Scripps to induct Dr. David Descutner into Ohio Communication Hall of Fame March 21

Dr. David Descutner, who joined the Ohio University faculty in 1979 and served in numerous positions until his final retirement in December 2017, has been chosen by the Ohio University Scripps College of Communication as the next member of the Ohio Communication Hall of Fame. He will be inducted Monday, March 21, in Schoonover Center 145, 20 E. Union Street, Athens, Ohio, at 3:30 p.m.

“David has created a legacy of leadership, both in the Scripps College of Communication and across the University,” said Scripps College of Communication Dean Scott Titsworth. “As director in the School of Communication Studies and as dean of University College, interim president and provost, David’s advocacy for students is unparalleled and resulted in signature programs like the Learning Community/First Year-Experience initiative. Perhaps more importantly, David’s relationships with students changed lives. So many Bobcats point to David as a source of support, encouragement, and tough love when they needed it the most. We will forever be grateful for David’s commitment to students and his tireless commitment to Ohio University.”

Descutner began his career at Ohio University as a professor in the School of Communication Studies, where he eventually served as the Honors Tutorial College director of studies, undergraduate director, graduate director and interim director of the school. In 2001, he was appointed dean of University College and associate provost for undergraduate education. In 2009, he was named executive vice provost. Over the years, Descutner served on and led several committees, served Faculty Senate and, from 2012 to 2014, served as interim vice provost for Diversity and Inclusion. At that time, Descutner retired but was recalled, serving as interim chair for the Department of Social Medicine in the Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine and as special assistant to the executive dean. In February 2017 he was named interim president of Ohio University, a position he held until June 2017 when he was named interim provost and executive vice president. He then retired a final time in December 2017.

Descutner has received many honors over the years including University Professor in 1986 and 1999, Outstanding Tutor by HTC in 1996 and Outstanding Faculty Advocate by the regional campuses in 2005. He received the L.H. Hortin Award in 2000 for faculty excellence in student mentoring. He was also inducted into the Army ROTC Hall of Fame in honor of his support of the program in 2012. 

“David Descutner’s influence on the lives of generations of OHIO students and faculty is almost beyond measure,” said Dr. Roger Aden, the Charles E. Zumkehr Professor of Speech Communication in the School of Communication Studies and a longtime colleague of Descutner. “He genuinely cared for his students, both as learners and human beings—which is why he earned so many teaching and mentoring awards during his time at the University. David’s passion for teaching, his commitment to diversity, and his belief that every student deserved his full attention made an early and profound impression on me when I arrived at OHIO. His relentless dedication to these commitments has undoubtedly inspired countless others as well.”

Descutner and his spouse, Dr. DeLysa Burnier, a professor in Ohio University’s Department of Political Science since 1983, have been active in philanthropic endeavors with Ohio University, the University of Illinois, Slippery Rock State University, and many local nonprofit entities. He was a member of the board for United Campus Ministry for three years and currently serves on the boards of the Ohio Humanities Council, Rural Action, and the Appalachian Children’s Coalition.

Dr. Descutner earned his bachelor’s degree from Slippery Rock State University and his master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of Illinois. He has directed 50 dissertations and served on more than 75 doctoral and master’s committees in four of the academic colleges at Ohio University. 

The Ohio Communication Hall of Fame induction on Monday, March 21, will be followed by a reception. This event is free and open to the public.

To give in support of The David Descutner Fund for Communication Studies and to celebrate his contributions, you can make a gift online at this webpage.