Ohio University Chillicothe celebrates 2026 graduates

Ohio University Chillicothe honored nearly 120 graduates from the area at a Graduation Recognition Ceremony on Thursday, April 30. Over the past year, 165 students have completed degrees through Ohio University while attending the Chillicothe campus. 

Keynote speaker Jamie Brown highlighted the power of Appalachian success stories and the importance of acknowledging milestones like graduation. He encouraged graduates to take pride in their stories and recognize that their success sends a powerful message about what is possible for others across Appalachia and Southeast Ohio.

Brown earned a Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies from Ohio University’s Scripps College of Communication in 2022. He draws on lived experience as a survivor of poverty in his work supporting peer services and workforce development for Sojourners Care Network, a local nonprofit.

Student reflection speakers Phillip Howard and Jared Kaiser shared personal stories highlighting the challenges they overcame and their aspirations for the future.

Howard earned an Associate of Applied Science in human services technology in 2025 and will complete his second Ohio University degree this spring with a Bachelor of Social Work degree. A retiree, disabled combat veteran and first-generation college student, Howard said he pursued his education to set an example for his children. His career includes service as a mail carrier, firefighter, military service member and Veterans of Foreign Wars officer. This year, he completed an internship with Ross County Children’s Services through the University Partnership Program.

Kaiser, a Chillicothe resident and graduate of Westfall High School, began his studies at OHIO Chillicothe as a human biology major before transitioning to nursing. He is graduating cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and plans to begin his career as a registered nurse before pursuing a master’s degree.

Twenty students were named Outstanding Graduates after being nominated by faculty for academic achievement, campus involvement and community service. This year’s Outstanding Graduates are:

• Erika Hellman, Associate of Applied Science, Nursing 
• Desiree Willman, Associate of Applied Science, Nursing 
• Mikaela Wiley, Bachelor of Science, Communication 
• Kadance Fraley, Bachelor of Science in Education, Early Childhood Education 
• Marissa Huff, Bachelor of Science in Education, Early Childhood Education 
• Hannah Henthorn, Bachelor of Science in Education, Middle Childhood Language Arts and Mathematics 
• Jessica Ebert, Bachelor of Science in Education, Middle Childhood Language Arts and Social Studies 
• Kylie Fink, Bachelor of Science in Education, Middle Childhood Language Arts and Social Studies 
• Cheyanne Kifer, Bachelor of Science in Education, Middle Childhood Language Arts and Social Studies 
• Maelynn Quigley, Bachelor of Science in Education, Middle Childhood Mathematics and Science 
• Hayden Henthorn, Bachelor of Science in Education, Middle Childhood Mathematics and Social Studies 
• Owen Kline, Bachelor of Science in Education, Middle Childhood Science and Social Studies 
• Natalie Nelson, Bachelor of Science in Education, Integrated Language Arts 
• Trace Smith, Bachelor of Science in Education, Integrated Social Studies 
• Josie Courts, Bachelor of Science, Health Services Administration 
• Chrysten Kell, Bachelor of Science, Health Services Administration 
• Raegan Dick, Bachelor of Science in Nursing 
• Kylie George, Bachelor of Science in Nursing 
• Sierra Saxon, Bachelor of Social Work 
• Aubrey Wood, Bachelor of Social Work

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Earlier in the day, 19 Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduates and 51 Associate of Applied Science in Nursing graduates participated in a nurse pinning ceremony.

During the graduation recognition ceremony, Interim Dean of Campus and Community Relations Michael Lafreniere presented alumni awards to Amy Beeler and Jessica Short.

Beeler is superintendent of the Ross County Board of Developmental Disabilities/Pioneer Center. She earned an Associate of Applied Science degree from OHIO Chillicothe and later completed bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Wilberforce University and Central Michigan University. Her career reflects long-standing leadership and commitment to expanding educational and workforce opportunities in Ross County.

Short earned a Bachelor of Science in middle childhood education from OHIO Chillicothe in 2010 and a master’s degree in educational leadership and administration from the University of Cincinnati in 2013. Her career includes teaching and school leadership roles, including service as principal of the Dayton Regional STEM School. She now serves as director of the Dayton Regional STEM Center and chief of operations for DO STEM.

“These graduates represent the best of what higher education can accomplish when determination is matched by community support,” Lafreniere said. “They are entering fields where our region needs them most and are strengthening the institutions that support our communities.”