the ridges athens ohio tours 2023

The Ridges Asylum: A Chilling Walk Through Ohio’s Dark Past

Why should you visit the ridges.

Hey there, my fellow urban explorers & paranormal investigators! I know you’re probably thinking, “Why on earth would I want to visit the exterior of an old insane asylum?” But trust me, the Ridges is one of those places that will keep you coming back for more.

First of all, the history of this place is just mind-blowing. You can feel the energy of the past as soon as you drive up to the campus. And even though the treatments that went on inside these walls were pretty horrific, the asylum is now a beautiful place to visit with walking trails. There are also two cemeteries, a pond, and even a putt-putt course. While walking around the campus, for a moment, you may not realize how dark things once were.

I know seeing the inside is usually the best part, but it’s rare to get inside these buildings unless you’re a student here. However, I may have a little secret up my sleeve about seeing the interior of the Ridges. So, if you’re ready for a truly unique and unforgettable experience, come and check out the Ridges with me!

*Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are our own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission. Read full privacy policy  here .”

Table of Contents

History of the Ridges

The Ridges Asylum, also known as the Athens Lunatic Asylum, was built in 1874 in Athens, Ohio. The facility was designed to care for people with mental illnesses and was one of the first institutions of its kind in the state.

The asylum was in operation for over 100 years and was in operation from 1874 until as recently as 1993. During this time it housed thousands of patients and was designed to provide services to a variety of patients, including Civil War veterans, children, and those declared mentally unwell.

During the early years of the asylum, the treatment of patients was considered to be progressive and humane. However, as time passed, the institution became overcrowded and underfunded, and the treatment of patients became increasingly inhumane.

Patients were subjected to harsh conditions, including overcrowding, and inadequate food. Many were also subjected to experimental treatments, such as lobotomies and electroconvulsive therapy, which were considered to be controversial at the time.

When the asylum finally closed, the buildings and grounds were left abandoned, and the site became a popular location for urban exploration.

What Type of Patients Were Here

The first patient admitted was a 14-year-old girl with epilepsy, who they thought was possessed by a demon. Sadly, Epilepsy was actually considered one of the major reasons for admitting patients to the asylum in the early years. Can you even imagine? 

But it wasn’t just epilepsy that was considered a cause of insanity. Ailments like menopause, alcohol addiction, and tuberculosis were also reasons for being admitted to the asylum!

Unfortunately, women were often institutionalized for unnecessary or outright fallacious reasons. Postpartum depression or “hysteria” were labeled as insanity and they were sent to the asylum to “recover” .

Here’s something that’ll really shock you though, in the asylum’s first three years of operation, 81 men and one woman were diagnosed as having their insanity caused by masturbation. Yikes!

Today it has been reported that the words, “I was never crazy” are scrawled into various places in the building. That is absolutely devastating. 

The cemeteries on site have sad stories of their own. The mistreatment was terrible in itself, but even in death many of these people didn’t get the respect they deserved until many years later. 

There are over 1,900 people buried at the three cemeteries located at The Ridges. Prior to 1943, many of the headstones were only marked with a number, with no names or identifying information about the person buried there.

After 1943 they finally started to label the sites with the appropriate information, but by the 1980s the state stopped taking care of the cemeteries altogether. 

With no supervision or care, natural occurrences and vandals destroyed the headstones and the cemeteries.  Many of the headstones were left in disrepair, with hundreds left uprooted and broken. 

But in 2000, the Athens, Ohio chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) stepped in to help restore the cemeteries to their original state. They discovered more information on the unidentified patients, who were mostly veterans. 

NAMI has made it their mission to honor these veterans and all of the patients buried at The Ridges. They’ve helped replace headstones, kept the grounds in proper condition, and even started organizing Memorial Day Ceremonies to give these veterans the recognition and dignity they deserve.

Today the cemeteries at the Ridges are scenic and beautiful. It’s quite fascinating to walk through and see the various headstones of the lost. 

Experience the Location

It is incredibly important to remember and learn from the past, and that’s why places like The Ridges are worth visiting and understanding their history. 

Exploring the location of a historical site such as The Ridges offers a unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the past. 

As you walk through the campus and really feel this place and take in the beautiful scenery. It truly is a photographer’s paradise. You may also witness the present day activities of the Ohio State University Students, heading to class or joggers who are running their daily path.

Oh, did I not mention that part… The campus for the Ohio State University is actually built on the grounds of the former Ridges, and remnants of the abandoned Kirkbride buildings can still be seen up on this hill! Many of these beautiful old buildings are now being repurposed. They have an art museum, an auditorium and even classrooms! 

Visiting the Ridges allows for a meaningful blend of past and present experiences.

Plan Your Visit

Today you can pretty much walk the grounds at your leisure. If you want to see the buildings from the outside you are free to do that, and once you’ve finished, there are a few walking trails that you can take to see more of the outskirts of the property and cemeteries. 

Now, if you prefer a more guided experience be sure to check out their historical  walking tours .

Details from their website: 

Join long-time Appalachian Behavioral Health employee and Athens Asylum advocate, George Eberts, for an engaging tour of the grounds and cemeteries. Learn about the history of mental health treatment, from the Kirkbride Plan to the present day, as well as George’s personal anecdotes. Dates for the asylum will be as follows:

• April 9th- 2pm 
• May 14th- 2pm
• June 11th- 2pm
• July 9th- 2pm
• August 13th- 2pm
• August 27th- 2pm
• September 10th- 2pm
• October 8th- 2pm
• October 29th- 2pm
• October 30th-1pm
• October 30th- 5pm

Tours meet in front of the Kennedy Museum of Art

100 Ridges Cir, Athens, OH 45701-6812, United States

****Due to the popularity of our tours we do require preregistration.****

Call SOHC at 740-592-2280 ext.100 to reserve your spot. Space will be limited. We will update the list above as tours sell out.

Ticket Prices :

• SOHC Members: $15
• Non-members: $18
• Students: $10
• Children 12 and under: Free
• SOHC closes at 3:30pm so please plan to visit us before the asylum tour!

Reminder: this is a two hour outdoor walking tour, so please plan accordingly.

Rain Policy:  We conduct the Asylum Tour in rain or shine so please bring appropriate clothing and umbrellas as conditions require. Cancellation will take place only if dangerous weather such as lighting storm or high winds are active. In winter months, if there is a level 2 or 3 snow emergency, the tour will be canceled as well. In the event of cancellation, those with prepaid tickets can call us and choose either another tour or receive a refund. REFUND POLICY:  Refunds will be given only under the following circumstances: • Requests that are pre-paid and made at least 48 Hours prior to tour. • Active lightening storms- you will be given either tickets to attend another tour of your choice, or, ticket price will be refunded. Rain DOES NOT cancel the tours- please bring appropriate rain/weather gear. • Level 2 or higher snow emergency

Now, I’d mentioned above about seeing the interior of The Ridges. It is not a regular circumstance to be invited inside these old buildings, unfortunately. However, there are a few ways you can possibly see the inside for yourself. 

• Enroll as a student – Obviously, this is not the most likely scenario, but students do have access for a few spots on campus up here. 
• Visit the Kennedy Art Museum. The main building is home to the art museum, and you can go inside to see the various exhibits. -Gallery Hours are: M – F: 10am – 5pm, TH: 10am – 8pm, Sat – Sun: 1pm – 5pm. 
• The last option is the hardest to snag, but sometimes, once per year, the historical society offers a historical tour around Halloween. They do take you through the interior, but you’ve got to be fast to snag these tickets. When this tour is offered, you can find tickets on their site. (Same as the walking tour above!) 

Other Notable Spots

The Ridges is great all on its own, but you’re bound to get hungry! We LOVE Avalanche Pizza, and can’t recommend it enough! If you enjoy unique pizza, you’ve found your place! Here is their  menu .

If time allows and you want more haunted spots to check out, visit Lake Hope Furnace and the  Moonville Tunnel ! 

If you can’t make it out to The Ridges, watch our video to learn more! 

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The Ridges is a district of Ohio University centered around the former Athens Insane Asylum.

The Ridges is a district of Ohio University centered around the former Athens Insane Asylum. Built in 1874 by the State of Ohio, the asylum housed mental patients until it was closed in 1993. After being purchased by Ohio University, the site is now called The Ridges and is the location of the Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs. Many of the asylum buildings still stand, but are not open to the public. Even still, the main building towers over the landscape and The Ridges provides a hilltop view of the city of Athens. There are hiking trails located on site. The Cemetery Trail takes you alongside the asylum cemetery containing numerous marked and unmarked graves. Between the three cemeteries, 1,930 people are buried here. The Ridges Trail takes you up to Radar Hill alongside OH-682, providing a view of Athens’ west side. The Southeast Ohio History Center provides monthly tours of the district for $15. Tours are scheduled for the third Sunday each month between March and December.

Notes for Travelers

Due to their close proximity, consider visiting the Kennedy Museum of Art and the Dairy Barn Cultural Arts Center during your visit. If you’re thinking about taking a tour, the Southeast Ohio History Center strongly suggests pre-registering via phone call.

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WORTH THE DRIVE: Tour the grounds of a haunted former asylum and cemetery in Athens

Credit: Southeast Ohio History Center

For a few select nights in October, guests will be able to tour one of the most haunted buildings in the state of Ohio.

The Southeast Ohio History Center, located in Athens, Ohio, will be offering historical tours of The Ridges, formerly known as the Athens Lunatic Asylum, from now and throughout the end of October.

The Athens Lunatic Asylum was a mental hospital that operated in Athens from 1874 to 1993. Throughout its years, the asylum provided services to a variety of patients that included Civil War veterans, children and violent criminals — all suffering from various mental disabilities. Many inhumane and outdated mental health treatments, like lobotomies, hydrotherapy (water therapy in the form of baths, etc.), electroshock treatments and early psychotropic drugs were in practice at the asylum during its years of operation.

Surrounding the former asylum are three cemeteries that contain the graves of 1,930 former patients of The Ridges. Of those graves, 1,659 were only marked only with a number until the state of Ohio began putting names, births and deaths on each stone that was missing this information in 1943. Many of the oldest stones had not been replaced until recently.

Today, the Ridges exist as a part of Ohio University and house the Kennedy Museum of Art, an auditorium and many offices, classrooms and storage facilities.

As you might imagine, the asylum is a decidedly eerie sight, and now, for a few select dates throughout October, guests will be able to revel in the ghostly glory of The Ridges on intimate walking tours. The tours are hosted by George Eberts, a long-time Appalachian Behavioral Health employee and Athens Asylum advocate.

Guests will meet in front of the Kennedy Museum of Art and Eberts will then lead the group on an outdoor walking tour of the grounds, cemeteries and various buildings within the complex. While on the walking tour, guests will learn more about the history of mental health treatment, the asylum, the cemeteries and more as it pertains to the asylum.

Tours will be taking place on Friday, Oct. 23 at 5 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 24 at 2 p.m., Friday, Oct. 30 at 10 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 31 at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Tickets are $15 for members, $18 for non-members, $10 for students and children 12 and under are free. The tour on Friday, Oct. 30, or All Hallow’s Eve, will be $25 for members, $30 for non-members, $20 for students and children 12 and under are free.

All guests are required to wear masks and the tour takes place outdoors in order to maintain proper social distancing practices.

To reserve your spot, call Dominique at 740-592-2280, ext. 100. Space will be limited, so be sure to reserve a spot as soon as possible. For more information about The Ridges, Kennedy Museum of Art, the Southeast Ohio History Center and tour offerings, pay a visit to athenshistory.org .

About the Author

Ashley Moor is a Dayton native and graduate of Kent State University. She is a multimedia journalist for Dayton.com, and strives to provide impactful stories about the community and its people.

What to know about Ohio University’s plans for The Ridges

ATHENS, Ohio — The former site of the historic Athens Lunatic Asylum, now known as The Ridges, could become a $220 million mixed-use development with housing, commercial, academic and recreational uses under a new plan proposed by Ohio University. The project, which is estimated to take seven to 10 years, would be the largest nonstudent housing development in the city’s history, with over 700 planned units.

On Tuesday, OU will host the first two of three town hall meetings to present its new development strategy for The Ridges . The 730-acre, partially occupied complex of buildings and surrounding green space just south of the university, was first developed in 1867. OU’s plans for the site have been a continuous point of contention in Athens since the university first obtained the buildings in 1993. 

The school’s new development strategy for the complex could, if fully implemented, bring substantial investment to OU and Athens. It’s unclear, however, how widely the benefits would flow to the county, with some raising concerns about the impact of the project on historical preservation and ecological conservation. 

Here, we look at some of the major questions about the new development plan in advance of the town hall meetings.

OU’s first two two-hour town hall meetings will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 21. The meeting at 10 a.m. is targeted at the Ohio University community, while the meeting at noon will focus on the larger Athens community. A third and final town hall, planned for March 24, will be open to all. All meetings will be held at The Ridges Building 14 , 2nd floor.

Who is involved?

The state granted Ohio University the complex of buildings that makes up The Ridges in 1993, when the institution then known as the Athens Mental Health Center closed and moved to a site near O’Bleness Hospital . 

OU’s current development partners are the Buckeye Hills Regional Council , a Marietta-based coalition of governments in southeast Ohio working on economic development and other issues, and Community Development Partners , a program of Praxia Partners, a Columbus-based nonprofit economic development consultancy.

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The Ridges Advisory Committee has existed in various forms since OU obtained the property, and is currently the official internal advisory body for OU overseeing this project.

What does the plan hope to achieve?

The shortage of quality housing in Athens County, at both low-income and market rates, is a perennial problem . The over 700 units of new housing proposed in the strategy include housing set aside for seniors (with the most dedicated units, at 102 total), creative and artisan live-work units, affordable units for graduate students and market-rate units. 

In a presentation to Athens City Council in November 2022 , Josh Recchie of Community Development Partners said that “affordable” for this project is defined as being targeted at people spending 30% of their income on rent and utilities if they make 60% or less of the area median income. He said that would translate into an average rent for the affordable one-bedroom senior apartments of $500 to $600, and said other affordable housing for artists may be priced higher. For condominiums, he said that portions of the buildings could be sub-developed into $100,000 to $130,000 units, which would be considered affordable. There would also be luxury condos priced at over $500,000.

That, along with set-aside commercial space in the complex, could  prompt further both public and private investment in Athens south of the Hocking River. The Ridges features heavily in plans for the Richland Avenue Corridor in the City of Athens’ current comprehensive city plan .

The proposal would also see the site transferred to a new governmental body, which may allow community members and local governments to have wider oversight of the complex. Community members have complained for decades that OU’s vision for the site hasn’t sufficiently included the community.

What community concerns exist?

The Ridges is currently home to a Land Lab , a biodiverse natural area used for study. While it was later removed , OU’s 2015 Ridges Framework Plan included the development of housing abutting the lab. In the 2022 presentation made to the OU board by the current development team, that area is simply marked as “a secondary site with an emphasis on conservation and recreation.” 

Former OU planner Pam Callahan, a member of the Ridges Advisory Committee, said in November after the development team’s presentation that she had concerns about the plan’s lack of specific conservation measures. She specifically noted that OU’s administration had pushed back against formally designating the complex’s well-loved trail system as a preserve. She declined to comment further to the Independent.

Those concerns were not specifically addressed in the presentation and project memo to trustees. On conservation, the memo simply reads , “Environmental conservation is a key asset to the Ridges, and where there is a consensus, we would pursue strategies to protect land at the Ridges, through tools such as a conservation easement and restrictive covenants.”

The complex holds particular architectural and historical significance, too. The large former asylum at the center of the complex, the Kirkbride Campus, was built after a particular 19th century design for asylums called the Kirkbride Plan . 

The design was intended to treat mental illness with “moral therapy,” including access to quality air, water and open space, as former OU counseling professor Katherine Ziff wrote in “ Asylum on a Hill: History of a Healing Landscape .” The complex at The Ridges is one of just a few surviving examples of the plan. 

OU’s development proposal, however, doesn’t include a historical preservation plan. Indeed, the school’s 2016 campus development plan called for “a substantial new identity [for The Ridges] … needed to counteract past associations.”

This generally mirrors longtime community complaints that OU is largely interested in the complex as a money-making development site. Even the name of the site is viewed by some as an attempt to whitewash the complicated history of the asylum. 

Many of those complaints began due to the initial plans put forward when the university was first looking into acquiring the site including the development of a research park with reduced community access. This was interpreted by some as OU “sacrific[ing] a community’s finest resource for speculative development,” according to a letter written to the school’s board of trustees.

Over the years, some Athens County community members have accused the university of  neglecting historic buildings it owns. These include the Berry Hotel on Court Street, which was demolished before the asylum was transferred to OU; the ongoing demolition of Scott Quad ; and the planned demolition of the Research and Technology Center.

In 2013, as the university began plans to demolish some buildings, the Ridges Advisory Committee — which was created by the law transferring the property but never consistently met for long periods of time — reconstituted itself . It began work on what would become the 2015 Ridges Framework Plan , the first such project since a 1989 land use survey , conducted with the purpose of developing the research park.

Portions of that plan were brought into the 2016 Comprehensive Master Plan for the entire campus, which envisioned the Ridges complex as “Ridges Green” and included “careful, selective demolition of accessory and non-contributing buildings.” It also featured some modest plans to expand OU’s use of the complex as well as limited use for housing , but included little information about grand mixed-use development plans.

In the ensuing years, OU undertook some $28 million in renovations, including some $16 million into the historic Kirkbride campus, according to a 2021 report in the Ohio Today alumni magazine .

How is it being funded?

The funding plan put forward in The Ridges Development Strategy that was approved by trustees in January is a public-private model. The strategy consists of multiple development incentives, tax breaks, property transfers and unprecedented coordination around the site from OU, the City of Athens and Athens County.

The plan calls for the entire complex to be transferred to a yet-to-be-created governmental body called a New Community Authority . Created to undertake community development projects, NCAs have broad powers such as levying new charges within their service areas, signing agreements with public and private bodies, hiring employees and issuing bonds. 

Initially, OU, the city of Athens and development partners would control the NCA for The Ridges. Eventually, the statute calls for elections for citizen representatives on the board. Although OU would no longer have sole ownership of the site, OU associate vice president for planning Shawna Wolfe said at a November meeting of the Ridges Advisory Committee that the school restrict land use before transferring it to ensure future developments are in line with current goals.

The plans also call for the creation of two additional programs to provide development incentives — essential because the current proposal claims it would not burden OU, the City of Athens or Athens County with any further funding obligations. 

The plan would establish The Ridges as a Community Reinvestment Area . This would encourage developers and landowners to build or renovate buildings within the defined area by allowing the City of Athens to freeze property taxes developers would have to pay. 

As owner of the land and buildings, the NCA would then be able to improve properties without paying increased property taxes. Local governments would still benefit from the new plan through tax revenue, however, as property taxes have not previously been paid on any part of The Ridges due to its history of state ownership.

The other incentive program would make The Ridge into a Tax Increment Financing district. This would similarly freeze the amount of property taxes owed on the land — which go to public entities such as boards of education — at their value at the time the district is created. As property values go up over time, increased property tax revenues would be diverted to a fund that can be used for any community development purpose. 

These strategies, in particular TIF districts, are sometimes controversial. Critics have called TIF districts “ slush funds ” because there’s little control or oversight of how the money (which is diverted from other local bodies such as school districts) is spent by the body controlling the fund.

The development proposal mentions several other incentive programs developers would look to use.

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Sam Stecklow

Sam Stecklow (he/him) is a journalist and editor currently based in Orlando, where he is a contributor to the Athens County Independent. He also works as a journalist focusing on police misconduct at the Chicago-based Invisible Institute and a senior editor of the South Side Weekly, also in Chicago. His work has been published in The Intercept, Salt Lake Tribune, Chicago Reader, New York Magazine, and elsewhere. He has won or been a finalist for several local and national journalism awards.

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The OES visited the Athens Ridges on various dates between 2003 and 2005. Commonly referred to as The Ridges, this large campus was once a thriving mental health institution overlooking Athens from a high ridge on the south side of town. When the campus ceased operation as an insane asylum, the entire complex was bought by Ohio University, which owns the property today. Most of the buildings stand vacant, but there have been some renovations.

On January 9, 1874, the Athens Lunatic Asylum opened its doors on more than 1,000 acres of the former Coates farm. Many mental institutions sprouted up across the country during this time period, due in large part to Civil War veterans who were suffering from what is now known as post-traumatic stress disorder. Six years earlier, in 1868, construction had begun on the magnificent building, designed by Levi Tucker Scofield, who also designed the Ohio State Reformatory . Scofield collaborated with Herman Haerlin (a student of Frederick Olmstead, designer of New York City’s Central Park) to implement landscaping into The Ridges’ design. The first patient at the asylum was Thomas Armstrong of Belmont County, although not much else is known about him. Daniel Fremau was not far behind Thomas, after Daniel claimed to be the second coming of Christ.

The main building had 544 patient rooms and housed about 200 patients when it opened. The grounds were expanded several times during the asylum’s history, adding many outbuildings, including a tuberculosis ward, a dairy barn, and a gymnasium. The main building’s design centered around the idea that it was very therapeutic for patients to live in a home environment. The least disturbed patients were housed near the center of the building to encourage socializing and human interaction. These patients could often roam free on the grounds and participate in recreational activities, plays, and church services. The more violent and severe patients were housed near the ends of the building’s wings, farthest from the building’s entry/exit.

As asylums gained popularity in the 1900s, it became common for families to drop off elderly relatives that they couldn’t care for and rebellious teenagers. The homeless would use the institution for temporary shelter. By the early 1900s, the population of Athens Lunatic Asylum grew from 200 to 2,000, leading to overcrowding and a decline in the quality of treatment. With the decrease in care and attention, treatment led to primitive techniques, including water treatment (being submerged in ice-cold water for extended periods of time), shock therapy (where electrical shocks were applied to patients submerged in water or directly to the temples from brine-soaked electrodes), lobotomy (where the skull is opened and the neural passages are separated midway through the brain), and transorbital lobotomy (an unconscious person has a thin metal instrument inserted through their tear duct and is moved back and forth to sever the neural receptors). The last two options were tricky and claimed the lives of many. The living conditions weren’t much better. Patients shared bunks intended for one person and were often restrained. Patients spoke out by carving messages, such as, “I was never crazy,” in the sandstone and wood trim. It wouldn’t be until the 1960s that drugs took over as the main form of treatment.

As patient numbers continued to decline due to the success of drug treatment, the asylum housed less than 300 patients by 1981. President Ronald Reagan’s de-institutionalization process was the final nail in the coffin for America’s mental institutions. Thousands of mentally unstable people were released into the streets, and homelessness rose across the country. The last patients of The Ridges left the institution in 1993. Ohio University acquired the former insane asylum campus in the 1990s. The buildings stood vacant for several years until a section of the main building was renovated into an art museum, studios, and offices. It is now known as Lin Hall / Kennedy Museum of Arts.

Of course, with such a history combined with the numerous deaths that occurred at the asylum, The Ridges are said to be extremely haunted. A ghost named Mary is said to walk the halls late at night, as do many other former patients. Witnesses have reported seeing darting shadows and people standing behind them in mirrors when no one else is there. The most well-known story of The Ridges involves a female patient whose body left a permanent stain. On December 1, 1978, patient Margaret Schilling went missing from one of the remaining active wards. Margaret had free reign of the grounds and often wandered throughout the building. A search of the entire grounds was conducted, but Margaret was not found. It wasn’t until January 12, 1979, when a maintenance worker was moving some boxes in abandoned Ward N 20 that Margaret’s body was found. She had removed her clothing, stacked them neatly in a corner, and laid down on the cold concrete floor to die. The official report indicated that Margaret died of heart failure weeks before her body was discovered. When her body was removed, a stain outlining the places where her body touched the floor was left behind. The stain was believed to have been created by sunlight shining in through the windows, causing a chemical reaction between the body and the concrete during decomposition. No amount of scrubbing was able to remove the stain, and it remains etched into the concrete floor to this day.

We were fortunate enough to gain entry into the building during one of our visits to The Ridges and saw Margaret’s stain for ourselves. We also recorded two EVPs, which are included below the photos. Click Here to see the results of our paranormal investigation of The Ridges.

SPECIAL NOTE:  The OES’ paranormal investigation of The Ridges is covered in John Kachuba’s book  Ghost Hunters: On The Trail of Mediums, Dowsers, Spirit Seekers, And Other Investigators of America’s Paranormal World ; Chapter 13. Click Here to buy a copy of the book today!

Location Information: Active School

The Ridges are located on Ohio University’s grounds off of North Ridge Drive in Athens; Athens County.

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The Athens Lunatic Asylum “The Ridges” 

• April 14, 2024

In a city named Athens, in Ohio, you can find the former Athens Lunatic Asylum, which was built in 1868. Today, this huge building belongs to the Ohio University and offers space to the Kennedy Museum, an auditorium, an office, several classrooms, a storage facility and… a couple of ghosts. The students have gotten used to them, well, kind of. 

The history of the Athens Lunatic Asylum  

The first patient to be admitted to the asylum was a 14-year-old girl with epilepsy. Her parents thought she was possessed by a demon and therefore locked her away. From 1874 to 1993 this was a facility for people with all kinds of mental illnesses. People who were admitted were Civil War veterans, rebellious teenagers, homeless people, elderly people and even violent criminals. Also, tuberculosis patients were taken care of in the seven cottages which are part of this massive terrain. The asylum  is about 4000 acres  ( 400 ha)  large, which can be compared to  800 soccer fields.

More and more buildings were added when the number of patients increased. When the building was abandoned, there were 78 buildings on the premises. The asylum wasn’t self-sufficient, even though it could have been. There were cattle, greenhouses, an orchard, a dairy farm, and the water came from self-dug wells. There are also three cemeteries on the premises, because where people live, people die.  Today, the Athens Lunatic Asylum is named The Ridges. This name was chosen in name contest which was organized in 1984. Until then, it had at least 8 other names.  

The Kirkbride Method  

Dr. Thomas Kirkbride believed the keywords for mental patients were rest, cleanliness and regularity. Men and women were treated separately in their own wing and even had their own dining halls. The main building could house up to 572 patients, but that is double the amount Kirkbride would advise. At its peak, over 2,000 patients were being treated, which, of course, was unacceptable according to the method. The asylum created a lot of employment for people living in the surrounding area, but this medical staff was often unskilled.

This made procedures such as the much-feared lobotomy treatments risky. During these treatments, a thick needle was drilled into the patient’s skull, into the brain, through a spot right above the eye. Apart from the fact that a wrong lobotomy could lead to death, it could also lead to a condition in which the patient would be locked inside their own body forever. Another feared treatment, called hydrotherapy, was performed daily. During this treatment, the patient would be bathed in extremely cold or extremely hot water. And  last but not least  there was the electroshock therapy method, in which a patient was exposed to a highly dosed power surge which caused the body to convulse. Sometimes these convulsions were so intense, that even bones would break.   

Reasons for patients to be admitted  

Back then, there was an enormous list which was used as a manual for admitting people at an asylum. Things like the menopause, menstruation issues, alcohol abuse, epilepsy and even asthma were “illnesses” that were to be treated in an asylum back in the days. It’s hard to imagine, isn’t it? But the main reason people were admitted to the asylum was… masturbation. And this is no joke. When a family member was admitted, all contact was broken off. That was best for the patient according to the Kirkbride Method. That is perhaps why some people (700 women and 959 men) who died during their stay at the asylum were buried on the premises with only a number on the headstone.  

The cemeteries  

A total of 1930 people were buried at the asylum’s cemeteries. Some patients were claimed by family members after they died and buried elsewhere, but most family members were ashamed of the fact there was mental illness in the family. They didn’t want anything to do with that person anymore. From 1943, headstones were given names and data. Unclear is what caused the change because before that, only a number was given. Over 80 Civil War veterans are buried there as well. They were eventually honored in 2000 by the NAMI: The National Alliance of Mental Illness. They organize an annual memorial for these soldiers. The cemeteries are now under the maintenance of the Ohio Department of Mental Health.   

Asbestoses in the walls  

Almost all buildings have been renovated when the Ohio University moved in. All, except for “Cottage B”, one of the 7 cottages used for patients with tuberculosis. The walls and ceiling of this  particular cottage  were  literally  packed with asbestosis. This is ironic, knowing this cottage was used for people whose lungs were already very sick. The other cottages were renovated into campus for students who study at the university.   

  In the news   

The Athens Lunatic Asylum hit the news at least twice, and not in a good way. The first time was in 1977, when multiple personality rapist Billy  Milligam  was admitted. He committed several felonies including armed robbery raping three Ohio State University students on campus. His attorneys claimed his other personalities committed the crimes without him even knowing it. A year later, on December 1, 1978, the Athens Lunatic Asylum was in the papers again, this time because patient Margaret Shilling had disappeared from her department.

They searched everywhere, except on the top floor of Building 20, where her decomposing corpse was found 42 days later by a caretaker. She was found naked, on her back, with her arms crossed over her chest. Prior to her death, she took off her clothes and neatly folded them and put them on a chair.  According to the pathologist, Margaret died of natural causes. She had a cardiac arrest. Did she feel it coming? There are a lot of mysteries surrounding her death. When her body was taken away it left an impression on the concrete floor. Probably due to the decomposition in combination with the bright sun coming through the large windows. The stain Margaret left behind is impossible to clean, even up to this day.     

Ghosts of the Athens Lunatic Asylum  

Many people claim both the former asylum and the cemeteries are haunted. But there are more recent hauntings as well. The fact that part of the area used to be an Indian burial ground, makes it even more spooky. Some buildings are still vacant, so who knows what ghosts lurk there?  

The main building  

The main building is now called Lin Hall. Today it houses music, geology, biotechnology offices as well as the Kennedy Museum of Art. Strange figures have been seen roaming around the old floors. Others have heard disembodied voices, footsteps and screaming. Most appealing to the imagination is the basement. Some claim severely disabled patients were kept on chains in this dungeonlike place. Some say they’ve even heard chains being pulled.

There is no evidence that patients were ever chained to the walls here, but the arches in the basement sure look creepy. The ghost of Margaret Shilling has been seen looking out of the window from the place she was found, but she’s also been seen on  other  floors. Doors open and close by themselves and people hear footsteps when they are alone. People also “feel” the presence of others and shadow people are frequently seen. A man with a long, black coat creeps out students in the men’s room for years.  

The cemeteries have been vandalized during the time the buildings were abandoned. Shadowy figures and strange lights have been seen here. In one area, the shapes of the graves form a perfect circle, which is rumored to be a witches’ meeting point.  

Wilson Hall   

Nearly all the buildings on the West Green are haunted. This is where the Indian burial grounds were located. Wilson Hall is no exception. This is the most haunted dormitory on the campus. This hall is also right in the middle of a pentagram formed by several cemeteries in the Athens region. Most hauntings occur on the fourth floor. Apparitions have been seen, voices have been heard and doors slam shut by themselves. A student committed suicide in a room on the fourth floor.  

The Convo  

The Convocation Center, The Convo in short, is also located in the West Green area. This place is haunted by several ghosts, mostly in the dormitory part of the building. A Resident Assistant was supposedly killed by her boyfriend here, and she now roams the corridors. A student who died here in his sleep now tends to embrace other students while they are sleeping.     

Washington Hall   

Washington Hall is in the East Green area and the dormitory is allegedly haunted by an entire basketball team of high school girls. They were killed in a bus accident after they visited the university. Students have reported  hearing  running feet and bouncing basketballs.   

The Athens Lunatic Asylum today   

Today, the Athens Lunatic Asylum or The Ridges as what it is now called, is an operating campus. You cannot just visit it, but there are some tours that you can take. There’s the Asylum Tour provided by the Athens County Historical Society and Museum. This is not a ghost tour. They used to have ghost tours around Halloween, but they are very limited. Please note that you cannot explore the vacant buildings on your own. If you really want to experience the hauntings, there’s only one thing to do: go back to school!  

Cover photo: Sarah Hina via flickr CC BY-NC 2.0 Sources:   wikipedia , legendsofamerica.com, atlasobscura.com, hockinghills.com and onlyinyourstate.com   Address : S. Plains Rd, Athens, Ohio, 45701 USA  

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Ohio University partners to spend $220 million on housing, mixed-use spaces at The Ridges

After years of debate and discussion, the historic Athens Lunatic Asylum could soon be reimagined into a $220 million mixed-use development project under a new plan proposed by Ohio University.

Now known as The Ridges , a plan for the former mental health hospital would include spaces for housing, commercial, academic and recreational uses.

The project has been in the works for a while, and a finished development could take up to a decade to complete. But when finished, it would be the largest non-student housing development in Athens' history with more than 700 units.

What are The Ridges?

The Athens Lunatic Asylum first opened to patients in 1874 to meet a growing statewide demand for mental institutions.

In the 19th century, Ohio was considered a leader in educating and caring for people with mental illnesses and disabilities, and the Athens asylum was a vanguard in the treatment of mental health patients for its time.

The institution's creation was largely influenced by social reformer Dorthea Dix and Dr. Thomas Kirkbride, longtime superintendent of the Pennsylvania Hospital for the Insane, who became a leader in the care and treatment of mentally ill patients. Kirkbride was an advocate of "moral treatment" concepts, a philosophy based on compassion, dignity and respect for patients, which became the basis for the asylum's design and construction.

Besides the Athens facility, two other state mental institutions were constructed based on the “Kirkbride Plan” in Dayton and Columbus, which has since been demolished.

The property, located just south of the university, was considered just as important in development of the facility as the building itself, according to Kirkbride's philosophy. He believed mental institutions should be located in the country around nature and that every hospital have room for activities like farming, gardening and exercising.

The result was a sprawling 730-acre campus with a massive 544-room Victorian-style main building, cottages, dining and amusement halls, as well as numerous additional buildings constructed over the years to accommodate new patients and treatments. It was later renamed the Athens State Hospital in the 1940s.

Treatment for mentally ill patients radically changed by the 1980s, moving away from institutionalization and toward outpatient and smaller residential group homes. These changes ultimately led to the hospital complex's closure and prompted discussions about demolition.

Instead, the state transferred the property to Ohio University in 1993, which now uses some of the complex for new uses, including the Kennedy Museum of Art and the Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs.

Who is involved in The Ridges development plan?

Ohio University has two development partners for The Ridges project: Buckeye Hills Regional Council , a Marietta-based consortium of southeastern Ohio governments focused on economic development in Ohio's Appalachian region, and Community Building Partners , a program arm of Columbus-based nonprofit economic development consultants Praxia Partners.

The university's official internal advisory board for the project is the Ridges Advisory Committee, which has existed on and off since Ohio University first obtained the property.

Other stakeholders include the Ohio University Board of Trustees, the City of Athens, Athens County and state officials.

What is the proposal?

Together, these partners plan to create The Ridges Development Strategy, which would build upon and forward The Ridges Framework Plan , a previously approved plan from 2015.

Ohio University’s  new development strategy  for the complex could, if fully implemented, bring substantial investment to the university and Athens.

The overarching vision is for a "dynamic campus" of spaces for nature and outdoor education, a variety of housing types and a mixed-use center, according to the plan.

A major component of this new plan stems from an ongoing shortage of quality housing options in Athens.

More than 700 units of new housing units are included in this proposal, including age-restricted housing for seniors, live-work units for resident artists, affordable housing for graduate students and market-rate units.

At an Athens City Council meeting in November , Joe Recchie of Community Building Partners said that the project defines “affordable” housing as people spending 30% of their income on rent and utilities if they are making 60% or less of the area median income.

That translates to an average rent for a one-bedroom senior apartment at between $500 and $600 a month, he said. Other affordable units for artists and grad students may be priced higher. Condominiums could range from $100,000 to $130,000 a unit, and luxury condos could cost more than $500,000.

Commercial and university spaces would also be available as part of the renovation. Only a fraction of the more than 700-acre property would be developed, leaving the remaining land for hiking trails and ecological research. Previous community input found that Athens residents would want as many salvageable buildings to be restored as possible, and to open up views to The Ridges from campus.

How will it be funded?

In January, Ohio University's Board of Trustees endorsed a proposed plan for university leadership to work with its partners to establish a New Community Authority and define what portions of property at The Ridges would transfer to the New Community Authority.

New Community Authorities are public-private partnerships created by the state to undertake massive development projects. Ohio University, the city of Athens and the development partners would initially control the authority, and would eventually have an elected board of citizen representatives.

Trustees did not approve any funding for this project, and the proposed plan does not include any further investment of university dollars. Future investment in the property would be made by private developers.

The plan also calls for two additional programs to be created for development incentives. These programs would remove financial burdens from the university, city and county for the project.

It would also establish The Ridges as a Community Reinvestment Area, a designation that encourages developers and landowners to build or renovate buildings within the defined area in exchange for tax breaks.

The university has spent more than $28 million for upkeep and renovations at The Ridges since 2015.

How can I learn more?

Ohio University will host a livestream "Ask the Experts" conversation Thursday from 3-4 p.m. with Dominick Brook, director of real estate at Ohio University, and Shawna Wolfe, OU's associate vice president for planning, to discuss the project.

Sheridan Hendrix is a higher education reporter for The Columbus Dispatch. Sign up for her Mobile Newsroom newsletter  here  and Extra Credit, her education newsletter,  here .

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The Ridges could see big changes under a proposed plan from Ohio University

By: Jacob Motta Posted on: Monday, February 27, 2023

ATHENS Ohio, (WOUB) — The Ridges could see a major transformation under a proposal created by Ohio University in partnership with regional development groups..

For the past 30 years, Ohio University has been trying to figure out what to do with the original site of the Athens Lunatic Asylum. 

Ohio University’s Director of Real Estate Dominick Brook said he believes The Ridges has more potential. 

“The Ridges are underutilized,” he said. “The university has made substantial investments of over $30 million in the buildings that it’s utilizing, but there’s a lot of buildings that are vacant.”

The university occupies some of the buildings at The Ridges, turning buildings into spaces for classrooms, the Ohio University Police department and conference rooms, among other things. 

The Ridges Development Strategy leaves those buildings untouched and turns unused buildings into spaces for market rate housing, affordable graduate student housing, artisan housing and senior housing. 

It also accounts for 20,000 square feet of commercial space for potential businesses to open on site.

The plan, developed by Ohio University in partnership with the Buckeye Hills Regional Council and Community Building Partners, was presented to the public at two meetings this week. 

The Ohio University and Athens communities had the chance to sound off on the proposed plan.

Community Building Partners CEO Joe Recchie said he values transparency with the community and wants to be sure they know exactly what they are getting within the plan.

“It’s the repurposing of the historic buildings that are currently unused and compliments what Ohio University has successfully used,”he said.

The public has one more chance to voice their opinion on the plan at a third meeting set for March 24 from 2-4 p.m. on the second floor ofThe Ridges Building 14.

A final plan will be pitched to The Ridges board of trustees at the beginning of April.

The Incredible Hike In Ohio That Leads To A Fascinating Abandoned Cemetery

A thens, Ohio, is known for many things — scenic beauty, college town swagger, delicious eats, and tons of haunts. And yes, by “haunts” I mean literal  haunted haunts ; Athens is widely regarded as the  most haunted city in Ohio . The most notoriously haunted spot in Athens is the The Ridges, a stately part of Ohio University that, in another life, was the campus the Athens Asylum for the Insane. Today. The Ridges remain shrouded in mystery and eerie unease, and if you don’t believe me, simply lace up your boots and head out on the eponymous Ridges Loop Trail, a haunted hike in Ohio that passes through thick forests and past an abandoned cemetery… or three.

I'm the kind of person who jumps when my kids come home from school -- I'm easily startled. So a hike through the grounds of a former asylum, complete with multiple abandoned cemeteries... this is the kind of Ohio hike that would have me running for the hills!

But as luck would have it, when i first tackled the ridges loop trail -- with my husband and kids, no less -- i was unaware of the lore and legends., i thought we were spending the afternoon exploring the campus and its surrounding forests and trails... i didn't know we were walking into the site of a former asylum... complete with graves, and yet, here we were. intrigued by the trails in this area that offered a short-and-sweet, family-friendly afternoon in nature, we decided upon the ridges loop trail, a three-mile loop that promised lots of views and variety., even though athens is a popular place for hiking and outdoor recreation, this trail is very peaceful and serene. when we were hiking, we didn't see another soul in the woods well..., ...another living soul, at least. you see, this scenic trek traverses the grounds of what was once a lunatic asylum. the 700-acre expanse bears many reminders of days long past, with several cemeteries serving as the final resting place for former patients., yes -- cemeteries, plural patients of the former insane asylum were buried on the facility's grounds, and today, legend says many restless spirits continue to wander to property. from firsthand experience, i didn't notice anything out-of-the-ordinary, and found this hike very peaceful, just look if you're willing to "brave" the cemetery-dotted trails, you'll find some truly beautiful discoveries, like this massive american beech tree. what a wonderful, wholly alive natural wonder to witness.

Have you hiked The Ridges Loop Trail before? While the idea of an “abandoned cemetery hike in Ohio” might not be your cup of tea, I promise the views and scenery of this three-mile trek are worth the effort! Just tackle this hike in the light of day, and maybe with your four-legged protector in tow.

The post The Incredible Hike In Ohio That Leads To A Fascinating Abandoned Cemetery appeared first on Only In Your State ® .

Outdoor Walking Tour of the Historic Athens Asylum

Tour the grounds of the famous Athens Asylum, one of the few Kirkbride Asylums left, with tour guide George Eberts during a two hour walking tour!

DATE AND TIME

Sat, October 28, 2023

2:00 PM – 4:00 PM EDT

Athens Asylum

100 Ridges Circle

Athens, OH 45701

United States

Learn about the history of the famed Kirkbride and other buildings, the renowned landscaped grounds, historic cemeteries, and the evolution of mental health treatment from the inception of this storied institution until its closure a quarter century ago. The tour will last approximately two hours. Due to Ohio University restrictions, access to the inside of the buildings is limited, but you can tour the main entryway as well as the Kennedy Museum. We meet at the Kennedy Museum of Art, in front of the original Administration Building of the Athens Asylum- 100 Ridges Circle, Athens, OH 45701. This is an outdoor tour so please plan accordingly. The tour will cover the entire loop of the grounds, so if you have small children bring a stroller! ***For more information about the tour contact the Southeast Ohio History Center at 740-592-2280. Tickets can also be purchased at the History Center at 24 West State Street in Athens. Tours do sell out regularly, so please reserve your tickets prior to the tour. REFUND POLICY- Refunds will be given only under the following circumstances: • Requests that are pre-paid and made at least 48 Hours prior to tour. • Inclement weather (discretion of SOHC). • Level 2 or higher snow emergency

TICKETS Selected during registration

Unavailable

SOHC Member

General Admission

Group Bundle

• (740) 592-2280
• Weds - Fri: 10 am - 4 pm, Sat: 12 pm - 4 pm
• 24 W. State Street, Athens, OH 45701

Outdoor Walking Tour of the Historic Athens Asylum

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Chris Knisely made history as first female president of Athens City Council

Since the formation of the Athens City government in 1805 , there has only been one female City Council president: Chris Knisely.

Knisely served as the first female president of the Athens City Council from 2015-2023 . Although she did not have a direct path to the role, her perseverance led her to open up future opportunities for women on the City Council.

Knisely grew up in Washington, D.C., and later moved to Ohio to obtain her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education at Ohio Wesleyan University. Soon after graduating, she realized she did not want to work in education and branched out into nonprofit work.

“I worked for a number of nonprofit organizations in Central Ohio,” Knisely said. “There was the (Ohio) Foundation on the Arts and the Ohio Humanities Council, and both of those I ended up getting a little bit of financial experience which served well. I think it's good background for me.”

Knisely said being appointed as president was partly due to “being in the right place at the right time.” Before serving as president, she was an at-large representative from 2008-2015. Knisely was active with the League of Women Voters in Athens and the Neighborhood Association. 

Serving on City Council was a logical transition for Knisely, as she had been to meetings to talk on the planning commission.

“At the time of the opening, I'd been asked several times to serve on City Council, probably two or three times, and finally they said there's a vacancy that's happening,” Knisely said.

In 2015, Knisely applied to become the president of the Athens City Council and was elected during that year. Toward the beginning of her term, she focused on working with the Transportation Committee and Transportation Advisory Committee to make Athens a bicycle-friendly and more walkable city. Although Knisely helped to make this positive change in Athens, she doesn’t take all the credit and instead emphasizes the team aspect of Council. 

“We're really blessed to work with some very talented people as a city,” Knisely said. “Both the previous mayor and this mayor have been instrumental (with their) sense of vision about what our community can be, and I think they act on it. That is a really nice working relationship between the mayor and his administration and the City Council.”

Knisely’s presidency left a permanent mark on the Athens community, as she was the first woman to step into the role. Throughout her term, she mostly received support but still experienced the intimidation of being one of the only women on Council.

“Walking into committees and sometimes noticing that I would be the only female person can be a little bit daunting sometimes … (but) people were very accepting,” Knisely said. 

Micah McCarey, the director of OU’s Pride Center and an Athens City Council member, met Knisely after she attended his workshops on racial equity and encouraged him to join the Athens City Council. He admires her work ethic and attentiveness to Athens’ needs while being a part of a marginalized demographic among City Council members. 

“I hope the impact that folks like Chris have includes inspiring other girls and women to get engaged in community service and leadership,” McCarey said. “It also does take folks who are brave enough to bear the challenges that can come from being the only woman in charge, who was subjected to different kinds of pressures, just as a result of living in a patriarchal society.”

Eden Truax, a freshman studying mathematics, wrote a paper on Knisely for her Women and Writing class. She said it was refreshing to hear Knisely’s career did not go according to plan at first, but she still became successful in the end.

“I thought it was really interesting to just see how her life unfolded,” Truax said. “It's always nice hearing her perspective (as) somebody who's gone through it and graduated college and (said), ‘I'm not going to use this at all, I'm just going to do (something) totally different.’”

Knisely has also done a large amount of philanthropy work during her career, and she is passionate about the future of Athens and making sure OU students are knowledgeable about issues happening in the community.

Today, Knisely is retired but still working with the Athens City Council in a smaller capacity. Two of her main focuses are environmental work in Athens and saving the buildings part of The Ridges.

“I'm so committed to The Ridges and those buildings that are there can be saved, and also, that we develop that into a key part of the university and in the community,” Knisely said.

Becoming the first female president of the Athens City Council did not define Knisely’s career but it certainly was a large step in creating equality within leadership positions in local government.

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Spring 2024 Edition Alumni & Friends Magazine

Spring 2024 Class Notes

Take a peek at what alumni have been up to in 2023.

April 11, 2024

*denotes accolades featured at ohio.edu/news or in the media

Retired Navy veteran  John Alter Jr., BFA ’58 , was  reappointed to the Northwest Florida Water Management District , which covers 220,000 acres of woodland, by Gov. Ron DeSantis. Alter is also a part of the Florida Forestry Association’s communications committee and the national public affairs committee of the American Forest Foundation/American Tree Farm System.

Michael Pilat, BFA ’62 , was  awarded the Order of St. Romanos by the Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church in America for his 57 years of service to the church as choir director, chanter, composer and church musical activities director. His wife,  Lois Cline-Pilat, AB ’63 , joined him for the honor.

Paul Hubbard, BSED ’65 , was elected as  chairman of the board of Maritime Academy in Toledo, Ohio, where students in grades six through 12 learn skills to work on Great Lakes freighters. Hubbard, who received the Ohio University Alumni Association’s Medal of Merit Award in 2020, will serve as board chairman through 2025.

After donating photographs from their private collection to the Busan Museum in South Korea in 2022,  Gary Mintier, AB ’68 , and  Mary Ann (Llewellyn) Mintier, AB ’68 , were invited to the opening of an  exhibit featuring their work last year. In addition to the photos, which the couple took while teaching English as Peace Corps volunteers in South Korea, they donated to the National Library of Korea more than 150 scrolls and paintings they had collected while living in the country from 1969 to 1975.

DePauw University honored Saundra Lawson Taylor, PHD ’69 *, with an  Alumni Citation in recognition of her outstanding professional achievement. Taylor completed her undergraduate degree at DePauw before going on to earn a master’s from Bowling Green State University and a Ph.D. in clinical psychology at OHIO. Taylor spent much of her career in higher education and in 2005 received the Phenomenal Woman Award by the University of Arizona Black Alumni for her lifelong commitment to public education and racial equality.

Ohio University Libraries received more than 2,000 panoramic color prints from the personal collection of Thomas Schiff, BBA ’70* , to add to the Documentary Photography Archive in the Mahn Center for Archives and Special Collections. Schiff shoots with a Hulcherma 360 panoramic camera and focuses on cityscapes and architecture, including his iconic 2009 piece, “Vernon R. Alden Library, Panoramic Photograph.” 

Gary Wolf, BSEE ’71* , was selected to join the  editorial board of Railway Track & Structures magazine in Atlanta, Georgia. He has worked for rail research and consulting firms since 1970, including his own consulting firm, Atlanta-based Wolf Railway Consulting, LLC, which he founded in 2013.

Text- and LED-based artist  Jenny Holzer, BFA ’72* ,  presented paintings and LED installations at Hauser & Wirth in West Hollywood in an exhibition titled  READY FOR YOU WHEN YOU ARE . The exhibition is the first time Holzer has used artificial intelligence technology in her work, in the form of two robotic LEDs displaying AI-generated text.

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper appointed  William Rakatansky, BARCH ’72 , to the state’s  General Contractors Licensing Board in June as one of three general public members. Rakatansky is a principal architect at R&M Group Architects and is the founder of the Greater Charlotte Network of the Ohio University Alumni Association, where he served as president for five years.

Retired Centre College president and former OHIO football player John Roush, BSED ’72* , is now the chairman and president of the Economic Development Authority in Danville, Kentucky. Before his university presidency, Roush had been an assistant football coach and executive assistant to the president at Miami University (Ohio), among other roles.

Louisiana State University’s Manship School of Mass Communication named  Louis Day, PHD ’73* , to its  Hall of Fame , which honors alumni and supporters who have achieved exceptional professional success. Day is an alumni professor emeritus at the school, where he taught and researched media law and ethics for 35 years.

Bloom-Vernon Local Schools superintendent Marc Kreischer recognized Rodney Barnett, BSED ’75 *, for his  50 years of service to South Webster High School athletics and academic activities. Barnett graduated from the same high school where he now works and became the longest-tenured employee of this district with the conclusion of the 2022-23 academic year.

Sage (formerly Sage Publishing) named a case writeup by  James Slack, BA ’75 , as an Editor’s Choice for 2023. His piece, “ Concerned Chats About Whatever It Is ,” explores the tensions between organizational policies and an employee’s appearance of skin cancer. Slack has written ethics cases for Sage’s International Business Project for the last decade.

The Fort Loramie Education Foundation named Larry Ludlow, BMUS ’76* , among its 2023 Fort Loramie Wall of Honor inductees . Ludlow served as Fort Loramie Local Schools’ superintendent from 1992 until his retirement in 2009, with a brief pause from 1994-95. During his tenure, he led efforts to incorporate technology in the classroom, landing the district one of 23 nationwide spots in a “Laptops for Learning” pilot program in 1996 and twice receiving the Southwest Ohio Educational Technology Association Leadership Award, among other district-wide improvements.

“FRACTURE,” a 15-foot steel sculpture by  Harry “Eric” Stein, MFA ’78 , was  installed in Johnson City, Tennessee , as part of the Johnson City Public Art Committee’s biannual art exhibition. It will be displayed alongside 13 other sculptures until May 2025.

OHIO celebrates Susan (Coffin) Fletcher, BSC ’79* , who  retired on June 30, 2023 , after nearly a decade of dedicated service. Most recently the curriculum coordinator for the Office of First-Year and Student Transitions, Fletcher has also been an e-Campus academic advisor, an adjunct English instructor and more. She is currently pursuing a doctorate in OHIO’s Department of English.

Dr. Joan (Buchanan) Hill, BSC ’79* , is one of six  new board members of the Southwestern Medical Foundation in Dallas, Texas. As the Catherine M. Rose Head of School at the Lamplighter School in Dallas for more than a decade, Buchanan will bring her childhood education and student advocacy background to the table as the foundation works to advance progress in medicine in the area.

Kyle Bowser, BSC ’80* , was  inducted into the Ohio Communication Hall of Fame in recognition of a lifetime of professional achievement. The California-based entertainment industry executive’s career has spanned nearly 30 years and multiple industries, from film, TV, theater and radio to music and digital media, working with NBC, HBO, Showtime, Starz, PBS, Comedy Central and more. In addition to his work in the entertainment industry, Bowser serves as the senior vice president of the Hollywood Bureau of the NAACP and helped to establish the OHIO-in-LA program, a semester-long study-away program for students pursuing careers in the entertainment industry.

Cedar Lake, a nonprofit faith-based organization providing services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Louisville, Kentucky, announced Rick Davis, BBA ’80* , as its new  president and CEO . Previously, Davis was the COO of the continuing care division of National Church Residences, a Central Ohio-based senior living and supportive housing services provider. 

After 42 years, Ron Greenbaum, BSJ ’80* ,  retired from the Cleveland Jewish Publication Company (CJPC), which publishes the Cleveland Jewish News , on his 65th birthday. Greenbaum, started in the advertising sales department at CJPC immediately after graduating college, earning him the nickname “The Kid,” and retired as a senior account executive. 

Paul Raab, BSJ ’80 , managing partner at Denver-based Linhart Public Relations, received the  Swede Johnson Lifetime Achievement Award from the Colorado chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) in August. Raab’s 30-year career in corporate PR led him to Linhart in 2006; previously, he was director of communications for global management consulting firm A.T. Kearney in Chicago and served as president of the PRSA chapter in that city.

The Ohio University Alumni Association named  Perry Sook, BSC ’80* , as the  2023 Alumnus of the Year . The chairman and CEO of Nexstar Media Group has served on the Ohio University Foundation Board of Trustees for more than 20 years, including eight as its chair. Other honorees in the 2023 Alumni Awards include Medal of Merit Award winners  Ariel Armony, MA ’92 ;  Larry Small, PHD ’84 ; and  Brian Stultz, BFA ’83 ; Distinguished Service Award winners  Yvette Alexander Slate, AB ’92 ;  R. Clark VanDervort, AB ’75 ; and  Marty Wall, AB ’72 ; Kermit Blosser Ohio Athletics Hall of Fame inductees  Savannah (Dorsey) Seigneur, BS ’17, DO ’21 ;  Jack LeVeck, BSED ’72 ; and  Matt Engleka, BBA ’95, MSA ’96 ; and Charles J. and Claire O. Ping Recent Graduate Award winner  Michelle Connavino, BSED ’09.

Mahoning County Clerk of Courts Anthony “Tony” Vivo , BSC ’81* ,  retired on Aug. 25 after nearly 30 years in that role and 40 years working in that office. He was elected in 1995 after his father, also Tony Vivo, passed away, having held the office since 1960. In his spare time, the younger Vivo is a sports historian and broadcaster (under the pseudonym Champ Summers) and performs in community theater productions.

Former WOUB Newsroom and WOUB TV NewsWatch reporter and anchor  Frank Graff, BSJ ’82, MA ’83* , earned a  Midsouth Regional Emmy for his work on the climate change documentary series  State of Change: Natural Solutions  with PBS North Carolina.

Former The Columbus Dispatch editor Alan Miller, BSJ ’82, MS ’02* , was named a  2023 Outstanding Alumni by his alma mater, Orrville High School. Miller worked for the Dispatch  for nearly 40 years before retiring in January 2022; he now teaches full-time at Denison University, where he’d taught part-time for more than 20 years. OHIO honored him with the Distinguished Service Award in 2005 and the Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service Outstanding Service Award in 2022.

Assistant dean for student affairs and academic advising in OHIO’s Patton College of Education Maureen Coon, BSED ’83, MED ’02* ,  retired on June 30 after 18 dedicated years to the University. Coon led many initiatives to increase student recruitment and student success, including establishing the college’s Office of Student Affairs. 

Cancer immunotherapy developer Immodulon Therapeutics strengthened its leadership team last June with the appointment of Richard Couch, BS ’84* , as its chief technology officer . He brings 30 years of pharmaceutical experience from regulatory, drug development and commercialization to this position. Based in the UK, Immodulon is due to begin a pivotal pancreatic cancer study with its IMM-101 immunotherapy treatment.

Reed Aeschliman, MAIA ’86* , became the  mission director in Bangladesh for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in August. In his 20-plus-year career with USAID, Aeschliman has been a deputy assistant administrator for its Bureau for Asia Affairs and the mission director in Pakistan and in Sri Lanka and Maldives. 

Songwriter/musician Martin “Marty” Falle, BSC ’86* , released his second bluegrass album (and fifth album overall), Kentucky Blue Star , in January 2023. That April, the album reached No. 8 on the Top 50 AirPlay Director Bluegrass charts, and the following month, the single “Kentucky Blue Star” charted No. 5 nationally. The album’s success earned Falle a spot on the June cover of The Bluegrass Standard magazine.

Amazon Business has  awarded a grant to QuickLoadz, a company that makes automated container trailers, which was founded by  Sean Jones, BSEE ’86* . QuickLoadz is the only Ohio business to receive an Amazon Business grant, and other companies, including Walmart and Lowe’s, have also expressed interest in the self-loading trailers. Amazon is producing a documentary about the grant winners.

Visual artist  Allyson McDuffie, BFA ’86, MFA ’88 , recently had three  solo exhibitions in Boulder, Colorado— Tomboy and Old Salty  at the Bus Stop Gallery,  Scrawl  at the Dairy Arts Center, and  Stitches  at the Equality Center of the Rocky Mountains. She/they also recently have had work included in six juried exhibitions throughout the state of Colorado and two in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Cincinnati-based journalists  Sheila (Slyh) Robinson, BSC ’86* , (known professionally as Sheila Gray) and  Randi Rico, BSJ ’03 ,  threw first pitches to  Evan Millward, BSJ ’11 , and WOUB alum Frank Marzullo at the Cincinnati Reds vs. Seattle Mariners game in September. The honor was part of the city’s Scripps Day honoring 100 years of journalism education at OHIO.

Dr. Neil Smith, DO ’86* , is helping shape the future of health care as the  president of Cleveland Clinic’s West Submarket , one of four newly created submarkets that also include the main campus and south and east regions. These new roles are a part of the hospital’s plan to evolve its operating model to better support services, quality of care, safety and overall patient experience. 

Western Washington University named James “Jim” Sterk, MSA ’86* , as its  new athletic director . After earning his bachelor’s degree at WWU, Sterk embarked on a 35-year career in athletic administration at Portland State University, Washington State University, San Diego State University, University of Missouri and others, as well as a brief stint as assistant director of finance at the University of Maine.

Kim (King) Fox, BSC ’87, MA ’03* , became the  second Black woman president of the Broadcast Education Association (BEA) in August. With experiences at WOUB during both her undergraduate and graduate studies, Fox has worked at several radio stations and earned a faculty fellowship with NPR. She is a professor of practice at the American University in Cairo (Egypt) in its Department of Journalism and Mass Communication.

After a successful campaign, Roeliff “Rollie” Harper, AB ’87* , was sworn in as Mansfield Law Director in December. The longtime local attorney mentioned his parents, former Mansfield Police Chief Lawrence “Bunk” Harper and Mary Harper, as inspiration behind his career path after he took the oath of office.

Tim Morgan, MSA ’87* , has joined the Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance as its director of business development . Morgan returns to New Mexico, where he previously worked with the New Mexico Partnership, after a brief role as an adjunct instructor in the hospitality and tourism management program at Highline College in Washington.

Todd Nuzum, BSPE ’87 , Hollie Bonewit-Cron, BA ’00 , and Jamie Sindelar, DO ’21* , are among the  2023 inductees to Athens High School’s Athletic Hall of Fame . Nuzum was a three-year letter winner in baseball, which he also played at OHIO, and now serves as the high school’s head baseball coach. Bonewit-Cron was a four-year letter-winner in swimming, which she continued with at OHIO. She now is the head coach of the men’s and women’s swimming teams at Miami University (Ohio). Sindelar played basketball, volleyball and tennis for Athens; she also threw discus, for which she placed first in state championships her senior year. She currently is in her third year of an internal medicine residency. 

Signal Akron , a nonprofit news organization, has hired  Susan Kirkman Zake, BSJ ’88 , as its  editor-in-chief . Its parent organization, Signal Ohio, is one of the nation’s largest local nonprofit news startups in the country. Previously, Zake has been a managing editor at the  Akron Beacon Journal  and a professor and newsroom advisor at Kent State University.

Marymount University associate professor  John Duggan, BSC ’89 , received the Maryland Counseling Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023. For nearly three decades, he has collaborated with hospitals, clinics, schools, mission-based communities and professional organizations; he also has worked with the American Counseling Association. In 2022, the Association for Humanistic Counseling honored him with the Supervisor of the Year award.

The Ohio Department of Education named  Mark Lowrie, BSC ’89* , the  2024 Ohio Teacher of the Year in September. After 12 years working in television news, Lowrie began teaching broadcast journalism to high school students in 2001. He developed programs for Marion L. Steele High School in Amherst and Gahanna Lincoln High School in Gahanna, both in Ohio. Over the years, his students have won 79 regional and seven national student Emmys.

The Rochester Institute of Technology has hired Prabu David, MS ’88* , as its new  provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs . Previously, he’s held leadership roles at Michigan State University, Washington State University and Ohio State University and hosted the Life, Meet Tech show on WKAR, Michigan State’s public radio station.

Kao Hourn, MA ’91, DPS ’07* , recently took office as the 15th  secretary general of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), a political and economic partnership of 10 countries that represents more than 660 million people. His term will run through 2027.

SunOpta, a manufacturer of plant-based foods, has hired Brian Kocher, BBA ’91* , as its new CEO . He comes to the company from Calavo Growers Inc., an international produce and prepared foods distributer, where he served as president and CEO.

Jeff Bucklew, BSC ’92* , is the new chief human resources officer at Copeland in St. Louis, Missouri. At Copeland—which provides sustainable climate solutions via compression, controls, software and monitoring—Bucklew will work to develop strategies around colleague engagement, talent development and diversity, equity and inclusion.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine named  Stephanie (Burress) McCloud, BSJ ’92, MA ’93* , as his  chief of staff in January 2023. McCloud earned her juris doctor from Capital University in 1996 and has previously served as the administrator of Ohio’s Bureau of Workers’ Compensation and acting director of the Ohio Department of Health.

Primary care physician at St. Cloud Veteran’s Affairs (VA) Medical Center, Dettleff Olson, DO ’92* , is now the primary and specialty medicine director for the St. Cloud VA Health Care System. Previously, Dr. Olson was a primary care physician at the Dayton VA Medical Center in Ohio.

The Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care has named  Kelly (Trott) Theodosopoulos, AAS ’92, BSN ’94, MBA ’07 , as one of three  new board directors . Theodosopoulos is the chief clinical officer for SurgNet Health Partners in Nashville, Tennessee.

Piedmont Park Conservancy in Atlanta, Georgia, has named Doug Widener, BBA ’92, MS’ 95* , as its  new president and CEO . Formerly executive director of Chicago’s Lincoln Park Conservancy, Widener has also served in various roles with the U.S. Green Building Council.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine appointed Diana Welling, BSHCS ’95* , to be Ohio’s  state historic preservation officer . In this role, she will oversee preservation offices and programs in accordance with the National Historic Preservation Act. In addition, Ohio History Connection executive director and CEO Megan Wood promoted Welling to be the director of the State Historic Preservation Office.

Eric Krupa, MSA ’96* , became the new  chief operating officer of Ryan Sanders Baseball and RS3 Sports , which owns two Minor League Baseball teams: the Round Rock Express and the San Antonio Missions. In this role, Krupa also oversees operations for RS3 Turf and RS3 Strategic Hospitality. He has worked in Minor League, Major League and independent baseball for nearly 30 years. 

Russell Lowery-Hart, PHD ’96* , is the new  chancellor of the Austin Community College District . Previously, he served as president of Amarillo College and vice president of Academic Affairs for that institution. He also serves on the board of directors for the Kody Hodge Foundation, which supports high school theater students.

Holly (Stebbins) Michael, BSJ ’96* , has joined marketing firm Ohlmann Group in Dayton, Ohio, as its PR director . Her 20-year career has included roles with LexisNexis, Dayton Children’s Hospital and, most recently, Medidata, a life sciences SaaS and analytics company based in New York.

Nathan Greene, BSC ’97* , became an  advisory board member for the Joe Burrow Foundation , which seeks to help children experiencing mental illness and/or food insecurity. The manager of business development for Ohio Bobcat Sports Properties, Greene has previous volunteer experience with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cleveland, A Kid Again Northern Ohio and VeloSano with the Cleveland Clinic. 

The University of Rio Grande named Matt Paxton, BSED ’97* , its new head coach for cross country and track & field . He joins the university after more than 20 years coaching at Unioto High School in Chillicothe, Ohio, where he earned the 2019 Fred Dafler Ohio State Coach of the Year for Ohio Boys Cross Country and 22 Southeast District Coach of the Year awards.

United Way of Fairfield County named Christine (Walls) Simmons, BSED ’97* , as its new CEO . As both the former president of the organization’s board of trustees and a former business account specialist at Fairfield Federal bank, Simmons will work to increase funding at the organization. 

Graysville, Ohio, resident and former OHIO faculty member  Tina Ullman, MS ’97* ,  won her third Women’s World Championship with the World Powerlifting Alliance last July, taking home a total of seven first-place medals and the award for overall top drug-tested female. And in October, she won six first-place medals—and set six world records—at the International Powerlifting League Drug-Tested World Championship. In addition to these successes, Ullman has set 28 world, 27 American and 78 Ohio records across multiple powerlifting federations and, at press time, was ranked first in the world powerlifting rankings for her age group and weight class among drug-tested lifters since 1964. Next up: the World Powerlifting Union’s Pro Invitational World Cup in Cardiff, Wales.

Barnes Wendling CPAs has promoted Michael Essenmacher, BBA ’98* , to be the director of its accounting and assurance services department . After nearly 25 years with the firm, Essenmacher also serves as the lead director for its construction industry group.

Ole Miss promoted Associate Athletic Director for Women’s Basketball Patrick Henry, BSC ’98* , to be one of its women’s basketball assistant coaches after the NCAA increased coaching limits. He adds on-court coaching responsibilities to associate athletic director duties in his second year with the team.

Last March,  Megan Luck, BSH ’98 , was named program director for the medical assisting program at the Christ College of Nursing and Health Sciences in Cincinnati, Ohio. She has been with the Christ Hospital Health Network since 2005 and recently transitioned to the college as an adjunct instructor in health sciences.

The Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera put on a production of “Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812,” an electropop opera by David Malloy, BMUS ’98* , in August, earning a glowing review from Broadway World. In its original Broadway run, the show was nominated for 12 Tonys and took home two.

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan appointed Terri (Lester) Weems, BBA ’98, MS ’99* , as  group executive of workforce and Detroit at Work . Her new role will focus on creating a strategy to reduce poverty, increase employment and prepare the city for a changing economy. Previously, she was the president of the nonprofit Detroit Employment Solutions Corp.

Clean energy storage company Enervenue has appointed Robert Willy, BSISE ’98* , as its senior vice president of manufacturing . Willy will lead manufacturing operations and optimizations at EnerVenue’s new facility in Shelby County, Kentucky.

James “JJ” Royer, MSA ’01* , became the new director of integrated marketing at communications agency Comprise in Boulder, Colorado. Royer’s nearly 25-year career in digital marketing has spanned a number of industries, including professional sports and outdoor apparel, leading the company to create the role for him.

Last spring was a busy (and accomplished) one for  Malia Dalesandry, BFA ’02 . The associate operations director of Academic and Student Programs at George Mason University received a Schar School Student Research Grant and presented at the Association of Private Enterprise Education’s 47th annual meeting, the latter taking place just a month before earning her Ph.D. in public policy at GMU.

Robert “Bob” DeLong, BSC ’02* , a senior associate registrar at OHIO, retired from that role at the end of 2023 after nearly four decades of service to the University and its students, faculty and advisors.

RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association, honored  Sarah (Rothhaar) Ekis, BBA ’02 , with the  2023 Hope Award for Service . Ekis, a senior compensation consultant in Charlotte, North Carolina, is also a volunteer at RESOLVE, where she has created support groups for women for their experiences before, during and after experiencing pregnancy.

Kevin Finnegan, BSC ’02 , is one of nine recipients of the U.S. Department of Education’s 2023 Terrel H. Bell Award for Outstanding School Leadership . Finnegan has served as the principal of Prairie Hill Elementary School in Illinois for the last 12 years. He attended the awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., in November with his wife, Elizabeth (Swanson) Finnegan, BFA ’02.

Fairfield Medical Center in Ohio has hired Julie (Murray) Grow, BSH ’02* , as its chief financial officer . Previously, she served in the same role for 11 years at Hocking Valley Community Hospital.

Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb appointed Tom McNair, BSHCS ’02* , as the city’s  economic development director in September. There he will implement a number of initiatives funded by the American Rescue Plan Act and will support the city’s efforts to support small business, grow traded sector jobs and develop equitable neighborhoods.

The Epilepsy Foundation promoted Laura Weidner, BA ’02* , to the role of chief advocacy and government relations officer after serving as its vice president of government relations and advocacy for five years. Before that, Weidner led federal policy efforts at the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Public Policy Office and worked in government affairs at the Child Welfare League of America.

Cleantech Solar Group, a provider of renewable energy solutions to corporations in India and Southeast Asia, appointed Sachin Jain, MS ’03* , as its  CEO . He will lead Cleantech Solar through its growth phase by leveraging placement, finances, top-tier clientele and his extensive and qualified team. 

Thomas Dyer, BS ’03 , retired from the U.S. Army with the rank of lieutenant colonel after 25 years of service. He resides in Honolulu, Hawaii, with his wife, Theresa.

The American Heart Association’s Greater Cleveland chapter, led by  Valerie Hillow Gates, BSJ ’03 , was honored by the national organization with the  Cass Wheeler Award of Excellence after three years of record-breaking success. Hillow Gates was also individually recognized with the organization’s Trailblazer Award.

Marisa Long, BSJ ’04 , became the  senior vice president of climate and energy at climate communications agency Antenna Group. A PR News  Top Woman in PR in 2016, Long’s background includes work in media relations, policy and advocacy communications, and more.

Seun Salami, MA ’04* , has been appointed to the board of directors for Terex Corp., a manufacturer of materials processing machinery and aerial work platforms. He currently services as the executive vice president and chief financial officer of global asset management firm Nuveen.

Entering his eighth season as an NFL coach, Kevin Carberry, BBA ’05* , has joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as the offensive line coach . Carberry was hired last year as an assistant line coach for the New Orleans Saints and has previously worked with the Los Angeles Rams, Stanford University, the Washington Commanders (then the Redskins) and the Dallas Cowboys. During his time at OHIO, Carberry was a four-year letterman and earned All-MAC honors as senior team captain.

Cleveland Forbes  included  Ashley (McCall) Keating, BBA ’05* , in its “ 30 under 30 ” list for her partnership at Cincinnati, Ohio-based CincyTech, a venture capital firm focused on tackling the world’s critical challenges. Keating joined CincyTech in April 2016 as the chief financial officer and made partner in November 2022.

Lamar Hylton, MED ’07* ,   is the new  vice provost for student life at Indiana University Bloomington. His previous work as the senior vice president for student affairs at Kent State led to the creation of the CARES Center (Crisis, Advocacy, Resources, Education and Support) and significantly expanded funding for mental health services.

Barbershop chorus Eastern Kentucky Harmonic Order elected Ryan Jarrell, BMUS ’07* , to serve as its director on the recommendation of its founder and former director of 30 years, Carl Taylor. Jarrell will lead and perform with the group’s 20 members and replaces Taylor as the baritone in the group’s Commonwealth quartet.

Fashion PR and consulting firm KCD has promoted  Lauren Paris, BSHCS ’07 , to be its  senior vice president of guest experience . Paris, a 15-year veteran of the firm, most recently served as its vice president of the Guest Experience Group, a role she’d held since 2018.

Delaware City Schools in Ohio has added Dr. Joseph Rieman, DO ’08* , to its  Hall of Fame last fall. Rieman earned First Team all-conference honors in wrestling three times as a student at Delaware’s Hayes High School and is now the chief medical officer at NewPath Child & Family Solutions. In 2022, he received the Cincinnati Business Courier Healthcare Hero Award and the Medical Mutual Pillar Award for Community Service as a Nonprofit Executive Director of the Year.

Athens native Gaelan Mullins, BA ’09* , has channeled his lifelong passion for table tennis into a community effort. After starting the Hot Shot Table Tennis club in Jersey City, New Jersey, Mullins moved back to Athens in 2023 and opened the club’s second location at the Market on State (formerly University Mall). Anyone can play table tennis at Hot Shot Athens for free or for a suggested donation of $2. 

The national Delta Zeta sorority headquarters named  Mary Davies, BSJ ’10 , to its 2023 “ 35 Under 35 ” list. A news producer at NBC New York, Davies’ winner’s profile notes that her involvement with WOUB helped steer her career path from the anchor desk to the production side of broadcast news.

Radford University in Virginia selected Susan T. Carroll, MHA ’11* , to be its winter commencement speaker . With more than 25 years of service at Inova Health System, Carroll currently serves as a senior vice president for the system and as the president of Inova Loudoun Hospital. 

Athens has a new full-service  bicycle retail and repair shop thanks to  Paul Carter, BBA ’12 . Located on Stimson Avenue, Bobcat Bikes sells bicycles, e-bikes, parts and accessories; offers repair services for all models; and is Southeast Ohio’s only Trek Authorized Retailer.

Pennsylvania-based reporter and podcast co-host  Anthony Hennen, BSJ ’12 , was named a  2023-2024 Robert Novak Journalism fellow through the Fund for American Studies. During the one-year fellowship, Hennen will research and report on his project, “An Appalachian Revival: The Government’s Failure to Save a Rural Region.”

Russell Morrow, BSC ’12, MED ’14* , became the new interim vice president for Diversity and Inclusion at OHIO’s Division of Diversity and Inclusion. Previously, he served as the assistant dean of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the College of Business.  

Nanfu Wang, MA ’12* , an award-winning filmmaker whose work includes the HBO series  Mind over Murder , will join the faculty of New York University’s Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute as a  Distinguished Journalist in Residence .

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine named Giles Allen, BSS ’13* , as his  director of Legislative Affairs in August. Allen previously served as the deputy director of Legislative Affairs for DeWine, though his career with the now-governor dates back to 2010, when he was DeWine’s assistant in his bid for Ohio Attorney General. 

Monica Gordy Polizzi, MSRSS ’13 *, has joined Salisbury University as its new director of athletics and campus recreation . Previously, she made headlines as the first woman on the NCAA Division II National Football Committee and then the first woman to serve as its chair.

Former OHIO women’s golfer Megan Weaver, BS ’13* ,   was hired as the  head women’s golf coach for Longwood University in Farmville, Virginia. Weaver’s OHIO golf career lasted four seasons, during which she was named the MAC Sportswoman of the Year; she also served as team captain during her senior year. 

Nick Barese, MSRSS ’14* , was promoted from his previous role as University of Massachusetts Lowell’s assistant baseball coach to  head baseball coach . Before UMass Lowell, Barese held a head coaching position at Merrimack College for seven years. 

On Aug. 21,  Diana Sabau, MSA ’14* , became the  new vice president and director of Utah State University Athletics , where she oversees the university’s 16 Division I sports programs. She has previously served as the Big Ten Conference deputy commissioner and the senior deputy athletics director at Ohio State University.

Artist, illustrator and animator Tracy Dawn Brewer, AA ’15, BSC ’16, MITS ’18* , worked with Akron-based artist Jessica Travis to turn discarded airplane wings into an  art installation at the  Akron-Canton airport . Brewer’s work features 23 native Ohio birds and information about them; it becomes an interactive, augmented reality experience through the Artivive app.

The Newark Advocate included Kevin Cox, MBA ’15* , on its  20 Under 40 list for 2023. Cox has been a financial advisor with Edward Jones for the last eight years, and for three consecutive years he qualified for the firm’s Financial Advisor Leaders Conference, which recognizes top offices across the country. Cox is also the vice president and president-elect of Young Leaders of Licking County.

Former WOUB reporter, producer and anchor Kaitor Kposowa, MS ’15 *, known professionally as Kaitor Kay, joined Cleveland NBC affiliate WKYC as a reporter and Sunday morning anchor last May. Originally from Cincinnati, Kay previously worked for KFOR in Oklahoma City and WANE in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he won a Lower Great Lakes Regional Emmy in 2020.

Accounts receivable management company Revenue Group has hired Chris Taylor, MBA ’15* , to serve as its chief information officer . He joins the organization after nearly two decades in technology leadership roles at debt collection agency National Enterprise Systems.

Josh Martin, BS ’16* , was named a  2023-2024 Science Policy Fellow at the Geological Society of America. Martin earned his Ph.D. from Ohio State University and has combined experiences in the field as a graduate research assistant at Los Alamos National Laboratory and as a professor at the University of Dayton.

Huron High School in northern Ohio added Lauren (Volz) Pavlechko, BSPE ’16* , to its  Athletic Hall of Fame . While at Huron, she collected four varsity letters each in golf, basketball and softball and earned All-Ohio honors in golf. She also was named an OHSAA Scholar Athletic Award winner and won the Archie Griffin Sportsmanship and the Marine Corps Distinguished Athlete awards.

Indiana University’s Columbus branch has announced that James M. Adams, MSRSS ’17* , will serve as its new men’s basketball coach . Adams is moving to Indiana from Madison, Wisconsin, where he has coached at high school, college and semipro levels and was named the 2018 Big Eight Conference Coach of the Year.

Fairview Park School District, near Cleveland, has hired Jon Adams, MSAA ’17* , as its new athletic director . There he will oversee athletic programs at both Lewis F. Mayer Middle School and Fairview High School. Previously, Adams has served as a coach, physical education teacher, sports information manager and assistant athletic director.

In July, the Ohio Society of Professional Journalists named former  Athens NEWS  editor  Sydney Dawes, BSJ ’17* ,  Best Reporter in her circulation category for her work with the  Springfield News-Sun . She also shared the honor of Best Deadline Reporting with two  News-Sun  colleagues and took second place in Best Public Service/Social Issues Reporting, both in the same circulation category. She now covers Montgomery County for the  Dayton Daily News .

Hailey Hrynewich, BSJ ’17* , known professionally as Hailey Hunter, is the  Pittsburgh Penguins’ new rinkside reporter and occasional pre- and post-game show host. She is the daughter of former NHL player Tim Hrynewich, who played for the Penguins from 1982-84. Previously, she has worked as a content producer for the LPGA Tour, a sports anchor at WJTV in Jackson, Mississippi, and a New York Islanders team reporter.

AccuWeather journalist  Adriana Navarro, BSJ ’18* , was named one of 13  fellows for the 2023-2024 cycle at the Howard Center for Investigative Journalism at the University of Maryland. Navarro’s work has covered hurricanes, including preparing for them and dealing with their aftermath. She plans to use the fellowship to work on pieces related to disaster recovery and climate solutions.

Ohio University Southern honored Marty Conley II, BSAM ’19* , with its  Outstanding Community Partner Award in September. As director of the Lawrence County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau in Ohio, Conley has worked with OHIO Southern and nearly 20 other regional partners to diversify cultural heritage tourism in the area.

Outdoor industry marketing firm Urge Media introduced Dillon Curtin, BBA ’19* , as its new digital marketing manager . Formerly a marketing specialist with Tarter Farm and Ranch Equipment, Curtin will now assist Urge Media in its mission to provide clients with dynamic marketing and media solutions.

Kristyn (Hawkins) Smith, MSA ’19* , is the new director of the Savannah Sports Council with Visit Savannah in Georgia. At the Savannah Sports Council, Smith will maintain the organization’s original events, such as the Savannah Hockey Classic, as well as creating new ones. 

The newest evening news anchor for WMBD in Central Illinois is Charles Thomas Garverick, BSJ ’20* . Garverick, who goes by his middle name, has previously served as a weekend morning news anchor in Decatur, Illinois, and has dabbled in the nonprofit, insurance and high school education sectors as well.

After earning the title of Miss Portsmouth, Emily Lengenza, BMUS ’20* , was named  first runner up at the 2023 Miss Ohio competition . The Alexander Local Schools teacher has participated in pageants since she was a junior in high school and plans to pursue Miss Ohio for the remaining two years she will be eligible. She impressed judges with her platform, “If You Can, Teach,” which focuses on addressing the teacher shortage and advocacy of educators. 

Former OHIO quarterback  Nathan Rourke, BSPE ’20* , had a busy 2023. He signed a reserve/future contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars in January, but had foot surgery soon after and was cut in August. He re-signed to the practice squad and made it to the active roster that fall. He left for good in December,  signing with the New England Patriots .

Peoples Bancorp Inc. named Tyler Wilcox, MBA ’20* , as its next  president and CEO . Wilcox also joined the board of directors for Peoples and its subsidiary, Peoples Bank, effective April 1, following the retirement of Chuck Sulerzyski. Wilcox has been with the organization since 2008 and previously served as executive vice president of community banking.

The multimedia ceramic work of Holly Barrett, BFA ’21* , was  included in the  New and Now: Ohio’s Emerging Artists 2023 exhibition at the Ohio Craft Museum in Columbus, which ran in August and September. Each of the 26 artists featured is noteworthy for having less than 10 years of working experience.

Ethan Sands, BSJ ’21* , is the new co-host of cleveland.com’s Wine and Gold podcast, which provides in-depth coverage of the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers. The Cavs beat reporter was a WOUB reporter/producer and multimedia director of The Post while at OHIO and has also worked with the LA Times , USA Today Sports, Major League Baseball and ESPN since graduating.

Kyle Balzer, PHD ’22* , joined the American Enterprise Institute as a  Jeane Kirkpatrick Fellow . In that role, he will explore long-term strategic competition and U.S. grand strategy and will work on his forthcoming book, “The Revivalists: James Schlesinger, the Competitive Nuclear Strategists, and the Rebirth of Cold War American Deterrence.”

The Entomological Society of America approved “peppered cockroach,” suggested by  Andrew Connolly, BS ’22* , as the  official common name for  Archimandrita tessellata . Connolly, an educator at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo, told  CT Insider  that naming a species is “an honor” and “a dream for many biologists.”

Recent graduate  Trevor Brighton, BSVC ’23* , won a  2022 National Mark of Excellence Award from the Society of Professional Journalists for his cover illustration for OHIO’s student newspaper,  The Post . The story, titled “Erasing Russia,” covered the loss of the University’s Russian-related courses.

Fresh out of undergrad, Ethan Moore, BSN ’23* , is already making waves—though not specifically in his field as an intensive care unit nurse. His business, Lake Erie Drone , offers a new type of pesticide and fungicide application for local farms that is delivered via drone. The delivery system allows for low-altitude application that reduces the risk of chemicals drifting into the atmosphere or neighboring homes.

Graduate student and OHIO quarterback Kurtis Rourke, BSC ’23* ,   has been added to a number of 2023 award watch lists, including the  Davey O’Brien 2023 Preseason Watch List , the  Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award 2023 Watch List , the  2023 Walter Camp Player of the Year Watch List , and the  2023 Maxwell Award Watch List . As one of 35 top returning college quarterbacks in the nation, Rourke was selected based on his previous and expected successes on and off the field.

Abigail Scherer, AB ’23* , and Zachary Donaldson, AB ’25, each saw their research published in the first edition of The Undergraduate Politics and Law Journal  at Fairleigh Dickinson University last spring. They submitted their articles as undergraduates in October 2022. 

Featured image by Ben Wirtz Siegel, BSVC '01

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