come back in another year. I came back when I was 17, signed up in the delayed entry program and once I completed high school in 2004, I left for the Army,” he said.

“When I went to the recruiter's office, he was like, ‘Well, what do you want to do?’ I just wanted to serve with Pat Tillman. That’s all I knew. I wanted to be an airborne ranger. Unfortunately, he was killed in action, so that never came to fruition.”

His delayed enlistment wouldn’t be the first time Sowers would be told no – but he pressed forward regardless. In the Army, Sowers was a member of the famed 82nd Airborne Division and spent four years in the service, including 15 months in Afghanistan.

When he left the Army and returned to Columbus, he admits he got into trouble right away.

“Everything that I do now for veterans really took off when I got out in 2008. … I spent the better part of the next decade getting a legal education on the wrong side of the law,” Sowers said.

Run-ins with the legal system included assault and drunk driving convictions. He said he became so familiar with the process that he committed to memory the steps it would take to bail himself out of jail.

The birth of his children inspired Sowers to take stock of his life.

“I was like, ‘Yeah, I need to fix this, to be the best version I could be for them.’”

He returned to school: Columbus State Community College and then Kent State’s online program. Sowers completed a paralegal degree to become a lawyer to help fellow veterans in the criminal justice system. He began working in Veteran Treatment Courts in Franklin and Delaware counties.

Through his work, Sowers met other veterans who had established careers in social work, and it shifted his focus. Ohio State was his dream school, and he applied for the Master of Social Work program – but he kept getting turned down.

After his application was turned down a third time, Sowers worked to get an in-person meeting with college admissions.

“I just wanted to know, what do I have to do to make Ohio State like me enough to let me be a student?” he said.

Once again in his life, Sowers’ persistence paid off. He explained how his experience as a veteran and his desire to understand and improve the systems supporting veterans would benefit the program and his career as a student. It worked and he was admitted into the program.

Now a PhD candidate in the College of Social Work, Sowers continues to live up to that commitment. He has helped develop and support federal legislation for veterans including the Veterans Justice Outreach Improvement Act and STRONG Veterans Act. He serves the university’s military-connected community as a Military Community Advocate and was president of the Student Veterans Association.

He is now one of the 60 U.S. service members, veterans and military spouses chosen as Tillman Scholars this year. The program, part of the Pat Tillman Foundation, supports active-duty service members, veterans and military spouses through education, lifelong leadership development, and a community of peers and mentors to help them impact their community and the world. 

John Provenzano, a lecturer in the College of Social Work, has known Sowers since 2018 when they met through the Save a Warrior program. They are currently working in the college on courses that would benefit both student veterans and non-veteran students to better understand the military and veteran issues they may face in the field. He believes Sowers honors Tillman’s legacy.

“Eric is one of the most dedicated individuals I have met when it comes to veterans’ issues. He has dedicated himself to serving veterans in the social work field and has put in the hours to raise awareness to issues that veterans, both student and non-student alike, face,” he said. “He has persevered through his time in the service and is using his experiences to help others. I think these are amazing qualities that a Tillman Scholar should embody.”

The Tillman Scholarship will help Sowers manage life as a student, father and community advocate. He hopes to finish his PhD program by 2026 and continue to improve veterans’ transition into civilian life, help them remain in good legal standing and advance their opportunities.

“I don’t hide behind anything that I’ve done because to me, it’s fuel,” he said. “It helps motivate me. It helps show others that your current situation doesn’t have to define you or your future.”

The visit to Orton Hall was a day-long immersion into geology, paleontology and earth sciences. And it was one day in a week for the teachers and administrators at the STEAMM Rising Summer Institute. The institute is an opportunity for Columbus City teachers to experience a variety of STEAMM (science, technology, engineering, art, mathematics and medicine) activities on campus and to create a plan for taking those activities and skills back to their classrooms and schools. 

Teachers were welcomed to a guided tour of the Orton Geological Museum led by collections manager and curator Dale Gnidnovec and studied mineral classification methods. University faculty also shared their expertise.

Loren Babcock, professor in the School of Earth Sciences, spoke to a group of teachers about the science of assembling some of the skeletons of the ancient animals in Orton Hall when all they have at hand are bones or bone fragments.

“How do we go from isolated pieces like this to reconstruct an ancient animal, especially if you don’t have a modern animal that you can go by?” he asked. “So this gets at the question of using limited evidence to infer answers to larger questions, which is what we do in science every single day.”

Northland High School teacher Christopher Klemm has worked with the summer institute program for three years as a facilitator. He said the program can help teachers understand the many opportunities in the STEAMM fields and, in turn, share that information with students.

“What I’ve always liked about it are the careers that you’re exposed to. The first year we toured all the different colleges in the medical areas. … So you’re learning about careers and job opportunities that we never saw,” he said.  “The variety of careers are much larger than you really think they are. And this is what students can have a problem with – they really don’t know what’s out there for them.”

Some of the classroom experiences for the week included visits to the College of Veterinary Medicine, participating in the BioEYES education program that provides classroom-based learning opportunities using live zebrafish, and tours of the Center for Design and Manufacturing Excellence and the Student Entrepreneurs’ Center.

“There are some more challenging concepts, sure. But some of the stuff like looking at different fossils and looking at different bones, they could do that,” said Valerie Hunt, a kindergarten teacher at Berwick Alternative Elementary School. “Or the zebrafish yesterday. [Students could] look at different parts of that experiment and see what happens when you interact with two of them at the same time.”

The summer institute experience is part of STEAMM Rising, the ongoing partnership with the university, the city of Columbus, Columbus City Schools and Columbus State Community College (CSCC) to strengthen STEAMM courses and career pathways for students pursuing undergraduate studies in STEAMM fields. Ohio State’s Office of Academic Affairs also supports the teaching and learning opportunities STEAMM Rising offers.

“Year three was the best yet for the STEAMM Rising Summer Institute. We continue to work with our great partners to develop these incredible experiential learning opportunities,” said Terri Bucci, program director for STEAMM Rising. “Everyone on the team, from our instructors and faculty to industry partners to the teachers who take time out of their summer break, we continue to work toward a common goal for access and visibility in STEAMM fields for the students in central Ohio.”

Pam Artrip, a curriculum supervisor for Columbus City Schools, was in her second year in the summer program. She said the partnerships and collaborations from the week will carry over into the classroom in the fall.

“It’s been amazing to be able to … have folks here from Ohio State as well as Columbus State working with our teachers … to help them build their background knowledge, as well as being able to give them opportunities for things that they can take back to the classroom,” she said. “In my opinion, it’s so important for our kiddos to have those opportunities to be ready to go into STEAMM fields, and this is building that bridge from the K-12 experience into the college experience.”

The program was a popular one and was used again during World War II. It resurfaced in Ohio more recently, said Pam Bennett, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“There was a huge bump in gardening,” said Bennett, a horticulture educator for The Ohio State University Extension in Clark County. “People wanted to know how to grow vegetables. We got calls from people wanting help on how to do it, where to find seeds and so forth.”

Following a promotion of pandemic victory gardens in Kentucky, OSU Extension and the Ohio Department of Agriculture launched the Ohio Victory Gardens program in 2020 in eight counties. In four years, outreach has increased eight-fold and victory garden seed packs are now available each spring in 64 counties.

A large part of the program’s success can be attributed to OSU Extension’s established presence in Ohio, Bennett said.

“It’s easy for us to distribute because we are Extension. Boots are on the ground,” she said. “We’re already teaching, we’re already working with food banks, with community resources. So, we were connected with the resources to get the seeds to people.”

Many participants choose to donate some of their harvest to area food banks. And several counties dedicate community gardens solely to growing food for those who need it most, Bennett said.

“In Clark County, we have one large, 100,000-square-foot garden,” she said. “Our Master Gardener volunteers plant, maintain and harvest the produce. Then they take that down to the Second Harvest Food Bank on a weekly basis during the summer, sometimes even twice a week.”

These donations are part of Extension’s Grow Ohio program, in which Extension Master Gardener Volunteers grow produce for food banks. Last year, more than 85,000 pounds of produce was donated to local organizations.

Each county participating in the victory gardens program receives 300 seed packets – a mixture of lettuce, cucumber, carrot and sunflower seeds – meaning more than 19,000 packets are distributed. In addition to the seeds, Extension provides free gardening tips, as well as recipes and canning instructions. The university and the state have resources that are used to support the program, Bennett said.

“That’s what Extension does. We have family consumer science educators who specialize in how to use these foods,” she said. “A few counties also work with 4-H, which brings young people in as well. Collaborating just makes sense.”

Recipes are also provided to people picking up produce at the food banks. Some people aren’t comfortable working with fresh produce, Bennett said.

“Our family consumer science professionals come to the food bank and distribute recipes,” she said. “They do cooking demonstrations, tell people how to use things. Not everyone knows how to use a zucchini.”

Some people, however, are happy to see old favorites.

“We had a bunch of green tomatoes, and a guy came to the food bank for some,” she said. “He was doing cartwheels because he was going to have fried green tomatoes for the first time in years. His grandma made them when he was younger, but he didn’t have any.”

Bennett hopes the program can be expanded to all 88 of Ohio’s counties so more people can grow their own food. It’s easier than it seems, she said. People can garden in their yard, in containers, on their apartment balconies.

“Try it,” she said. “The seeds are free. You don’t have anything to lose.”

Most of the 2024 seeds have been distributed, but plans for next year will be shared on the victory garden website: https://u.osu.edu/ohiovictorygardens/sowing-the-seeds/.

“We’re here tonight to celebrate the best of the best  ̶  those of you who define innovative thinking, high-quality scholarship, impactful service, leadership, the power of mentorship. What happens when you apply your expertise to society’s biggest challenges?” Carter told the honorees. “The work you do not only impacts lives, it saves lives.”

Honorees represent a wide range of expertise, said Interim Executive Vice President and Provost Karla Zadnik.

“These colleagues represent the extraordinary quality that our faculty members bring to our students, the community and beyond,” she said. “Our eminent faculty are the key drivers behind the success of our talented students, and I’m proud that our university fosters excellence at every stage of the faculty life cycle.”

The Distinguished University Professor award, Ohio State’s highest faculty honor, was presented to Judit Puskas, distinguished professor in the College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Wooster campus. Her extensive research on polymers has resulted in more than 430 publications and 33 patents, showcasing the significant applied impacts of her research in biomedical engineering and sustainability.

“This was definitely a big surprise for me,” Puskas said. “Ohio State is the best.”

Three professors were recognized with the President and Provost’s Award for Distinguished Faculty Service: Eric Bielefeld, professor and chair, Department of Speech and Hearing Science, College of Arts and Sciences; Elizabeth Hewitt, professor, Department of English, College of Arts and Sciences; and Christopher Jaroniec, distinguished professor, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry; associate dean for research and creative inquiry, College of Arts and Sciences.

“These awardees are tireless servants of the university,” said Patrick Louchouarn, senior vice provost for faculty. “Their contributions to the development and implementation of university policies and programs through non-administrative roles have been extensive and have positively impacted the quality of our university.”

The Distinguished Scholar Award was presented to six faculty members.

“The Distinguished Scholar Award is among the highest annual honors The Ohio State University bestows on a faculty member in recognition of outstanding scholarly activity, research or creative works,” said Peter Mohler, executive vice president, Enterprise for Research, Innovation and Knowledge. “These colleagues represent exceptional achievements in their fields and have brought distinction to themselves and Ohio State.”

Distinguished Scholar Award recipients are:

Amal Amer, professor and vice chair for translational research, Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, College of Medicine.

Sara Butler, professor and King George III Chair in British History, Department of History; Director, Center for Historical Research, College of Arts and Sciences.

Smita Mathur, professor, Department of Astronomy, College of Arts and Sciences.

Srinivasan Parthasarathy, professor, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, College of Engineering.

Robyn Warhol, distinguished professor, Department of English, College of Arts and Sciences.

Shang-Tian Yang, professor, David H. George Endowed Chair, William G. Lowrie Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, College of Engineering.

Also during the ceremony, Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering C. Emre Koksal was recognized as the Innovator of the Year. His areas of expertise include data science, wireless communications, information security, communication networks and information theory.

Kotaro Nakanishi, associate professor, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Arts and Sciences, received the Early Career Innovator of the Year award. His research seeks to understand how small non-coding RNAs and their binding proteins work together to control eukaryotic gene expression.

Other honors presented during the celebration included the Community Engaged Scholar Award. Recipients are:  

Sharon Amacher, professor and vice chair, Department of Molecular Genetics, College of Arts and Sciences; professor, Department of Biological Chemistry and Pharmacology, College of Medicine.

John Beacom, distinguished professor of physics and astronomy, College of Arts and Sciences; Henry L. Cox Endowed Professor, Department of Physics; director, Center for Cosmology and AstroParticle Physics, Department of Astronomy.

Joshua Joseph, associate professor, Endowed Professor for Research in Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine.

Paula Meijerink, associate professor, Landscape Architecture Program, Knowlton School of Architecture, College of Engineering.

Townsand Price-Spratlen, associate professor, Department of Sociology, College of Arts and Sciences.

Smitha Rao, assistant professor, College of Social Work.

Kevin McClatchy, associate professor, Department of Theatre Film and Media Arts, College of Arts and Sciences, was recognized as Ohio State’s 2024-25 Artist Laureate. Also recognized were Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching honorees, who are inducted into the university’s Academy of Teaching for the improvement of teaching at Ohio State.

The Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching honorees are:

Katrina Lee, John C. Elamn/Vorys Sater Professor in Law, Moritz College of Law.

Joe Raczowski, assistant professor of professional practice, Department of Entomology, College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

Frances Sivakoff, assistant professor, Department of Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Marion campus.

Mary Sterenberg, assistant professor of practice, School of Communication, College of Arts and Sciences.

Zachary Woods, assistant professor of practice, Division of Pharmacy Education and Innovation, College of Pharmacy.

Faculty members who have received external awards during the 2023-24 academic year also were recognized. Those honored included Pierre Agostini, professor emeritus of physics and 2023 Nobel Laureate, and 2024 Guggenheim Fellows Ryan Johnson, post-MFA dance scholar; Gina Osterloh, associate art professor; and Abby Zbikowski, associate dance professor.   

For a complete list of Faculty Awards honorees, visit the program’s website.

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:

Listening to the feedback from our community over the last several days, I want to set the record straight regarding the events that took place on the South Oval on April 25.

I value and welcome free speech. I have spoken to this since the day I arrived here at Ohio State. As many of you know, I wore the cloth of our nation for 38 years to support and defend these rights. What occurred on our campus on April 25 was not about limiting free speech. It was an intentional violation of university space rules that exist so that teaching, learning, research, service and patient care can occur on our campuses without interruption.

As a public university, demonstrations, protests and disagreement regularly occur on our campus – so much so that we have trained staff and public safety professionals on-site for student demonstrations for safety and to support everyone’s right to engage in these activities. Sadly, in recent days, I have watched significant safety issues be created by encampments on other campuses across our nation. These situations have caused in-person learning and commencement ceremonies to be canceled. Ohio State’s campus will not be overtaken in this manner.

We have been abundantly clear in a multitude of communications that Ohio State has and will enforce the law and university policy, which is what we did on April 25. I most recently stated this in a campus message on April 22. Dr. Shivers again reinforced this and the rules that apply to Finals Week in a message to all students on April 23.

The university’s long-standing space rules are content neutral and are enforced uniformly. Thursday’s actions were taken because those involved in creating the encampment on the South Oval were in violation of these rules and had been notified of this beginning at 4:30 a.m. when the first encampment was attempted, and continuing repeatedly throughout the day. During and after the attempted encampment on Thursday morning, students asked our demonstration staff pointed questions about the space rules and received answers, confirming they were aware of the rules.

Despite these warnings and clear information about the rules, student organizations and outside entities promoted both the morning and the 5 p.m. activities as “encampments,” and the university consistently informed the groups that this is prohibited and would not be permitted. At approximately 5:30 p.m., a group of more than 300, many of whom were not students, faculty or staff at Ohio State, crossed College Road to the South Oval and set up an encampment. Over the next five hours, the group proceeded to establish and build upon the encampment, while being repeatedly warned that this was prohibited. The Ohio State University Police Division was the lead agency, and after numerous warnings, the university made the decision to begin arrests. At approximately 10 p.m., law enforcement began the process of arresting and charging individuals with criminal trespass for knowingly violating university policy and police orders.

Encampments are not allowed on campus regardless of the reason for them. They create the need for around-the-clock safety and security resources, which takes these resources away from the rest of our community. They also create undue pressure on proximate buildings, in this case the Ohio Union, for restrooms and personal hygiene. During Finals Week, the Ohio Union is not only a study space for students, but it is also an exam location, including for students with disabilities. In this case, with the intent of creating an ongoing, 24/7 activity, the encampment also created a disturbance to our residential community in Baker Hall.

I acknowledge that even with additional facts about the incident and the timeline of events, some will continue to disagree with the actions taken. I accept that criticism and will always listen to others’ concerns. In short, I take my responsibilities very seriously and am accountable for outcomes. Arrests are not an action that I or any member of the administration take lightly. I have stated since the first day I was announced as president that safety will not be compromised.

Additional details surrounding the facts of what occurred on April 25 are available on the university’s Key Issues webpage and I encourage you to read them. But I wanted you to hear directly from me that Thursday’s actions were not about the content of anyone’s speech. They do not mean we are limiting individuals’ right to gather and demonstrate. They do mean that Ohio State will continue to uniformly enforce our space rules as well as take the actions that support the safety and security of our community as a whole.

I also want to recognize and thank the many members of our community who have been committed to teaching, learning, listening to and supporting one another as well as peacefully exercising their First Amendment rights on our campus over these past months. This is what I know our Buckeye community is capable of, even – and especially – when it is most difficult.

Ted

Ted Carter

President

The ceremony will be held on Sunday, May 5, at noon in Ohio Stadium. Approximately 12,000 diplomas will be issued. 

Pan, who graduated from Ohio State in 1999, worked for PepsiCo and Facebook before starting his own company, MyIntent. MyIntent makes bracelets with a customer-chosen word that helps the wearer remember to live intentionally. In addition, Pan’s umbrella organization SpiritLab promotes spiritual health and growth through experimentation. 

“Christopher Pan is an incredible example of taking everything you gain at Ohio State and applying it to find solutions that improve the world after graduation,” said Ohio State President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr. “As we celebrate commencement, I am confident Chris will inspire our graduates to make their own impact as they begin their journey as lifelong Buckeyes.”

Pan was named homecoming king in 1998. The milestone remains significant to him.

“I made a commitment to use that recognition to help others,” he said. “It’s an honor to come back 25 years later to share what I’ve learned to help others live free and authentic lives for a harmonious and prosperous society.”

Honorary degrees will be awarded to Pierre Agostini (in absentia), Dennis C. Liotta and John M. Murray. Agostini, an emeritus professor of physics at Ohio State, won the 2023 Nobel Prize in Physics for his work using attosecond light pulses to capture electrons. He received a Doctor of Science in April.

Liotta, who performed his postdoctoral research at Ohio State, co-invented the anti-viral drugs emtricitabine and lamivudine, which are used to treat HIV infection. He was elected to the National Academy of Inventors in 2014 and the Medicinal Chemistry Hall of Fame in 2010. He will receive a Doctor of Science.

Murray is a 1982 Ohio State graduate and has led a distinguished career in the United States Army, serving in leadership roles at home and abroad. He has received four Bronze Stars for his service in senior command positions in Afghanistan between 2004 and 2015. Murray is one of only two Army officers from Ohio State to achieve the rank of four-star general since its founding. He will receive a Doctor of Public Service.

In addition, Distinguished Service Awards will be given to Stanley D. and Joan H. Ross, as well as Lawrence “Larry” Williamson, Jr.