Keynote speaker McTeague recognized for more than 55 years of service at Ohio University Eastern

Michael McTeague, an alumnus and longtime employee of Ohio University, has contributed to the academic success of Ohio University Eastern for more than 55 years.   

McTeague will serve as the keynote speaker at OHIO Eastern’s upcoming 2022 Spring Graduation Recognition Ceremony on Thursday, April 28 at 6 p.m. at the Health and Physical Education center on campus. As OHIO Eastern’s resident historian, McTeague will provide a personal account of the academic roots that Ohio University Eastern has embedded in the community for the past 65 years.   

McTeague arrived at Ohio University in 1966. In his long history with Ohio University, he has participated in almost every facet of campus life, including advocating for OHIO Eastern and being a true champion for education at all levels throughout the region.

“As an administrator, citizen of the campus, and most importantly as a teacher, Mike McTeague has been one of the most influential forces in the 65-year history of Ohio University Eastern,” Associate Professor Emeritus of English Thomas Flynn said.   “At various critical, transitional moments, Ohio University has turned to him to take over as interim dean and as associate dean.  In those positions, he helped to guide the campus through perilous challenges.”  

McTeague formerly served as assistant professor, faculty chair and acting dean at both OHIO Southern and OHIO Eastern. He is the former director of education for the Belmont Correctional Institution, former chairman of the St. Clairsville Zoning and Planning Committee and past president of the Ohio Community Education Association. 

McTeague was awarded the University Professor Award in 1987 and 1991.  This University Professor Award recognizes outstanding teaching at Ohio University.  Students bestow the honor of University Professor after a selection process that begins with nominations from the student body.  

In addition to his contributions to Ohio University, Professor McTeague has taken his academic background into the region, working on local community projects. He’s worked with organizations such as the National Trust for Historic Preservation,  the Belmont County Public Defender Board and the Belmont County Special Wish Advisory Board. He has also been a member of the Department of Development Community Improvement Corporation for many years. He continues to support the campus and community by teaching courses and assisting at different events on campus.

“Mike McTeague has always been a leader on campus, but he is also a pillar of the community,” said Dean of Campus and Community Relations David Rohall.  “I work with many area agencies and almost everyone I speak with knows of Mike McTeague. He is held in very high esteem throughout this community.  He is a devoted professor who cares deeply about his craft. Ohio University Eastern can always rely on him to provide high-quality education to students from the region.”

In 2003, Professor McTeague received the Austin C. Furbee Alumni Award for his service to OHIO Eastern Campus and in 2006 he received the Liberty Bell Award by the Belmont County Bar Association for distinguished public service. In 2015, he was presented with the Distinguished Service Award for his continued devotion as an emeritus history faculty member and administrator.

“As important as all these contributions have been, it is as a teacher that Professor McTeague has made his greatest mark.  His longevity at the podium means that he is now teaching the grandchildren of his first classes,” said Flynn.  “His subject knowledge of history, philosophy and life, and his commitment to the values of a liberal ats education have opened horizons and changed the lives of thousands of students.  Ohio University, this campus, its staff, faculty; and students have been most fortunate to have the services of Michael A. McTeague.”