Yvette McGee Brown of Gahanna will serve a nine-year term on the board, beginning in June, filling the spot recently vacated by C. Daniel DeLawder. Student Kyle Triplett of New Philadelphia will serve a two-year term on the board, succeeding student trustee Tracy Kelly.

Brown, the president of the Center for Child and Family Advocacy at Nationwide Children's Hospital since 2002, said she looks forward to assisting Ohio University and the state of Ohio with her leadership background.

"I hope to provide thoughtful leadership," she said. "I support the president's and the governor's initiatives to improve higher education, not only in Centers of Excellence, but in guaranteeing access for all students."

Brown previously served as a judge in the Franklin County Common Pleas Court, Division of Domestic Relations and Juvenile Court from 1993-2002. She also currently serves as the chair of the board of directors of Ohio State University's Alumni Association. Brown received a bachelor's degree from Ohio University in 1982 and a law degree from Ohio State University in 1985.

Brown added she credits much of her success to the leadership and service opportunities she experienced at Ohio University as well as the academic excellence of its programs.

"I came to Ohio University from an underprivileged part of Columbus," she said. "The opportunity Ohio University gave me, I want to make sure it is available for all students."

Triplett, a freshman at Ohio University majoring in political science, said he looks forward to advocating for students.

"I want to advocate for the students on the board, and for the university as a whole, to better our university and our community."

Triplett has served as a golf cart manager for Oak Shadows Golf Club since 2006. He is also active in student organizations on campus, serves on the Ohio University General Fee Committee and on the Student Activities Commission.

The next Board of Trustees meeting will be June 25-26.