Vice President Lyn Redington to retire in August

Vice President for Student Affairs Lyn Redington recently announced her retirement planned for mid-August this year.

Redington joined Ohio University as interim vice president for student affairs nearly four years ago and led the Division of Student Affairs toward a sustainable budget, staff retention and thriving student engagement. 

Before coming to OHIO, Redington served as the vice president for student affairs and enrollment management at Idaho State University where she increased first-year, first-time enrollment by 10%, advanced a cross-campus Academic Success and Retention Task Force, and led a culture of campus care through her initiatives. Previously, she served as assistant vice president and dean of students at The University of Iowa, director of residence life at the University of Northern Iowa, and taught as an adjunct assistant professor at multiple institutions. 

During her time as vice president for student affairs, Redington realigned many of the departments under the division including Conference Services realigning under Housing and Residence Life, Career Services moving back into the division, and Bobcat Student Orientation transitioning to the division. 

“Lyn first and foremost brought stability to our division and OHIO during a time of significant staff turnover institution-wide,” shared Chief of Staff Megan Vogel. “She navigated the work with care and compassion and always took the time to learn the ‘why’ behind how things were done.” 

Redington worked to improve staff culture across the division as well, bringing a sense of belonging reported by staff up by 24% and appreciation felt by supervisors up 10% compared to a report from 2020. 

“During Lyn’s tenure, I grew professionally but also gained a deeper understanding of what it means to lead with care and compassion,” shared Vogel. “Lyn challenged me when needed, trusted me fully, and consistently recognized my contributions. She will be greatly missed!”

When asked what drew her to Ohio University, Redington shared “It is the prettiest college I have ever seen, and to this day, when I see College Green and Cutler Hall on my way in to work, I just think how incredibly privileged I am to be here. What first drew me was the opportunity to provide care and compassion during a time of transition, but what kept me here — what truly made this place home — are the people.”

Advice for OHIO students

One of Redington's enduring pieces of advice is simple: get involved. She encourages students to say yes to opportunities that spark their interest, both inside and outside the classroom. Whether through academics, student organizations, performances, lectures or athletics, she believes the experiences students choose to pursue often shape some of their most meaningful memories at OHIO. 

To staff, she shared, “There are few greater joys and sources of sustained energy than the discovery of one's life purpose, spent in a place and with the people we love. I hope they realize how special OHIO and the people who work here are — and how important their purpose at OHIO is.”

When asked what excites her most about the future of OHIO students, Redington reflected on her own journey.

“I think about who I was at 18, who I was at 22 when I graduated, and who I am now,” she said. “I've had so many incredible opportunities over the past 40 years of my career, and I'm excited to see who our students will become and where their own journeys will take them.”

The importance of showing up

Perhaps the lesson that has guided her most throughout her career is the importance of showing up. Showing up physically and mentally communicates care and investment. It demonstrates that people and experiences matter.

As Redington put it, "Decisions are made by those who show up." For students, staff and future leaders alike, it is advice she hopes will continue to resonate long after her retirement.

In retirement, Redington is eager to embrace slower mornings, unhurried time with family and friends, and the flexibility to fill her days with the people and activities she loves most.

Associate Vice President and Dean of Students Kathy Fahl will serve as interim vice president for student affairs following Redington’s retirement. Fahl has served as dean of students since 2022 and brings decades of higher education experience. She has made huge strides in supporting students at OHIO, including spearheading the development of the Basic Needs Program and Cats’ Cupboard student food pantry. 

There will be a celebration for Redington on Aug. 10 from 3-5 p.m. at 29 Park Place. The University and Athens community are invited to attend.