Ohio University

Mickey holds a Master's of Education: College Student Personnel degree from Ohio University (1998). He is a longtime advocate for LGBT people and educator of LGBT concerns. Prior to his work with the LGBT Center, Mickey worked in Residential Housing  at OU and Antioch College, in substance abuse prevention in Athens County and at his own restaurant in his hometown of Laurelville, OH. Mickey was a founding member and past chair of Board of Directors of Equality Ohio Ohio’s Statewide LGBT Rights Organization. For over 9 years, Mickey served on the Board of Directors of UCM: Center for Spiritual Growth and Social Justice Mickey loves many things about Athens and OU.  "I think we have a most wonderful community and the individuals really make it special. There are so many great LGBTA people here and I am fortunate to know many of them. I wish more people knew each other and realized how large a LGBT population there is at OU and in Southeastern Ohio."

Nancy is pursuing a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health with specific interest in teacher mental health and working with children and families impacted by disability. She also holds an MA in Special Education and Curriculum from West Virginia University (2006) and a bachelor’s degree in Special Education from Ohio University (2001). Nancy taught special education in public schools for 12 years in South Carolina, West Virginia and Ohio.  Nancy serves as the president of the Athens County Women’s Art Guild and is a member of Starbrick Gallery in Nelsonville, Ohio. She is an avid knitter and lives with her husband, 6 cats and 2 dogs in Meigs County. During her undergraduate years at OU, Nancy was very involved in Residential Housing and the fight for equality for all students. She is an active ally in the community and is very excited about the opportunity to work in the LGBT Center.  “I know great things will come from this experience in the LGBT Center.  As a future counselor and community member I will be more educated and able to provide support to my clients and friends.”

Hannah is a third year student pursuing a double major in History and Social Studies Education, as well as a certificate in Women and Gender Studies. She is involved with Open Doors and other LGBT groups on campus. Outside the LGBT community, she is involved in The F-Word Ladies, University Band, and various religious organizations on and off campus. “Being at OU has given me the opportunity to fully immerse myself in a thriving LGBT community. The amazing community of Athens provides such a safe-haven to explore and grow within myself and as a proud member of the LGBT community. Coming to OU was the best decision I ever made.”

John Frederick, Projects Coordinator, is a Senior whose major concentrations of study are Digital Media and Political Science Pre-Foreign Service, with a minor concentration of study in Japanese. He is involved with Open Doors and his fraternity Phi Kappa Psi. John enjoys attending OU because of its academic excellence and challenges, as well as the opportunities it presents for one to grow as a person. He appreciates the great diversity of the LGBT community and Athens which gives people the chance to discover what it means to be an LGBTA person. "Coming to OU, I was able to discover who I was as a person, without having to worry about fitting in, and truly make a fresh start."

Sarah is a second-year student majoring in Sociology, with a minor in Business Administration. She is involved with Open Doors: OU’s LGBTIQQA Student Union and other organizations on campus. She loves OU and is excited to be here another year. "My favorite thing about OU is that you're allowed to be you here, no matter who 'you' are. There's a place for everyone here." She want to impact the LGBT community in Athens and beyond. In her free time Sarah loves to read, “books, magazines, backs of toothpaste tubes--you name it.” She believes that the Athens LGBTQA community has so much to offer every student, faculty member and resident. "We're so lucky to have a community like this where we can be comfortable in our own skin." 

Liam is a second-year Theater student majoring in Scenic Design and completing a Women and Gender Studies certificate. He also serves as the Clerk for Open Doors: OU’s LGBTIQQA Student Union. Outside of the LGBT Community, Liam spends his time working as a scenic painter most recently at the Monomoy Theater on Cape Cod, Cleveland Playhouse, Ashtabula Arts Center, and the Jim Henson Company.  Liam enjoys attending OU because of the rich heritage, diverse student body, academic excellence, and beautiful landscape. “I appreciate the fantastic diversity of the LGBTA Community at OU and Athens, both of which gives an individual the chance to grow as a person and as a member of this proud group of people.” Liam reminds everyone to “Never Blend In.”

Adam is a fourth-year student pursuing a double major in European Studies and French and a minor in Geography. Adam was a student assistant in the LGBT Center last year and has served as the Discussion Leader for Open Doors: OU’s LGBTIQQA Student Union. He is also Peer Mentor for OU’s Learning Communities where he works with international students. Adam loves Athens because it is so easy to become comfortable. "Athens is one of the few places that just gets in your blood. If you're board, you're not involved enough." He enjoys the many opportunities that Athens as well as OU can offer. "It's a small town that's overflowing with creativity and diversity."

Katie Tabor, Student Assistant, is a fourth-year student Public Relations major with a minor in English. She is involved with Open Doors and other LGBT organizations on campus. Katie loves the Athens atmosphere because of its rich diversity, which has opened her up to meeting people from many different backgrounds. She has learned so much about the LGBT community through many of the different programs on campus. "I am thankful to have met so many great people here in Athens.  I think that LGBT community here on campus offers many helpful things for all kinds of LGBTA students."

Ryan Vollrath is a second year student majoring in history. Ryan is the discussion leader for Open Doors, community service chair for ALLY, fundraising co-chair for Alpha Lambda Delta. He thoroughly enjoys Ohio University’s beautiful campus and the wonderful people that populate it.

“Athens is a wonderful and accepting place for students of all backgrounds. This is a great town meet new people, find yourself, and experience college.”