President and Provost's Award for Distinguished Faculty Service Awardees

Kay Bea Jones

Professor, Knowlton School of Architecture
College of Engineering

Steven Lopez

Associate Professor, Department of Sociology
College of Arts and Sciences

Piers Norris Turner

Associate Professor, Department of Philosophy
College of Arts and Sciences
Director, Center for Ethics and Human Values

Michael Bisesi
Sathya Gopalakrishnan
Maurice Stevens

Marymegan Daly

Professor
Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology
College of Arts & Sciences

My research program encompasses three interrelated topics: 1) describing the anatomical, taxonomic and geographic diversity of actiniarian sea anemones; 2) testing hypotheses about the causes and effects of this diversity; and 3) exploring the data and methods used to describe and explain diversity. I have an active field program and employ both molecular and morphological data to solve evolutionary questions. Sea anemones are a fascinating system in which to study evolution because they are morphologically constrained by their relatively simple organization. Although there is anatomical specialization at the level of cells, tissues or regions of the diploblastic body, sea anemones are most diverse in terms of life history and biology. Reproductive mode, fertility pattern, symbiotic relationships and microhabitat use vary among apparently closely related species. Because they manifest both extreme morphological simplicity and great biological complexity, actiniarians provide an opportunity to investigate common evolutionary questions like how changes in development affect morphology or how symbiont acquisition facilitates adaptive radiation, and a means of addressing interesting theoretical problems like constraint and convergence in morphology. 

Wendy Smooth

Professor
Department of Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies
College of Arts and Sciences

My research and teaching focus on women’s experiences in political institutions and the impact of public policies on women’s lives. I am currently working on a book entitled, Perceptions of Power and Influence: The Impact of Race and Gender in American State Legislatures, which examines the impact of race and gender on the distribution of power and influence in U.S. state legislatures. Based on this research, I was awarded the Best Dissertation in Women and Politics by the Women and Politics Section of the American Political Science Association. I am particularly interested in the ways in which institutions preference gender and racial norms through their institutional arrangements, norms, preferences and day to day operating procedures. In my courses, I address various public policies affecting women and girls including work/family and workplace diversity policies; empowerment for women living with HIV/AIDS; violence against women and girls; and welfare reform. My policy work is informed by my experiences as a senior research and policy associate with the Center for Women Policy Studies in Washington, D.C., which is the oldest feminist research and policy organization in the country. I continue to focus on public policies impacting women and communities of color as a faculty affiliate with the Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity here at Ohio State.

I received both my PhD in Political Science and Certificate in Women’s Studies from the University of Maryland, College Park. Before joining the faculty of The Ohio State University, I was an assistant professor of political science at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Shari Speer

Professor
Department of Linguistics
College of Arts and Sciences

Shari Speer is a Professor in the Department of Linguistics whose primary research area is psycholinguistics. She received a PhD in Human Experimental Psychology from the University of Texas at Austin in 1988. Her research concerns the relationship between language production and comprehension, with a particular focus on contributions from intonation and prosodic structure. The work employs insights from linguistic theory and empirical contributions from eye movement monitoring, spontaneous and lab speech productions, and traditional reaction-time paradigms to develop models of language processing, with a focus on the time-course of underlying cognitive mechanisms. 

Blaine W. Lilly

Associate Professor
Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
College of Engineering

Blaine Lilly has long been a tireless champion for The Ohio State University, first as a student in the late 1960s and early 1970s, and since 1998 as a faculty member with a joint appointment in the departments of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and Integrated Systems Engineering and an adjunct appointment in the Department of Industrial, Interior and Visual Communication Design.

Lilly serves as associate chairperson for undergraduate programs and has distinguished himself through his commitment to advancing Ohio State’s institutional mission. He formerly served as chair of the university council on academic affairs and serves as co-project leader on the LIFT OMIC co-located internship program.

He advocates for students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, serving on numerous department committees that benefit students, including the undergraduate studies committee and continuous quality improvement committee. Lilly has also been a driving force in the ongoing efforts between Marion and Mansfield campus faculty to create a new program in engineering technology that addresses Ohio’s growing need for technically adept employees.

In 2012, Lilly played a key role in developing significant changes to the mechanical engineering undergraduate curriculum —designing and piloting a new course that introduces sophomores to fundamentals of machining and assembly by providing opportunities for hands-on experience in building a six-cylinder air motor. More than 1,600 majors have since taken this course. Lilly likewise helped re-design a critical manufacturing course required for seniors.

Lilly has a strong record of scholarship with a unique focus on interdisciplinary approaches to product design. He has mentored nearly 60 student researchers at the undergraduate and graduate levels. In 2006, he received the Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching and in 2014 was elected as a fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.

David G. Horn

Professor
Department of Comparative Studies
College of Arts and Sciences

David G. Horn has demonstrated a career-long eagerness to engage with some of the most pressing and difficult issues facing Ohio State; a clear appreciation of the university’s mission; and, above all, the solid good sense, affable personality and precisely tuned intellect necessary to advance that mission in all of his service activities.

Since joining Ohio State's faculty, Horn has been a driving force in shaping the Department of Comparative Studies’ undergraduate curriculum, designing new advising structures and teaching courses in science and technology studies. He has chaired both the committees to evaluate central administrators and the steering committee in University Senate and was the first faculty member appointed by the Ohio State Board of Trustees to serve on the board’s committee on academic affairs and student life. He has likewise served on a number of critical university task forces, including the committee on faculty career enhancement and the task force on suicide prevention and mental health.

Horn’s leadership extends to his work with the Translational Data Analytics and Global Arts and Humanities Discovery Themes — having chaired interdisciplinary faculty searches for the Discovery Themes as well as a variety of other faculty searches stretching back to the 1996-97 academic year. From 2016 to 2018, he was a member of the two-year pilot project on Programming Leading to a Science and Technology Studies Center, which was supported by the Global Arts and Humanities Discovery Theme. In addition, he also provided dedicated mentorship to a Discovery Themes postdoctoral fellow as part of Ohio State’s national participation in the American Council of Learned Societies Postdoctoral Partnership.

As one of his colleagues put it, “David shows up, and when he shows up, he listens and participates in ways that immediately improve the quality of the conversation around him. It is not surprising that he has often served as a ‘discussant’ at professional conferences; he serves in this role informally at on-campus events all the time, and to great effect … He serves as citizen of the university at events across campus.”

Lisa Florman

Professor and Chair
Department of History of Art
College of Arts and Sciences

Harald Vaessin

Professor
Department of Molecular Genetics
College of Arts and Sciences

Ann D. Christy

Professor
Department of Engineering Education

Ann D. Christy’s success in teaching, research and service to the university make her a well-rounded faculty member. She consistently takes a leadership role in teaching, administrative and curricular matters, and her contributions have transformed the Engineering Education Innovation Center into a full-fledged academic department, the Department of Engineering Education. Christy is not interested in resting on her laurels, however. She continues to serve the department and the college by developing a proposal to create an engineering education PhD program at The Ohio State University that would be one of only a few in the United States.

Her record of faculty service stretches back to the beginning of her career at Ohio State when she, an untenured professor at the time, participated in the ABET accreditation process and served as chair of the Departmental Academic Affairs Committee. With an aptitude for getting things done and a willingness to lend her time and talent for the good of the university, she is an asset to every project and committee in which she is involved.

While an associate professor, Christy was selected to serve as Interim Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education and Student Service, a role typically filled by a full professor, but granted to Christy for her exceptional interpersonal skills and collegiality. During the university’s semester conversion, she was recruited to by the Office of Academic Affairs to lead faculty to think big as they re-envisioned their curricula. She continues her legacy of service today on the advisory council for the University Institute for Teaching and Learning.

Christy holds a PhD in Environmental Systems Engineering from Clemson University. Among her many research interests, she studies bio-environmental engineering, field and laboratory studies of solid waste management systems and landfill bioreactors.

Timothy Gerber

Professor
School of Music

In more than three decades in the School of Music, Timothy Gerber has distinguished himself through his tireless commitment to teaching, research and service to Ohio State.

He has served the University Senate for 12 years, including leading multiple committees and as chair-elect of the Senate Faculty Leadership and chair of the Faculty Council. While a Faculty Senate leader, Gerber took on a significant role ushering the university through the semester conversion process. His success with that led to his nomination and subsequent approval as Secretary of the University Senate — a position he held for two terms under two university presidents. Gerber’s colleagues describe his contributions to the University Senate as constructive and insightful, and describe him as a peacemaker and a leader who is guided by his belief in and commitment to the university community. Gerber is the person others turn to when committees need to be filled, because of his extensive personal network and his ability to identify leadership qualities in other colleagues.

Gerber has led or served on several initiatives for the president, provost and trustees, including the planning committee for the Institute for Teaching and Learning and the executive committee for the Second-year Transformational Experience Program. In addition, he has hosted the Big Ten Academic Alliance Senate group meeting.

For his excellence in teaching, Gerber has been recognized with the Distinguished Teaching Award in the School of Music and was named Distinguished Scholar as well. Although his teaching, research and service keep him busy, he also serves the Columbus community as a music teacher in Columbus Public Schools.

Gerber holds a DMA and an MEd from Temple University. His research interests include music teacher education, musical development in adolescents and arts policy in secondary schools.

Deborah J. Merritt

John Deaver Drinko - Baker & Hostetler Chair in Law
Moritz College of Law

One nominator calls Deborah J. Merritt a “difference-maker” when it comes to advancing policies and programs at Ohio State. From diversity enhancement to research and development to education reform, she gives generously of her time and expertise for the betterment of the Moritz College of Law and the university.

On the University Senate, Merritt served on the Evaluation of Central Administrators committee, and an ad-hoc committee that was responsible for creating the Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity in the Americas. She has also served on the advisory committee to the Senior Vice President for Research and the University Committee on Affirmative Action, and recently as associate director for the Center for Higher Education Enterprise.

In the 2013-14 academic year, Merritt was appointed faculty convener of the Advisory Subcommittee to the Board of Trustees Presidential Search Committee. Her role gathering faculty, staff and student input about the presidential search required countless hours meeting with an array of university constituents. Her ability to work effectively with different groups with a range of needs and styles is a testament to her leadership, listening skills and patience. She also led the process of creating the Presidential Profile and University Portrait, during which Merritt effectively facilitated multiple discussions among large, diverse committees.

Merritt managed to execute these leadership responsibilities while continuing to serve Ohio State’s students as an outstanding educator. She has twice received the college’s top teaching recognition, the Morgan E. Shipman Outstanding Professor Award, and in 2009 was honored with the Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching.

Merritt holds a JD from Columbia Law School. Her areas of expertise include civil rights and civil liberties, clinical education, criminal law, evidence and law and social science.

James Rathman

College of Engineering

James Rathman is widely recognized for his teaching and research, and he is a recognized scholar in molecular informatics. In addition to his commitment excellence in these areas, he is also tremendously dedicated to serving The Ohio State University at the department and university level.

In the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, he has led preparations for several ABET Accreditation visits and acted as team leader on the department’s semester conversion team. He has also served on the Computer Committee, Misconduct Committee and Curriculum Committee.  

His contributions extend far beyond the department through his two terms in the University Senate. As senator, Rathman served on numerous committees including the Rules, Fiscal, Steering and Academic Affairs committees. He was also elected to chair both the steering and academic affairs committees in acknowledgement of the leadership qualities he embodies.

One colleague writes, “Jim developed a reputation for fairness and objectivity.” Another who served on a committee with Rathman notes that “Jim brought a balance and sincere interest in advancing and improving the university.”

In addition to his abundant achievements as a faculty member and a leader, Rathman is also known as a great colleague. As one nominator wrote, “Jim Rathman is a wonderful human being. He is kind, humble, perceptive, good-humored, honest and conscientious.”

James Rathman holds a PhD and MS in chemical engineering from the University of Oklahoma and a BS in chemistry from Montana State University. He has been a professor in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering since 1991.

Caroline Breitenberger

College of Arts and Sciences

Caroline Breitenberger’s contributions to the university, to the College of Arts and Sciences, and to the field of chemistry are numerous, but it is her expertise and service in the areas of curriculum development and student assessment that her colleagues say have recently made considerable impact at Ohio State. 

One nominator writes that she has made “overarching and seminal contributions to curriculum development at the university level.” During the semester conversion, Breitenberger provided leadership of the conversion of the biology curriculum as well as serving on curriculum change review committees in other departments. She has also worked extensively on implementing student assessment modifications as the chair of the Assessment Panel of the Arts and Sciences Curriculum Committee and the University Level Advisory Committee, in addition to the several other councils and committees on which she has served.

Another nominator notes that “in addition to establishing and directing the Center for Life Sciences Education, she has been instrumental in helping biology students gain valuable exposure and experience in scientific research.” Breitenberger coordinates the NMS Mayers Summer Research Fellowships and organizes the NMS Undergraduate Research Forum. She also offers workshops to help students prepare for the Denman Undergraduate Research Forum. 

Caroline Breitenberger has a PhD in chemistry from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a BS in chemistry from Ohio University. She began her Ohio State career in 1986.

Michael Kelly Bruce

Associate Professor
Department of Dance

From the very beginning of Michael Kelly Bruce’s time at The Ohio State University, he has put service among his top priorities.

He served on multiple department and college committees in his first year and served as freshman coordinator and on the Faculty Concerns and Curriculum Committees before he finished his second year. He has since been on no fewer than 18 university committees along with nearly continuous service on college senate and curriculum committees. He was assistant chair of the Department of Dance for many years and served as interim chair for two years. He has been an associate dean in the former College of Arts.

“The sum total of his accomplishments, advocacy and munificence has helped countless students, programs and initiatives to advance and thrive,” a nominator wrote. “His profile as an artist, teacher and leader portrays a man who implicitly cares about the students and works to get the job done and does not self-aggrandize nor do it with cloying ambition.”

Bruce also has been active in the International Association of Dance Medicine and Science and on the board of the American Dance College Dance Festival Association. Through all of that, he has continually developed both his teaching portfolio and his creative work as a choreographer.

“The number of committees he has served and led is extraordinary, but what is remarkable about Mike’s service is not the quantity but the quality of good policies and practices that have impacted students and faculty,” another nominator wrote. “He always wants to find the best outcome for any given problem or situation and is driven by getting the job done.”

Bruce is a graduate of Stephens College and has been at Ohio State since 1990.

Lawrence A. Krissek

Professor
School of Earth Sciences

Lawrence Krissek is one of those people who not only serves willingly, ably and enthusiastically, but who also is willing to stand in the background and let others take credit even when he himself might have earned a significant share of it. “He is part of the glue that holds this university together and makes it run as smoothly as it does,” according to one nominator.

Within his school, Krissek has served on faculty search committees and committees for curriculum, both graduate and undergraduate studies, teaching quality — even equipment and facilities — and chairs them as often as not. 

He is a clastic sedimentologist, with primary interests in the evolution of climates and ocean environments, has been a faculty senator and has served on the Stone Laboratory and Ohio Sea Grant advisory committees since 2010. And during the semester conversion, he almost single-handedly led the school’s faculty through the exercise — a job made even more difficult with the addition of four new tracks within the undergraduate program.

“Dr. Krissek is a significant source of information on curriculum,” a nominator wrote. “His extensive service, especially as it relates to curriculum issues, has made him invaluable as a contributor in this area in the college and the university. Because of that vast experience, he’s now involved in getting the university ready for the upcoming reaccreditation process.”

“His sense of dedication and responsible service to his department, college and university is unique among us,” another nominator wrote. “The pride and dedication he takes in his teaching (he’s a past winner of the Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching) are more than exemplary.”

Krissek earned his PhD from Oregon State University and has been at Ohio State since 1982.

Catherine Montalto

Associate Professor
Department of Human Sciences

Philip T.K. Daniel

The William Ray and Marie Adamson Flesher Professor in Educational Administration
Department of Educational Studies

T.K. Daniel’s distinctive bass rumble has been a feature within the ranks of faculty governance at The Ohio State University for decades, and that voice has been one of the most influential in that realm in recent memory.

“He is a wise scholar and extraordinary thought leader,” a colleague wrote in support of his nomination. “His insight is inspiring, and he is adept in helping members of a group move beyond individual positional focus to arrive at a resolution that is in the best interest of the institution.”

Daniel has served four terms on University Senate and currently chairs the Steering Committee. He also has served on the executive committee of the Faculty Council, the Committee of the Evaluation of Central Administrators, the Rules Committee, the Athletic Council, the Faculty Hearing Committee and the Council on Student Affairs, as well as the Faculty Council and Faculty Cabinet — and has served at least one term as chair of each of those save for Student Affairs, which traditionally is chaired by a student.

“What that list cannot capture is Professor Daniel’s talent for keeping a group of faculty on topic or bringing them to consensus so ideas translate into action,” a nominator wrote. “He is a master in effecting change.”

His influence has been especially important recently during debate on semester conversion, lease of parking operations and changes to rules regarding clinical faculty — among many examples.

 “With his academic specialization in higher education and in the law, T.K. Daniel is uniquely qualified to work deliberatively to improve the functioning of the University Senate and to extend faculty participation in shared governance,” a colleague wrote in support of his nomination. “Moreover, his dedication and persistence to this work has been amazing.”

Daniel earned his JD from Northern Illinois University and his EdD from the University of Illinois, Urbana.

Terry L. Gustafson

Professor
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

Terry Gustafson has been working to move the university forward since he stepped on campus in 1989 — “his service to Ohio State has been exemplary, deep and impactful,” a nominator wrote. “He is devoted to making certain that Ohio State’s students, faculty and the institution itself are the best they can be.”

Gustafson began advising student organizations shortly after he started here, and — based on his interests and through the coaxing of many an admiring student — has advised 12 organizations, including the Sphinx senior class honorary, and he has been a Faculty Friend in residence halls six years. He likely has advised 500-1,000 students from those direct interactions over the years.

Gustafson also has served on the Denman Undergraduate Research Forum Faculty Advisory Committee since 2002, is in his 10th year on the Arts and Sciences Honors Committee and has served on the Study Abroad Committee and the Scholars Advisory Board. He has played a critical role in the development of multiple first-year initiatives and is a member of the team that speaks to new students and their families at orientation.

“He works hard to paint a realistic picture regarding academic expectations but in a way that represents our faculty members as caring educators who are committed to student learning and overall development,” a nominator wrote.

Gustafson also served on the Arts and Sciences Senate during that college’s reorganization from five legacy colleges (including a year as chair); he chaired the university-wide Curriculum Committee for the Quarters to Semesters Conversion; and served on the Student Success Career Implementation Committee.

“Terry has an extraordinary record of service to his department, the College of Arts and Sciences, the university and his profession,” a nominator wrote.

Gustafson earned his PhD from Purdue University.

Kay N. Wolf

Professor
School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences

Kay Wolf has risen through the ranks at the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences from instructor to lecturer to assistant professor and finally to professor, and over those 25 years, she has been instrumental in helping the school and the university achieve their goals by serving as a catalyst for change and as a model for their aspirations.

“It is apparent from working with Kay for so long that that she does not provide her service to be acknowledged,” a colleague wrote. “She does it because she cares, because she wants the best for her students, the school, the university and her profession, and because she thinks it’s the right thing to do.”

Wolf has led the Dietetics Division since 2004 and the Health Sciences Program since 2008. She has served on nearly every key committee within the school and the College of Medicine, including terms as chair of the college’s Faculty Council and of the PhD task force that created the school’s PhD program proposal (which led to her selection as the first director of education and chair of graduate studies). 

She also has served three terms on University Senate — during which time she co-chaired one of the three Council on Academic Affairs (CAA) subcommittees charged with reviewing 245 semester proposals and 16 college/unit changes required by the semester conversion. She went on to serve two years as CAA chair and is currently in her fifth consecutive year on the council: “Truly exemplary service to the university,” a nominator proclaimed.

“The job of subcommittee chair in 2010-11 took a lot of stamina, enhanced interpersonal skills, strong management skills and a healthy sense of humor,” a nominator wrote. “We were fortunate that Kay Wolf, along with Leslie Alexander and Marilyn Blackwell, all possessed these qualities.”

Wolf earned her PhD from The Ohio State University.

Diane W. Birckbichler

Professor and Director
Foreign Language Center

Jane Case-Smith

Professor and Chair
Division of Occupational Therapy
School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
College of Medicine

Jane Case-Smith’s dedication to her school, to the university and to the profession of Occupational Therapy has been both obvious and complete.

As she has built such a long and successful record of service, Case-Smith’s colleagues point out that her motivation continues to be entirely noble, done for the greater good rather than for any personal gratification.

“Jane does not provide her service to be acknowledged; she does it because she cares, because she wants the best for her students, the school, the university and her profession,” wrote a nominator.

Case-Smith earned her master’s degree from Western Michigan University and her doctorate from the University of Georgia. She came to The Ohio State University in 1990 and has served on dozens of committees and task forces — both university-wide and local to her college and school — including time as chair of the University Senate’s Steering Committee.

“She has been instrumental in helping the school achieve its goals over the last two decades by serving as a catalyst for change and a model for our aspirations,” wrote a colleague.

Case-Smith also takes time to serve the greater Ohio State and the Occupational Therapy communities through service on University Senate, the University Diversity Council, the University Budget Advisory Committee and the Task Force on Women’s Issues. She also is a fellow of the National Occupational Therapy Association and editor of Occupational Therapy Journal of Research.

Wrote a nominator: “Dr. Case-Smith’s significant service and leadership to the profession of occupational therapy is a source of great pride and recognition for the university.”

K. “Cheena” Srinivasan

Professor and Chair
Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
College of Engineering

Marilyn Johns Blackwell

The Vorman-Anderson Professor of Nordic Languages and Literatures
Department of Germanic Languages and Literatures

It would be difficult to imagine a faculty member more dedicated to university service than Marilyn Johns Blackwell.

“Her devotion to her varying leadership responsibilities, and her keen attentiveness to evolving policies and practices on this campus provide clear evidence of the importance of taking university governance seriously and of constantly striving to make this a better institution,” wrote one of her colleagues on University Senate.

With the exception of short mandatory breaks, Blackwell has been an elected member or alternate on University Senate for the last 20 years. She has served two terms as chair of Faculty Council and one as chair of the Steering Committee. She has served on the Council on Academic Affairs and for 10 years on the Committee on Academic Freedom and Responsibility, including four terms as that committee’s chair, and has served on numerous important ad hoc senate committees. She’s also been a member of the Arts and Sciences Faculty Senate and has led several committees in the Department of Germanic Languages and Literatures, and has chaired the department’s Promotion and Tenure Committee since 2006.

“Marilyn has always been a model to me in her service — the devotion, enthusiasm and energy with which she carries it out is remarkable and the convictions that guide her steadfast,” another colleague wrote. “It is perhaps for this reason that Marilyn Blackwell has been so successful in guiding important changes and maintaining excellence and high standards at The Ohio State University.”

Blackwell earned her master’s degree and doctorate at the University of Washington and has been at The Ohio State University since 1984.

Kay Halasek

Associate Professor
Department of English

Kay Halasek has spent more than two decades working to make sure students — not just those at Ohio State, but those across Ohio — get the most they can out of their college careers.

“Professor Halasek has established a truly stellar service profile — one that grows out of her deep commitment to improving the educational experiences of students at Ohio State and indeed across Ohio, and to creating the institutional infrastructure required for student success in all disciplines and at all levels,” a colleague wrote in support of her nomination.

Halasek’s work for students has come at every level as well. Through the Board of Regents, she’s been instrumental in leading numerous statewide efforts — most notably with the Ohio Writing Institute Network for Success — to ensure high school students are prepared for college.

She’s also served extensively with University Senate, including serving seven years on the Council on Academic Affairs (two terms as chair), three years on the Committee on Academic Freedom and Responsibility, a term on the full senate and another year as secretary of the senate and several screening, advisory and other ad hoc committees.

At the departmental level, she’s often called upon to serve on faculty search committees, award committees and curriculum-related committees.

“It always was a pleasure to see Kay’s name on service committees to which I also was appointed,” wrote another nominator, now an emeritus faculty member. “In all aspects of her role as an Ohio State faculty member, Kay demonstrates commendable service to the university community.”

Halasek earned her master’s degree from Northern Arizona University and her doctorate from the University of Texas at Austin. She has been at Ohio State since 1989.

William Theodore (Ted) McDaniel Jr.

Professor
Department of African American and African Studies
Professor and Director of Jazz Studies
School of Music

Amanda A. Simcox

Professor
Department of Molecular Genetics

It would be easy to assume, noting the top-notch teaching and cutting-edge, high-impact research she does, that Amanda Simcox would have very little time to devote to outreach or service activities.

But that assumption would not take into account the importance she places upon those activities.

“Mandy does not perform her daily duties guided by some formal job description, but rather by an edifice of strong core values on what are the multifaceted roles a faculty member must whole-heartedly embrace,” a colleague said. “She is an exemplary role model for how senior scientists should seamlessly integrate service activities into their career plans.”

She has developed and put into practice a sophisticated who-done-it crime scene investigation unit (using Ohio State undergrads as instructors) for Columbus high school students to excite K-12 students about the biological sciences. She developed and personally recruits students for an NSF program to provide mentorship and research experiences for undergrads and has made recruitment of underrepresented students into the program a central focus. 

She created a novel scientific course shared in real-time with students in India as well as being part of a team that has developed a course for students at The Ohio State University, a minority institution in the United States and several universities in India. She also goes above and beyond as she advises and advocates for more than 50 molecular genetics honors students and has served on the committee examining the reorganization of the arts and sciences colleges here.

“I really do not understand how a single individual faculty member can accomplish everything that Mandy has, all with attention to detail, excellence and grace,” a nominator wrote. “Her service is simply awe-inspiring.”

Simcox earned her undergraduate and PhD at the University of Sussex, United Kingdom, and did postdoctoral work at Johns Hopkins University before joining the Ohio State faculty in 1990.

Ruth D. Peterson

Distinguished Professor of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Professor
Department of Sociology
Director, Center for Criminal Justice Research

Ralph E.J. Boerner

Professor
Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology

Whether it is chairing the University Senate Fiscal Committee or lending his expertise to the design teams for the Biological Sciences greenhouses, Aronoff Laboratory and Jennings Hall, Ralph Boerner has continually found beneficial ways to help move the university forward.

Boerner also serves on the committee tasked with reviewing the structure of the Colleges of the Arts and Sciences, an admittedly high-pressure process. “Ralph had a lot to do with our continued camaraderie,” wrote a colleague on the committee. “Throughout our deliberations, he set the perfect tone, listening attentively, arguing thoughtfully and interjecting humor at just the right moments so as to keep things running smoothly.”

Boerner has built a reputation for tackling tough assignments. He chaired not only the Department of Botany as it was changing to the Department of Plant Biology in 1993, but also the Department of Zoology as it evolved into the Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology in 1998.

“When the task is really important, even though his plate is already full, even though he has a hundred good reasons to say no and even though I feel guilty for asking, I can always count on Ralph to step up,” a nominator wrote. “Furthermore, I can depend on him to do a fine job.”

Boerner, who came to The Ohio State University in 1980, was honored in 1995 as a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. In 2007, he was awarded the Outstanding Career Service Award by the Soil Ecology Society.

He received his bachelor’s from SUNY College at Cortland, his master’s from Adelphi University, and his doctorate from Rutgers University.

Anthony Mughan

Professor
Department of Political Science

Anthony Mughan hasn’t shied away from being an agent of change for the better at Ohio State, building a career of commitment to faculty, students and the university as a whole. Shortly after he joined Ohio State’s faculty in 1988, he was elected to University Senate and quickly undertook some of the more arduous committee assignments, eventually chairing the Faculty Compensation and Benefits Committee as well as the Committee for Academic Freedom and Responsibility.

That was only his first stint. He left to accept an appointment as director of the Undergraduate International Studies Program in 1994, working to increase study abroad and other international education opportunities for students, work he continues today.

“Under Tony’s leadership, the Undergraduate International Studies Program has grown and flourished, becoming one of the most desired undergraduate majors,” one nominator wrote. “He has added new geographic and thematic tracks, whereby ensuring the relevance and dynamic aspect of the international studies major to current and future generations of Ohio State students.”

Mughan returned to the senate in 2005 and was elected to the Steering Committee, which deals with the overall business of the senate in concert with university administration. He became chair in 2007. He also has served on review committees for the Fulbright and Francille Firebaugh Study Abroad scholarships.

“There is no issue too intense for Tony,” another nominator wrote. “He is willing to undertake any challenge, and does so with personal integrity and without fear of personal consequences. He is equally prepared to knock heads with university leadership or with fellow faculty as the situation warrants.”

Mughan received his bachelor’s and master’s from the University of Lancaster in England and his doctorate from the University of Iowa.

Gordon J. Aubrecht, II

Professor
Department of Physics
The Ohio State University at Marion

Gordon Aubrecht dedicates many hours a week to service activities at The Ohio State University’s Columbus campus. Not only is he known for “doing his homework” and actively participating in committees and boards, but he also willingly makes the commute from Marion’s campus to do so.

“Gordon is a Senate workhorse,” one colleague stated. “And he’s especially impressive in that role because he is a member of the Ohio State Marion — not Ohio State Columbus — campus.”

Not only has Aubrecht worked multiple times on a number of Senate committees such as Faculty Compensation and Benefits, Hearing and University Research, he is also credited for creating minutes at these meetings. What was initially conceived to benefit the Marion campus about university happenings has now become the official records of these meetings.

“Gordon is blessed by prodigious energy and commitment to service to all aspects of his profession,” another colleague stated. “He is not a passive member of any committee he is on; he is vocal, active and does more than his share of work.”

Aubrecht has also done extensive work with the American Association of University Professors, acting as president of Ohio State’s chapter. In 2004, he won the Louis Nemzer Award by AAUP for service on behalf of academic freedom. That same year, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Award of the Association of University Regional Campuses.

Aubrecht received his PhD from Princeton University in 1971.

Liang-Shih Fan

Professor
Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

Liang-Shih Fan has dedicated his entire professional career to research on clean coal. His research and leadership in clean coal technology not only enhances his field of study but also the reputation and image of Ohio State’s energy programs.

Much of his time at Ohio State has been devoted to energy-related committees, including the Advisory Board of the University Water Resources Center, the Advisory Board of the University Mining Mineral Research Institute and the University Coal Technology Program, where he serves as director.

“Professor Fan has not only strived to advance his own personal academic accomplishment and stature, but equally importantly the excellence, impact and stature of those organizations within which he has served,” a colleague stated.

Fan was named a Distinguished University Professor in 1996 and therefore continues to serve as a member of the President’s and Provost’s Advisory Committee. He’s also served on numerous search committees, most recently for university president.

Described as a “leading light,” “a national treasure” and “an Ohio State star” by colleagues, Fan is known for his tireless work on university commitments.

“Clearly L.S. is one of the ‘go-to guys’ when the campus is looking for faculty to serve in the most critical service roles,” another colleague stated.

Fan received his PhD from West Virginia University in 1975.

Richard Herrmann

Professor
Department of Political Science
Director, Mershon Center for International Security Studies

Terry A. Miller

Ohio Eminent Scholar in Experimental Physical Chemistry
Department of Chemistry

Valerie B. Lee

Professor and Chair
Department of English

Mark C. Ellis

Professor
Assistant Dean, The Ohio State University at Mansfield

John P. Bruno

Professor
Department of Psychology

Don M. Dell

Associate Professor and Vice Chair
Department of Psychology

Bruce E. Bursten

Professor and Chair
Department of Chemistry

Brian Joseph

Professor
Department of Linguistics

Stephen M. Reed

Professor
Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences

Robert J. Perry

Professor
Department of Physics

Sally V. Rudmann

Professor
School of Allied Medical Professions

Caroline C. Whitacre

Professor and Chair
Department of Molecular Virology, Immunology and Medical Genetics

Paul Allen Beck

Professor and Chair
Department of Political Science

Bunny C. Clark

Distinguished University Professor
Department of Physics

Susan Warwick Fisher

Professor
Department of Entomology

Dale Bertsch

Professor
City and Regional Planning
Knowlton School of Architecture

Susan Hartmann

Professor
Department of History and Department of Women's Studies

Alan Randall

Professor and Chair
Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Development Economics

Gerald M. Reagan

Professor
School of Educational Policy & Leadership
Secretary, University Senate

David O. Frantz

Professor
Department of English

Harry P. Allen

Professor
Department of Mathematics

W. Randy Smith

Associate Professor
Department of Geography

Paul E. Young, Jr.

Professor
School of Architecture