Around the Region:
News & Events
Office of
Regional Higher Education
Quick LInks
Chillicothe
Eastern
Lancaster
PIckerington
Southern
Proctorville
Zanesville
Phone: 740.593.2551
Chillicothe Dean Donna Burgraff reflects on campus’ legacy and promising future during induction ceremony
Donna L. Burgraff was officially installed as the dean of Ohio University-Chillicothe during an induction ceremony on Nov. 5 in the Stevenson Center Learning Commons. She also used the occasion to officially launch the Gary Justice Memorial Scholarship, which is named for Burgraff's cousin.
“This is a special occasion – not just for me and my family and friends, but for the entire Chillicothe Campus community because, today we celebrate the qualities that make Ohio University Chillicothe such a wonderful campus and reflect on our mission and our core values,” Burgraff said. “As I have previously stated, I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as dean of the Chillicothe Campus.”
“I respect what this campus has always stood for, the impact it continues to make on people’s lives and the promise it holds for upholding the quality of life for residents of this region,” Burgraff said."Though times have changed, the Chillicothe Campus has not lost its focus. Times change; people change; new deans take over the leadership of this campus. But, core values remain constant. Serving our students and serving our region is more than a slogan; rather, this is a commitment to our core values.”
The Gary Justice Scholarship, announced at the event, will be awarded to an Chillicothe student majoring in Environmental Engineering Technology or Law Enforcement Technology.
“This scholarship bears the name of one cousin who is no longer with us,” Burgraff said. “I think Gary would be pleased that he is our family’s representative for this scholarship. Through thick and thin, good times and bad, my family has been the source of my strength and my joy. We share each other’s burdens and celebrate each other’s successes. You may have thought you were getting only me as your dean, but I can assure you that this campus is now cared about by my entire family.”
Ohio University Executive Dean of Regional Higher Education and Vice Provost for ELearning and Strategic Initiatives Dan Evans welcomed Burgraff.
“ A campus such as Ohio University-Chillicothe deserves a unique, talented leader,: Evans said, "and I am confident that, with Dean Burgraff, the right leadership is in place and that the Chillicothe Campus is poised for its finest hour."
“As I have worked with Dean Burgraff, I have gotten to know her better, and it is clear that she likes people and getting involved with the community," Evans added. "Further, she values the teaching and learning experience as well as the life-changing moments that occur in the classroom. Donna understands the role of team work and the need for people to work together for a common purpose.”
Chillicothe Mayor Joe Sulzer presented a proclamation.
“As Dean Burgraff has stated, most of the students on the Chillicothe Campus are from this area. It is important to Dean Burgraff that OU-C continues to offer the type of educational experience that prepares students to contribute to their local communities after graduation," Sulzer said. "Also, Dean Burgraff endeavors that the Chillicothe Campus is a true resource for this region.”
Chillicothe interim Associate Dean Christi Simmons offered opening remarks and introduced the new dean and speakers. Other speakers included:
- H. Keith Spears, Vice President for Regional and Professional Education, Campbellsville University.
- Jamie Cano, Associate Professor in the Department of Human and community Resource Development, College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at the Ohio State University. Both Cano and Dean Burgraff are Kellogg Fellows.
- Ellen Radel, who delivered greetings from the faculty at Southwest Minnesota State University.
Burgraff has had a broad and progressive career in higher education. She was formerly the dean of the College of Business, Education, and Professional Studies at Southwest Minnesota State University, which included serving as the graduate dean, the dean of distance learning and academic and diversity resources, and as a professor of education. She has previously worked at Kutztown University, Marshall University, Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College and in the K-12 system.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in English with a German minor and master’s degree in counseling, both from Eastern Kentucky University, a master’s degree in adult education from Marshall University and a doctorate in higher education administration from West Virginia University.
Burgraff officially began her tenure as dean of the Chillicothe Campus on Aug. 2. As dean, she is the chief academic and administrative officer for the campus.
Burgraff’s induction ceremony remarks are available online at http://www.chillicothe.ohiou.edu/Dean/Induction
Regional Headlines
