Dear Colleagues:
I write to share that I have informed the Board of Trustees of my intention to transition out of my role as President of Ohio University effective June 30, 2021. As a tenured member of the faculty, I have decided to return to the important work of teaching, research and discovery – the very passions that motivated my career path in higher education a few decades ago.
It has been an honor and privilege to serve as OHIO’s 21st President, and this decision was not made lightly. The past year has been exceptionally difficult for our campuses, our communities, and for each of us personally. It has also afforded time for many of us to focus on our loved ones and to prioritize how we spend the time we have.
OU President stepping down; becoming faculty member
ATHENS, Ohio Ohio University President Dr. M. Duane Nellis announced Thursday his plans to end his tenure as President on June 30, 2021, and transition to faculty in the College of Arts and Sciences.
Nellis took office as Ohio University’s 21st President in 2017. Nellis’ career in higher education spans four decades, including 11 years as a university president. He said the timing is right for Ohio University and his family.
“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve Ohio University as President these past four years,” President Nellis said. “Ruthie and I have truly enjoyed being a part of this University and this community, and I am proud of the many accomplishments we have all made together. I am excited to continue my service to this great University as I return to the work that brought me in to higher education – my passion for working with students through teaching, research and service.”
Nellis took office as Ohio University’s 21
st President in 2017. Nellis’ career in higher education spans four decades, including 11 years as a university president. He said the timing is right for Ohio University and his family.
“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve Ohio University as President these past four years,” President Nellis said. “Ruthie and I have truly enjoyed being a part of this University and this community, and I am proud of the many accomplishments we have all made together. I am excited to continue my service to this great University as I return to the work that brought me in to higher education – my passion for
Helen Zia talks to Athens community about contributions of Asians and Pacific Islanders to American culture Photo by Lia Shigemura
More than 100 people attended Real Talk About Big Questions, hoping to find some answers to the big question of, How can the Ohio University community stand with, and support Asian and Pacific Islander populations?
Dr. Ji-Yeung Jang, interim executive director for Global Affairs, presided over the April 23 virtual event, co-sponsored by the Division of Diversity and Inclusion and the Office of Global Affairs at Ohio University.
“We as a broader community need to have these opportunities to reflect and learn how to actively ally ourselves in support of AAPI (Asian, Asian-American, and Pacific Islander) communities.. It is important that all members of the society stand against hate and in support of our shared humanity as we walk together on the road to a more just society,” Jang said. “This event was a critical start; we all n