Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service Stories

Bobcat Build
Community Engagement

Ohio University and Habitat for Humanity of Southeast Ohio partner to build home for southeast Ohio family

September 10, 2026 6 min

Ohio University and Habitat for Humanity of Southeast Ohio are partnering on the Bobcat Build, an ambitious community effort that will bring OHIO students, faculty, staff and community members together to construct a Habitat home on campus that once completed will be relocated to Chillicothe, providing a local family with a safe, affordable place to call home.
President Lori Stewart Gonzalez speaks at the podium at the State of the University Address in Walter Hall
OHIO Events

President Gonzalez celebrates OHIO achievements, outlines future priorities in State of the University address

September 10, 2026 5 min

Ohio University President Lori Stewart Gonzalez honored students, faculty and staff for their many accomplishments in the last year, while she also discussed plans for the University moving forward.
The 2026 MORPC interns stand together for a photo while they are outside in front of a building
Student Opportunities

Students, local governments benefit from internship partnership with MORPC

September 9, 2026 9 min

An internship collaboration between OHIO's Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service and the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) is benefiting students and local communities.
Andrea Tiu and Callia Fout stand with five other individuals outside in front of large trees and old buildings while in Cambodia
Student Opportunities

Bobcats abroad: SISAL's International Internship Program sends students to six countries in its first summer

September 9, 2026 10 min

A pilot program supported by seed funding from the President's Circle Fund sent Bobcats to internship experiences in Thailand, Cambodia, Argentina, Greece, Northern Ireland and Malaysia over the summer.

Hon. Yvette McGee Brown stands with her husband Anthony Brown and Rufus the Bobcat.
Alumni Leaders

Family justice advocate Yvette McGee Brown named 2026 OHIO Alumna of the Year

September 2, 2026 4 min

Ohio University will honor the Honorable Yvette McGee Brown, BSJ ’82, as its 2026 Alumna of the Year, celebrating a career spent protecting Ohio’s children and expanding access to justice statewide.
Students enjoy Welcome Week convocation.
Forever OHIO

OHIO welcomes nearly 7,700 new students across all campuses and online

August 27, 2026 5 min

Increased interest in professional fields, continued momentum in Athens undergraduate enrollment, rising four-year graduation rate and growing College Credit Plus enrollments demonstrate students’ focus on return on investment.

Campus beauty Hocking River 2024
OHIO Announcements

Update on search for OHIO’s next executive vice president and provost

August 27, 2026 1 min

Ohio University is moving forward in the search for its next executive vice president and provost.
OHIO students and a faculty member stand in front of a display case showing some of the Voinovich Archives items
Research Opportunities

Research Scholars create Voinovich Archives display

August 27, 2026 8 min

An archival research project conceived with the help of Voinovich Undergraduate Research Scholars has produced an informative exhibit to celebrate the legacy of alumnus George V. Voinovich .
Sarah Simmons
Alumni Leaders

City council member finds practical applications in OHIO’s executive MPA coursework

August 27, 2026 4 min

Sarah Simmons wasted no time applying what she learned while earning an Executive Master of Public Administration degree from OHIO's George V. Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service.

An aerial image of Ohio University and Athens, Ohio in the Fall
Community Partners

Sugar Bush Foundation awards nearly $390,000 to support Appalachian Ohio partnerships

August 26, 2026 2 min

The Sugar Bush Foundation, a supporting organization of the Ohio University Foundation, distributed $386,266 in funding for seven University-community projects benefiting Appalachian Ohio during the 2026-2027 fiscal year.
Emily Stokes sits at a table and discusses a project with members of the Mayors Partnership for Progress
Student Success

Voinovich Research Scholar’s journey winds through Appalachian towns to White House

August 18, 2026 7 min

Emily Stokes’ journey is a prime example of how Ohio University strives to give students a solid educational experience while also providing them with opportunities to grow through its external partnerships.
A BBC2 representative leads a presentation in front of a class
Community Partners

Popular high school internship program continues to expand in Appalachia

August 17, 2026 6 min

Building Bridges to Careers (BB2C) provides real-world learning experiences such as internships, career mentoring and hands-on activities while supporting local employers and strengthening community partnerships.

Craig Butler
Alumni Leaders

Craig Butler’s MSES degree from OHIO vaulted him into environmental leadership roles

August 14, 2026 5 min

Craig Butler knew he had found a second home as soon as he drove onto the Ohio University campus 36 years ago.
An ovehead image of people standing next to three long rows of exhibits at the Regional Science Day event at Ohio University
Community Events

AEP Ohio Foundation recognizes young environmental scientists at Regional Science Day

August 14, 2026 2 min

Regional Science Day at OHIO welcomed 123 students from 14 schools across Southeast Ohio. Students presented 100 research projects, showcasing their curiosity, creativity and commitment to scientific discovery.

Tracy Kelly
Alumni Leaders

Community leader shares how her time at OHIO prepared her for a career in public service

August 12, 2026 5 min

For two-time Ohio University alumna Tracy Kelly, the desire to help others has always been at the center of her work.
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