ATHENS, Ohio -- John E. Reynolds III and his wife, Ruth Ann, of Centerville, Ohio, recently gave $400,000 to Ohio University's College of Business to establish a named professorship. John Reynolds, a retired vice president and chief operations officer of Western operations for Metropolitan Life, is a 1957 graduate of Ohio University who serves as an executive-in-residence in the College of Business.
Endowed professorships are a means of recognizing and rewarding outstanding faculty members and help to ensure the continuance of excellent classroom instruction at Ohio University. The professorships are annual awards that include a stipend for the faculty member receiving the recognition and funds to support programs in his or her academic area.
"Endowed faculty positions are a top priority during the Bicentennial Campaign," said Leonard Raley, Vice President for University Advancement. "They will provide the resources to attract and retain outstanding scholar teachers. I am so pleased with John's leadership in this effort. The commitment he and Ruth Ann have made to support an endowed professorship will have a lasting impact on the quality of education received by Ohio University students for generations to come."
Reynolds, a native of Martins Ferry, Ohio, is the director of the Ohio University Insurance Institute. He has earned certified life underwriter (C.L.U.) status from the American College of Life Underwriters and an M.B.A. from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.
In his role as an executive-in-residence, Reynolds serves as a valuable resource for COB students and faculty, especially in the areas of finance and insurance, and is active in many of the college's development activities. He also is a member of the College's Executive Advisory Board, which consists of top business leaders who consult with the dean, provide counsel concerning the curriculum, and share insights and experiences with students and faculty.
In addition to serving on boards of directors for many community associations, he served as chairman of the Major Gifts Committee during Ohio University's Third Century Campaign and is an emeritus trustee of the Ohio University Foundation Board. He is a recipient of the Ohio University Alumni Association's Medal of Merit and the College of Business Faculty-Staff Contribution Award. He is also director and vice president of Athenian Venture Partners, L.D. and was recently elected to the board of directors of the Ohio University Army ROTC Society of Alumni and Friends.
The Reynolds family made its first gift to Ohio University in 1966 and has been generous supporters of the university ever since. John's father, John Reynolds, Jr. attended Ohio University and, like his son, was a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity. Ruth Ann attended Ohio University and was head majorette for the marching band. Their daughter, Ann Reynolds, earned her bachelor's of science in journalism magna cum laude from Ohio University in 1996 and is a former varsity cheerleader. Her husband, George W. Dreisbach II, is a 1995 Ohio University graduate, earning both a bachelor's of science in physical education and a master's in sports administration.
"My family has always supported Ohio University and its College of Business," said John Reynolds. "As the state continues to provide less and less for student education, increased support needs to come from private contributors. Our gifts will allow the College to endow a professorship and recognize a gifted teacher who will work with the Ohio University Insurance Institute, a program of great personal interest."
The gift is part of Ohio University's Bicentennial Campaign, which has raised more than $144 million toward its goal of $200 million by 2004, the university's 200th anniversary. The campaign will provide money for scholarships, faculty support, technological enhancements, innovative programs, and selected capital improvements.
