Ohio University mourns the passing of Associate Vice President Emeritus Gwyn Scott

Gwyn Scott, who dedicated 34 years to helping shape the OHIO student experience and the University’s Auxiliaries operations, passed away on Monday, May 4, 2026, at the age of 64. 

A thoughtful leader and respected colleague, Scott leaves behind a lasting legacy of service and innovation that will continue to impact the University community for many years to come.

Shaping the OHIO student experience

During her career at OHIO, Scott served in numerous campus roles, most recently as the associate vice president for Auxiliaries, where she oversaw a broad portfolio of essential campus services, including Culinary Services, Moving and Surplus, Mail Services, Printing Services, Bobcat Depot and the Gordon K. Bush Ohio University Airport. Her vision and leadership also positively impacted multiple OHIO units and regional campus locations, including Conference and Event Services, Housing and Residence Life, Transportation and Parking Services and more.

Scott led a team of more than 268 employees, including bargaining unit and administrative staff, at the time of her retirement in 2024. Known for her steady leadership and deep institutional knowledge, she played a critical role in ensuring high-quality services that directly supported and enriched the daily lives of OHIO’s students, faculty and staff.  

"Gwyn was an exceptional and inspiring leader who led with vision, integrity, heart and grace — encouraging creativity, igniting purpose, and always seeing potential in others before they saw it themselves,” said Executive Director, Housing and Residence Life Jneanne Hacker. “I was fortunate to have her as my first supervisor 30 years ago and later as a mentor and friend; her legacy will endure, and she will be deeply missed.” 

Transforming campus facilities and services

Scott led numerous facility renovations that significantly enhanced campus life and dining during her tenure. Her work helped guide improvements to Central Food Facility, Shively Dining Hall, Jefferson Market, The District at Boyd Dining Hall, Nelson Court and more – projects that will continue to serve Bobcats new and old for generations to come.

Scott’s approach to leadership emphasized continuous improvement and a commitment to delivering high-quality, student-centered services; colleagues deeply appreciated her ability to balance operational excellence with a strong focus on people.

"Although my time working alongside Gwyn was brief, it was immediately clear how deeply she cared about our students. Her commitment showed up in everything she did — from the meaningful connections she built across departments and the community to the genuine care she demonstrated for her staff and her colleagues," said Vice President for Student Affairs Lyn Redington. “Gwyn's leadership and heart have left a lasting and meaningful mark on OHIO.”

A campus leader and trusted colleague

Scott was known for her authentic and service-centered leadership. She built strong relationships across campus and was deeply committed to supporting her team and colleagues. In fact, her professional successes were often described as an extension of who she was – a genuine, thoughtful individual who remained grounded in a sincere care for others.

In addition to her leadership within the Auxiliaries, Scott contributed to the broader University through service on numerous groups and committees, including the nationwide search for OHIO’s vice president for Student Affairs in 2021. She also played a vital role in bargaining unit contract negotiations, bringing professionalism and integrity to what were often complex discussions.

"In staff meetings and gatherings, whether it be with the management team or the bargaining unit staff, she would always express her gratitude to the team and how proud she was,” said Director of Culinary Services Autumn Ryder. “This is something that always stuck out to me that she would say to us – 'Thank you all for representing yourselves and Culinary Services in fine fashion.’” 

Scott retired from Ohio University in 2024 after more than three decades of service, alongside her husband, Kent Scott, who also dedicated more than 30 years across multiple roles at OHIO. Together, they were recognized as influential leaders whose work left a meaningful and lasting imprint on the University.

A life rooted in family and purpose

Born June 27, 1961, in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, Scott was known as an accomplished professional whose strength, determination and attention to detail defined her work.

Above all, she was devoted to her family. She is survived by her husband, Kent Scott; her children, Matthew Scott (Kelly), Lindsey Lechner (Buddy), Benjamin Scott (Kavya) and Taylor Scott; her grandchildren, Cohen, Myles and Madison; her mother and stepfather, Mary Jane and Roger Jones; stepmother Judy Norris; and her siblings, Mark Norris, Beth Pfiefer (Scott), Eric Norris (Tracy) and Harvey Norris (Kathy).

As noted in her obituary, Scott will be forever remembered as a role model, mentor and compassionate leader whose legacy of dedicated service and integrity will continue to inspire both her family and the University community.

OHIO’s Division of Student Affairs has announced the renaming of its workplace excellence student award to the “Gwyn Scott Excellence in the Workplace Award” to both honor Scott’s legacy as a leader and mentor to many OHIO students and to further highlight the important service role of student employees across OHIO. The award, which will be presented during the Division’s annual Student Leadership Awards event each Spring, will be open to all student employees across OHIO.

Planned memorial services

Visitation for family, friends and colleagues and the community will take place Friday, May 15, 2026, at Jagers and Sons Funeral Home, located at 24 Morris Ave in Athens, OH, from 10 a.m. to noon. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow the same day at 1 p.m. at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, located at 38 College St. in Athens, OH.