Ohio University Chillicothe celebrates graduates

Ohio University Chillicothe recognized approximately 90 graduates from the area during a graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 2nd. In the past year, 215 students completed their studies while attending Ohio University Chillicothe and earned degrees from Ohio University.

Keynote speaker Margaret Planton congratulated the graduates and reflected on the importance of Ohio University Chillicothe in her life since moving to Chillicothe in 1979, when her husband Stan became director of Quinn Library on campus. .

Planton, a member of the Ohio Chillicothe Coordinating Council, became Chillicothe's first and, so far, only female mayor. She has held a number of unique jobs, including a police dispatcher, director of the Pump House Art Gallery, assistant at Active USA delivering Kenworth trucks, terminal manager, and seamstress at Adena Mansion and Gardens. She has also worked with Ross County Community Engagement and taught law enforcement in Chillicothe, Ohio.

Mary Basham of Chillicothe, Ohio Administrative Services commented on her experience as a non-traditional student. Basham, who has lived in Chillicothe all her life, was recognized for her outstanding accomplishments while pursuing her Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Management and minor in Communication Studies, for which she received the Graduate Excellence Award. Basham has worked in the Testing Center and Student Services at Ohio University Chillicothe since 2015. After seeing what her Ohio University could offer both students and staff, she decided to pursue her own degree. She earned her Associate's Degree in Applied Business in 2020.

In addition, 23 students were named Distinguished Alumni. These students were nominated by faculty and have demonstrated academic achievement and participation in university activities and community service. This year's outstanding graduates are:

Mary Basham, Bachelor of Applied Management Science

Riley Black, Bachelor of Science in Education – Early Childhood Education

Braiden Collins, Bachelor of Science in Education – Early Childhood Education

Alicia Cunningham, Bachelor of Science in Education – Middle School Social Studies and Language Arts

Christel Dombrowski, Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Mackenzie Evans, Bachelor of Science in Education – Middle School Social Studies and Language Arts

Stacia Francis, Bachelor of Science in Education – Middle School Mathematics and Language Arts

Gabby Hamm, Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Thomas Hill, Bachelor of Business Science

Tiara Leisure, Bachelor of Education Science – Early Childhood Intervention Specialist

Sara Marcinko, Associate Professor of Applied Science of Nursing

Mackia McCloskey, Bachelor of Business Science

Kameron Reed, Bachelor of Science in Education – Middle School Mathematics and Science

Zach Richardson, Bachelor of Science in Education – Science and Society

Natalie Rolfe, Bachelor of Science in Education – Early Childhood Education

Sharon Rose, Associate Professor of Applied Science of Nursing

Delanie Schobelock, Bachelor of Science in Education – Integrated Language Arts

Jazmine Sharp, Bachelor of Science in Education – Early Childhood Education

Daniel Sheets, Bachelor of Science in Social Work

Christopher Smith, Applied Science Associate – Law Enforcement Technology

Seth Spencer, Applied Business Associate – Computer Science Technology

Nick Stanley, Bachelor of Education Science – Early Childhood Mathematics and Science

Haley Wright, Bachelor of Science in Social Work

At a nurse pinning ceremony held earlier in the day, 27 Bachelor of Science in Nursing students and 16 Associate of Applied Science in Nursing students received their nurse pins.

During the Commencement Ceremony, Dr. Roberta Milliken, Director of Campus Community Relations at Ohio University Chillicothe, presented alumni awards to two Ohio University Chillicothe alumni.

Ben Karst graduated from Ohio University Chillicothe in 2015 with a degree in early childhood education and began his career as a math teacher at Unioto High School. Currently, he uses his math and teaching skills to work as a financial advisor for Edward Jones His Financial. From early childhood education to providing financial advice, Karst has charted a unique career path marked by his passion for education and community involvement. Karst is an exemplary community leader who has dedicated his time, talent, and resources to giving back to Chillicothe through organizations such as EPIC (Entrepreneurs and Professionals Investing in Chillicothe), the Chamber of Commerce, and the Grange. Ta.

William Presson earned an Associate of Applied Business Degree in Computer Science from Ohio University Chillicothe in 2017 and was named Distinguished Program Alumni of the Year. While at Ohio State Chillicothe, he served as a student financial aid assistant. He has worked as a software release engineer for six years at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.

Mr. Presson has given generously to the community as president of The Back Fifty, a Chillicothe nonprofit dedicated to drug prevention and education for youth in Ross County. As a student at Chillicothe University in Ohio, he became a part of The Back Fifty in its first year. He developed the RaceKeeper application, which is an important tool used to support team tracking during races and ensure the safety of participants. William directs all technology-related efforts at The Buck Fifty, including maintaining the website and coordinating day-of radio communications.