CFAES Faculty and Staff Appreciation 2025
Join us in celebrating Faculty and Staff Appreciation Week 2025!
CFAES Colleague Kudos
Michael Taggart has hit the ground running since joining CFAES! In his role supporting events at the Nationwide and Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center, he has been proactive, responsive, and incredibly helpful with planning and coordination. I had an event this week, and he was outstanding. He checked in throughout the day to make sure everything ran smoothly and even helped us troubleshoot last-minute issues. Michael’s dedication and calm presence make him a great asset to CFAES.
Shout out to Glenn Mills who is an anchor on our operations team in Columbus. Working across Waterman and the Wetlands, Glenn is a get-it-done kind of guy who is passionate about the mission of CFAES. I appreciate Glenn's commitment to our college and the outstanding work he does to supporting our students, faculty and staff.
Franklin County Extension Team - I want to take a moment to recognize and thank each of you for your unwavering dedication to our community, our clientele, and—just as importantly—to one another. This summer has been full of activity with Extension programming in full swing, and you have risen to every challenge with professionalism, compassion, and teamwork. On a personal note, I am so deeply grateful for the way you all stepped in and helped to carry the load of 4-H camp and fair preparations while I navigated a personal loss. Your willingness to jump in and help pick up the pieces, support each other, and ensure our 4-H work continued without missing a beat speaks volumes about your character and commitment. It is a privilege to work alongside such an incredible group of people. Thank you for the heart, skill, and care you bring to this team every day.
Brittney Robinson joined our team a year ago and couldn't have been a better fit for our office! Her passion for 4-H shows in the work she puts in every day and we are so glad to have her in Medina!
I want to sincerely thank Dr. Theresa Ferrari for her unwavering dedication to advancing positive youth development. Her commitment to research, education, and leadership has profoundly impacted our CFAES community and beyond. The co-editing of her groundbreaking book has provided invaluable insights and practical guidance that inspire educators and youth professionals alike. Theresa’s passion and expertise continue to shape the future of youth development, and we are grateful for her remarkable contributions.
Sierra Baca goes above and beyond as a 4-H Educator, putting in endless hours and always coming up with fresh, fun ways to get more people involved in 4-H. Her drive is unmatched!
Thank you, Kelly Kyser, for always putting the students first, your care for the students and everything you do!
I would like to shout out to Jennifer Pettibone! She has been a great partner in my entry to ACEL. She does a phenomenal job in handling the duties within the Leadership Center, and helping me acclimate to the process for expenses within the department. I am so grateful for her friendship and collaboration in completing administrative work within ACEL.
Shout out to Bethany Piovarchy for keeping our whole team on track! Managing social media, making sure we are all prepped for events and programs, and staying organized down to the color coded spreadsheet. We'd be lost without her!
Maddie Newcomb is pure light when she enters a room, answers the phone, greets a member of the community, and especially when helping out her fellow colleague. She is a wonderful source of knowledge and explains the who, what, when, where and how of everything without making it seem like a crazy whirlwind of information. She's always available to bounce ideas off of and contributes her own ideas to help you reach your goal. She takes the lead on projects but also gracefully lets others shine. I enjoy coming into work knowing I have a supportive co-worker who is there for all my dumb questions and laughs at all my lame jokes.
Molly Dunsky has been invaluable in making my day-to-day work better, I cannot understate how much I value her contribution to my work/life balance, and the overall function of our team as a whole.
Cindy Plummer has been a phenomenal supervisor, in my time at the university, I have never felt more appreciated for the work I do, supported in how I do my work, empowered to do what is best for our team, and eager to do the work. Thank you, Cindy!
Janna Thompson-Chordas, you exemplify what it means to be "students first", constantly checking in with them to make sure they are doing well and succeeding in our department.
Sarah DeVilbiss, you have mastered the arts of getting-it-done and making-it-fun all at the same time. You are a huge part of what makes this place a great place to work and Entomology is a better department because of your presence.
Zach Thomas helped me restore my Google account that I had accidentally deleted. He was bound and determined to get it fixed. He kept running into roadblocks, but he was able to keep me from losing my mind. I had many favorites and bookmarks saved. He was able to restore it, and I am now a happy office associate. Thank you so much, Zach!
I would like to thank Jessica Caton for the happiness she will bring to everyone she works with. If you are having a stressful day, Jessica's joy will bring you right out of it!
Alex Meyer, thanks so much for all you do to help tell our program's stories. You have a gift to find the most compelling angles and translate stories in a way that everyone can understand and value.
Thank you Jeanne Semilia for your calm nature in the face of many competing events, for doing a great job on keeping staff and faculty up to date on campus issues and events, and for encouraging us to become involved in the many opportunities OSU offers!
Thank you Ashley Gerber for always being the smiling face to greet everyone, always calm and understanding answering the phone, and always jumping in to help! Being present and always checking on our community members and officer staff! You are so appreciated and we can not thank you enough for all that you do day in and out for extension!
Thank you Cindy Shelly for your diligence, patience and kindness in working with students and parents. These interactions and the way in which you handle it go a long way towards the positive student experience we strive to provide.
Kate Shumaker, thank you for always being willing to step up and go beyond what is expected! From keeping the 4-H program running for so many years in addition to your FCS position. From budget cuts and huge staff changes in the office, to now stepping into an area leader role. We appreciate your willingness to serve and for remaining active and present in the office with us your county staff. We appreciate you and your service to extension!
I’d like to give a special shout-out to Jennifer Eggleton for her outstanding work as an Extension Educator with the Healthy Opportunities Program (HOP). In a short time, Jennifer has approached her role with incredible drive and focus, achieving meaningful results in her community. She has successfully implemented My Choice Food Pantry strategies at her local food bank, built a strong partnership with Adena Health to increase the distribution and redemption of produce vouchers, and convened her local Parks and Recreation Board to develop a strategic plan aimed at making parks more accessible and welcoming for people of all ages and abilities. Jennifer’s dedication and collaborative approach are making a real difference for families in her region.
Thank you Lisa Dicus for always being willing to help faculty prepare for their classes, assist students with their accounts and forms, and for being a kind and thoughtful member of the ATI community!
Ana Crespo, you are the best. I appreciate and admire you :D
I’d like to give kudos to Zoie Clay, our Lawrence County Extension Educator with the Healthy Opportunities Program (HOP). Over the past year, Zoie has made tremendous strides in her work, overcoming challenges to deliver meaningful outcomes for her community. She has built a local coalition from the ground up to advance the implementation of food service guidelines, increased the issuance and redemption of produce incentives, and is leading efforts to develop an infrastructure plan that will improve walking and biking in the City of Ironton. Zoie also spearheaded the Ironton Senior Center’s successful large grant application to the Area Agency on Aging for Congregate Meal Services. This $44,000 grant, which will run through 2026, will support the delivery of safe, nutritious, and appealing meals for seniors. Zoie’s dedication, vision, and collaborative spirit are making a lasting impact on the lives of residents in Lawrence County.
Thank you Lori Nicholson for your ever-present "can-do" attitude, your willingness to always pitch in. The calm manner in which you listen while juggling multiple tasks helps students and ATI faculty and staff feel valued and heard!
Dee Dee Snyder, your leadership is the bedrock of our team. We are so blessed to have you as our captain. Thanks for your steady, kind, and gracious leadership.
Thank you Steve Lyon for being an awesome supervisor, mentor and friend! I will miss everyone here greatly when I retire.
Taylor Fulton - Best lab manager ever :)
A huge Thank You to Taylor White as he takes on my training as a new employee in SENR! Taylor is instructing me on the responsibilities I am taking over on top of managing his ferocious workload and a new addition at home. I am grateful for the patient support Taylor is providing and am glad to give him this recognition and thanks!
Thank you, Susie Jones, for your generosity in sharing your office with me and supporting my onboarding in SENR! I appreciate your kindness and encouragement as I learn the ropes in my new role. It is folks like you who make Ohio State a great place to work!
Kudos to Dr. Michelle Jones! During Faculty Appreciation Week, we proudly recognize Michelle for her outstanding service as our Associate Chair – Wooster. Her leadership and oversight of our infrastructure there, along with her vital administrative support for our research mission, have been truly exceptional. And a special congratulations to Dr. Jones on her recent recognition as a Fellow of the American Society for Horticultural Science! This prestigious honor will be officially bestowed at the ASHS annual conference next week in New Orleans — a well-deserved celebration of her contributions to the field. Thank you, Michelle, for all that you do!
Debbie Carpenter- You are in inspiration to so many people! I can't count on my hands how many colleagues have expressed pure appreciation for your guidance and support. You made my job very enjoyable when we worked together. Your mantra of "People have to know you care before they care what you know" has guided me throughout my work with OSU Extension the past 13 years. Thank you for the tremendous impact you've had with your colleagues and clientele. I wish you a fabulous retirement!!
Heather Bauder, thanks for all you do with a smile!!
Matthew Chaney, thanks for bringing energy and collegiality to the Department!
Mariette Benage, thank you for your kindness and support!
Michelle Anderson, thank you for guiding us in our endeavors and always with a friendly attitude!
Richard Wofford, thanks for all of your hard work on the new National Dining with Diabetes curriculum! Your work improves not only the program in Ohio, but around the nation.
Brian Adler has been instrumental at helping with all things IT related to research at the ever expanding Waterman site. He makes so many things just work!
Kyle White always has a smile on her face! She is a great Community Development collaborator and colleague with a true passion for serving.
Huge thanks to Eli Davis for her ongoing and tireless efforts in helping our college get up to speed with email automation. Her thoughtful approach, bold curiosity, and collaborative spirit have made a tremendous impact. Eli consistently goes above and beyond to support our team and move our work forward. We’re so lucky to have her on the team—thank you, Eli!
Caitlin Conrad is a wonderful teammate and great advocate for students. Her work in the career office sets students up for success during and after college. So grateful to work with her!
Ryan Vonderhaar goes above and beyond in supporting students. He is a great teammate and advocate for our college.
Shout out to Ashley Kulhanek who not only helps the community identify plants and bugs but still has time to ID every weird bug I find. I text her a leg and a wing and she's like "oh yeah, that's a whatever beetle." Truly the bug whisperer and a great coworker too!
Chris Kendle, thanks for always being an amazing advocate for your co-workers in extension! You truly go above and beyond and we appreciate you!
Lisa is an incredible asset to the Chadwick Arboretum team. Her horticulture skills are top notch, but more importantly, she leads the rest of the horticulture team with a smile, humility, and grace. In working with students she is constantly helping them grow, not just in horticulture, but as leaders, and thinkers. Her contributions over the last year are invaluable and I appreciate her in more ways than can be stated in a short paragraph.
Sara Mastellar, thanks for always taking time to help educate and share your passions with others in extension and the equine field! We are blessed to have you at ATI both as a co-worker and as a teacher! THanks for going above and beyond and thanks for all that you do!
Kayla Kruse is to be commended for going above and beyond the call of duty by helping the FABE Graduate Program for nearly two years when we were without a Graduate Program Coordinator. During this time, we leaned heavily on Kayla to handle all kinds of difficult issues, which she did unfailingly and without complaint. Kudos to Kayla.
Richard Wofford,Thank you for always making our communication tools look amazing. Your attention to detail, professionalism, and willingness to help never go unnoticed. We truly appreciate your dedication and the positive impact you bring to our Family and Consumer Sciences team!
Thank you Michelle Milligan for always being willing to help, no matter how big or small the request!
Huge shoutout to Christopher Olvis for consistently going above and beyond with every project. Your attention to detail, creativity, and collaborative spirit make such a positive impact on our team. Thank you for always stepping up, offering thoughtful solutions, and being such a dependable and talented designer. We’re lucky to have you on the team!
Kristen Reaver always has my back at work! She is reliable and enjoyable to work with!
A big thank you to Laura Alloway for being such a thoughtful, supportive, and visionary leader. Your ability to listen, guide, and champion our team makes all the difference. The retreat this week was a perfect reflection of your commitment to fostering connection, creativity, and collaboration. Grateful for your leadership and all that you do to keep our MarComm team inspired and aligned!
Keri Knowles, Thanks for being so well organized, your attention to detail and thoroughness are fantastic. You are great at what you do!
Jill Gallion, thank you for your patience. For always going the extra mile, even when you're already doing the most. Thank you for being such a fantastic friend and an encouragement. You're the best!
I am pleased to recognize Kathy Adams for her unwavering dedication and exceptional contributions to the smooth operation of our office. Her professionalism, attention to detail, and consistent reliability are truly invaluable. Kathy’s commitment to excellence ensures that our team functions efficiently and effectively, and her support does not go unnoticed. We are incredibly fortunate to have her, and it is no exaggeration to say that we would be lost without her.
Sally Hennessy is truly a ROCK STAR! Her unwavering support, encouragement, and team spirit uplift the entire Lorain County staff. Sally consistently steps up to help with any task, no matter how big or small. Her vibrant personality and genuine empathy create a warm, welcoming environment for both clientele and colleagues. Sally – your dedication does not go unnoticed. You are deeply appreciated!
Gwynn Stewart does an excellent job in Noble County -- she has made a huge difference in economic development with projects ranging from broadband to community revitalization. She is organized and the volume of work she produces is second to none. This year she has been instrumental in writing journal articles and spearheaded proposals that resulted in presentations on Building Entrepreneurial Friendly Communities presentations at three different conferences -- both international and national audiences.
"Sharon Hayes has been instrumental with our collective efforts in support of NFYS, new transfer, and international student orientations - among other efforts - this summer, particularly the support Sharon provides as we welcome the new students to the CFAES and Ohio State Columbus campus communities. Thank you, Sharon, for keeping us focused, organized, and situated with the many moving parts along the way as we welcome the new leaders and dream-activators to all that is possible here in CFAES, and beyond. BC ""Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does."" William James"
Thank you, Pamela Faust, for always being a warm presence in the leadership suite and never hesitating to assist as we onboard with CFAES! Looking forward to a great year ahead. It's team members like you that allow me to go home and share how grateful I am to have people who want to help me succeed in the new role.
I want to thank Ashley Brunton for being such a joy and shining light at Stone Lab! She goes above and beyond in every aspect of her life. Every day is brighter with her around and her laugh is contagious! I am so grateful to have worked with her for the past few years!
Lynn Ault is crucial in all the work he does. Thanks for supporting all the faculty in their field research.
Jamie Strange, You encourage and lead so many in our department and college through a strong moral compass and dedication to building community.
Sarah DeVilbiss, You are the master of getting it done! Your energy helps everyone keep going, even when the going gets tough. You make work fun!
Captain Craig Genheimer is a core part of Stone Lab. He uses his knowledge and skill to help every part of Stone Lab's mission succeed. Captain Craig is a mentor to many, sharing his time to helping students and staff better themselves and their careers. His goofy personality and bad dad jokes constantly bring smiles to all those on the boats! We are so grateful to have Captain Craig working with us!
Big thanks to CJ Copeland for his support with all my IT and computer questions as I onboard in my new role as SENR! I appreciate your patience and calm demeanor as I get myself set up in the department. :)
Trisha Taylor, Thank you SO much for all your help as I navigate the new world of SENR, Trish! From lending me a lamp my first day in the office to always being happy to answer my questions with a smile, you have been a force of kindness and support. I am grateful to work with awesome folks such as yourself!
Thank you for all your help with the questions I bring to you, Reed Harris! I super appreciate your humor and goodwill, especially when I'm looking at the wrong software and you laugh it off so I'm not totally embarrassed. You Rock!
HUGE Thank You to Addie White for all your support while I get my bearings in this new role! I can't stress how helpful you have been when I have questions. You are always ready to share your knowledge and support me in figuring things out. I appreciate you!
Sarah DeVilbiss, thank you for everything you have done for my program! You have been tremendously helpful! Your kindness and dedication are greatly appreciated.
Megan Schulte is a joy and a pleasure to work with. Since she started in the office, she has used her creativity and persistence to build an amazing 4-H program. Her diligence and commitment to success are a credit to her character and profession.
Kudos to Janna Thompson-Chordas for assisting me and my students with kindness and professionalism! Janna, thanks for being always helpful and considerate! We truly appreciate all you have done for us!
Becky McGuire is a passionate and caring individual. She cares about each of her clients and takes the time to interact with them. I can learn from her to become a better Extension Professional.
Karie MacDonald, thank you for everything you do to make our office better. It makes me feel seen and appreciated. You have a gift to find a way in conversations to tell others about our mission and purpose, no matter the program.
Sarah Noggle is committed to living out the extension mission. She provides fun learning environments. She is very accomplished in serving her community. She has a gift to make learning fun. I hope I can become like her someday.
Amber Emmons' intelligence is amazing. Her ability to communicate complex ideas in an explainable manner makes me ready to learn. She cares about her clients and coworkers learning and developing as individuals.
Rachel Cochran, I enjoy talking with you. It always makes me feel uplifted and motivated to be a better professional. Your driven nature is an asset to the team. You make me want to do and be better.
Heather Torlina is caring. You are a great addition to the team. You make time to get to know your colleagues and care about their whole lives, not just their professional lives.
Alan Leininger's sense of humor and ability to make work fun bring excitement to events and programs.
Kyle Verhoff, thank you for your hard work ethic. You adapt to emerging situations in innovative and creative ways.
Kendall Lovejoy, thank you for always being a ready and helpful hand whenever needed. You are a service to your community. Your service and care for your community are clear as day. It has an impact. It is people like you who make Extension a great place to work!
Zach Wilson, many thanks for helping with my program! It has been a great pleasure to work with you! Your kindness and dedication are truly appreciated!
Thank you Brooklyn Wagner for being a mentor, friend, and office buddy! You are such a valuable part of our department, and I am so happy to have you as a coworker!
The department would not run with you, Keri Knowles! Thank you for always being kind, a good listener, and an excellent problem solver.
I always appreciate your hard work and enthusiasm, Ryan Vonderhaar! We are very lucky to have you.
Thank you for being an excellent problem solver and wealth of knowledge, Elizabeth Shuman! You help make the global education part of my job easy.
In just two short months, Gabe Preston has hit the ground running and made a real impact on our content strategy. His work ethic, initiative, and collaborative spirit are already helping move our efforts forward in a big way. Not only is he a talented strategist and team player—he also keeps us laughing and brings great energy to the group. So glad to have him on the team!
Kudos to Michael Sword for always finding creative solutions to problems that support our college's mission! You go above and beyond to ensure your staff are appreciated and enjoy coming to work, along with providing our faculty with the means to conduct their research efficiently and our students with the resources to gain a hands-on education at ATI. You are a great leader for our folks!
Kudos to Dr. Witter for striving to give our ATI students the premium hands-on educational experience. From course instruction to leading ATI as interim director, Dr. Witter has remained mission-focused with a positive, can-do attitude. You are accomplishing wonderful things for the future of our college!
Brian Gwin, kudos to you for your ability to problem solve and think efficiently, all while building important connections around our college. Your hard work is appreciated by many, and you have a knack for building community.
Kelsey DeHoff, kudos to you for always making me laugh and lending a helping hand when needed. You are super fun to work with!
"Thank you, Steve, for all your help with the Workday efforts this year. You are a gem and Workday rock star here in CFAES, and I appreciate you and your time and tremendous guidance and instructions with Workday expense reports. Thanks, Steve! "Any day in which you learn something or help someone is a success." Maryanne Hannan"
Kudos to Dr. Jon Witter for leading ATI through the summer months and into the upcoming semester. Although he has been very busy with meetings and planning since being named Interim Assistant Dean and Director, he makes time to see everyone who wants to get on his calendar.
Kudos to Erin Parker for everything she has done to support my program! She is such a wonderful colleague to work with!
Eric Hamilton is truly the guru of the HR world. He’s empathetic, approachable, and endlessly patient—always giving me grace as I navigate more HR processes than I’d care to admit! Eric is eager to help, smart, and always focused on finding solutions. He embodies what true customer service looks like and makes everyone around him feel supported. Thank you, Eric, for the many ways you help keep CFAES running smoothly. Your work makes a huge difference, and it’s so appreciated!
Renee Johnston, you are truly the rock and the glue that keeps everything in SENR’s undergraduate program running smoothly. Your leadership and dedication are unmatched—you’re not only the fearless leader of the academic team but also a tireless advocate for our students. You’re their biggest champion and their most trusted voice. For faculty and staff, you are the go-to person. Anytime there’s a question or a challenge, the answer is always, “Ask Renee.” Your deep knowledge, steady presence, and willingness to jump in and help make you an invaluable part of SENR. Thank you, Renee, for your incredible commitment to students, faculty, and the SENR community. We simply couldn’t do it without you!
Thank you, Cheryl Patterson, for all of the amazing things you do to keep CFAH functioning and a making it a happier place to work.
Thank you CFAH Animal Care Team, Jen, Jane, Reiley, Mike, Emily, and Josh! The work we do in CFAH would be impossible without your dedication and expert skills in handling our animals.
I greatly appreciate all that Scott Wolfe does to keep our building/department safe, his support of research operations for Entomology, and for his organization of the food trucks this summer which adds a great opportunity for campus to come together and enjoy some tasty food!
I greatly appreciate all of the excellent support and service that Erin Parker provides to Entomology. She is a vital cog in our department that contributes to so many different aspects of our success. I also appreciate her past service as the chair of the OARDC Wooster staff council, which brings great events to the Wooster campus and provides opportunities for colleagues across campus to come together.
Erin Parker, You epitomize our student first philosophy always seeking ways to make our students feel a sense of belonging in our department.
Jeni Filbrun, Your connect with our communities and stakeholders with infectious joy. You know how to engage people in a way that makes everyone love bugs.
Carrie Elvey, You bring an amazing creativity to your work and are always seeking ways to engage the public so that they are both educated and excited to learn.
I greatly appreciate all of Sarah DeVilbiss's contributions to our department and incredible support she provides. I am especially grateful for her excellent support on the P&T committee when I was chair of that committee, which took a lot of stress out of submitting dossiers and review documents to the college.
I greatly appreciate all of Janna Thompson-Chordas's efforts to boost the recruiting of majors to the Entomology undergraduate program. The strong growth of our major would not have been possible without all of Janna's great work!
I appreciate all of Zach Wilson's account updates and willingness to review finances on a regular basis. I am also in awe of his Excel skills!
I appreciate the incredible Entomology outreach program that Jeni Filbrun has developed on the Wooster campus. Under Jeni's leadership the Bug Zoo has developed into one of the 'crown jewels' of our campus and attracts hundreds of visitors to our campus each year via open houses and widely popular seasonal events (e.g., Pumpkins & Pillbugs event, Insect Night Walk) that are always well attended.
I appreciate all the innovation that Carrie Elvey has brought to the Entomology outreach program in Wooster and her initiative to forge new partnerships and outreach opportunities with the community (e.g., Firefly program at Wooster Memorial Park, Bug Film Fest at Lyric Theater).
I appreciate Nuris Acosta's efforts in supporting visiting scholars in Entomology and her service on the Wooster Staff Council including the organization of the Stroll Tuesday event that encourages our campus to go outside for a healthy stroll around campus.
I appreciate all of Suranga Basnagala's efforts to identify pests for the Plant Pest Diagnostic Clinic and to operate the 3-D printing lab in Entomology.
We just wrapped up our orientation season and Cheryl Walter, Advising Manager in ENR, hit it out of the park! All of our orientations ran smoothly with every detail covered. She organizes the outreach to students, reviews earned credit, makes schedule recommendations for each student, pulls together their folders of information, prepared the presentation, and sets the room up so it’s ready to go before the first student arrives, including making sure we have great snacks for students and their parents, and answers so many questions during every session. Cheryl, we were able to give the ENR new first year students a wonderful welcome all summer long because of your dedication, attention to detail, and doing it all with a smile! THANK YOU!
Thank you Christina Hughes for handling all of the office communications with grace and kindness! I know sometimes this can be tough! Your sincerity is always appreciated.
Thank you Leslie Aftanas for your support with the Cloverbuds and Shooting Sports programs!
Thank you Erika Lyon for partnering with Jefferson County 4-H to continue bringing 4-H programming and ag programming together! You are a great resource and this year's Bunch on the Farm event drawing more than 400 people was spectacular!
Scott Wolfe tries his best no matter the task. He embodies the spirit of helpfulness and goes out of his way to make things better for everyone in our department and on the Wooster campus.
Thanks to Mary Henry for being such a important part of the FABE water team. From fixing ISCOs, installing field sites, and coordinating our team and tools Mary's contributions and positive vibes are essential to all we do.
Trish Taylor - Every time I have a question, no matter how big or small, you make time to help me problem solve. I can't imagine how I'd do my work without your caring and knowledgeable support. Plus, you're funny - so that's an all around win for SENR. Thank you!
Annie Steel, thanks for everything you do to keep Extension Publishing on track. I appreciate your support and guidance and your willingness to do whatever it takes to ensure the success of our team. You are a rockstar!
Kim Keethler, the Workday wiz without whom I could never get those SAs/ERs/PCard requests done correctly, thank you for your patience and help getting me through all the admin so I can go do my research and share it at conferences. So grateful for all your support!
I appreciate Ashley Fields's positive attitude and willingness to jump in an help out!
Thanks for being a great team member, Leo Taylor. You are approachable and make a difference to those you work with.
Thank you Tiffany Halsell for going above and beyond to help out. You are an asset to the unit and to the students that you work with.
Thank you Laura Akgerman for your commitment and dedication to ensuring that our programs are accessible and traveling across the state to make sure all youth can engage in positive youth development activities.
Eric Hamilton, is a great team player and is always helpful and approachable when I have a question or a problem to work through.
Jane Douglas is phenomenal when it comes to hiring. She is super efficient and does a great job! Thanks, Jane.
Since I started working for Extension last August, Angie Keshock has been an invaluable resource and mentor to me! I can't thank her enough for her support and helping our Portage County Office through all the transitions!
Sophia Whisman has shown time and time again that teaching youth the importance of responsibility, confidence, and environmental stewardship has greatly impacted Morgan County. Sophia's creative approach to new programs has given a new perspective to teaching. She is always willing to help me with programming in Muskingum County and seems to have a solution for almost every problem that arises (a 4-H superpower). I am so proud to call her a colleague and friend. I cannot think of anyone better to serve as the co educator for the Morgan County 4-H program!
Audrey Dimmerling has been an amazing colleague and mentor since I started working in Extension. She helped me with my first volunteer training and ran my Quality Assurance training while I was out on maternity leave. Thank you, Audrey!!
Alivia Mock works as a program assistant in Morgan County paired with her background in social work has helped serve clientele well. Her bubbly, hard-working, and creative personality is a great addition to the Morgan Co. office. She is ready to help at a moments notice and loves the community, two things which make a great colleague.
Kristen Eisenhauer & Beth Smith have been such good friends and mentors to me since I started working in Extension. They are always available to answer a quick question or give me some guidance on how to handle different situations. You are both rockstars!!
Thanks to Beth Brooks for her leadership in keeping the Master Gardener Volunteers of Clark County motivated to keep Snyder Park Gardens & Arboretum in amazing shape. She has picked up every ball that I have dropped and has thrown multiple touchdowns this summer. THANKS Beth - you are the best.
I would like to acknowledge Zoey Keith for being so helpful to the campus and community during the plant sales. In the aftermath of the sales, she has inspired many Girl Scouts to try their hand at growing vegetables with donations to their troop community garden. She has also contributed plants to four Wooster community gardens. These gardens exist to help local families, who might be struggling to secure healthy food items. Thanks for all you do, Zoey!
Erin Ruggiero is an amazing asset to our Medina office. Whether it is making everyone in the office feel included and heard or learning new skills as an FCS educator to serve our county's needs. Thank you Erin for all you do!
Brittney Robinson is just shy of her first year at our Medina office and since day 1 she has hit the ground running. With her past experience working with livestock, Brittney is an extraordinary asset to our 4-H program in Medina county. Thank you for all you do Brittney!
Sierra Baca is a true advocate for making the best better in 4-H. Sierra has gone beyond others to make sure that accommodations are made for 4-H to be accessible to any youth that wants to be part of it. Thank you Sierra for continuing to be a champion for youth of all abilities.
Kudos and hats off to Caroline Georskey for keeping our campus looking beautiful with all the garden areas she maintains. She plans the ATI Learning Gardens with a different theme each year to keep students and visitors engaged...and of course, helps educate them about different varieties of plants along the way. Caroline always is willing to help when asked and sometimes brings in veggies from the greenhouse for us to sample.
Beth Rigsby, thanks for being a consistent caring presence at the OSU South Centers. Your professionalism and genuine interest in serving others is apparent. #grateful
Thank you Abby Burkey and Kathy Yoder for creating a welcoming space for staff and students in your library. The library on the Wooster campus is the cornerstone of the campus; a space for gathering information, quiet contemplation and study, and access to the latest new authors and titles. What a gift!
I want to acknowledge, a wonderful person, Erin Parker. She is amazing, the perfect right hand to have in your unit. Always receive us with a smile and has an answer to our questions or guide us on the right direction. Thank you for all you do, Erin.
I have to give Kudos to an exceptional co-worker, Scott Wolfe. To me, he is a "MacGyver" , always willing use his skills to solve our troubles. We will not be able to excel in our research without his support. Gracias, Scott.
Kudos to Kathy Yoder for organizing and leading CFAES Wooster Book Club. During lunch hour meetings, the book club brings together staff and faculty in the ATI library for some great conversations. Kathy leads a book club for students as well. Thank you, Kathy, for all your great book suggestions and helping us discover new genres!!
Felecia Groom did me a huge favor and helped out when I was unable to staff a shift at the Ohio State Fair. She was so helpful. We are lucky to have her a part of the Ohio Sea Grant and Stone Lab team!
Lori Nicholson and Lisa Dicus thank you for your willingness to participate in the GenStds program this upcoming autumn semester. I appreciate how quickly and enthusiastically you responded to helping our first year students as they acclimate to our campus. You are the best:)
Lisa Dicus has this calm, can-do approach that just makes it a joy working with her. She stepped up to fill some gaps created by vacancies, serving stakeholders who rely on our professional development offerings. Kudos to Lisa for jumping in and making it seamless for our customers!
Kudos to Cindy Shelly for her ability to coordinate chaos while remaining professional, patient, and persistent! Chasing loose ends in tracking financial documentation and transactions seems like a walk in the park for Cindy, and I am grateful to have her on the ATI team!
Kudos to Rick Schneiderman for his willingness to brainstorm, problem-solve and help with puzzles and processes that do not necessarily fall within the ATI Business Office scope of work. He demonstrates the value of leadership focused on serving others and the organization as a whole!
Kudos to Lori Nicholson for offering assistance and great customer service for both internal and external customers. I recently had an external stakeholder tell me how helpful Lori was to them with facility reservations and set-up, including connecting with IT for their technology needs, for an all-day event they were holding in Halterman/Skou Hall. Thank you to Lori for putting out a positive vibe on behalf of ATI!
Trischa Bell, thank you for your assistance and guidance today with my expense report! Your calm demeanor and explanation really sets my mind at ease. I appreciate your help! You ROCK!
Thank you Ethan Scheffler for always going the extra mile to extend help when needed! It is very much appreciated.
Thank you Michael Cressman always for your advice and above and beyond attitude.
Thank you Dan Linden for all the work you do, especially with the STEP program.
Thanks for everything you do Cate Hunko!!! Especially your artistic ability and the great way you deal with the students in need.
Sarah Mays, THANK YOU for the amazing job you always do in keeping the Community Development machine humming along! Your great personality, positive attitude, attention to detail and work ethic is sincerely appreciated by us all. Total rock star!!!!
Nicole Wakeley is an absolutely fantastic HR leader and partner. Her insight, dedication, and unwavering support make a real difference every day. Whether it’s tackling tough situations or just being a great sounding board, Nicole shows up 100% every time. We are incredibly lucky to have her on our team!
I would like to give the wonderful people in ATI's Business Office (Lori Nicholson, Cindy Shelly, and Lisa Dicus) some words of appreciation. Not only do they keep us on track with all things financial, but they also provide a welcoming office environment to students, faculty, staff, and visitors. I am thankful for their expertise, as well as their friendship!
We would be remiss if we did not give kudos to Rick Schneiderman. As ATI's Fiscal Officer, he helps us make sense of all those pesky numbers in budget reports and takes time to answer questions. He provides oversight to help us live within our means while we plan purchases and events. We appreciate you, Rick!!
Marissa Mullett - thank you for always going above and beyond! Your social media postings help amplify the work of OSU Extension. I also appreciate how supportive you are of Extension Educators.
It's hard to imagine coming to work in Wooster without Suzanne Ferencak's warm welcome and positive energy. She has been a rock to our SENR-Wooster team and all the Williams Hall residents. Appreciate all that you do!
Annie Steel, you should get a movie made how you can wear so many hats at once and still keep all the plates spinning! On top of it all, you are also consistently calm and kind. You're the best!
Valerie Kohlwey went above and beyond to help a colleague and myself with an Interfolio problem, even though this is not the system she typically supports! She provided us with links and suggestions to try to help us work around an issue we were experiencing with the platform. She also graciously offered to walk me through something earlier via phone/Teams. THANK YOU Valerie!!
I am thankful to have Lisa Metcalf come back home to CFAES to lead Chadwick Arboretum Operations. I appreciate Lisa's vision, knowledge of horticulture, collaborative spirit, and get it done attitude!
As a leader on our operations team, Sergeant Stanton lives the University Police credo - "In everything we do, Communication, Cooperation, and Collaboration". While leading our police team on the CFAES Wooster campus, Chad also supports our "students first" goal in CFAES by his interactions with our ATI students, graduate students and their faculty/staff mentors. I appreciate having talented police officers like Chad serving our CFAES community.
My thanks to Mike Sword for all he does leading our Agricultural Operations team on the CFAES Wooster Campus. Mike has a wide array of research, teaching, and Extension programs his team supports. From supporting ATI teaching labs with state-of-the-art technology and research programs of all types to maintaining a robust set of industry partnerships and forage production for our animal units, Mike and his team do a fantastic job every day. I appreciate the tremendous support for work across mission areas and alignment with strategy the Mike brings to the table, along with a common sense, practical, get it done attitude.
Zac Cooperrider is the best! Financial management within the university can be intimidating, but Zac is friendly and patient when I ask my many questions. He is always helping me to learn and strategize.
Shout out to Storm Nicholson for helping implement important updates and design elements for our Department website. Your willingness to support our vision and quick response is greatly appreciated.
Elizabeth Shuman is an outstanding teammate and a terrific supervisor. She has a remarkable ability to identify needs and proactively step in to address them—even when the issues fall outside her direct purview. Her attention to detail, combined with a great sense of humor, makes her a great colleague and a joy to work with. Thank you, Elizabeth, for your leadership and support!
Thank you Athens County Extension Staff for being such a wonderful group of colleagues! You have made my SNAP-Ed journey with Extension fun, exciting and memorable! I have truly enjoyed every moment being a part of the wonderful work you do! Thank you for sharing your knowledge, energy and time with me. You are true ambassadors and professionals that I am very proud to have worked with. Best wishes to you all! 😀
Sarah Williams is one of the most dedicated and detail-oriented professionals I’ve had the pleasure of working with. Her leadership of the CFAES Peer Mentors program has made a lasting impact on student success, and she consistently brings compassion, precision, and follow-through to every project. Sarah is a collaborative and insightful colleague who makes CFAES stronger through her work.
Thank you Danielle Grogan for your inspiration, knowledge and friendship. This journey was made better with you along. Thank you.
When our team needs an example of strength and character, we need not look any further than you Lisa Kepler! You have walked the walk, and can truly talk the talk. Your knowledge, wit and humor inspire us everyday and we are grateful for everything that you do for the SNAP-Ed SE Region. We are blessed to have you as our leader and we appreciate you beyond measure!! THANK YOU!!!
A huge thank you to Trish Taylor - Trish, you are SENR's glue! Your wisdom, patience, and kindness make SENR a better place. Thank you for ALL you do!
Big shoutout to Gary Wenneker! Your 30+ years of institutional knowledge and connections make you the go-to person within FST. You’re always the first to step up and help—whether it’s for students, faculty, staff, visitors, or clients. Seeing a former student light up just to get a photo with you made me think, “I hope I’ve made that kind of impact.” You’re truly one of a kind and I appreciate everything that you have done and continue to do!
Ali Segna consistently applies creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration to anticipating and meeting project needs, and nothing can deter her persistence and commitment to ensuring that deliverables are met. As the Program Manager for the Healthy Opportunities Program (HOP) in Extension, Ali inspires our project’s Extension Educators to take initiative by championing their successes. She listens intently and actively seeks out opportunities to connect with groups and individuals who can help advance our work and create positive changes in communities. One example is that Ali facilitated a state-level coalition to develop two local food procurement guides and then worked with a designer to create beautiful CFAES-branded documents now posted on the OSU Farm to School website. We are so fortunate to have her on our team!
Thank you for all your help as I onboard to my new position, Francisco Ortiz! I appreciate your support!
When you walk into the Wood County Extension Office, Deb Dewese is eager to help you and most definitely makes you feel at home. She is the foundation of our office and plays a key role in our 4-H program. From tracking hundreds of 4-H members attending the Ohio State Fair, greeting volunteers with a kind and warm heart, and devoting 30+ years to our organization, Deb is simply remarkable. I wish to recognize her for her continued service and everyday spirit that helps Extension and our 4-H program shine.
The Wood County 4-H Program is blessed to have Sara Foos on our team. Sara has dynamic ideas, willingness to embark on new endeavors, and is always there whenever you need assistance. She is a gem and has a drive to "Make the Best Better" in any role give.
Starting a new job just four days before 4-H Camp could be challenging for some, but not for Amy Michaels as she jumped in with both feet securely planted at Camp Palmer. Amy joined the Wood County Extension office in early June and has not missed a beat. Between camp, judging, and fair, she has given 110% and we are thankful she has joined our team. The future is bright and we are excited to see where Amy takes our program.
Meredith Luikart, thank you for all that you do for everyone in HCS! You're awesome!
Bri Schneider, you are awesome! You handle everything that is thrown at you with a smile on your face. You make work FUN!
Sara Mastellar, THANK YOU for everything you do for the Equine Program at Wooster Campus. Your passion for your work shows through in your desire to help, guide, and nurture all students and fellow instructors. You absolutely rock!
Aspen Adams, THANK YOU for all you do managing the Equine Center at Wooster campus. You have been more than helpful and encouraging to me as a new instructor. I appreciate your systems and communication. You are awesome and we are grateful to have your expertise!
Karen Wimbush, THANK YOU for all you have done for the Equine Program at Wooster Campus! Thank you for sharing your knowledge and helping shape better equine professionals! You are awesome!
Rachel Bell, THANK YOU for all you do for the Equine Programs at Wooster Campus! I appreciate your knowledge, skill, and creativity! You help things run smoothly and keep ideas fresh. You totally rock!
Huge thank you to all the CFAES faculty and staff from Columbus and Wooster who helped staff the CFAES booth at the Ohio State Fair! We had 10+ units represented throughout our time at the Ohio State Fair, and a variety of hands-on activities! This team effort was awesome!
Loretta Sweeney has truly gone above and beyond by taking on additional responsibilities with homebuyer education and counseling, all while continuing to be a steady source of support for her colleagues across the state. Her dedication, professionalism, and collaborative spirit are a shining example of what teamwork looks like at its best. Thank you, Loretta, for your outstanding contributions and for always stepping up to make a difference!
Amanda Saylor joined our Clinton Co. Extension team a few weeks before the county fair. What an awesome job she did preparing for the fair. Not coming from a 4-H or Extension background she did a great job learning the lingo. She was more than willing to help those who stopped by our office(s) with questions, while learning new names and faces. She got a crash course with 4-Honline and did great learning it as well. She survived the fair and came back the next week to what she called,” coming home.” Thank you, Amanda, for choosing to work with us at the Clinton County Extension Office. You appreciated!
Justin Baum joined our Clinton County Extension team in May as the new ANR Educator. He has done a great job making connections with the local farmers and agricultural businesses in the few months he has been here. He volunteered to help with projects that were not AG related as we prepared for the county fair. It was greatly appreciated!!!! Thank you for choosing to work with us at the Clinton County Extension Office. You are appreciated!
Crystal Howard, you are a rockstar! Thank you for always being willing to lend a hand and share your vast knowledge and wisdom. You've always brightened my day with your kindness and positivity. Having you as a friend has truly been a blessing throughout this journey.
Kyujung is a wonderful mentor to junior scientists in both her research group and others'. She is generous with her time and knowledge. She is patient with those who are still learning and embodies the CFAES spirit!
Tracie is a dedicated 4-H Educator. I have worked with her for over 20 years, first as a volunteer and now as an employee. She plays a vital role with our 4-H program developing leadership skills for the youth of Clinton County. Many have gone on to become an extension educator, teachers, working with elected officials, starting their own successful business just to name a few. Many of our 4-H youth return to become volunteers because of her leadership. With her leadership, our volunteers play an important role supporting the 4-H program, county fair, and helping with community programing that OSU provides. She has developed and led this programming in Clinton County for over 20 years. Her impact crosses multiple demographics and generations. Thank you for being a great role model for our 4-H families and community leaders.
Debby Lewis is simply the best. She is always willing to jump in and provide assistance related to survey development and analysis and the Queen of Qualtrics. Thanks, Debby!
Emma Markland brings great energy to connecting our department to the world online, provides glue to keep our community together, and keeps things organized so we don’t run aground. So grateful to have her captaining the AEDE ship!
Mel Chamberlain’s kind, steady command of undergraduate issues makes students and their parents feel like they are in good hands, and he is a great team player, always happy to help someone else out. It’s great to have Mel on the team!
George Marshall is absolutely stepping up to improve the wellbeing of our grad students in a challenging time, and is masterfully helping faculty navigate all the critical administrative things needed to keep the grad program running. Thanks, George!
Ana Crespo is a wizard at all the fiscal things, from keeping department finances in tip-top shape to helping faculty manage grants. I am so grateful to know our finances are in good hands!
Shirley Amin makes everyone’s lives easier by quickly turning around all the business of travel, purchasing, and more with endless good cheer. Thanks, Shirley!
Diane Miller is using experience, skill, creativity, and patience to bring our department communications up to a new level, helping us tell our story and empowering our work to have more impact. Thanks, Diane!
Michael Taggart has hit the ground running since joining CFAES! In his role supporting events at the Nationwide and Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center, he has been proactive, responsive, and incredibly helpful with planning and coordination. I had an event this week, and he was outstanding. He checked in throughout the day to make sure everything ran smoothly and even helped us troubleshoot last-minute issues. Michael’s dedication and calm presence make him a great asset to CFAES.
Karli Schultz does a fantastic job leading our greenhouse operations on the CFAES Wooster campus. I appreciate Karli's thoughtful and thorough approach. We are fortunate to have people like Karli who are committed, care, and work hard every day to support our faculty, staff, and students!
Shout out to Glenn Mills who is an anchor on our operations team in Columbus. Working across Waterman and the Wetlands, Glenn is a get-it-done kind of guy who is passionate about the mission of CFAES. I appreciate Glenn's commitment to our college and the outstanding work he does to supporting our students, faculty and staff.
Thank you, Holly Eckert, for all that you do for our NE SNAP-Ed Region! We have been blessed to have you as our leader!
I want to take a moment to recognize and thank each of you for your unwavering dedication to our community, our clientele, and—just as importantly—to one another. This summer has been full of activity with Extension programming in full swing, and you have risen to every challenge with professionalism, compassion, and teamwork. On a personal note, I am so deeply grateful for the way you all stepped in and helped to carry the load of 4-H camp and fair preparations while I navigated a personal loss. Your willingness to jump in and help pick up the pieces, support each other, and ensure our 4-H work continued without missing a beat speaks volumes about your character and commitment. It is a privilege to work alongside such an incredible group of people. Thank you for the heart, skill, and care you bring to this team every day.
You ROCK, Amanda Porter! You have gone above and beyond for our NE SNAP-Ed region! I am forever grateful for you!
Thank you, Diane Miller, for your incredible leadership and open-mindedness—you’ve truly transformed the way we approach communications. It’s always a pleasure collaborating on new content and learning from you along the way.
Thank you, George Marshall, for infusing humor and joy into the department. You’re a masterclass in event planning and have made a significant impact on our graduate programs.
Thank you, Ana Crespo, for being the backbone of the department. Your patience, knowledge, and unwavering support keep us grounded—we’d be lost without you. You truly are the best.
Rebecca Supinger, you have been an incredible light and great teacher to me as I transitioned into this new role. I truly appreciate your support and dedication to help others grow!
Thank you Julie Vredenburgh for being the best colleague anyone could ask for! You are supremely talented at your job and a complete joy to work with!
Shout out to all the amazing SNAP-Ed staff and administrators in Ohio for continuing to serve their communities and provide support necessary to do so as the program is closing. The level of dedication and commitment I am witnessing even as we are facing the loss of a career we have loved can only be explained by the fact that our people are special and totally devoted to the SNAP-Ed mission!
OSU ATI Business office - Thank you for all you do - it gets hectic but you all stay cohesive and never panic - thank you!
Susan Miklovic is always willing to lend a helping hand to all program areas each and every day at our office. We are grateful for her support and enjoy working with her, thanks for all that you do for the office Susan.
Everyday you can find Laura Digby planning, conducting, and sharing programs for her clientele. She is dedicated and hardworking. Laura is also so positive, always has a smile she shares with all of us:).
Cam Isaman joined our operations team less than a year ago and has quickly become a critical part of our administrative support team. Cam quickly learned about a complex group and shows up every day with a positive, can-do attitude. Work in operations can be stressful at times and Cam makes things easier for many of us. We are fortunate to have Cam on our team!
With operations covering over 11,000 acres on our Columbus, CFAES Wooster, and Statewide campuses, communication is critical. Dana Casadei leads comms efforts for our operations team and has been a critical part of improving our communication both when things are going well and when this is an issue. I appreciate the way Dana works across many staff on our operations team to collaborate on developing and sharing communication. Thank you Dana!
Lissia Gerber is a fantastic HR consultant and entomology is SO happy to have her assigned to us. Lissia goes the extra mile to explain processes, and helps as much as possible. Thank you for being such a friendly and warm person and I am so happy to get to work with you.
Keara has greatly contributed to Stone Lab's activities, including summer classes, undergraduate research, and graduate workshops. Her dedication and enthusiasm make a difference!
Thank you to the members of Wooster Campus Staff Council. I appreciate so much how you step up to the plate to get things done. You are the best, and I love working with you. Great job on Fun Fest!!!
Thank you, Laura Chapin, for all your years of dedication to HCS and the Floriculture Crop Improvement Program. Your incredible leadership and mentorship of students and organization, creativity, and hard work continue to amaze me. I am extremely grateful for all that you do.
A big thank you to Leslie Taylor for all she does for Horticulture and Crop Science. From welcoming new graduate students with tours and treats to lab safety, training and equipment maintenance. She is the go-to person who gets things done. It is a pleasure to work with you.
Zac Cooperrider is the finance backbone for ANR Extension. His willingness to jump in and help a colleague in any possible way is very much appreciated!
LaVerne Castle always makes everyone feel welcome and appreciated. Her role in the Extension Administration office brings new "opportunities" to her each day, and she embraces them with calm professionalism. We are very fortunate to have LaVerne as part of the Extension Admin. team!
Julie Smith keeps the wheels of the Pike Co. Extension office turning! Her professionalism, insight, and humor makes for what I am sure is a FUN office! Additionally, Julie has also taken on the role Chi Epsilon Sigma President this year and is doing a wonderful job. And, she'll be presenting at our national conference in October. Julie is a true hidden treasure and trusted mentor to many! Thank you Julie for being YOU!
As soon Chris Zoller stepped into the role of ANR Assistant Director, a quiet calm blanketed our ANR Extension faculty and staff. He has made the transition into this role seem flawless. His leadership and commitment to ANR is very much appreciated, along with his continued communication to all of us with Between the Rows meetings and ANR Update emails. His decision to start the New/Newer ANR Educator monthly meetings has been a hit and it allows our newer educators the opportunity to share their experiences and ask questions in a safe place. That safe place is anywhere you connect with Chris, as he fields countless /drop-ins/calls/emails/texts at any time of the day or night, providing almost a 24-hour sounding board for our Extension faculty and staff. Thank you, Chris, for agreeing to step into this role! You make us all feel heard, valued, and appreciated and I for one, am forever grateful to work with you.
Beth Abbott travels all around the state to rescue county offices with IT troubles! She answers right away and is always wanting to find the easiest, quickest fix for everyone. We all appreciate her!
Heather Bell is a dedicated and hardworking staff employee that is a great asset to the Food Science Department. She is easy to work with and committed to the task that she is working on. Hats off to Heather. She deserves the highest honor that the college can give to staff employees. Keep up the good work Heather.
David Civittolo - thank you for your leadership of OSU Extension. Your time, effort, and dedication are appreciated. Your leadership has strengthened OSU Extension.
Thank you to Christina Vail, who has worked tirelessly to help SNAP-Ed be the best it can be! Thank you for your diligence, attention to detail and taking on anything that comes your way. You go above and beyond! We're better because of you!
Thank you for everything, Tammy May! You are kind and encouraging, always helping the SNAP-Ed Southeast Region be the best we can be. Thank you for being sunshine on cloudy days!
Thanks to the great service-oriented modes of functioning of you two Michelle's - Milligan (Department of Animal Sciences) and Anderson (CFAES Faculty and Staff Affairs). Your collegial actions in making the "whole greater than the sum of the parts" is a phrase I used for many years in my administrative endeavors before I determined it was attributed to Aristotle - and it epitomizes the actions of you two in helping me and many others be better than what we would otherwise be in our Ohio State endeavors.
Melissa Walters is always ready to help me when I have questions about the paperwork and data in our EFNEP unit. No matter what else is on her plate, she's always available to help me. I appreciate Melissa!
I like to bounce ideas off others, and Gretchen Gillem is always ready to give me excellent ideas and feedback on EFNEP class ideas. I appreciate her team honest feedback and willingness to share.
Ciomara Martin recently shared an amazing idea for her high school classes that went extremely well this summer and she was so kind to share it so I could implement it with a summer high school group in Greene County. Thank you!
Dani Alexander and I have similar partner organizations and I am often seeking ideas on what might work for her in her classes that she would be willing to share (physical activities for high school students, recipes that have worked well with her adult classes). She is always willing to share with me which enables me to provide better EFNEP lessons for my partners/participants. Thank you, Dani!
My sincere thanks to the great service you provided, Jeanne and Mike, from the time you were employed under my direction in the CFAES Department of Animal Sciences under my leadership in 1999, and how you are presently sustaining your CFAES service as Assistant Dean of Academic Programs and CFAES Director of Information Technologies, respectively. Your dedicated CFAES service for more than 25 years in leadership roles that often are not broadly recognized have been integral in our Department/College remaining current with the times and advancing our academic program and informational technology endeavors.
George Marshall is so organized. He does a great job on behalf of our graduate students!
Dr. Yu Ma is a phenomenal professional. My first 2 years at Ohio State would not have been the same without her collegiality, partnership, and friendship. Thanks for the support you provide and all the work you do.
I appreciate Amy Ando's approach to her staff and has been so welcoming and respectful since I started. Her understanding and flexibility creates such an accepting environment and allows me to balance my profession and family. Thank you Amy for respecting me and all us in that way :-)
Mel Chamberlain has been so supportive, approachable, and kind-hearted. As a new addition to the AEDE Team, he has made my transition very stress-free and I know I can count on him to support me in my role. I appreciate him respecting the needs of my family and making sure I am supported in that area as well. Thanks for all you do Mel!
Thank you Abdoul Sam for your support and guidance in my first year in my role. You've been very helpful and understanding in being successful in my role and respecting what I can bring with my background. Thank you again!
Ian Sheldon - I can tell you how much I enjoy our conversations about the work we do together, our students, and everything else beyond (The Beatles!). I am also writing this on behalf of Kassie who is one of your besties! She has nothing but great (and sarcastic) things to say about you. Thanks for providing everything you do Ian and treating me well in my first year in my role supporting graduate students.
Sheri McWain has been so much more than just a colleague of mine for the last two+ years. She has been a close confidant, mentor, friend, and most importantly a free therapist! I can't tell you how many times she's helped walk me off a proverbial cliff as I was having one of my crisis moments that we know all to well in the world of Extension. So thank you for everything that you do for our office Sheri, and thank you even moreso for everything that you've done for me!
Cynthia Violet and Sharon Hayes are great to work with, handling a lot of course enrollments and keeping track of thousands of different moving parts. I appreciate their ongoing support!
CFAES Faculty Eminence & Staff Excellence 2024-2025 Highlights