ST. CLAIRSVILLE, Ohio -- After 20 years as dean at Ohio University Eastern Campus, James W. Newton is leaving that position to serve as Ohio University's special assistant to the vice president of Regional Higher Education beginning July 1. Ohio University officials have not yet named an interim dean at the Eastern Campus.
In his new role, Newton will still be based at the Eastern Campus in St. Clairsville, Ohio, and will assist Ohio University Vice President of Regional Higher Education Charles Bird. He will be responsible for developing the Bicentennial Campaign and enhancing community relations at the five regional campuses.
The Bicentennial Campaign has raised more than $163 million toward its goal of raising $200 million in time for the university's bicentennial in 2004. The campaign will provide resources for scholarships, endowed faculty positions, technological enhancements, innovative programs and selected capital improvements.
Each regional campus has individual goals to meet and the money raised will be used to develop scholarships and improve each individual regional institution. Ohio University Eastern Campus has a campaign goal of $3.1 million.
"I will miss being involved in the day-to-day life of Ohio University Eastern, but I am looking forward to being able to serve the entire university," Newton said. "My work with the Bicentennial Campaign will directly benefit the Eastern Campus."
University officials cited Newton's extensive fundraising experience and communication abilities when announcing the new appointment.
"His ongoing involvement with the regional Bicentennial Campaign, along with his affiliation to the main campus' fund-raising goals, has led to Dr. Newton's new position," said Bird. "His skills will undoubtedly assist all regional campuses during these trying economic times."
During Newton's 20 years at Eastern Campus, the number of four-year baccalaureate degrees offered increased from three to 11 and the full-time student enrollment more than doubled.
The multimillion-dollar Ney Center, which serves the college and the community, was added to the campus during Newton's tenure. He also oversaw major renovations to Shannon Hall, including the theater, the 1957 Lounge, the 1787 Lounge, the library, the clock tower and the new North Entrance. In addition, he led the campus through major developments in media-assisted courses that are providing greater access to degrees and also expanded cultural programming.
Newton has become a driving force in the community. He serves as chairman of the board of the Health Plan of the Upper Ohio Valley, board member of the Community Improvement Corp., past chairman of the board of the Red Cross of the Upper Ohio Valley, member and past president of the St. Clairsville Rotary Club, board member of the Belmont County Park Commission, former board member of People's Bank, and past advisory board member of National City Bank. During Newton's two-term tenure as president of the St. Clairsville Area Chamber of Commerce, he helped spearhead the city's downtown revitalization project.
Newton, a native of Buffalo, N.Y., has a master's degree in geography, city and regional planning, from Southern Illinois University and earned his Ph.D. in urban geography and city and regional planning from the University of North Carolina. Before taking the position of Eastern Campus dean, Newton served as associate professor of geography and chairman of the graduate program in urban studies at SUNY-Brockport in New York. Prior to that he was an instructor at Florida State University.
Newton and his wife, Jane, reside in Belmont, Ohio. They have four children, Jamie, Jodie, Jason and Jennifer, and six grandchildren. All four of the Newton children, as well as Jane, are Ohio University alumni.
