Scripps College honors Learn and Engage Pillar awardees for advancing OHIO’s Dynamic Strategy

As the semester winds down, the Scripps College of Communication recognized 26 students, faculty and staff on Friday, Dec. 5, for outstanding contributions to Ohio University’s Learn and Engage pillars—two core components of the institution’s Dynamic Strategy.

Dean Scott Titsworth presented the awards during a ceremony celebrating individuals who exemplify the strategy’s goals. OHIO launched the Dynamic Strategy in fall 2023 after thousands of faculty, staff, students and alumni refined the University’s mission and vision and helped shape a three-year roadmap designed to strengthen institutional impact. This marks the second year of the dean’s awards program, which drew close to 200 nominations representing every area of the college.

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“Faculty and students in the Scripps College consistently work above and beyond what is typical,” Titsworth said. “Whether it be work in a class or telling the stories of our region, I am so proud of the high level of engagement witnessed across the college. Celebrating such work has become an important tradition in the college, and I’m thankful for the opportunity to highlight some of our outstanding students, faculty and staff.”

The Engage Pillar highlights Ohio University’s commitment to serving communities across the region, from supporting public media and nonprofits to expanding access to health care and entrepreneurship resources. The University is widely recognized as a partner that listens to community needs and collaborates to solve social challenges in Appalachia and beyond. Those recognized for their contributions to the Engage Pillar include:

Engage Pillar award winners

• E-Learning: Undergraduate student Anna Kaechele and graduate student Emma Leggett
• School of Communication Studies: Candice Rios Wenmoth, assistant professor and internship coordinator and associate director of undergraduate studies; and graduate students Ahmed Aly and Dolapo Michael Oyedokun
• J. Warren McClure School of Emerging Communication Technologies: Doug Bowie, technology and outreach liaison; and undergraduate student Ben King
• E.W. Scripps School of Journalism: Dan Farkas, visiting professor in strategic communication; and undergraduate student Kylie Bridgeman
• School of Media Arts & Studies: Cecil Houser, associate professor of instruction; graduate student in communication and development Christiana Lansana; and Nadiah Abidin, Ph.D. student in mass communication
• School of Visual Communication: Undergraduate students Nicole Bell and Isabella Jimenez
• Dean’s Office: WOUB staff

The Learn Pillar affirms Ohio University’s longstanding commitment to teaching excellence. Generations of alumni continue to credit close faculty mentorship as a defining part of their education and later success. Faculty across the University are known for investing deeply in students as individuals—a level of connection often associated with small private colleges, yet notably uncommon at a large public R1 institution like OHIO. Honorees recognized for their work supporting the Learn Pillar include:

Learn Pillar award winners

• E-Learning: Audrey Siegel Mevorah, adjunct instructor
• School of Communication Studies: Graduate student Elina Nikolskaya
• J. Warren McClure School of Emerging Communication Technologies: Assistant professors of instruction Bruce Tong and Joseph “Alex” Rossin
• E.W. Scripps School of Journalism: Professor Bernhard Debatin and graduate student Prakash Acharya
• School of Media Arts & Studies: Tyler Ayres, associate professor and transfer and advising coordinator; and graduate student David Oyuke
• School of Visual Communication: Adonis Durado, assistant professor; and Terrance Reimer, visiting professor
• Dean’s Office: Esports Broadcast Team