Dr. Tommie Radd Professorship officially launches

Ohio University’s Gladys W. And David H. Patton College of Education has officially launched the Dr. Tommie Radd Professorship in School Counselor Education for the Department of Counseling and Higher Education.

The public event recognizing the professorship took place Oct. 25, 2022, in the Patton Hall atrium.

The Dr. Tommie Radd Professorship in School Counselor Education provides the counseling faculty member who holds the professorship with annual research funding and intellectual property with the goal of sharing Dr. Radd’s Educational Systems Model with P-12 schools. Radd’s work developing the Educational Systems Model will be integrated into the curriculum of the Patton College where it can be enhanced and incorporated into other academic areas of research on campus, shared with school systems and families.

“It is exciting to officially launch the professorship because we’ve been on hold for this moment due to the pandemic,” said Radd.

“How did we get to this point and why is it important? I saw students and clients of all ages not able to function due to numerous factors but have no understanding of how to prevent and stop their downward spiral or stop staying stuck. My journey began. I developed this model because of my professional commitment and focus to make the lives of our students, staff and community better as a developmental school counselor and leader,” Radd continued.

Presenting Dr. Radd was Dr. Christine Suniti Bhat, chair of Counseling and Higher Education in the Patton College and named the first Dr. Tommie Radd Professor of School Counseling in 2021.

“Dr. Tommie Radd has poured energy and passion into developing, refining, implementing and evaluating her educational systems model in schools over the past 40 years," said Dr. Christine Suniti Bhat.

“Dr. Tommie Radd has poured energy and passion into developing, refining, implementing and evaluating her educational systems model in schools over the past 40 years. She continues to be so enthused and energized by this work and the work she hopes to do through this professorship. Dr. Radd is a prolific author and curriculum developer. She is laser focused on giving students the greatest chance of being successful in school and in life. Her team integrated approach brings teachers, counselors, administrators and families together to help students develop the personal, emotional, behavioral, social, academic and career skills that they need,” said Bhat.

Speaking on behalf of the Ohio University Foundation was Vice President for University Advancement and President and CEO of The Ohio University Foundation Nico Karagosian.

“Today marks a special moment in the life of Ohio University and The Ohio University Foundation. The Dr. Tommie Radd professorship is a tremendous example of the mission of the Foundation. Tonight, we are able to celebrate the connection of a generous donor with a grateful recipient, each with a goal of supporting education, and of supporting Ohio University students and faculty,” said Karagosian.

School counselors and principals who are interested in learning more about Dr. Radd’s Educational Systems Model are encouraged to contact Dr. Bhat at bhatc@ohio.edu.

Other speakers at the event included Dr. Sara Helfrich, interim dean of Patton College, Dr. Tom Davis, PhD, professor emeritus of counseling and higher education, and Timothy J. Binegar, senior director of development.