Scripps College of Communication Dean’s Leadership Circle 

Daniel Mondschain, vice president of production at Sony Pictures in Culver City, Calif., was inducted into the Dean’s Leadership Circle in October 2017. Mondschain has been an avid supporter and integral part of the college’s OHIO-in-LA program, which, since 2014, has given Scripps students an intensive experience of living and working in Hollywood’s media and creative industries.

Dr. Claudia Hale, who has served as a professor, school director and interim director in the college since 1990, was inducted into the Dean’s Leadership Circle in March 2019. Hale has been a longtime servant of the college and its School of Communication Studies and was inducted for her extraordinary work on projects and initiatives in support of our academic mission for nearly three decades.

Lexi Murray, a strategic communication and music production major and junior at the time of her induction in winter 2020, is a college ambassador and leader in multiple student organizations. Murray spearheaded the acquisition of a baby grand piano for the use of Scripps students when she was still a sophomore. She exhibits determination, initiative and creativity in service of the college.

Allison Ricket, a member of the inaugural cohort of Scripps College Communications Fellows and teacher at Athens High School, was inducted into the Dean’s Leadership Circle in Spring 2020. Ricket is honored for her tireless commitment to students and her continuing services as a community partner to the college in our shared pursuit of educational access and innovation.

Chris Courtney, founder of the New Pragmatic online design community, was inducted into the Dean’s Leadership Circle in 2020. An avid supporter of the School of Visual Communication, Courtney teaches annual workshops for VisCom students and was an instrumental facilitator at the 2019 Visual Discovery Conference, an international conference for student visual storytellers which was held in Athens that year.

Heather Krugman served the college for 15 years and at the time of her induction was the Senior Executive Officer for the college. Krugman’s collaborative nature and business acumen facilitated investment in facilities, helped launch successful academic programs, energized corporate partnerships, engaged alumni, and elevated our academic community. In all of her activities, she brought curiosity, dedication, and skill in support of our mission as a premiere academic program.

Ken Klein, BSJ ’82, has nearly a decade of service to the Scripps College of Communication as a member of the Dean’s Advisory Council at the time of his induction into the Dean’s Leadership Circle in October 2022. His career includes more than 40 years in media and politics. He has served the college as a social media champion for its students, alumni and faculty and has supported the Semester in D.C. program and other student initiatives through his time, talent, and treasure.

Dr. Christie Beck, a Professor in the School of Communication Studies, was inducted into the Dean’s Leadership Circle in September 2023. Beck is an internationally renowned scholar-teacher who has served the discipline as President of the National Communication Associate and Central State Communication Association. Her servant leadership in the Scripps College includes her role as Director of Graduate Studies in the School of Communication Studies. Beck is honored for her 30-year commitment to advancing the mission of the college on campus and beyond.

Patty Mitchell, founder and executive director of Passion Works Studio, was inducted into the Dean's Leadership Circle in October 2024. Mitchell is an artist and social entrepreneur who creates spaces for storytelling through collaborative making. She is a trailblazer in asset-based organizing and creating communities strengthened by the inclusion of diverse voices. She serves as a community fellow in the Barbara Gerald Institute for Storytelling and Social Impact and has worked with countless faculty, staff, and students from the Scripps College on collaborative projects.

Megan Westervelt has worked with the college as a student, visual storyteller, and Chief Video Producer in the Barbara Geralds Institute for Storytelling and Social Impact. Throughout her time with Scripps College she has worked alongside others with compassion, creativity, and an intense desire to uplift those around her. She has acted as a mentor for both students and colleagues who seek to expand their storytelling skills while engaging with valued community partners.

John Bowditch has served as the Director of the Game Research and Immersive Design Lab since 2007. Under his leadership, the GRID Lab has elevated national exposure for the McClure School and College through innovative creative activity focused on immersive training. Bowditch and his colleagues have secured over $7.5 million in funding across more than 35 sponsored projects. The GRID Lab has emerged as a key experiential learning center at Ohio University, providing hundreds of students with real-world experiences using creative activity to solve problem. On behalf of many colleagues, the Scripps College is grateful for his leadership and vision.

Erin Roberts has substantially advanced the college’s commitment to helping students grow as young professionals. In addition to serving as a primary resource for internship guidance, she advanced mentoring opportunities for students through the creation of the Scripps Young Alumni Council and through development of dedicated career preparation courses that equip students for success.

Emily Chapman has served as the Chief Finance and Administrative Officer of the Scripps College of Communication, as well as other administrative roles, since 2013. Through Chapman’s discerning advice and problem-solving, the college advanced multiple experiential learning initiatives to benefit college programs including the LED Cinema Wall, continuation of the OHIO-in-LA and Scripps Semester in D.C. programs, among others. More importantly, she approaches her colleagues with empathy and thoughtfulness in a way that builds a culture of caring while helping others accomplish their goals.