Ohio University Chillicothe pays tribute to Dean Roberta Milliken’s unwavering commitment to the community as she enters retirement

Vice Provost Lewatis McNeal has announced the upcoming retirement of Ohio University Chillicothe Dean of Campus and Community Relations Roberta Milliken, effective June 30, 2025.

After a distinguished career in higher education spanning over 29 years, Dr. Milliken is stepping down, leaving behind a legacy of remarkable contributions to the University, its students, and the surrounding community.

Milliken’s career began at Ohio University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in French and a Master of Arts in English Literature. Her dedication to academia led her to earn a Doctor of Philosophy in Medieval Language and Literature from the University of Toledo.

“Roberta Milliken’s leadership over the past four and a half years has been transformational for Ohio University Chillicothe. Her dedication to student success, campus growth, and community partnerships has left a lasting impact on our university and the greater Chillicothe area,” said Dr. Lewatis McNeal, vice provost of regional higher education and partnerships at Ohio University. “Through her vision and commitment, she has helped expand enrollment, enhance student spaces, and strengthen vital connections with our community. We are deeply grateful for her service and wish her the very best in her well-earned retirement.”

Before joining Ohio University Chillicothe, Milliken spent 24 years at Shawnee State University in Portsmouth, Ohio, where she held multiple roles including professor of English, founding director of the Women’s Center, chair of the English and Humanities Department, and dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Her leadership at Shawnee State focused on fostering academic excellence and promoting growth for all students in higher education.

In January 2021, Milliken was appointed dean of campus and community relations at Ohio University Chillicothe following a national search. During her tenure, Milliken orchestrated the successful 75th anniversary celebration of Ohio University Chillicothe, a milestone event that attracted local community members and state dignitaries. Additionally, she played a pivotal role in the refresh of campus spaces, including the art galleries and the Stevenson Center.

Milliken’s leadership brought to life the Coffee Hub and Café, a vibrant new gathering space designed for students, faculty, staff, and the community. This coworking-like space, complete with large windows, patios, a fireplace, and study rooms, was created to provide a comfortable and welcoming environment for all.

Milliken was also instrumental in fostering significant community partnerships, particularly in the fields of nursing, engineering, education, peace-officer training, and business. These collaborations contributed to the growth and development of key academic programs at Ohio University Chillicothe. Her proactive approach to community engagement extended beyond the classroom as she worked to open public spaces on campus for wider use post-pandemic.

One of the highlights of this engagement has been the vigorous reintroduction of community education classes and curricula at the Ohio Chillicothe Campus. These well-received and much-needed community learning opportunities have enjoyed wide popularity and continue to grow. Further examples of community engagement include the development of public multi-use and mountain bike trails in the wooded hillside behind the Shoemaker Center and the Technology and Business Center, hosting the annual Holiday Spectacular with the Columbus Symphony, and the reopening of the Shoemaker Center for public use and enjoyment.

Among her other notable achievements, Milliken helped to establish new scholarship and internship opportunities for students including the OHIO Chillicothe Student Resource and Emergency Fund, the Bruce Lombardo Internship with the Hopewell National Historical Park, and others. Milliken also hosted the inaugural Women of Distinction event, which celebrated the accomplishments of outstanding women who have contributed to the growth and success of Ross County during Women’s History Month. Her leadership and dedication to recognizing local talent and fostering community pride were central to this event's success.

Throughout her career, Milliken has been driven by her deep passion for education, her commitment to creating spaces where students and educators can thrive, and her focus on building strong community connections. As she reflects on her time at Ohio University Chillicothe, Milliken shared her appreciation for the people who made this journey so meaningful.

“My time at OHIO Chillicothe has been one of the best and most gratifying experiences of my professional life,” Milliken said. “I have thoroughly enjoyed working with community members and OHIO Chillicothe faculty and staff. All are extraordinary in their commitment to ensuring local students have access to the quality higher education at OHIO Chillicothe.”

She also expressed her gratitude for the campus community, saying, “A community, professional staff, and faculty as welcoming, caring, and engaged as those in Chillicothe is a gift to any regional campus dean. I am filled with gratitude and admiration for the outstanding people who helped us energize and grow our campus so that it might better serve the students, professionals, and future leaders in our Central Ohio region and beyond. I will look forward to hearing of future campus accomplishments, as I am confident that OHIO Chillicothe's future is a bright one.”

Milliken leaves behind a lasting impact on Ohio University Chillicothe, and her contributions will continue to shape the campus for years to come. As she embarks on her well-deserved retirement, Ohio University Chillicothe extends its heartfelt gratitude for her leadership and dedication. We wish her all the best in this new chapter of her life.