While the card is easy to use, with just a tap, it requires users to always carry it, and it can be lost or stolen.

Now, Buckeyes on the Columbus campus can instead use a mobile BuckID that’s part of what they always have on them — a compatible smartphone or smartwatch.

“A BuckID provides access to all kinds of important things at Ohio State, and adding a mobile option makes it even easier for students, faculty and staff to use,” said Josh Bodnar, director of BuckID. “People who have already switched to mobile really enjoy how easy it is to use.” 

Mobile BuckID is free and available for the Apple Wallet, Google Wallet and Samsung Wallet. Users can simply tap their iPhone, Apple Watch, eligible Android phone or Samsung watch at readers, just like a physical card. If they have an iPhone or Samsung phone, it will still work for several hours after the battery dies.

Switching to the mobile BuckID is optional, and when a user begins using the mobile BuckID it will deactivate their existing BuckID card. If someone does not have a compatible device, or prefers to have a physical card instead, they will still be able to keep their current physical BuckID.

Students, faculty and staff who are eligible to switch to mobile BuckID received an email from the BuckID office on Aug. 25. Some people, including in the Wexner Medical Center and some health science colleges, are not currently eligible to switch. 

Mobile BuckID is initially open to the Columbus campus, with plans for a rollout in regional campuses in 2027. Students that are in online programs and remote-work employees can access a basic digital BuckID in the Ohio State App without needing to add the full mobile BuckID to their mobile wallet. All Columbus campus BuckID readers include mobile-credential capabilities in addition to the tap-enabled cards; if anyone on the Columbus campus still has a swipe-only BuckID, they will not be able to enter buildings or print until they switch to mobile or the tap-enabled cards.

Ohio State is one of the first colleges or universities in North America to integrate mobile functioning for student IDs into an existing app — here, the Ohio State app — instead of requiring an additional app for Apple users to download. To find out more about the mobile BuckID and how to easily switch to mobile, please see the BuckID website and answers to frequently asked questions.

Areas of focus include:

• Safety resources
• Getting around campus
• Well-being resources
• Freedom of expression and civic engagement
• AI Fluency

Safety resources

The safety of all Buckeyes is Ohio State’s top priority. The Ohio State University Police Division (OSUPD) has an authorized strength of 78 full-time officers supported by hundreds of non-sworn security personnel, a campus 9-1-1 call center and security technology. OSUPD works closely with the Columbus Division of Police (CPD) to offer increased patrols in the off-campus University District, including through the joint patrol program that pairs four OSUPD officers with officers from CPD to work in the nearby neighborhood where many students live.

While campus is a safe place, crimes do still occur. Police recommend the following safety tips:

• Lock doors and windows and do not allow unknown people into your home or residence hall.
• Utilize public transportation or walk in groups to avoid walking alone, especially at night.
• Report suspicious activity to OSUPD (614-292-2121) or local city police. Always dial 9-1-1 in emergencies.

The Office of Student Life provides students with complimentary safety devices for their off-campus homes, including window and door alarms. These can be picked up at the Willie J. Young Sr. Off-Campus and Commuter Student Engagement office at the Ohio Union from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

To learn about safety resources and more, visit the university’s public safety website.

Getting around campus

Lyft Ride Smart at Ohio State offers students discounted late-night rides in a designated area from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. CABS On-Demand is a free service offered to all Buckeyes, providing daytime and overnight service to select buildings. As autumn semester gets underway, campus will be busier than usual. Expect heavier traffic, plan for extra travel time, avoid distractions and watch out for your fellow Buckeyes. Review transportation updates, including CABS and CABS On-Demand changes, the COTA digital pass in the Ohio State app and the university traffic impact map.

Well-being resources

A variety of services are available to help support the well-being of our community. Students can utilize the university’s online Health and Wellness Resource Guide to quickly search for the most appropriate resource. Health and wellness related services are listed alphabetically and can be searched by feature using the specific criteria within the 10 Dimensions of Wellness.

• The Office of Student Life’s Counseling and Consultation Service (CCS) provides individual and group mental health services, workshops and outreach programming to currently enrolled undergraduate, graduate and professional students, and others covered by the Student Health Insurance Plan. CCS on-demand services offer ways for students to get help whenever it’s needed.
• Student Life Disability Services consults with students on a one-to-one basis to: review academic accommodations based on concerns including mental health; discuss concerns with classes or instructors; and refer students to additional campus and community resources.
• The Monda Student Resource Center helps students’ holistic, essential needs through resources and support from campus and community partners.
• Student Health Services offers on-campus health care options to the student population while Recreational Sports promotes living an active life of balance, physical activity and well-being.
• The Ohio State: Wellness app supports students’ mental health and well-being on campus with resources, connections to support, information about setting goals and building healthy habits.

Faculty and staff are encouraged to utilize resources through the Ohio State Employee Assistance Program (EAP). The EAP member portal connects employees with online tools, well-being resources and work-life services that are available to eligible Ohio State employees, their dependents, household members, parents and parents-in-law.

Freedom of expression and civic engagement

The First Amendment and Ohio law expressly protect the rights of students, faculty, staff and visitors at the university to lawfully engage in speech and expressive activities. The Freedom of Expression website is an online hub for support resources, policies and other information to help everyone participate in public discourse and exercise their rights. Ohio State's University Space Standards provide comprehensive information about using spaces on our campus, including the space reservation process and associated rules.

Ohio State expects members of our community to contribute to an environment where trust and respectful dialogue are the expectation — not the exception. To advance this, the university launched an initiative to help members of our community listen and discuss different perspectives productively, build trust with one another, learn how to clearly articulate their points of view and successfully navigate complex conversations. Listen. Learn. Discuss. helps students, faculty and staff draw connections and form skills to engage in productive and respectful dialogue. Visit the Listen. Learn. Discuss. website to find courses, workshops and events that support the practice of civil discourse.

The university remains committed to its motto of “Education for Citizenship” by supporting civic engagement.

• OSU Votes is a nonpartisan, student-led initiative in the Office of Student Life that works to register, educate and encourage other students to vote. OSU Votes can provide resources and facts on the voting process and voter registration.
• Ohio State is implementing a university-wide Asynchronous Learning and Civic Engagement Day on Tuesday, Nov. 3, following a resolution passed by University Senate in autumn 2025.

AI Fluency

In autumn 2025, Ohio State unveiled the groundbreaking AI Fluency initiative to integrate artificial intelligence into the Ohio State educational experience and support an educational environment that maximizes learning, creativity and impact. In the second year of this initiative, the university is expanding its offering of programs, courses and resources for students, staff and faculty.

• Colleges across the university have developed academic roadmapsshowing how undergraduates will build and use AI skills within their majors, from the College of Arts and Sciences helping to shape the future of AI to Fisher College of Business forging connections and collaborationwithin its research community.
• The Michael V. Drake Institute for Teaching and Learning continues to expand its AI Fluency support resources for instructors at all levels and launched a fellows program for this fall.

Visit the Office of Academic Affairs for a list of Frequently Asked Questions and subscribe to the AI Fluency at Ohio State newsletter to stay up to date on AI Fluency news and developments. For staff, the Office of Technology and Digital Innovation offers training, educational courses and more, and all available resources are offered on the “Learn to use AI” webpage. Virtual and in-person training can be found on the AI Resources and Events page.

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.

The annual stair climb event at Ohio Stadium on the anniversary of 9/11 continues to grow in participation each year. Students, university leaders and community members filled the stadium in the early morning to begin a 45-minute climb of the stairs inside the ’Shoe.  

The volunteers climb the equivalent of 110 flights of stairs – symbolic of the 110 floors of the World Trade Center towers. The event serves as a powerful reminder of the heroism displayed by the firefighters, police officers and emergency personnel who worked to save lives 24 years ago.

“September 11th is always a time where we gather to honor and remember the importance of service and how incredibly critical it is for each and every one of us to do our duty,” said featured speaker Andy Wilson, director of the Ohio Department of Public Safety.

Senior Vice President and Wolfe Foundation-Eugene Smith Endowed Athletics Director Ross Bjork thanked the young members of the ROTC departments who are preparing for a life of service after graduation.

“Thank you for your commitment to our country. The future leadership of our country is in your hands, and we appreciate your commitment to what lies ahead,” he said. “For those of us who were around during 9/11, we all remember where we were. We all remember the feelings that we had and the emotion in our country.”

Bjork also thanked the athletics teams, including wrestling, men’s and women’s lacrosse, swim & dive, artistic swimming and rowing, who participated in the climb.

Air Force ROTC Cadet Aidan Spang, a third-year science education major, said the stair climb also develops connections between the other ROTC branches on campus. Army, Navy, Marine and Space Force members of the tri-services corps join the climb every year.

“It’s really about building a strong sense of community here, and doing it with the other branches as well,” he said. “Because we don’t really get to do much stuff with them, so being able to join them is also pretty great.”

The stair climb has personal meaning for women’s lacrosse player Charlotte Browne. The New York native and marketing major said she remembers 9/11 through her father’s service.

“My dad was on the fire department for 30 years. He was a captain during 9/11, so he was there that day,” she said. “It’s really special to do this with my team, be a part of a community that does this.”

Beyond the reduction in self-reported and clinician rated depression, the students’ global well-being increased nearly three-fold and their performance improved on several cognitive tasks. All but one participant also lost weight. 

The 16 students who completed the pilot trial were receiving medication, counseling, or both for major depressive disorder before beginning the keto diet. The findings suggest achieving nutritional ketosis through diet is a feasible adjunctive therapy for depression and pave the way for a larger clinical trial, researchers say. 

The pilot study did not have a non-keto control group for comparison. Previous research has suggested medications and counseling reduce depressive symptoms by about 50% in a similar time period. 

“So many people are suffering right now, so it’s rewarding to potentially bring forward a solution,” said Jeff Volek, PhD, lead author of the study and a professor of human sciences at The Ohio State University. “There is more science yet to do, but because there is evidence of a benefit, expanding accessibility to a well-formulated ketogenic diet as an augmentation to treatment for depression is something to think about.” 

The study is published today (Sept. 9, 2025) in the journal Translational Psychiatry. 

Volek’s lab teamed with Ohio State mental health experts to design and complete the trial with young adults studying at the university. 

Stress, anxiety and depression are the No. 1 impediment to academic performance for U.S. college students, said co-author Ryan Patel, DO, a psychiatrist in Ohio State’s Office of Student Life Counseling and Consultation Service: About 40% of college students report depression symptoms, and about half of them are receiving treatment of some kind. 

“We have a treatment gap in that we have more students suffering from mental health concerns than can feasibly receive professional treatment,” Patel said. “There is a need for finding ways of helping students on a large scale. And nutrition is one way we can do that.” 

Twenty-four students were enrolled in the trial and 16 students – 10 women and six men with an average age of 24 – completed the entire study. 

Participants received extensive education on the keto diet, consisting of fewer than 50 grams of carbs per day combined with higher fat and moderate protein intake. The keto diet converts fat into ketones used by cells in the body and brain as an alternative to glucose, and is designed to put the body in a state of nutritional ketosis, when it has greater access to ketones as both fuel and a signaling molecule.  

“It was very important to make sure participants knew what they were getting themselves into,” said Drew Decker, MS, first author of the study and a graduate student in Volek’s lab. “And a big part of increasing chances for adherence to the diet was talking to each individual about what they like and don’t like to eat so we could tailor some suggestions for how they could structure their diet.” 

The team also provided 10 complete starter meals, offered consistent advice and snacks for the first half of the trial, and communicated throughout the study with participants through a private app. The students were advised to eat when they were hungry and finish eating when they were full, and not to worry about calories. 

At baseline and over the course of 10 to 12 weeks, the students reported depressive symptoms using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-09), the standard instrument to measure the severity of depression in clinical settings, and completed the World Health Organization-Five Well-Being Index (WHO-5). They also took a series of cognitive tests assessing episodic and working memory, processing speed, executive function, and attention and inhibitory control. 

Co-author Jennifer Cheavens, PhD, professor of clinical psychology at Ohio State, oversaw clinical assessments of participants before and throughout the trial. 

“One of the things we really wanted to make sure of is that we were providing a treatment for people who met the diagnostic criteria for having major depressive disorder,” Cheavens said. “Each participant had about a 2 1/2-hour interview at the beginning, and then weekly assessments of their symptoms.” 

Students were also screened to ensure that they did not have any contraindications to a ketogenic diet, such as Body Mass Index under 20, eating disorders, pregnancy or high alcohol consumption. 

Results included:

• Participants achieved ketosis, based on a measure of ketone values in their blood, 73% of the time – an indication of good adherence to the diet.
• Self-reported depression scores decreased 37% by week two and reached 69% of improvement at week 10-12. The range of symptom severity varied, but nobody’s symptoms worsened.
• Clinician-rated assessments of depression at week six and week 10-12 decreased by 59% and 71%, respectively.
• By week two, perceived ratings of global wellness had increased two-fold, which improved to nearly three-fold at the end of the intervention.
• As a group, participants lost an average of 11 pounds and their body fat decreased by 2.4% – with most exceeding the clinically significant drop of 5% weight loss.
• As a group, participants’ performance improved on cognitive tasks assessing episodic memory, processing speed and executive function.
• No significant changes in cholesterol or triglycerides were found.

Patel, who met with the students throughout the trial, said the magnitude of the reduction in depressive symptoms linked to the keto diet was notable. 

“The average effect size for medications and counseling after 12 weeks is about 50%, and we saw a substantially greater result,” he said. “That is an impressive finding, that across the board, in this real-world setting, everybody got better, and across the board, our participants did not need more treatment or emergency intervention.” 

For over two decades, Volek has been studying therapeutic applications of ketosis for conditions such as heart disease and cancer as well as athletic performance and soldier health and resilience. 

“The idea is that the ketogenic diet is working through a variety of potentially different mechanisms – there’s a whole range of physiological metabolic adaptations to the diet that could overlap with some of the pathophysiology of depression,” Volek said. 

The team collected a range of biological data on changing levels of proteins related to inflammation and brain function in this pilot that may help inform a future study examining potential mechanisms behind the diet’s effects. 

“We haven’t teased out those mechanisms here because this is a proof-of-concept study for an adjunctive therapy,” Volek said. “This is one of the first really well-controlled studies and it has limitations, but the results encourage us to want to keep pursuing it.” 

This project was supported by a grant from the Baszucki Group Brain Research Fund. 

Additional co-authors included Scott Hayes, Whitney Whitted, Ann Lee, Alex Buga, Bradley Robinson, Christopher Crabtree, Justen Stoner, Madison Kackley, Teryn Sapper and Ashwini Chebbi, all of Ohio State. 

• On- and off-campus safety resources
• Well-being resources
• Buckeye Commons
• Senate Bill 1 guidance and resources
• Freedom of expression
• Listen. Learn. Discuss., Ohio State’s civil discourse initiative

For more on faculty and instructor resources and support, visit the Office of Academic Affairs website for a comprehensive collection of resources.

Safety resources
The safety of the Ohio State community is the university’s highest priority. Ohio State is taking multiple measures to keep students, faculty and staff safe both on and off campus.

Ohio State has increased the presence of police on the Columbus campus by hiring and training additional Ohio State University Police Division (OSUPD) officers — and worked with the Columbus Division of Police (CPD) to increase patrols off campus. The joint patrol program pairs four OSUPD officers with officers from CPD to work in the nearby neighborhood where many students live. This is over and above the regular patrols in place on and off campus.

The popular Lyft Ride Smart at Ohio State continues to offer students discounted late-night rides in a designated area from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., and the Office of Student Life is offering any Buckeye student complimentary personal safety alarms that, when triggered, create a loud noise that can be heard a couple hundred feet away. These can be picked up at the Willie J. Young Sr. Off-Campus and Commuter Student Engagement office at the Ohio Union from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The office also offers complimentary safety devices for student homes, including window and door alarms.

Ongoing safety initiatives and investments include:

• Authorizing OSUPD to hire additional police officers with the goal to have 75 full-time officers supported by hundreds of non-sworn security.
• Purchasing and installing additional cameras supported by a 24/7 dispatch center.
• Continuing support for license plate reader (LPR) cameras located on and off campus to assist with law enforcement investigations.
• Continuing the cruise lights initiative for on-campus police vehicle patrols utilizing steady, low-intensity blue lights in the rear window of cruisers to increase visibility and deter crime. The program, initially announced as a pilot, has been fully adopted by OSUPD for nighttime patrols.
• Providing non-sworn security Buckeye Block Watch patrols in targeted University District areas. The program features security teams that are taught how to deal with difficult situations and learn best practices for public engagement, including mental health responses, first aid and CPR.

Public safety officials are working toward more safety enhancements as part of both short-term and long-term planning so look for additional announcements throughout the year. More safety resources are available on the university’s public safety website.

Well-being resources
Ohio State offers an array of services and resources for students, faculty and staff, meeting Buckeyes where they are and when it’s convenient for them.

The Office of Student Life utilizes a model of 10 Dimensions of Wellness to support all aspects of well-being. Students and others can access the online Health and Wellness Resource Guide with a searchable database of support services available to the Ohio State community.

Among the services and resources available to students through the Office of Student Life:

Counseling and Consultation Service offers a multi-model approach with a variety of free treatment options based on the individual’s specific needs. Students have access to a number of on-demand services such as drop-in workshops, Let’s Talk informal mental health consultations, and Uwill teletherapy as well as individual and group therapy.

The Student Life Student Wellness Center offers peer-to-peer coaching on topics such as personal finance and nutrition. They also facilitate Community Wellness Education, consisting of online modules about alcohol, prescription drug safety and mental well-being. Our Collegiate Recovery Community offers resources for students in or seeking long-term recovery.

The Monda Student Resource Center enhances students’ holistic, essential needs through resources and support from campus and community partners.

In addition, Student Health Services offers a variety of on-campus health care options to the student population while Recreational Sports promotes living an active life of balance, physical activity and well-being.

Buckeye Commons
The Office of Student Life has opened the Buckeye Commons, a central hub where students can connect, network, engage, learn and thrive in an inclusive, dedicated space focused on advancing student success. The Buckeye Commons, on the first floor of the Ohio Union, provides robust educational offerings and opportunities for networking and hosts events, workshops and programming on a number of topics from leadership, career preparation and study skills, to time management and building community.

Senate Bill 1 guidance and resources
In the spring, Ohio Governor DeWine signed SB 1, the “Advance Ohio Higher Education Act,” into law, with most provisions of the bill taking effect June 27, 2025. A university-wide committee developed implementation guidance in collaboration with teams of faculty, staff and students.

Please continue to visit the SB 1 Compliance website, which includes resources, policies and guidance, guidance from the Ohio Department of Higher Education and more. In the coming weeks, the university will continue to communicate this and still-emerging guidance as additional elements of the law go into effect. Throughout the fall semester, the Office of Faculty Affairs will hold a series of open office hours for faculty and instructors to answer questions on a variety of issues, including SB 1-related topics. Each session will include representatives from faculty affairs, the Drake Institute for Teaching and Learning and the Center for Ethics and Human Values (CEHV). These sessions are open to all faculty and instructors, including graduate teaching associates. More information is available on the Faculty Affairs website.

CEHV has also created a guide for Facilitating Civil Discourse in the Classroom offering instructors confidence and resources to ensure that their discussions with students reflect the mission of the university by being open, rigorous and constructive. It follows the center’s 4Cs methodology for leading challenging conversations in the classroom.

Academic freedom is a core value at Ohio State, and SB 1 does not restrict the freedom of faculty to teach, conduct research or publish research findings or to discuss in classrooms, in their own manner, any material that is relevant to the subject matter as defined in the course syllabus. Additionally, SB 1 also does not prohibit controversial issues from being discussed in class, though it does require the university to “ensure the fullest degree of intellectual diversity” to allow students to reach their own conclusions.

Students, faculty and staff are also encouraged to review the one-page SB 1 overview and visit the Information on Legislative and Executive Actions website for additional information.

Freedom of expression
Ohio State remains committed to protecting the First Amendment right to free speech, academic freedom and freedom of expression on our campuses. The First Amendment and Ohio law expressly protect the rights of students, faculty, staff and visitors at the university to lawfully engage in speech and expressive activities. The Campus Free Speech Policy, adopted in May 2023, supports this dedication, and the Freedom of Expression website serves as an online hub for support resources, including frequently asked questions.

The university may adopt and enforce time, place and manner restrictions for speech and expressive activities. These content-neutral restrictions, like the university space standards and university signage standards, are in place to ensure that teaching, learning, research, service and patient care missions can occur without interruption. The signage standards were recently updated, and chalking is no longer permitted on campus and will be removed.

To maintain neutrality that assures academic freedom and freedom of speech and expression, Ohio State refrains from taking institutional positions on matters that extend beyond the university. For more information, see the Philosophy on Institutional and Leadership Statements. Consistent with SB 1’s requirements about controversial beliefs and policies, the university updated the philosophy in June with more detailed guidance on who it applies to and what constitutes an institutional statement. 

Listen. Learn. Discuss.
At Ohio State, we share one important thing with each other: We have all chosen to be Buckeyes. We can use this common ground to engage with one another in a way that is respectful and caring, even — and especially — when we disagree.

The university’s civil discourse initiative is focused on helping members of our community listen to and discuss different perspectives productively, build trust with one another, learn to successfully navigate complex conversations and clearly articulate their point of view. Listen. Learn. Discuss. will help students, faculty and staff form skills to engage in productive and respectful dialogue. Visit the initiative’s website for courses, workshops and events.

Convocation is held at the Schottenstein Center before the first day of classes each year and is the official welcome ceremony for new students. It’s the one time before graduation when the class of 2029 is called together as a group.

“This is that moment when you see your future, your life. It starts right here,” Carter said. “Everything you will do for the rest of your life will start and be shaped by what’s happening right here today. Class is starting tomorrow. There are friends that you will make that will change your life forever.”

University leaders joined Carter to help familiarize the students with some of the history and traditions of Ohio State. He introduced head football coach Ryan Day, who encouraged the students to be great fans.

Day will lead the defending national champions into Ohio Stadium to face the Texas Longhorns on Saturday in a matchup of the two top-rated teams in the country.

“We need you to be great fans. Because we need everybody to reach our goals,” Day said. “The students are a big part of it. … If you’re in the stadium, you gotta be loud, right when the foot hits the ball at kickoff.”

Senior Vice President for Student Life Melissa Shivers introduced the students to the university’s school song: “Carmen, Ohio.”

“It reminds us of the joy and privilege of being here to learn and grow as a member of this community,” she said.

The convocation ceremony also introduced students to the city. Mayor Andrew Ginther entered the arena on a COTA bus to highlight the benefits of living in Columbus.

Mascots from the Columbus Blue Jackets, Crew and Clippers helped energize the crowd. Some students won gift cards or discounts to popular campus-area restaurants.

Students also received a token of what is to come. Alumni Association President and CEO Molly Ranz Calhoun shared that each student received a Block O pin to celebrate the community of alumni they will join in four years.

“It may look simple, but it represents so much. It represents a connection to a family of more than 630,000 living Buckeye alumni,” she said. “It represents tradition and 155 years of excellence at The Ohio State University. And it represents pride.”

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.

“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.

With a background in track and field training at Oklahoma State University and the University of Iowa, Ohio State athletic trainer Sam Wagner was pulled into ROTC after initially joining the team to work with the Performing Arts Medicine program.  

Similar to high-performing dancers and other athletes, cadets and midshipmen suffer chronic injuries from an increase in physical activity when entering the program or overexertion to the point where their bodies break down.  

“Education really is an important factor there, because they require, from a physical standpoint, a similar effort to a student-athlete, but they don’t have the same resources as a student-athlete,” Wagner said. 

Athletic trainers like Wagner have taught students how to prevent injuries, whether it’s going over running programs, finding the right shoes for their foot type, showing when to change those shoes out, and foam rolling and stretching techniques.  

“Did you know that you have to change your running shoes every six months or 500 miles or it can start to cause problems in your bones and joints if you don’t?” said Yasmine Moukadam, a third-year midshipman, 2nd class in Navy ROTC. “Well, I didn’t and I don’t think I ever would have if it weren’t for the athletic training staff team educating us on self-care.” 

One of the larger concerns for ROTC students when it comes to medical attention is the potential lifelong impacts of an injury, even a minor one. When Wagner is treating students, she looks at it from a bigger picture.  

She used concussions as an example: “One concussion may not have an impact now, but we ...  do the best that we can to make sure this doesn’t affect you later on–in and outside of the military.” 

To prevent fear of speaking up about any discomfort or injury that a student might be feeling, Wagner emphasizes the importance of treatment as soon as possible to avoid future problems.  

She often tells cadets, “This one thing won’t affect you if we stay on top of this now. If it’s something that’s minor, we can get it taken care of and nip it in the bud, then it’ll have a better impact on your career versus us ignoring it and things getting worse.”  

In an effort to grow the progran, Wagner also has connected with athletic trainers working with ROTC at Auburn University, Texas A&M University and University of South Carolina to see what other programs are doing.  

Bringing the athletic training team into ROTC has produced positive results.  

“Our ROTC departments have an amazing relationship with the Wexner Medical Center and Health and Rehabilitation Services,” said Kevin P. Cullen, assistant vice provost and director of military and veteran services. “At the individual level, our athletic training program prevents injuries, speeds up recovery and enhances performance in difficult military activities. At the academic department level, our athletic trainer increases military readiness and combat preparedness, helps build physical and mental resilience, and establishes a foundation for long-term health benefits.” 

In addition to the partnership with ROTC, athletic trainers were brought into the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office in February 2024 in an effort to reduce medical costs for the department and individuals.  

Over the past year, athletic trainers have conducted injury evaluation, rehabilitation, treatments and paperwork for a research study supported by the Human Performance Collaborative. 

Unlike the ROTC and BalletMet patients, employees at the Sheriff’s Department range in age and background, which leads to different injuries, Wagner said. The gear they wear also has an impact.  

“We see a lot of upper extremity injuries in regard to them wearing the vests all day,” she said. “Because of this, they get into a more rounded shoulder position, leading to shoulder impingement and some chronic upper extremity injuries.” 

After considering joining the Air Force in high school, Wagner has found a new way to contribute to their work and help ROTC students and the tactical athlete through athletic training.  

“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.”

U.S. News & World Report has again ranked Ohio State Online programs among the top in the nation in its 2025 Best Online Programs Rankings announced today (Jan. 21, 2025).

The university’s online bachelor’s programs ranked No. 5 nationally – marking its place within the top 10 for the 10th time since online programs were first ranked at Ohio State 12 years ago.

The College of Nursing’s RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN); the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences’ Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences and AS to Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences in the College of Medicine; and the College of Dentistry’s RDH to Bachelor of Science, Dental Hygiene contributed to the 2025 ranking.

Ohio State is also the only institution in Ohio to be ranked within the top 50 for undergraduate online programs.

This year’s rankings mark the 11th consecutive year the College of Nursing’s online master’s programs have ranked within the top 10, tied with Duke University for No. 3 in the nation (ranked No. 4 in 2024).

Ohio State’s online Master of Science in Nursing features five specialization areas, two of which received rankings this year. The Master of Science in Nursing in Family Nurse Practitioner ranked No. 5 (tied with Drexel University) and is top-ranked among public institutions in this category.

The university’s Master of Science in Nursing in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner was the top – and only – public institution ranked within the Online Psychiatric Mental Health, Across the Lifespan category. Ohio State ranked No. 3 overall and tied with Drexel University and George Washington University.

“Continued online program growth and excellence is driven by our shared commitment to accessibility, workforce development, affordability, serving Ohio, and increasing options and opportunities for student success,” said Jason Lemon, vice provost and dean for online learning. “We are excited to serve learners in Ohio, and beyond, when and where they need education through online degree opportunities.”

Ohio State’s online programs have previously been recognized for being military-friendly by organizations like the National Veterans Leadership Foundation and the Pat Tillman Foundation. This year, U.S. News & World Report Best Online Programs rankings added to that, recognizing Ohio State’s Fisher College of Business with a No. 3 rating for its online business programs for veterans (tied with Rutgers University – New Brunswick and Newark). Ohio State was eligible to be ranked in this category for the first time thanks to its growing military and veteran enrollments.

Fisher’s Specialized Master in Business Analytics (SMB-A) program jumped forward in the rankings to No. 5 (No. 25 in 2024) in the graduate business (non-MBA) category, tied with Duke University and the University of Massachusetts-Amherst.

Ohio State’s online engineering master’s degree programs – the Master of Global Engineering Leadership, the Master of Engineering Management and the Master of Science in Welding Engineering – also saw a jump in the rankings from No. 34 in 2024 to No. 22 in 2025, tied with the University of Arizona and Virginia Commonwealth University.

In the Best Online Master’s in Engineering Management Programs category, Ohio State ranked No. 13 (ranked No.14 in 2024), tied with the University of Maryland-College Park. The university was also the only Ohio university to be ranked in this category.

Together, Ohio State’s Master of Learning Technology offered by the College of Education and Human Ecology and the Master of Arts in Art Education from the College of Arts and Sciences were ranked alongside four other institutions at No. 54 in the Best Online Master’s in Education programs.

Over the past decade, Ohio State Online’s academic program portfolio has grown to nearly 90 degrees and certificates offered by 13 of Ohio State’s 15 colleges.

“Ohio State has expanded and supported its fully online degree options and increased their quality at the same time. This has been possible through strong partnerships between Ohio State Online, the academic colleges and senior university administration,” Lemon said.

Affordability and quality of instruction are at the forefront of the consideration of U.S. News & World Report. The site uses insights from these factors and others to rank online programs at regionally accredited institutions across the country.

View the full list of 2025 U.S. News & World Report Best Online Programs rankings.

Now restored, the third-party Lexis Nexis service pulls data from the CPD crime log and populates a map showing off-campus crime reports. Ohio State preprogrammed the map to a one-mile radius to include the crime reports from the most recent 7-day period. The default crime categories are pre-determined by Lexis Nexis and serve as another tool for Buckeyes to stay informed about crime and crime trends. Additional features available include the ability to:

• Turn on additional crime categories
• Access months or years of data
• See heat maps and trends including time of day
• Sign up for crime alerts (daily, weekly or monthly)
• Enter your own, personal home address to set up tailored alerts

The Community Crime Map shows crimes occurring off-campus and outside The Ohio State University Police Division (OSUPD) jurisdiction, while on-campus crimes can continue to be accessed via the OSUPD daily crime log. 

When crimes occur on, or directly impact campus, Ohio State’s Department of Public Safety uses a variety of methods to communicate — watch to learn more. These methods include, but are not limited to, the Buckeye Alert System and Public Safety Notices and are supported by the Department of Public Safety website, social media, traditional media and other communication channels.

Carter spoke to an audience of university students, faculty and staff, state and community representatives, and leaders in higher education. He delivered his remarks to a full ballroom in Columbus Friday afternoon as part of his official investiture ceremony.

As he approaches a year in office, Carter is ready to move from learning to action, he said. He encouraged the university to think big about everything from affordability to entrepreneurship to research and application of artificial intelligence – all to elevate Ohio State as a national model for higher education.

“As I take a look at where we are today … our reach, our impact is incredibly strong. But what made us successful in the past is not necessarily what’s going to make us successful in the future,” Carter said.

Carter observed that the next decade will be pivotal for both the university and higher education in the United States. He spoke to the need to boost confidence in the institution of higher education and pointed to the momentum at Ohio State.

The university welcomed the largest class of new, first-year students to start the autumn semester in August – more than 9,500 in total. Carter said Ohio State continues to excel in research with innovation that makes an impact across the state, nation and globe. The university remains one of the largest, and best employers in the state.

“The future of higher education is and will be here at The Ohio State University. … We will be a model for the nation. Excellence is not a destination or a goal at The Ohio State University. Excellence is an expectation. With the team that we have built, that expectation will be a reality,” he said.

Carter said the new strategic plan will be called Education for Citizenship 2035. The plan will focus on improving on six core themes:

• Academics
• Research and creative expression
• Health care
• Talent and culture
• Operations
• Collegiate athletics

Based on this framework, developed in collaboration with hundreds of stakeholders, Carter said Education for Citizenship 2035 will require Buckeyes from across the university community to help build out the initiatives and programs that make up the strategic plan.

“I want you to know these are the things that I will be working on with the board, with the community, and with all of you to achieve excellence in everything that we do. First and foremost, academic excellence. It is our North Star. If we are great at academics, then everything else will soon follow,” he said.

Carter encouraged the Buckeye community to be bold in ideas and action. He suggested improving the career prospects of students through expanded internship opportunities and incorporating entrepreneurship into the student experience. Despite a rapidly changing landscape in athletics, Carter said the university intends to continue to provide scholarships in all 36 sports.

Carter challenged students, faculty and staff to share their ideas in shaping the university’s strategic plan, including ways to drive down student debt, expand the university’s online educational opportunities and elevate the regional campuses.

Carter said one of the most pressing goals is focused on AI research and innovation. He pointed to the university’s strong connections in the artificial intelligence space and the commitment and investment by Ohio State’s Center for Software Innovation. He said the university can be a leader in marketing, technical development, design and software to maximize what AI technology has to offer.

“The workforce of the future will demand that our students are not just articulate, but fluent in how artificial intelligence works. … We will explore what it means and how to use AI in a cross-disciplinary fashion,” he said. “We’re going to be a model for the nation for artificial intelligence.”

The university developed a website to help the campus community support the new strategic plan. Once the framework is built out, the plan will launch on July 1, 2025.

President Carter’s first months in office and his vision for the university have been well received in the state. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine spoke about the importance of Ohio State to the region and how he has come to value Carter’s leadership.

“A good leader must be a good listener. From the moment President Carter came to Ohio State, he and Mrs. Carter have been listening. He’s explored Ohio State's campuses and communities, visited Ohio State regional campuses, listened to faculty, staff, students, alumni, and leaders from business and government,” DeWine said. “He talked to doctors, staff and administrators at the Wexner Medical Center, and he will continue to listen.”

Chancellor of the Ohio Department of Higher Education Mike Duffey echoed the sentiment.

“Perhaps now more than ever, it is crucial to have the right leader in place to steer a university like Ohio State into the future,” Chancellor Duffey said. “Through my interactions with President Carter, I know that the Board of Trustees made the right choice for the university, for its students, and for our state.”

Carter concluded his remarks confident in the idea that Ohio State would be successful in defining the future of higher education in the coming decade. He said he drew inspiration from the university’s alma mater, “Carmen Ohio.” 

“‘Time and change will surely show how firm thy friendship, Ohio.’ How firm thy friendship, indeed. That is the element that makes our campus so special. God bless everyone who works, studies and supports The Ohio State University,” he said. “As always and forever, go Bucks. Now, let’s get to work.”

• Nov. 5 asynchronous learning pilot
• Nonpartisan election resources
• Civil discourse and Listen. Learn. Discuss. – including Nov. 4 pre-election event
• Institutional neutrality and freedom of expression
• Political activity guidelines
• Support and resources

All of this information is also available on the election resources page on the Listen. Learn. Discuss. website.

Asynchronous learning day
Following approval of a proposal from University Senate, Ohio State will hold a day of asynchronous learning on Election Day as a one-time trial to support student participation in the general election. Instructors whose classes would otherwise have met in person or virtually should, in lieu of meeting, assign asynchronous classwork to be determined by the instructor.

Nonpartisan election resources
All Buckeyes are encouraged to support Ohio State’s motto of “Education for Citizenship” by helping to spread the message of nonpartisan civic engagement.

OSU Votes is a nonpartisan, student-led initiative in the Office of Student Life that works to register, educate and encourage other students to vote. If there are requests for voter education materials, OSU Votes can provide resources and facts on the voting process.

The Ohio Secretary of State provides all the information you need to stay informed about election day. You can check your Ohio voter registration status, find your polling location and view details on how to vote early.

Civil discourse and Listen. Learn. Discuss.
Ohio State is committed to building an environment that fosters productive discussions on challenging topics, even when there is disagreement. All members of the university community are expected to treat one another with respect and compassion.

The university’s Listen. Learn. Discuss. initiative helps community members productively listen to and discuss different perspectives, build trust with one another and learn how to clearly articulate their point of view. The initiative’s website includes a page specifically for election related resources including the Center for Ethics and Human Values’ civil discourse guide to help individuals engage with one another around the election.

Students, faculty and staff are invited to join the Institute for Democratic Engagement & Accountability (IDEA) and the Salmon P. Chase Center for Civics, Culture, and Society – in collaboration with Listen. Learn. Discuss. – for a virtual, interactive session on Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. Participants will be invited to share ideas and concerns in a positive environment and discuss concrete steps that can be taken individually and together to promote understanding and responsible civic engagement. The goal is to create knowledge, skills and strategies to engage responsibly in democracy and our local community, regardless of the outcome of the election.

Institutional neutrality and freedom of expression
To maintain the neutrality that assures academic freedom and freedom of speech and expression, Ohio State refrains from taking institutional positions on complex political or global matters, events, natural disasters or tragedies that extend beyond the operations of the university itself.

Ohio State’s Philosophy on Institutional and Leadership Statements uses the university’s Shared Values, the Chicago Principles and the Kalven Report as guiding principles. The philosophy does not impact academic freedom or any person’s ability to make statements that represent their own, individual views. Faculty have, among other things, the freedom to assemble and freedom in how they choose to conduct research, teach, publish and discuss their areas of academic expertise.

The First Amendment and Ohio law expressly protect the rights of students, faculty, staff and visitors at the university to lawfully engage in speech and expressive activities. The First Amendment protects speech that is offensive, hateful or upsetting unless it falls into a category that the U.S. Supreme Court has determined is unprotected.

When speech becomes incitement or threats of violence, Ohio State has and will always move quickly to enforce the law and university policy. Ohio State has not and will not tolerate hatred, intimidation or harassment of anyone based on their religious beliefs, nationality or identity. The university will continue to follow established processes to address allegations or reports of discrimination, harassment or other violations of university rules, standards, the Code of Student Conduct and other community expectations. The university’s Office of Institutional Equity (OIE) reviews and responds to reports of discrimination and harassment, and reports can be made directly to OIE.

Political activity guidelines
The university has guidelines regarding political activity, which can help employees understand how to exercise their constitutional rights without creating the appearance of endorsement for a particular candidate or cause.

Support and resources
The university recognizes that members of the community may be deeply impacted by a variety of national and global events and is committed to supporting all students, faculty and staff through direct actions and interventions that actively support health, safety and well-being.

The Office of Student Life’s Counseling and Consultation Service has created a Coping with Current Events page for students to help with concerns about global conflict, the political environment, economic stress or other issues that can impact mental health. The webpage outlines a range of resources to help students cope and give them the skills to support their peers.

Faculty and staff are also encouraged to take advantage of the resources offered through the Employee Assistance Program. The program offers tools and support resources available to eligible Ohio State employees, their dependents, household members, parents and parents-in-law.

They spend their time providing free physical therapy to the center’s patients, many of whom do not have insurance or struggle with another barrier to accessing care.

“The parameters for who we see at the clinic are intentionally loose,” said Marka Salsberry, associate professor of practice. “We say ‘a patient with a financial barrier.’ That could be someone without insurance. That could be someone with Medicare who can’t afford their 20% co-pay for physical therapy. It could be someone with 100% insurance coverage but they’ve exhausted all their allotted visits for the year and need more.”

The Ohio State University Student Physical Therapy Clinic is a nonprofit, student-run, full-service clinic. Patients see second-year doctoral students, who are guided on-site by third-year students as well as two licensed physical therapists. Between 70 and 75 students spend three hours, Mondays and Wednesdays, at the clinic each autumn and spring semester.

Many of the clinic’s patients struggle with injuries that are routine but that have plagued them for years, Salsberry said.

“A patient may come in with something presenting like frozen shoulder, which is tightening of the shoulder joint due to inflammation. It’s painful and limiting in terms of function, and all these patients continue to work,” she said. “It takes us four weeks and then they can use that arm again.”

A valuable skill that students learn, Salsberry said, is creating treatment programs that are actually usable for patients. Many physical therapy programs involve exercises at home, which may not be viable.

“These are individuals who work two or three jobs,” she said. “That’s often a 12-hour day or more. We need to give patients programs they can work into their days. We’ve try to give them something they can do if they’re working on an assembly line, like marches or squats. So, it’s a mind shift [for students]. The approach is different because of the needs of the population.”

Claire Black, a third-year doctoral student, found another consideration when working in the clinic: patients’ families.

After working with a patient who had experienced a stroke, Black was approached by the man’s daughter with complaints of back pain. Black realized that the cause of the young woman’s pain was lifting her father.

“How do we teach family members to help without hurting their own bodies?” she said. “Helping is a reality for so many of our patients and their families. We adapt things to make it feasible and safe for everyone. That’s so important.”

The clinic is run by a student board. Black is chair of the board this year. She said the experience has been valuable with graduation on the horizon.

“I serve in a manager role for the clinic,” she said. “I’m in charge of supervising the other board members and also things like making sure the clinic runs smoothly. It’s prepared me to handle things like scheduling challenges, providing exercise programs and making sure we’re teaching the second-year students.”  

Second-year students are paired with third-year mentors. This partnership helps both students. Second-years learn tips from their peers and third-years get experience as instructors.

More importantly, though, said Black, the students are providing care to people who do not have access to it.

“It continues to surprise me – the lack of access to care,” she said. “We are filling a gap.”

Community service is central to physical therapy, Salsberry said.

“I do feel that that is our responsibility, as a profession,” she said. “And I feel the university takes that responsibility seriously, too. … It’s heartbreaking when you see someone with an injury that can be easily fixed; just a couple of visits to a physical therapist would change their day-to-day life. It’s so rewarding when you can reach those people.”

“It’s important, not just as an Ohio State student, but as a person representing the profession of physical therapy [to give back to the community],” Black said. “It’s important that our care meets the needs of every single person, not just those with money, and not just those with high health care literacy. There is an access issue, and we are helping to close that gap.”

Patients can be seen at the clinic this year through Nov. 20. To schedule an appointment, call 614-859-1952.

Carter spoke before about 150 guests at the City Club of Cleveland last week. The club is one of the nation’s oldest free speech forums and has hosted sitting presidents, members of Congress and community leaders.

As he prepares for his Nov. 8 investiture, Carter said he is excited by the momentum at Ohio State. He pointed to more than 80,000 applications to join the university this year, historic enrollment for new first-year students and record-high graduate enrollment.

“There’s something special happening right now, today, at Ohio State. I couldn’t be more excited about that. But we’ve got to think about: How are we going to transform ourselves?” he said. “I’ve said this before: Even though we were founded in 1870 as a land-grant university, we’re going to have to re-imagine what it means to be a land-grant university going past 2030, all the way to 2035.”

Carter said he has engaged faculty, students, staff and alumni in a series of workshops to understand what they think the university should prioritize. He said the fruit of that labor will be launched at his investiture as the university’s new strategic plan – Education for Citizenship 2035.

“I believe our job, our mission, is not only to create the best learning and teaching environment in the country. I believe our job is to create a pathway for the next great citizens of our country, the state of Ohio, and, quite frankly, the next leaders for the state of Ohio,” he said. “In fact, my vision, … why I came to this institution, I believe The Ohio State University is uniquely poised to be the university not only for the state of Ohio, but for the United States.”

He said Ohio State would achieve that goal by emphasizing strategic areas of focus. They will include academic excellence; groundbreaking research and development; world-class clinical care; talent acquisition and retention; resource stewardship; and athletics.

Carter said the focus on these areas would also come with a commitment to affordability.

“I want to not only be the place where people want to go, but I also want people to be able to say, ‘This is the best value education you can get for the dollar,’ whether you’re in the state of Ohio or out of 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.  

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.”

“Safety is my top priority, and these recent incidents are extremely concerning. I have been in touch with the mayor’s office and have been assured of the city’s continued emphasis on safety in the neighborhoods around our campus,” said Ohio State President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr. “Our police agencies are working together closely and will have a highly visible presence on and around campus as well as continue their targeted efforts to reduce crime.”   

On the evening of Wednesday, Sept. 18, the Columbus Division of Police (CPD) and University Police responded to a report of gunshots near 11th Avenue and High Street, for which CPD is the primary responding agency. Multiple Buckeye Alerts were issued that directed everyone on campus to shelter in place. The shelter in place was lifted around 7:30 p.m. Police do not believe that anyone was shot during this incident, which was an altercation between individuals who are not affiliated with Ohio State. 

On Monday, Sept. 16, a separate altercation between two unhoused individuals led to one being shot and transported to the Wexner Medical Center in stable condition. Multiple Buckeye Alerts – the university’s emergency notification system – and a Public Safety Notice informed the campus community of the situation and police arrested the suspect on Tuesday. 

“These recent incidents are tied to three main issues plaguing all major cities: mental health, addiction, and teenagers carrying firearms and committing violent crime,” said Monica Moll, associate vice president of Public Safety and interim chief of The Ohio State University Police Division (OSUPD). “Gun violence remains a national problem and Ohio State and the City of Columbus are not alone.” 

Moll added that people without housing are more often the targets of violent crime than offenders. 

Ohio State continues to engage with appropriate partners, including the City of Columbus Office of Violence Prevention and the Community Shelter Board to not just respond to crime, but also address root causes. 

Police continue to patrol on and off-campus with a high-visibility presence. OSUPD has a strong working relationship with Columbus Police, including a joint patrol program which recently expanded to four full-time OSUPD officers working alongside CPD officers. In total, OSUPD has an authorized strength of 75 sworn police, an expansion from previous years. 

Ohio State’s Department of Public Safety (DPS) has a comprehensive approach that includes sworn police officers, supported by non-sworn security, lights, cameras and other technology and personnel. The Columbus campus has more than 5,000 fixed surveillance cameras that feed into a campus communications (9-1-1) center.  

Over the past few years, Ohio State has expanded safety resources, including the addition of mobile cameras, license plate readers, lights, security and an increased police presence. These initiatives have contributed to a decrease in crime over the past few years in the University District.  

Police presence will remain high as Ohio State football hosts Marshall this weekend. DPS partners with local, state and federal agencies to support a safe, fan-friendly environment. Off-campus, nearby neighborhoods are saturated with uniformed and non-uniformed personnel.  

Police remind everyone to be aware of their surroundings. Travel in groups or utilize public transportation such as CABS, CABS On Demand or Lyft Ride Smart. Lock doors and windows and report suspicious behavior to police. 

To access additional safety resources, please visit dps.osu.edu/resources.

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%.

“Looking at 18th-century manuscripts isn’t easy,” she said.

Despite some unfamiliarity with script handwriting, Newell’s students persevered and gained valuable research experience during the four-week lab. In its second year, the lab is funded by a grant from the Mellon Foundation. Over three years, Newell’s team, including faculty from Case Western Reserve University and the University of Victoria, who earned their PhDs at Ohio State, will receive $493,000 to research African and Native American citizenship.

“The grant is under a rubric of civic engagement and higher learning,” Newell said. “So, I think Mellon expected applications about the modern Civil Rights Movement, but we surprised them by pitching and asking questions about this instead.”

Newell’s research focuses on the years between 1780 and 1920.

“We’re seeking ways to get at these questions: What’s going on with Native Americans and African Americans in terms of voting, in terms of citizenship, in terms of other expressions of community and belonging – the founding of schools and land ownership rights advocacy, access to public ‘goods’ like parks and streetcars, and the creation of independent political organizations?” she said. “Native Americans had to decide at different times and places whether the benefits of U.S. citizenship outweighed the loss of sovereignty and citizenship within their tribal nation.”

In the first year, Newell’s team worked locally and primarily with digital resources. For the second year, she and co-researchers Noël Voltz, John Bickers and Niiyokamigaabaw Deondre Smiles wanted the students to experience more fieldwork. The lab has traveled to different parts of Ohio, Massachusetts and Rhode Island, and met with descendants of people who were removed from land they owned, as well as the descendants of people who were able to stay.

“We’re interested in both: the communities that persist and the communities that don’t,” she said. “What are some of the factors that cause these communities to disappear? Do people move voluntarily, were they subject to the race massacres we know were happening in different parts of Ohio, Indiana and Illinois before and after the Civil War?”

Interviewing subjects in person, sometimes on their original land, was a first for many of Newell’s students.

“Talking to these descendant communities has been particularly moving,” she said. “The idea that we can assist in telling their stories is interesting to students.”

Students leave the lab with extensive research skills that are useful not only in academic settings but professional ones, Newell said.

“It’s an employable skill,” she said. “I have this question; how do I answer it? What sorts of things can I look at? … It’s being a detective. It’s being creative. It’s thinking about what might help me answer these questions.”

In fact, Newell’s lab has become a model for research practices.

“The National Park Service is interested in what we’re doing,” she said. “They want to send their scholars and researchers to the lab. They’re interested in helping smaller historical sites get recognition. … We’re talking about workshops and not just for higher ed but for people in this profession, broadly, of researching, interpreting and sharing American history.”

This kind of lab-based research is just as valuable to the humanities as it is to STEM fields, Newell said.

“Labs are where research occurs,” she said. “And history is a research-based discipline. We’re not making things up. We’re not going over the same ground. We’re trying to ask questions that haven’t been asked before or answer questions that people may think can’t be answered.” 

For Newell, the question she and her students circle back to is “What is the purpose of the humanities?”

“Is it to reaffirm what we already know or is it to break new ground?” she said. “We think there’s plenty of new ground to be broken and stories to incorporate into the larger history of the United States.”

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.”

Some of the students and their families received a little help on their move-in day from Ohio State President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr. and First Lady Lynda Carter. The Carters visited Blackburn House and Scott House on the Columbus campus Thursday afternoon, welcomed returning students, and in a few cases, made sure what they packed went to the right room.

“It was a little unexpected,” said Kaitlyn Hammerschmidt, a second-year English major who moved back to Columbus from Cleveland. “It’s a little hot, so I’m a little sweaty and I was like, ‘Oh, Mr. President, hey!’”

For Eric Davis, the father of a second-year student from Bexley, it was a nice personal touch from the university’s first family.

“It was surprising. It was special and a little surreal. But it just showed us that he’s pretty down to earth and was very friendly and helpful,” Davis said. “I think it was a very special way for Simon to start his second year. Totally unexpected and just a really cool opportunity.”

By the time move-in is completed Saturday evening, more than 15,000 students will be living in Columbus campus residence halls, according to Ohio State’s Office of Student Life.

“It was very smooth. The directions, the verbal instructions were great. I think we brought slightly less stuff this year, so that was good. Everyone was friendly and helpful,” Davis said. “Plus, the added bonus of President Carter helping push a cart up to the fifth floor.”

Aiding the process are dozens of student and staff volunteers. That group includes Ohio State Welcome Leaders (OWL) who arrive early to campus and help their peers adapt to life on campus.

Ella Laws, a first-year early education major from Yellow Springs, joined the OWLs to assist students who are going through the same experiences and emotions. Leaving family and making new friends can be overwhelming and it was a chance to make some campus connections.

“Having someone yesterday reach out to me, that feels good,” she said. “I want to be that for other people and make them feel more comfortable coming to this whole different atmosphere because it really is different.”

Her team of volunteers were getting to know each other and sharing stories and then were surprised by the visit from the university president.

“We met the president of Ohio State earlier, and that was crazy,” she said. “At first, we were thinking ‘What’s with all of the cameras?’ and I was like, ‘Oh, my goodness, what a celebrity.’ It was so funny.”

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.”

Chila Thomas, YSP executive director, accepted the award on behalf of Ohio State during the Ohio Women’s Leadership Summit on July 13 in Cincinnati.

“It is an honor to serve Ohio and The Ohio State University community through the Young Scholars Program,” said Thomas. “Leading a team of esteemed colleagues with which many of us share the experiences of the students we serve brings my team immense pleasure to partner with and guide students to support college access and success.”

Founded in 1988, YSP is a comprehensive pre-collegiate and collegiate student success initiative offering academically talented, first-generation students with high financial need the opportunity to enhance their academic, personal and career development. YSP serves students from Ohio’s nine largest public school districts: Akron, Canton, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Lorain, Toledo and Youngstown.

Connecting multiple levels of education, each year YSP assists over 1,000 students statewide, including 700 students in grades 8-12 and 350 undergraduate students, serving as a stepping stone for success at Ohio State and beyond.

“The Ohio State University is a land-grant institution with a long and proud tradition of educating all Ohioans,” said Yolanda Zepeda, interim vice provost for the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. “The Young Scholars Program is an embodiment of that mission to bring education to Ohioans from every corner of the state and walk of life. We are extremely proud of the role that we play in helping Young Scholars achieve their educational dreams and become leaders in their communities and in their professions.”

YSP serves pre-collegiate students in grades 9-12 by providing year-round college counseling and programming to enhance college preparation and readiness in partnership with school district administrators and staff, Ohio State faculty, staff, students and alumni, and community partners.

YSP undergraduate programs assist Young Scholars in reaching their full potential and achieving their academic and career goals through personal, professional and leadership development. Undergraduate Students Success Programs begin with a summer early arrival program, followed by academic year programming, including an academic bridge program, holistic success coaching, peer mentoring, study skills enrichment, first-year seminar courses and scholarship support services.

To be eligible, scholars must complete a rigorous college preparatory curriculum and demonstrate high academic achievement. Scholars in good academic standing receive a robust financial aid package from Ohio State, which includes federal and state grants, work-study and the Young Scholars Award.

In addition to Thomas and Zepeda, Ohio State was represented at the conference by Wendy G. Smooth, senior vice provost for inclusive excellence, and Ange-Marie Hancock, executive director of the Kirwan Institute.

“This award is a wonderful acknowledgment of the Young Scholars Programs transformative impact on students across Ohio,” said Smooth. “We are deeply honored by this recognition and are committed to continuing our work to empower first-generation students, providing them the tools and opportunities to succeed academically and lead in their communities.”

The Ohio Women’s Leadership Summit is an annual nonpartisan, nonpolitical event hosted by U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown. YSP’s award recognizes individuals or organizations that uplift Ohio women and serve their communities.

Ohio State President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr. led the university’s state tour this week to stops in Cleveland, Oberlin and Medina, among others. The state tour is an opportunity for university representatives to meet with business leaders, community members and alumni outside of Columbus and highlight the shared connections in Ohio.

Carter, who was joined by Ohio State First Lady Lynda Carter, spoke at Green Circle Growers, the first stop on the tour, which is an expansive greenhouse operation that has workforce and research partnerships with the College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

“Lynda and I just couldn’t be more excited to be here along with some of our faculty and, most importantly, these phenomenal students that came up to be with us here on a two-day tour visit of northeast Ohio,” Carter said. “The agricultural mission of Ohio is so important. One in eight people in the state of Ohio work in the ag and food industry. It’s an industry that has over $124 billion in economic impact. So it’s important for us to be here.”

Partnerships and impact are themes Carter mentioned often during the tour. He also visited Patterson Fruit Farm and Sandridge Crafted Foods. Both are family-owned and operated companies led by Ohio State alumni, with university research partnerships embedded in their culture.

The state tour also highlighted the university’s efforts to give back to the community. The Office of Student Life joined staff from the Cavaliers, representatives from Coca-Cola and members of the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics to aid the Children’s Hunger Alliance.

Working on the court at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse, they teamed up to pack 2,300 weekend meal boxes (or the equivalent of 13,800 meals) to distribute to more than 50 partners across the state. The students who participated in the project said it was among the highlights of the trip.

“Honestly, it was amazing, just being a part of a cause that was bigger than all of us,” said Anthony Koulianos, a fourth-year neuroscience major.

On day two of the tour, the university helped open the Lake County Fair. The 169th year of the county fair celebrated the agricultural roots of the region – aided by Ohio State University Extension in Lake County and university-supported 4-H programs.

Carter, students and university staff toured livestock areas, visited the poultry show and helped lead the national anthem.

The state tour also helped the university connect with the future. The Office of Strategic Enrollment Management hosted a pep rally at Mentor High School in one of the largest school districts in Lake County.

About 200 people attended the pep rally, including current Mentor students and staff as well as prospective students from area high schools. Members of the Ohio State Marching Band celebrated students from the region who will be joining Ohio State in the fall. Carter spoke to the crowd about the value of a college degree and the university’s commitment to affordability, noting that 58% of Ohio State graduates leave school without debt.

“We not only want our students to come, learn, grow, become critical thinkers. We also want them to be successful,” he said. “We also want them to know that there are great opportunities within the state of Ohio.”

Kimmara Yarbrough, a fifth-year nursing major, said the state tour helped her understand the passion people in Ohio have for the university.

“I think Ohio State has the craziest school spirit I’ve ever seen in my life,” she said. “Seeing alumni that excited to come back, and even people who didn’t come to Ohio State, they just saw us there and they wanted to say, ‘Hi.’ Their children were like, ‘I want to go there. I want to see Brutus. I want to see the drum major.’ So it just goes to show that the community we build at Ohio State and the spirit that we have here really drives what we do.”

For the second consecutive Summer Olympics, Ohio State will have more than 20 student-athletes competing. The contingent of 25 Buckeyes is the second largest at a single Olympic Games following the school record of 26 who competed in 2021 in Tokyo. 

The Canadian Olympic Team has the most Ohio State representatives with eight, including current student-athletes Alex Axon and Tristan Jankovics of the men's swimming and diving program. Team USA is close behind, with seven Buckeyes.

Seven current Buckeyes will compete in Paris. Alex Axon and Tristan Jankovics will swim for Team Canada, while their Buckeye teammate Tomas Navikonis will be competing for Lithuania. Also representing Ohio State aquatic sports are Germany’s Lena Hentschel (diving) and Ruby Remati (artistic swimming) for the United States. Pistol student-athlete Ada Korkhin will also compete for Team USA, and Leah Bertrand is set to compete for Trinidad and Tobago in track & field.

This year’s games mark the second for Henry Leverett and Hunter Armstrong (swimming) and third for Aina Cid (rowing), Eleanor Harvey (fencing), Nichelle Prince (soccer), Elodie Ravera-Scarramozzino (rowing) and Kyle Snyder (wrestling).

2024 Paris Olympics

The 2024 Olympic Games will be held July 26-Aug. 11 in Paris. During the 17-day window, 10,500 of the world’s best athletes will compete across 32 sports. The 2024 Paralympic Games will be held Aug. 28-Sept. 28 in Paris, with 4,400 world-class athletes competing across 23 sports. 

This year’s Olympics mark the 100-year anniversary of the 1924 Olympic Games in Paris.  For more information on events, see the Olympic schedule.

Ohio State Buckeyes at the 2024 Paris Olympics and the 2024 Paralympics

Current student-athlete unless noted; *Former student-athlete; #Incoming first-year student; **Former student

United States

• Katelyn Abeln* – Pistol
• Hunter Armstrong* – Swimming
• Blake Haxton** – Paralympics, Paracanoe 
• Keana Hunter# – Artistic Swimming
• Ada Korkhin – Pistol
• Henry Leverett* – Pistol
• Ruby Remati – Artistic Swimming
• Kyle Snyder* – Wrestling

 Canada

• Fares Arfa* – Fencing
• Duan Asemota* – Track & Field
• Alex Axon – Swimming
• Emma Finlin# – Swimming
• Scarlett Finn# – Artistic Swimming
• Eleanor Harvey* – Fencing
• Tristan Jankovics – Swimming
• Nichelle Prince* – Soccer

France

• Maximilien Chastanet* – Fencing
• Elodie Ravera-Scarramozzino* – Rowing

Germany

• Lena Hentschel – Diving

Ireland

• Ciara McGing* – Diving

Lithuania

• Tomas Navikonis – Swimming

Nigeria

• Sade Olatoye* – Track & Field

Puerto Rico

• Kristen Romano* – Swimming

Spain

• Aina Cid* – Rowing

Trinidad and Tobago

• Leah Bertrand – Track & Field

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.”

This alarming educational gap may be due in part to a mismatch between the mathematics preparation that many undergraduate students have and the math requirements for STEM students in introductory physics courses, said Geraldin​​e Cochran, an associate professor of physics at The Ohio State University. 

To help solve this issue, Cochran, whose research revolves around improving and expanding access to undergraduate and graduate physics education, was recently awarded a $500,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to lead a project aimed at transforming introductory physics courses to help broaden participation in STEM. 

“Nationally, people are rethinking college admissions processes to support every student, especially at public institutions,” Cochran said. “The models I’m trying to document and evaluate are creating physics courses that are really aimed at supporting all enrolled students, regardless of math preparation.”

Her project, titled “INCLUDES Network Connector: A Network to Facilitate Transforming Introductory Physics Courses to Support All Students,” will seek to create physics courses that reduce course-specific math requirements for students by integrating quantitative literacy, a method that involves interpreting numerical information and applying it to real-world examples to solve scientific problems, and in-context math skills. 

NSF connector awards are typically centered around research that relies on shared visions, leadership, communication and scalability to help drive systemic change in education. 

In this case, Cochran plans to build a national community of instructors and researchers interested in making systemic changes to undergraduate physics education. Because a one-size-fits-all model of teaching doesn’t work well, Cochran’s project will document, evaluate and redesign introductory physics courses of various styles to better fit the needs of students. 

To investigate the efficacy of these material adjustments, project members will conduct a mixed-methods study to compare long-term student success through traditional teaching versus the newly transformed models. This process will include analyzing the next-year performances of those in sophomore and junior courses as well as the success rate for students of various demographics. 

Future probes will also encourage participants to share how their experiences with an altered physics sequence impacted their physics, math and engineering identity and if they have any reflections on the course experience post-graduation. 

The plan builds on work already done at the University of Washington, Rutgers University and Lamar University, whose programs sought to foster policies that support students from all backgrounds at the undergraduate level by allowing students to incorporate their real-world knowledge of physics in traditional assessments and created additional time to be mentored by approachable physics faculty members and advanced undergraduates.

One of the ways the project will seek to do something similar at Ohio State is by incorporating skills from algebra, trigonometry and calculus into the physics class. 

“One of the reasons that so many people are resistant to math is because they don’t understand its usefulness,” said Cochran. “They don’t see it in context, but physics can illuminate the real world and connect problems you want to solve.”

Funding from the award will support the creation of additional physics sequences within three participating universities’ physics departments. At Ohio State, one such physics course with the new curriculum, which will be taught by Cochran, will begin this coming fall. 

Cochran, who has worked with Ohio State’s Thomas Gramila, Lisa Barclay and Mary Leist to better understand students’ current needs, hopes to collaborate with other members of the Ohio State community engaged in similar work. For instance, because many individuals in the class will be majoring in engineering, Cochran will also collaborate with Ohio State’s CARE Office to support the development of students’ engineering identities. 

“Regardless of their math background, all accepted students should have the opportunity to succeed in physics and enjoy themselves while doing it,” Cochran said.   

At Ohio State Mansfield, Opal will lead efforts to extend and amplify the university’s commitment to student success, innovation in teaching and learning, research opportunities and community engagement. 

“Jason is an experienced leader who is passionate about improving the student experience,” said Ryan J. Schmiesing, senior vice provost for external engagement. “I look forward to collaborating with him as our regional campuses continue to engage with stakeholders across the state to identify opportunities, enhance student outcomes and fulfill workforce needs.” 

In addition to his scholarship, Opal will bring extensive administrative experience to the Mansfield campus. In his role as associate dean at McGill, he is responsible for overseeing graduate programs and improving the student experience for McGill’s largest academic unit. Before joining the dean’s office, Opal served as chair of the Department of History and Classics, the largest department in the Faculty of Arts. Before joining McGill in 2009, he was an assistant professor at Colby College in Waterville, Maine.  

“The Mansfield campus combines all the good things of a small campus with all the benefits and resources of a powerhouse university,” said Opal. “That’s a rare combination, and I wanted to be a part of it.” 

Ohio State Mansfield is a thriving model for sustainability, experiential education, and hands-on research. The campus has a 20-acre sugar bush for maple syrup production; vernal pools, pine plantations, wetlands and stream heads; and an EcoLab in collaboration with the School of Environment and Natural Resources.  

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 Mansfield campus before transitioning to the Columbus campus to complete their degree. Twelve majors can be completed at Ohio State Mansfield. 

Opal also looks forward to being part of the Mansfield community and serving in Ohio State Mansfield’s smaller-campus environment, known for its strong faculty-student connections and holistic student support. 

“My first teaching job was at such a campus, and I love the creative interactions and supportive feel that those kinds of schools can provide,” said Opal. “The faculty and staff at Mansfield are passionate about their students, their writing and their projects. My goal will be to share that enthusiasm and to enable the faculty, staff and students to flourish.” 

Opal earned his bachelor’s degree from Cornell University and his master’s and doctoral degrees from Brandeis University. He has published or edited three books, written numerous scholarly articles and chapters, and been tapped by American, Canadian and French radio and TV networks to provide historical clarity to pressing issues.  

“We are grateful for all who supported the search, including the search advisory committee, chaired by David Horn, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences,” said Karla Zadnik, interim executive vice president and provost. “We are also especially appreciative of Eric Anderman and his dedicated service as interim dean and director of Ohio State Mansfield over the past two years.”  

For Wheeler’s graduation, his grandfather, Ken Coleman, and father, Chris Wheeler, returned to their alma mater to celebrate Noah’s accomplishments and reflect on their own.

After earning his bachelor’s in industrial management in 1965 and his MBA in 1972 from Ohio State, Coleman went on to become a pioneer in the technology industry. He has been instrumental in many successful startups and technology firms, having served as chief operating officer of Silicon Graphics and chairman of Saama Technologies.

Coleman is currently chairman of EIS Group, which provides automated claims processing solutions for the insurance industry. He is also an adviser to venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz.  

Coleman’s accomplishments are especially noteworthy, as he is one of the leading African Americans in the field. He said the business principles he learned while earning his MBA have been key to his success.

“When I give a talk or a speech or something … I talk about what, especially, the MBA did for me: It taught me how to problem-solve in a situation where you don’t have all the information,” he said. “And No. 2, it taught me how to better communicate and present your idea, your issue, so you’re a better communicator.”

Coleman has maintained ties to Ohio State, serving on Fisher’s Dean’s Advisory Council. He has also hosted Ohio State students in Silicon Valley for company visits and networking.

Noah Wheeler said his grandfather and father’s professional success partly influenced his decision to earn his MBA from Fisher. Noah, who was born in Columbus and raised in upstate New York, holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management from Capital University.

By observing his forebears’ careers, Noah learned “what an MBA allows you to do, especially as someone in the minority community, in terms of the doors it opens and your ability to have the qualifications,” he said. “You don’t want to be excluded in an interview process or even just being considered for something. You want to give people as many checkmarks as possible.”

Chris Wheeler earned his MBA in 1994. He is vice president of alliances and channel at Board, an international technology company that provides planning, reporting and analytics services to businesses.

Chris also said his parents, who are both Ohio State alumni, partly inspired his decision to earn his MBA from Fisher. Chris is a Columbus native who, like his son, completed his undergraduate degree at Capital University and holds a bachelor’s in accounting.

“Ohio State was always the big school that everyone thought about,” Chris said. “After undergrad, I went into public accounting and then when I decided to go back to graduate school to change the trajectory of my career because I no longer wanted to be in accounting, I fell in love with technology, which was because of my father. I then chose to go to Ohio State.”  

Chris added that David E. Harrison, senior director of Fisher’s Diversity and Inclusion Services office, was also influential in choosing Ohio State.  

Connecting with Harrison and his team “was the great one of the greatest experiences that I’d ever had in my life,” Wheeler said.

Like his father, Noah said he will draw on his experiences at Fisher as he embarks on his career. Noah plans to use his MBA in the customer success field, which helps clients get the most from a company’s products and services.

“Fisher’s decision to keep the MBA class small, I think, is a real strength. I know everybody in the class, everybody knows me, and I think it creates a sense of community that makes learning and growing very connected,” Noah said. “The class size was a really impactful experience overall, especially learning from other professionals and people with different backgrounds.”

Coleman said the advice he offers to young people like his grandson who are just starting their careers is to find a line of work that will spark their interest and make the best use of their skills.

“If you end up in a career and a job that’s something you’re passionate about, it doesn't feel like work,” he said. “The only thing you can really control is how hard you work, so work hard. Make sure no matter what happens, nobody can out-work you because you’re so focused on effort.”

Coleman also advises not to underestimate the value of networking.

“Build your network, nurture that network, feed that network,” he said, “because you never know when a contact that you had years ago will matter in the future.”

“Sport is a great context to learn about these other life leadership things that we know go into jobs, go into relationships, go into families,” she said.

Many people choose to coach sports because they want to help student-athletes learn these lessons, Bates said. Unfortunately, many feel they do not have the resources to do the job well.

Over the last three years, the Coach Beyond program has sought to provide those resources. Through a partnership between the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OSHAA) and Ohio State’s LiFEsports Initiative, Coach Beyond has trained more than 15,000 coaches across the state in positive youth development practices with an emphasis on how to support student mental health.  

Those coaches are part of an effort by the Susan Crown Exchange, which funded Coach Beyond, to train 1 million coaches by 2025. Bates said including OSHAA and area athletic directors and coaches in the process is part of what sets Coach Beyond apart.

“The collaborative structure has been amazing,” Bates said. “You have academic researchers, athletic directors and coaches who handle the day-to-day, and then OSHAA, and we’re all sitting around the table and asking, ‘What are we seeing? What’s missing?’”

This led to a statewide survey of 6,000 coaches, the first of its kind.

“We learned things like coaches did not feel confident in providing mental health support but two-thirds wanted more training about it,” Bates said.

Another key insight the research team gained from coaches? The training needed to be short: one hour.

“Believe it or not, coaches have very short attention spans,” Bates said with a laugh, “and they’re not being paid a lot.”

In addition, researchers spoke with 50 student-athletes to hear their perspectives about coaching. This perspective clued researchers in to one of the larger issues facing coaches and student-athletes today: the COVID-19 pandemic.

“These kiddos were telling us that they were so stressed and busy, that they’re not feeling up to snuff,” said Emily Nothnagle, a social work PhD student. “Some of these kids are now sophomores and juniors in high school – they’re expected to be team captains, but the pandemic stopped them in middle school.”

“When we think about the ripple effects of the pandemic, we lost a lot of relational currency,” Bates said. “When you’ve had two years of being unable to see each other and touch base, those rapport-building things are absent. And we know those are the foundation of a great sports experience. A lot of people, including coaches, needed tools just to re-enter that environment.”

Another issue facing coaches today is proximity to their players. Between 50% and 70% of coaches are not educators in their school buildings, Bates said, which is a change from the time when teachers were coaches as well as educators. While this demonstrates community support for athletics, these coaches are missing training and day-to-day interactions that are part of being a teacher.

“If you saw someone in the building struggling the day after a game, you could do some wrap around [support], maybe connect them to the right people and sit them out of practice for a day,” Bates said. “If I don’t see a student until 4:30, there may be some gaps in our understanding of what kids are experiencing.”

Josh DeVoll, athletic director of Granville High School, said his district has been part of the Coach Beyond program for about two years. He said high school athletics have become more professionalized for students, leading to more stress for some students.

His coaches need training and a toolkit that includes more than a rulebook and a whistle.

“Creating content education that we can get in front of all our coaches, especially the ones who are non-educators, is invaluable,” he said. “We go through CPR training. We go through the concussion protocol information. But until recently, there was nothing in that coach training toolkit to provide them an opportunity to gain those types of skills to help support students.”

DeVoll said coaches today need to be more aware of the emotional and mental well-being of their players, a mindset that has changed over time. Bates agreed and said students appreciate it when coaches recognize their needs have evolved.

“One of my favorite things that came out of the focus groups is that students said they hate when coaches say, ‘Back when I played…’ because it’s not the same,” she said. “All they want is to be validated and have someone walk alongside them and help problem solve.”

Bates and the Coach Beyond team have recently published two peer-reviewed articles about Coach Beyond and focus groups with student-athletes. Articles are linked here:

• Mental health training for high school coaches and athletic directors: Community-based participatory research to Coach Beyond (sagepub.com)
• Full article: Beyond the scoreboard: school-based sport experiences and high school student-athlete well-being (tandfonline.com)

“I say, ‘I’m an only child.’ But that’s actually because I have two other siblings who passed on and I believe they’re in heaven. My twin was a miscarriage and then my older sister, Amanda Mia, was born prematurely and lived for 7 1/2 months before she passed in the [hospital],” she said.

“My mom was very vocal with me growing up, talking about my siblings, specifically my older sister Amanda. She would tell me, ‘You have two other siblings, and we hold them in our hearts. And I received great care, and your sister received great care,’” Baker said. “And that was very pivotal for me in my childhood.”

Last week, Baker celebrated commencement at The Ohio State University with more than 12,500 undergraduates and more than 600 peers from the College of Nursing. It was the culmination of a college career that began at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

For many, it was a daunting time to be a college student, especially for students thinking of a health care career. A devout Catholic, Baker said her faith was instrumental in her decision-making.

“I had already made the decision that I wanted nursing. So I was like, ‘If I get accepted during COVID, then that is absolutely God providing for me,’” she said. “And in some sense, [COVID] has made me realize that I’m truly dedicated to this profession, and it has allowed me to recognize the beauty of love and sacrifice and that they cannot be separated.”

Baker’s nursing education and clinical experience helped her focus on postpartum patient care, as well as labor and delivery.

Annetta Sipes, clinical assistant professor of practice in the College of Nursing, served as a mentor for Baker. She believes helping babies and new mothers was what Baker was called to do.

“Nursing is a call. It is from your heart to others. This is Chiara’s strength and it is what keeps her going through adversity,” Sipes said. “The call is love and compassion. She is able to touch those she cares for with pure hands and intentions.”

Baker worked part-time as a postpartum patient care associate/student nurse associate at the Wexner Medical Center. Following graduation, she is now a full-time nurse at the medical center.

Baker knows she is stepping into a profession facing an immense demand for talent. She said she is embracing the challenge.

“I have felt tremendously encouraged and uplifted,” she said. “Obviously, there are a lot of challenges with nursing right now: there are staffing issues, and the patient population is shifting. People are sicker.”

As she starts her professional career, Baker is continuing her education at Ohio State, pursuing a master’s degree and specializing in nurse-midwifery. She hopes to work as a certified nurse midwife with the medical center’s labor and delivery unit.

She also hopes to continue medical missionary work. As a student, Baker was part of a service trip to the Dominican Republic, providing clean water filtration systems for a small rural village.

Baker’s parents watched her graduation at Ohio Stadium this weekend and are proud of the profession she is joining.

“They tell me all the time that they couldn’t think of a better profession for me. … They know how much I love babies, the moms and the baby population,” she said. “They know I’m doing what I’m doing because of my older sister, and they could not be more grateful and humbled by my recognition of how beautiful life is, and my wanting to be part of that in such an intimate way.”

“In high school, I had done a lot of advocacy work related to vaccines and vaccine hesitancy,” she said. 

Earlier this month, Patel was one of more than 12,000 students who graduated from Ohio State. She leaves with a bachelor’s degree in public health. She won’t be going far, though. 

Patel plans to apply to medical school, but not before she takes a gap year as a clinical research assistant in otolaryngology at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.

“I’ve had to practice the name a few times,” Patel admitted. “When I’d go for training, I’d sit in my car and say it to myself.”

Patel is taking a gap year to gain more experience for her medical school applications.

“I wanted a gap year for the clinical research component,” she said. “I had participated in research throughout undergrad so I know I like it. I had a couple of different experiences, so I know which components of research I like: I like interacting with patients. I like participating in research that will improve people’s health.”

Before she begins her research position, though, Patel is spending her summer as an intern for the Southern Plains Tribal Health Board’s Tribal Health Experiential Student Internship Seminar, which is funded in part by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

“I’m really excited about it,” she said. “It’s my dream to work for the CDC in some capacity.”

The eight-week program provides students and recent graduates with public health mentors who guide them through coursework and research, both of which focus on Native American health. At the end of the seminar, students present their research at the CDC Showcase in Atlanta.

“As an Ohio State student, my public health education really prepared me,” she said. “I’ve also had a lot of opportunities to grow as a person. I was a resident adviser; I’ve worked in the Office of Student Life since I was a sophomore. I feel like all those extra components, that may not seem like they’re related to my degree, they really helped me, too.”

Those opportunities are what Patel suggests incoming Buckeyes pursue, even if they are unsure.

“Try everything you feel OK about trying, even if you’re not in love with it,” she said. “See what sticks and what doesn’t. I didn’t pigeonhole myself into one activity. I did a lot of random things, but it all came together in the end. Try everything.”

Through trying different activities, Patel developed friendships across campus. She’ll miss those the most, she said.

Another thing she’ll miss about Ohio State? The school spirit. When Patel was younger, she knew she wanted to study at Ohio State because of how passionate the community is, she said.

“I was a big school spirit person in high school,” she said. “That’s why Ohio State appealed to me so much, that focus on students and school pride and excitement. That whole vibe was something I was really attracted to. I just wanted to go to Ohio State.”

May 6-10 is In-Demand Jobs Week, an annual statewide celebration of the jobs, industries and skills that are in demand in Ohio. Ohio State News highlights students as they transition from graduation into the workforce.

In a new study, a professor at The Ohio State University showed that five-minute exercise sessions during lectures were feasible and that students reported positive impacts on their attention and motivation, engagement with their peers and course enjoyment.

The results may not be particularly surprising, but they do suggest a solution for a long-standing issue in college classrooms, said Scott Hayes, author of the study and associate professor of psychology at Ohio State.

“Nobody can stay on task for 80 minutes straight without their mind wandering and their attention waxing and waning,” Hayes said.

“If you give students a break and get their bodies moving for just a few minutes, it can help them get their minds back to the lecture and probably be more productive. I know it helps me, as well.”

The study was published recently in the journal Frontiers in Sports and Active Living.

Hayes said he was inspired to do this research by a similar laboratory-based study of how students responded to exercise breaks during a single video lecture.

That study found positive results, but Hayes wondered if it could work in the real world of in-person university lectures, over the course of a full semester.

He tested it in four of his own classes. One to two student-led exercise sessions (five minutes each) were implemented in each lecture during upper-level psychology courses with 20 to 93 students. The classes were 80 minutes long.

At the beginning of the course, Hayes broke the class into small groups, and each group was responsible for developing a five-minute exercise session. Hayes reviewed the exercise sessions beforehand to make sure they were workable and safe.

“I wanted the students to design and lead the sessions because I thought it would help them buy into the idea, and help with their engagement and investment,” he said.

Hayes admitted that the sessions were sometimes a bit awkward at the beginning of the semester.  The students didn’t know exactly how to act, and they weren’t used to doing something like this during a class.

But students soon got into the flow and had fun with the sessions. Some of the exercises students included were jumping jacks, lunges, overhead press (with a backpack) and hamstring stretches.

Hayes said a few student groups got creative in designing their sessions.

“One of the groups designed a theme of going to an orchard and picking apples. So they had their fellow students reaching up as if they were picking apples from a tree and reaching down to put them in a basket,” Hayes said.

Hayes said he knew the program was a success when students spontaneously provided anonymous comments with their end-of-semester students evaluations. One student’s comment reflected a common response: “I enjoyed the exercise breaks in class and really felt like they motivated me to focus more.”

In one of the classes studied, Hayes gave the students a survey at the end of the course about the exercise sessions.  All the students reported that they had never taken a class that had an exercise break during the lecture.

Students rated the exercise breaks as improving attention, enjoyable, and improving peer engagement.  They reported that, compared to other classes, they preferred the class with an exercise break and they would like more classes to offer such sessions.

One open question could be whether these exercise sessions improved student learning and grades.  Hayes said that is beyond the scope of this study, and it would be difficult to do that kind of research.  Comparisons of different classes, at different times of day, and with a variety of teachers, would make comparisons challenging to make.

But this study found that exercise breaks were feasible to do and that students enjoyed them and found them useful – which he said may make it worthwhile for other faculty to try.

Some already have.

“Two colleagues in the psychology department here at Ohio State have told me they have started exercise breaks in their courses,” Hayes said. “It may be catching on.”

The study was supported by the National Institute on Aging.

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:

As the semester draws to a close, I want to thank you for your dedication to teaching, learning, research, patient care – and to Ohio State. As we look forward to spring commencement and the events surrounding this momentous occasion for the class of 2024, I am reminded of the resilience of this class as they navigated starting their collegiate careers during a pandemic.

We have much to be proud of – many achievements that reflect our comprehensive excellence and the collective efforts of students, faculty and staff. Because of you, this institution is vibrant and had an incredible year of achievement.

It has also been a challenging and, at times, painfully difficult year for many as we navigated devastating natural disasters, global conflict and tragedies across our nation. I continue to remind all campus community members that we have resources to assist you, from counseling, wellness and tutoring services for students, to the Employee Assistance Program for staff and faculty.

College campuses, including ours, must be places where we can process these events through respectful discussion and debate. We are here together to learn from one another and hear new and different perspectives – including those with which we disagree.

I want our students, faculty and staff to stand up for what you believe in – to have a voice and to use that voice. We must dedicate ourselves to using our voices with civility and compassion. Our motto is “Education for Citizenship,” and respectful debate is at the heart of our democracy.

I remain steadfastly committed to maintaining an environment where all members of our community feel welcome while continuing to uphold the First Amendment and the laws of our state and nation. Ohio State will continue to prioritize safety, including having university police and trained staff on-site for student demonstrations. We will also consistently enforce our space rules, which do not allow for intentional disruptions of university events, classes, exams or programming, including commencement.

When protected speech becomes incitement or threats of violence, Ohio State has and will always move quickly to enforce the law and university policy. I will not compromise on this.

Ohio State is fundamentally composed of people – of all of us. As the academic year draws to a close, I ask all of you to consider how your words might affect your fellow Buckeyes. Even if speech is protected, is it how you would talk to a member of your family or a friend? Displays of hate speech on our campuses, even if allowed under the First Amendment, are reprehensible and do not align with our values. Ohio State must be a place where all are welcome and safe.

This university changes people’s lives every day, and each of us is responsible for maintaining an environment where all of us can thrive.

We are all Buckeyes, and we chose to be Buckeyes. We chose to join a community of common traditions and mutual purpose. This has always been one of the core strengths of Ohio State, and it always will be. Congratulations to each of you on a successful semester. As you prepare for final exams, commencement, summer internships, first jobs or whatever comes next, know that you will always be Buckeyes and will always be welcome at Ohio State.

Ted

Ted Carter
President

Taunque joins an exclusive group of 60 Truman Scholars. The 2024 cohort was selected from 709 candidates nominated by 285 colleges across the U.S.

Truman Scholars demonstrate outstanding leadership potential, a commitment to a career in government or the nonprofit sector, and academic excellence. Established by Congress in 1975 as a living memorial to President Harry S. Truman and a national monument to public service, the Truman Scholarship supports the next generation of public service leaders.

“Anitvir has already proven himself as a dedicated scholar, entrepreneur and a committed public servant. He exemplifies the mission of the Truman Foundation – to cultivate the next generation of servant-leaders,” said Ohio State President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr. “On behalf of the university, I congratulate Anitvir for this accomplishment and I look forward to seeing him grow, lead and represent the best of what it means to be a Buckeye.”

“I am so proud of Anitvir and his remarkable accomplishment of earning a Truman Scholarship,” said Karla Zadnik, interim executive vice president and provost. “His achievements in academics, passion for the well-being of others, and commitment to serving the greater good are inspiring qualities that represent the very best of our Ohio State community. He has a bright future, and I wish him continued success.”

Each Truman Scholar receives funding for graduate studies, leadership training, career counseling, and special internship and fellowship opportunities within the federal government.

Taunque said the scholarship interview process helped him focus.

“When we do our interview, they give us a minute at the end to give closing remarks. [I said] that being pre-med and wanting to be a doctor, the focus is so much on what comes next. One of the things that has done for me is it makes it a little harder to focus on what’s happening right now, living in the moment,” he said. “To have this award gives me that opportunity to just sit and think about how fortunate I am to have all these opportunities and how they could potentially fit together in a career as a public servant. It was very refreshing, and I think it refined my vision for the future.”

At Ohio State, Taunque is a Stamps Eminence Scholar, Buckeye Leadership Fellow and student wellness coach. He participated in the undergraduate research apprenticeship program, was a member of a winning team in the President’s Buckeye Accelerator program and volunteers at free clinics in Columbus and Punjab, India. 

Taunque was part of the ServUS team in the Buckeye Accelerator program. They created a website for universities to match students to local service organizations. The platform allows students to explore service opportunities, create their own social projects and help local service organizations recruit and manage volunteers. 

“It really opened my mind to business entrepreneurship, technology and how you can still use that to address public service,” he said. “There is a misconception. … People think that if you go towards the corporate side, it’s just money making, that’s the priority. But through ServUS, I can say it’s a testament that that is not the case.”

Steven Mousetes, program manager for the biomedical science undergraduate major, is one of Taunque’s mentors and recommended him for the Truman Scholarship.

“As an educator, it’s highly moving and inspirational to see a student from high school as they evolve,” he said. “[Taunque] meets with me regularly. We talk about the things that he’s doing. Sometimes things don’t work out, but he has great coping skills. The thing that I always say in his recommendations is that he seeks advice and then acts on it.”

Taunque said he plans to go to medical school. He said he wants to work as a physician and policy researcher who contributes innovative and intimate solutions to improve health literacy for people of all backgrounds across the U.S.  

“I’m going to stick with my passions. I love tech, I love the startup realm. I get the chance to engage with the government and influence policy now, and I think that’s an amazing opportunity,” he said. “I’m going to take that opportunity and keep my options open. But in terms of what I want to do next, I don’t know. But I’m really excited to find out.”

Carter discussed the founding history of the university with the passage of the Morrill Act in 1862 and the Canon Act of 1870. He discussed university traditions ranging from Script Ohio to the chimes of Orton Hall to the alma mater “Carmen Ohio.”

“You know when I came [to Ohio State], I talked about what excited me to come here to be part of this great university, how excellent we were in programs like academics, research, medical care, medical research, the arts, athletics. None of that has been a disappointment,” he said.

The president highlighted some of the recent success stories at the university, noting that Ohio State scholars achieved almost $1.45 billion in research expenditures in 2023, ranking just ahead of Harvard at No. 11 nationally.

He discussed the excellence of the Wexner Medical Center and the Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute as among the best cancer hospitals in the U.S.

Ohio State has students, alumni, employees, patients and facilities in each of the state’s 88 counties, and has connections across the country and active partnerships around the globe, he said. Carter pointed to research relationships with Honda, Intel and Amgen.

Carter has spoken about the importance of access and affordability for college-seeking students. He said Ohio State is meeting that standard and will work to improve.

“Affordability has got to be one of the centerpieces of what we do. … It’s important to know that we are still one of the most affordable, best-value educations you can find, not only in the state of Ohio, but anywhere in the country,” he said. “We are the second most affordable of anybody that has a selective admission process.”

Ohio State is also more affordable than 10 of 17 other schools in the Big Ten.

He shared that only 42% of Ohio State undergraduate students graduate with debt, compared to 61% nationally. And of those graduating with debt, Ohio State students have recently been borrowing less, a little under $25,000 across their undergraduate experience – or about $4,000 less than the national average.

Carter also addressed the culture of the university and the importance of civil discourse. He said when he was appointed as president that safety would be one of his top priorities.

“I can’t tell students or faculty how to feel, but all I can do is make sure that we are going to continue to do everything we can to keep our campus secure and safe. That includes elements of free speech,” he said, adding that he swore an oath as a naval officer to defend the Constitution. “I am passionate about freedom of speech. But that doesn’t mean freedom of speech is your right to create violence, incite violence, or harass others.”

The president said he continues to listen and learn from the campus community, and announced that he plans to do that more broadly with a survey of university faculty and staff. The survey, to be launched later this month, will ask employees to weigh in on their experience and engagement at Ohio State. The survey will be matched up with a similar annual survey conducted by the Wexner Medical Center and shared with the university community.

He said he would develop a university strategy with faculty, staff and university stakeholders for the future of Ohio State, noting that the university has been and continues to be excellent across its history.

“We can just be happy to maintain what we have. But I don’t believe the founders who created us 154 years ago ever envisioned that we would ever rest on our laurels,” Carter said. “So we will not rest on our laurels. And then the second part of the vision is we have to create and maintain a culture of excellence, a culture of excellence in everything we do.”

Carter ended his address quoting the powerful lyrics from “Carmen Ohio.” He focused on the third verse and how the nautical lines reminded him of his career in the U.S. Navy: If on seas of care we roll,
Neath blackened sky or barren shoal, Thoughts of thee bid darkness go, Dear Alma Mater...OHIO.

“I could not be more proud to be your 17th president,” he said. “Together, we will navigate the seas of care.”

Ohio State’s Lima, Mansfield, Marion and CFAES Wooster campuses are in the eclipse’s path of totality and will operate in a virtual and work from home environment on Monday. In Columbus and Newark, the eclipse will be partial and campuses will operate as usual. Highways and local roadways throughout Ohio may experience higher than normal traffic volumes due to eclipse tourism-related traffic.

While it is likely to be more congested around the Lima, Mansfield, Marion and CFAES Wooster campuses, motorists traveling to and from all Ohio State campuses are encouraged to plan ahead, anticipate traffic delays on highways and local roadways and allow for extra travel time, especially in the afternoon and evening hours after the eclipse.

Increased cellular usage may affect cell service in areas outside of major cities.

A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the earth, appearing to completely block the sun. At that time, the sky will completely darken for those in the path of totality – where the moon completely blocks the sun, leaving a shadow – for up to 4 1/2 minutes. These major astronomical events happen every few years somewhere on the planet, but they are rare to happen in a specific location: The next one to happen in Ohio is in September 2099.

Ohioans will be able to view the eclipse Monday afternoon sometime between about 3 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Initial weather forecasts for Monday include a small chance of rain and a chance of cloudiness.

You can view real-time traffic info throughout the state by downloading the Ohio Department of Transportation’s OHGO app.

Additional information is available on the university’s eclipse resource website.

The National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center warns a potentially substantial severe weather outbreak is possible today, including a few significant or long-track tornadoes, with the highest threat level concentrated over central Ohio.

Columbus, Mansfield, Marion and Newark are under a moderate risk level, the second highest level on the NWS rating system. Lima and CFAES Wooster are currently under an enhanced risk level, just below moderate.

All types of severe weather are possible, with a risk of strong tornadoes this afternoon.

If you are outside when a tornado warning is issued, take shelter in the nearest building. If you are in a residence hall, follow the instructions on the Emergency Evacuation Plans posted on hallway walls. These list the best available shelter locations.

In addition, consider these safety tips:

• Try to remain calm.
• Move to the lowest levels of the building, preferably in the middle of the building away from doors and windows.
• If you cannot make it to the lowest level, seek shelter in a small room under a table or something sturdy.
• Do not use elevators.

Please visit the Department of Public Safety website or the National Weather Service website for “what to do during a tornado.” The Ohio Emergency Management Agency also offers several tips to prepare for severe weather.

Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or your local radio or television stations for the latest weather and safety information. In any emergency, always listen to the instructions given by local emergency management officials. It’s important to keep cell phones charged before an emergency.

It’s also important to know the difference between a Tornado Watch and a Tornado Warning.

• Tornado Watch means a tornado is possible. Stay tuned to your local radio station or television for weather updates. Know where you’ll shelter, if necessary.
• Tornado Warning means a tornado is happening or imminent. Take shelter immediately.

Please follow @OSU_EMFP on Twitter or check emergency.osu.edu for any updates.

Students, faculty and staff can monitor the current Columbus campus conditions online. The website includes a live weather camera, updated weather conditions and current forecasts.

“Being an employee at Ohio State is so advantageous,” he said. “The sense of purpose you get working with students who are in recovery … made it hard to feel like the grass is greener anywhere else.”

Hosni has been with the CRC almost since the beginning, joining the fledgling organization in 2015. The organization works with students who are seeking recovery from substance misuse.  

Since 2015, 70 CRC members have graduated from Ohio State, with another six scheduled to graduate in the spring. 

“There are so many moments of pride,” Hosni said when asked about memories from the last decade. “There have been students you weren’t sure were going to get across the finish line. When they did, it felt momentous.”

One of the significant changes Hosni noted between 2024 and 2015 is that the CRC is fully enmeshed in the university today.

“What comes with time is developing roots in a community,” he said. “I think our program is something that folks know about now. We’ve worked hard to raise awareness about the program. I believe we are one of the flagship collegiate recovery communities in the country.”

In addition to community support, the CRC’s financial support has also grown.

“We started with a grant, some hopes and some dreams,” Hosni said. “Now we have two funded scholarship endowments, and we receive support from alumni who care about this program and care about the idea that students in recovery deserve the opportunity to have a safe place on campus to pursue their dreams. [We all believe] that having a substance-use disorder doesn’t mean your life is over. You can reinvent yourself.”

The focus of the CRC has always been students, said Mackenzie Hogan, the CRC’s wellness coordinator. What has changed over the years is how students approach their recovery.

“I think we’re seeing more diverse pathways to recovery,” she said. “That’s exciting because it brings new breath to the community and shows that there’s not one set way to do things.”

In addition to new recovery options, there are also new challenges for students, she said.

“One thing we’ve been looking at recently is gambling, which is now legal in the state,” she said. “What does it look like to make sure we have at least informal support for students who need us for that?”

Helping students beyond Ohio State’s reach is now a priority for the CRC as well, Hosni said.

“We’ve found a formula that works for supporting students,” he said, “no matter what walk of life they come from. I’m excited for us to be able to share that in a meaningful way with as many people as possible. We can positively influence college students that we’ll never meet.”

As Hosni looks back on the last 10 years, he is sure that part of the CRC’s success is an unwillingness to settle for average.

“I think if nothing changed and the CRC stayed in Baker Hall and continued to support students and help staff and faculty understand how to back students through our training, everyone would be happy,” he said. “But that’s not the Buckeye way. We want to keep pushing the envelope. We want to keep growing this thing and see how we can make a better experience for students, how we can contribute to the growing field of recovery programs across the country.”

Students, faculty, university leaders and business builders celebrated the grand opening of the new Student Entrepreneurs’ Center on Wednesday in the Gateway District. The center was created by students, for students, with support from Ohio State’s Department of Design, to provide young business developers with a space where innovation can flourish.  The building also serves as the new home for the Tim & Kathleen Keenan Center for Entrepreneurship.

“It will serve as a point of connection between our campus and the Columbus community, between rising Buckeye entrepreneurs and industry veterans, and amongst our students who can share their expertise with each other and combine it to create the next big thing,” said Ohio State President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr. “This center will also be a significant resource to these students in terms of space, mentorship, support for all of their ideas and tools to help bring those ideas to life.”

The entrepreneurs’ center features include modular spaces, conference rooms, adaptable lighting, state-of-the-art audio-visual technology, smart boards and much more.

“The Keenan Center, in concert with traditional classroom education, provides hands-on workshops, competitions, faculty and alumni mentorship, and more to foster and grow the entrepreneurial culture across campus,” said Peter Mohler, executive vice president for research, innovation and knowledge. “Through these efforts, we are able to create a community of students passionate about entrepreneurship and innovation.”

One of those students is Devi Dheekshita Nelakurti, a biomedical science major and co-president of SmileChild. The startup is a student-founded nonprofit, designed to reduce infant mortality through a module-based mobile app to educate caregivers on self and infant care. This startup was awarded President Buckeye Accelerator funding in 2023.

“Having a defined space for entrepreneurship means having consolidated resources, mentorship, a safe space to converse with our diverse backgrounds and experiences,” Nelakurti said. “In other words, this is where inspiration and passion meet its purpose and have the potential to transform lives.”

Mike Duffey, chancellor of the Ohio Department of Higher Education, said there is palpable excitement for entrepreneurship and innovation in Ohio, and he looks forward to the center supporting that growth. He was joined at the grand opening by entrepreneur and Ohio State alum Jesse Tyson, who operates a Starbucks franchise at the new student center. Tyson agreed that support for student startups was on the rise and said students realize they can build businesses and do good for the community at the same time.

The building is a cutting-edge space with resources to empower students on their entrepreneurial journey – from initial ideas to thriving startups and beyond. Tim Keenan said the center is a way to support student entrepreneurs to thrive like he did as a student.

“When I was a young man here at Ohio State, I had a professor who wanted to quote Ralph Waldo Emerson. … ‘Do not go where a path may lead. Go instead where there isn’t a path, and leave a trail,’” Keenan said. “So that’s what we’ve done. We left a trail for the students here, and I want you to expand that trail.”

Additional features of the center include:

• Specialized student programming and educational opportunities tailored to foster entrepreneurial skills and knowledge.
• Personalized mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs who guide and support students’ entrepreneurial endeavors.
• Access to a community of like-minded entrepreneurs and creators, offering networking and collaboration opportunities.
• Access to startup studio services, providing facilities and tools needed to bring students’ entrepreneurial ideas to life.

Abeln is a student at The Ohio State University, pursuing her master’s degree in public health and epidemiology. She was a vital part of Ohio State’s pistol team, which won national championships in the last three consecutive years.

Her next shot at gold will come in the Olympics, as Abeln has already qualified for the 10-meter air pistol event.

For the Olympics, shooters fire 60 shots at the target in an hour and 15 minutes. The top eight move on to the next round. Although 60 shots seem like a lot, Abeln says she usually does double that amount in practice.

“It’s not that bad,” Abeln said of the 60 shots. “Like most athletes, we’re going to train more so the matches feel pretty easy.”

Originally from Georgia, Abeln hadn’t considered attending Ohio State until her current coach, Emil Milev, got a job at the university.

“He came into the university two years before I did,” Abeln said. “When I heard he was the head coach, I immediately knew this was where I wanted to be.”

Abeln is no stranger to success. She spent her 13th birthday in Colorado shooting at a qualifying match for the National Junior Olympic Rifle and Pistol Championships, and tried out for the Tokyo Olympics in 2020 as a first-year student, but ended up being the first alternate.

“I was devastated,” Abeln said, “but I had a really good support system. My family, my coaches, my teammates all had my back and pushed me to go for Paris. Paris has been on my mind since I didn’t make the Tokyo team.”

One of the qualifying events for the 2024 Olympics happened to be during college finals, which put Abeln in a difficult spot.

“It was a challenge, for sure. A lot of late nights, lots of meetings with professors. Luckily, all the Ohio State professors were really accommodating and worked with me a lot,” Abeln said.

It was a surreal moment when she learned she would be going to the Olympics.

“It took a while for it to sink in,” Abeln said. “It’s super exciting, and it feels great for all my hard work to have paid off. I feel so grateful for everybody who has been with me through it all, and I have such a great support system. They say it takes a village, and my village is pretty great.”

Abeln has traveled the world competing, but this will be her first time in France. And while it won’t be a typical visit, she’s still looking forward to experiencing a new place, especially one that is celebrating a global event like the Olympics.

“Just seeing everyone who lives [in Paris] excited about something collectively is going to be really cool,” she said. “Seeing everyone band together to support one big event, even though they don’t know most of the people there – the Olympics bring so many people together.”

Abeln also gets to bring along two important people: her mother, Joy, and her first coach, her father.

“That’s honestly one of the things I’m most excited about is getting to experience the Olympics with them. To know that they’re there and they get to see me at the highest stage and everything they sacrificed for me to get there is special,” Abeln said.

An interprofessional team of faculty, staff and students from the Colleges of Nursing and Pharmacy, conducted screenings at Thompson Library on Tuesday morning.

“People come in and we do a blood pressure screening, a stress screening, a body mass index calculation,” said Kate Gawlik, associate professor of clinical nursing. “Then we go through things like, ‘Do you smoke? How are you exercising? What’s your diet like?’ And we really focus on individualized cardiovascular risk reduction.”

For more than a decade, Ohio State through the Office of the Chief Wellness Officer has been a partner with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Million Hearts program – the only institution of higher education in the country to do so. The university developed the Million Hearts online fellowship program, which has resulted in more than 100,000 Americans being screened and educated about heart health. The CDC designated Ohio State and the Wexner Medical Center as a Million Hearts Health System in 2021 to recognize their significant impact on cardiovascular health and well-being.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Ohio and throughout the nation. The CDC reports that, in 2021, Ohio ranked 11th in the country in death rate from heart disease.

“When we look at the population now as a whole, so many of us have cardiovascular risk factors, and we know that cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of men and women across the world,” Gawlik said. “We also know that cardiovascular disease is 80% preventable through lifestyle [behavior changes]. If we can get to people earlier, screen them for cardiovascular disease, educate them, and then, if needed, refer them, then hopefully we’re catching that cardiovascular disease early.”

Adeline Racan, a second-year nursing major, assisted with screenings at the library. Each one typically lasts between 15 and 20 minutes. She encouraged the university community to take the time and get a screening and appreciated the engagement with those who did turn out.

“It’s a real-time example of how we can help people, even just in our community, and it shows how the small things can lead up to bigger impacts,” she said.

Gawlik said the program will continue to educate health care professional students and health care professionals on the Million Hearts initiative to support screenings throughout the community.

“I think the best advice that we can give people is that cardiovascular disease is preventable. And whether or not you have a family history or you’re familiar with cardiovascular disease, it is out there and affecting people, and there are very simple things that you can do to really decrease your risk and catch it early.”

Fifteen students – nine undergraduate and six graduate – were awarded the prestigious Fulbright grant for the 2023-24 academic year. Ohio State also had five Fulbright U.S. scholars and six Fulbright specialist recipients during the award cycle. In the last five years, Ohio State has produced 51 faculty and 75 student Fulbright awardees, and this year’s graduate student and specialist awards were record numbers in these categories.

“The Fulbright program offers unique opportunities for our students and faculty to connect with many different cultures across the globe through teaching, research and community engagement,” said Kaya Şahin, vice provost for global strategies and international affairs. “It is a life-changing and enriching academic experience, and we are proud that Ohio State is once again recognized as a top producer.”

Ohio State’s Fulbright students, scholars and specialists traveled to 22 different countries and represent the Office of International Affairs and the colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Engineering; Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences; Education and Human Ecology; Medicine; Public Affairs; and Social Work.

“We are incredibly proud of all of our Fulbright recipients and applicants; they truly showcase the academic excellence of Ohio State students,” said Ola Ahlqvist, associate vice provost of academic enrichment. “Throughout the Fulbright application process, students reflect on their Buckeye experience in order to articulate who they are, what they have accomplished, and focus on their future goals and ambitions. I attribute our consecutive success to our faculty and staff supporting these talented students, and the vast opportunities at our university to engage in academic experiences beyond the classroom.”

As part of the university’s commitment to global engagement and to encourage students, faculty and staff to apply for Fulbright awards, Ohio State annually hosts Fulbright Week to promote the Fulbright program through a series of events including workshops, presentations and other activities. This year Fulbright Week will be held March 25-29 with both virtual and in-person activities and information sessions.

Over 2,200 U.S. students and more than 900 U.S. colleges and university faculty and administrators are awarded Fulbright grants annually. In addition, 4,000 Fulbright Foreign Students and Visiting Scholars come to the United States annually to study, lecture, conduct research or teach their native language. Fulbright is active in more than 160 countries.

The Fulbright scholar and student rankings may be viewed on the Fulbright Top Producing Institutions website.

View the list of Ohio State’s Fulbright undergraduate, graduate and scholar recipients.

The U.S. Fulbright Scholar and the U.S. Student Fulbright competition for graduate students are administered through the Office of International Affairs. For more information, contact Joanna Kukielka-Blaser at kukielka-blaser.1@osu.edu. The U.S. Student Fulbright competition for undergraduate students is administered through the Undergraduate Fellowship Office. The office assists all undergraduate Ohio State students interested in pursuing a national scholarship or fellowship. For more information, contact fellowships@osu.edu.

The university is also extending the deadline to apply for scholarships through ScholarshipUniverse to March 15. The shift in deadlines applies to all incoming and current students.

Ohio State is also moving the enrollment commitment deadline for incoming first-year students from May 1 to May 15.

The university announced the decision after consulting with state and national peer institutions. The U.S. Department of Education recently announced that colleges and universities would not receive FAFSA applicant information for the 2024-2025 academic year until the first half of March.

“We understand how important financial aid is to students and families who are still making their college decisions. To give them more time to make an informed decision, Ohio State is extending the deadline for incoming first-year students to pay their acceptance fee and commit to the university,” said James Orr, vice provost for strategic enrollment management. “We remain committed to access and affordability and will continue to offer financial services and education to support students and families.”

The new priority deadline will give students and families more time to apply for financial aid while still ensuring that the university receives all data required to determine aid packages.

The delay in data will in turn delay Ohio State’s financial aid notifications for incoming students. Ohio State continues to prepare for the new FAFSA and will provide aid notifications as quickly as possible once the university receives and processes the data from the U.S. Department of Education.

Higher education organizations and financial aid advocates have called for colleges and universities to offer more flexibility to students and their families. Last week, the Association of American Universities, the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities and the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators joined members of the financial aid and college access community to urge institutions to make accommodations so students and families have the time to adequately consider their financial options before making enrollment decisions.

Orr said the university will continue to monitor the evolving situation and provide flexibility as needed while also balancing the university’s commitment to first-year student success.

Dear Colleagues:

I’m pleased to share that I have named Katie Hall as senior vice president of talent, culture and human resources, pending approval by the Board of Trustees at the February meeting.

As you know, Katie has served as the university’s interim senior vice president since last spring – and, as of this coming Saturday, has been with Ohio State for 24 years. She has served in a variety of leadership roles, including chief of staff and interim associate vice president for shared services in the Office of Human Resources, and chief of staff in the Office of the President. Her background and training are in human resources, having also served in multiple roles in talent acquisition and as an HR business partner for the Wexner Medical Center. She has also served on important shared governance committees, including the University Staff Advisory Committee where she served as chair in 2009.

Since my arrival at Ohio State, I have found Katie to be a kind and open colleague, as well as a consummate professional. Her peers speak highly of her work, her collaborative approach with staff and faculty, and her deep knowledge of human resources and our university community.

Katie is the right leader at the right time, and I know you join me in congratulating her on this appointment.

Thanks,

Ted Carter 
President

The College of Nursing’s RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, weighed together with three more Ohio State online undergraduate degree-completion programs – the College of Medicine’s Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences and AS to Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences and the College of Dentistry’s RDH to Bachelor of Science, Dental Hygiene – were ranked No. 7 in the nation, tied with Texas A&M University-College Station, the University of Central Florida and University of North Carolina at Charlotte.  

Recognized among the six best programs of its kind for the 10^th consecutive year, the online Master of Science (MS) in Nursing program ranked No. 4 nationally, again tied with Duke University. The MS in Nursing’s Family Nurse Practitioner specialty track held steady at No. 2, with Ohio State representing one of only two public universities ranked in this category.

“For our online Master of Science program to receive this level of recognition and respect for 10 years running speaks to both the quality of instruction and, more importantly, the quality of the people who drive our success,” said Karen Rose, dean and professor of the College of Nursing. “I am continually awed and inspired by the students, faculty, staff, alumni, preceptors and partners who answer their calling to care with our college.”

The College of Education and Human Ecology’s online Master of Learning Technologies program and the College of Arts and Sciences’ Master of Arts in Art Education were jointly ranked No. 30 in the nation in U.S. News’ Best Online Masters in Education category – a jump from No. 52 in 2023. Ohio State tied with Ball State University, Florida State University, Quinnipiac University and the University of Kentucky for the 2024 spot.

For the fourth consecutive year, the Master of Learning Technologies was recognized among the top 10 in the Educational and Instructional Media Design specialty, ranking No. 8 in the nation.

Ohio State Online’s academic program portfolio has grown to nearly 75 degree and certificate programs offered by 12 of Ohio State’s 15 colleges over the past decade.

“As Ohio’s flagship university, Ohio State has been creating innovative educational opportunities available through online programs for the state and its citizens,” said Jason Lemon, vice provost and dean for online learning. “Continued online program excellence and growth expands the university’s access strategy for more people to participate in an Ohio State education. These online degree options create personal and professional opportunities for adult learners and working professionals to advance their education and support the growth that Ohio is experiencing now.”

In addition to Ohio State’s online undergraduate degrees and nursing and education graduate programs, several of the university’s online graduate engineering and business programs were recognized by U.S. News & World Report.

The Fisher College of Business’ Specialized Master in Business Analytics (SMB-A) program ranked No. 25 in the graduate business (non-MBA) category, tied with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Villanova University.  

Ohio State’s online engineering degree programs – The Master of Global Engineering Leadership, the Master of Engineering Management and the Master of Welding Engineering – ranked No. 34 in the nation, tied with Colorado School of Mines.

In the Management specialty area, the College of Engineering’s online programs rose to No. 14 nationally (No. 16 in 2023) in its second year of being ranked within the category.

Affordability and quality of instruction are at the forefront of the consideration of U.S. News & World Report. The site uses insights from these factors and others to rank online programs at regionally accredited institutions across the country.

View the full list of 2024 U.S. News & World Report Best Online Programs rankings.

The college launched the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (aBSN) program for students who have finished college in a non-nursing field, but desire to have a career in nursing. It’s a full-time program that can be completed in as few as 18 months.

“We see such a growing need in the community for more nurses. … This program creates another avenue for students to enter nursing with a previous bachelor’s degree, and expand their education based on prior knowledge and experiences,” said Wendy Bowles, assistant dean for baccalaureate programs in the College of Nursing. “It will increase the number of nurses we can get into the profession, and provides a faster pathway to complete a BSN and become a registered nurse.”

Students will have both coursework and real-world clinical experience with health care professionals in Ohio, including at the Wexner Medical Center, to prepare them for a nursing career. Program graduates will be eligible to take the State Board, National Council Licensure Exam for Registered Nursing.

The prerequisites for admission include classes that provide foundational knowledge to nursing practice, such as anatomy. Once admitted into the program, students will take coursework over five consecutive semesters to complete their degree.

Kelly Johnson, a third-year nurse practitioner graduate student with an undergraduate degree in biochemistry, was on a similar path to the students who will benefit from the aBSN. He started his career in clinical research and felt something was missing.

“I was a research specialist in gynecologic oncology, cardiothoracic surgery and emergency medicine, and I loved it. It was so fun. But what I was lacking was the patient experience and patient interaction,” he said. “I had previously been a nurse assistant in the ER while going through undergrad, and I loved that patient interaction so much, and I wasn’t quite fulfilling that need for myself.”

Johnson said he had several peers in college from different backgrounds who he believes would benefit from the accelerated program. They will also make contributions to nursing from their broad educational experience.

“Once you finish a degree, you have more knowledge on how to study, on how to be successful, on how to time manage. And I think for most people, it is manageable to be able to do this program,” he said.

Applications for the aBSN are open now, with the first cohort starting this summer. Bowles expects the program will be in high demand.

“It’s something that’s really needed in the community right now. There is a shortage in nursing, and how can we at Ohio State respond to that need? That’s where we can help,” she said. “We know we can help the community through supporting more students becoming nurses and our practice partners are ready to provide great opportunities to grow these nurses to their highest potential. This is going to be a highly sought-after program, I’m sure.”

Those interested in the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program can learn more at the program website.