Otterbein Editorial Staff, Author at Otterbein University Towers

Alumni, Families, and Friends Celebrate Equine Program’s Success and Future

Otterbein’s equine community came together in September to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Austin E. Knowlton Center for Equine Science. The 2024 Equine Gala was an inspirational evening that highlighted the impact of the program on students, alumni, and families, and the experiences that have created rewarding careers, lifetime memories, and friendships.

To say that Otterbein’s Equine Science program has changed the lives of many of its students would be an understatement. Greg Schmid ’09, DVM, served as the event’s emcee, and shared, “It’s really wonderful that we’re all here to support the health and wellness initiatives for all the amazing horses at the barn.”

Schmid shared the influence that staff and faculty members had on him, including business manager Kari Briggs ’03, MBA’11, department chair Dr. Sherri Birmingham ’01, and professor emerita Dr. Maria Calderone, who also received the inaugural Industry Leader Award at the event.

In addition, several influential alumni and donors were honored at the gala, including the Plaumann-Wilson Family, who received the Philanthropic Impact Award.

Rebecca Knopf ’15 was awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award and shared, “The things I learned from the equine program at Otterbein, I use every day in my work at Square Peg … every horse has something to teach you.”

Jocelyn Pierce ‘09 and emcee Greg Schmid ’09 with Otterbein horse, Ted.

Rebecca Knopf ’15 with rider at Square Peg.

John Lindberg, president of the Austin E. Knowlton Foundation, which named Otterbein’s facility 15 years ago and received the 2024 Mary B. Thomas ’28 Commitment to Otterbein Award, shared, “Austin Knowlton had a passion for horses. This project always had a lot of synergy with our Foundation, and I think Mr. Knowlton would be very, very proud that the Center has his name on it, and that we’ve been able to support Otterbein.”

There was a spirit of appreciation and generosity in the air at the Gala, with attendees and supporters giving back to the program that made a difference in their lives. The event raised more than $90,000 through donations and a silent auction, which included a $25,000 gift from the Austin E. Knowlton Foundation. Equine artist Alexandra Lederman ’18 donated a commissioned piece of art, and Jules Richter ’24 served as the event photographer. Lifetime equestrian and Otterbein trustee Karin Yaffe Stump ’80 thanked the countless alumni, volunteers, donors, faculty, and staff who helped to build the program over the years. “Working and living with horses is a special lifestyle. Horses teach discipline, resilience, determination, and grit — skills that are essential to navigating our lives.”

Equestrian and Otterbein Trustee Karin Yaffe Stump ’80 rallied the gala attendees to support the program.

Oil on canvas painting donated by Alexandra Lederman ’18.

To learn more, visit www.otterbein.edu/EquineCenter15.

Stay in the loop about Equine program news by updating your contact information at www.otterbein.edu/alumni/update.

Otterbein Names New Vice President for Institutional Advancement

Otterbein University has chosen Floyd Akins as its new vice president for institutional advancement. Akins will lead a team of staff in the offices of Development, Advancement Services, Engagement, Events & Conferences, and The Point.

Conferences, and The Point. “Otterbein has been in my sights for a while for its culture, the mission of the institution, and now because of its energetic and enthusiastic president who wants to take Otterbein to the next level,” said Akins. Akins has more than 35 years of experience in higher education. He most recently served as vice president for advancement for the University of Toledo, where he oversaw a team of more than 40 staff and led the foundation’s second largest fundraising year, bringing in $36 million for the university in FY23.

Akins impressed the Otterbein community with his record of success in leading and mentoring teams to tangible results in fundraising and relationship-building. As associate vice president for advancement at Michigan State University, Akins led a team that raised $232 million in FY21. As assistant vice chancellor for development for The University of Tennessee Foundation, his team increased the Corporate and Foundation Engagement (CFE) fundraising total by more than 200% over three years.

He is familiar with the higher education market in central Ohio, having worked as senior associate vice president for university development and vice president of The Ohio State University Foundation from 2010-2012.

“It’s hard to find someone with a proven record of success in principal gifts, major gifts, corporate and foundations relations, and advancement services. Floyd Akins has all that. It’s exceedingly rare to find someone with that resume who shares Otterbein’s values. Floyd has that, too, and we are fortunate to have him join our leadership team,” said President John Comerford.

Our sincere gratitude to these alumni and friends who have recently made generous gifts to Otterbein – Spring 2025

Roger and Betty Neff P’83, P’85 made an additional gift of $25,000 to the Roger H. and Betty A. Neff Endowed Scholarship for Education, which supports students pursuing Global Studies (formerly International Studies) or studies that reflect a global perspective.

Otterbein Sociology Professor Emerita Eva A. Sebo and Ohio State University Electrical and Computer Engineering Professor Emeritus Stephen A. Sebo founded The Eva and Stephen Sebo Endowed Scholarship in Sociology, Criminology, and Justice Studies to support junior or senior students studying this field. They also founded The Stephen and Eva Sebo Endowed Scholarship in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) to benefit outstanding, incoming full-time undergraduate students with high academic achievement in these fields.

Mark Plaumann P’22 and Marilyn Wilson P’22, parents of Mason Plaumann ’22, were instrumental in the support of the Austin E. Knowlton Center for Equine Science 15th Anniversary Gala. They also continued their support of the Otterbein Fund and the Plaumann Family Equine Endowment to provide resources for the Equine Science program and Equestrian Team. This support fully funded the equine endowment, the first of its kind for the program.

Marilyn Harpster P’99 provided $10,000 to further invest in the Dr. Joseph and Marilyn Harpster Engineering Award, which supports full-time undergraduate students pursuing an Engineering degree.

The Teresa A. Petch ’51 Endowed Fund was created through a $25,000 gift from Dr. John E. and Deidre L. Finnegan to honor Petch, an accomplished educator and musician who performed with the Cleveland Choir and the Canton Civic Opera. The scholarship benefits undergraduates pursuing a degree in the area of Music.

Kathleen Fernandez Hillibish ’71 has arranged for a generous gift to support the Hillibish Unrestricted Annuity, the Hillibish Endowment Annuity to benefit the Courtright Memorial Library, and the Otterbein Fund. Fernandez Hillibish said the well-rounded education she received at Otterbein served her well in her chosen occupation as a history museum professional.

The Kathryn Irene Briggs Starcher Trust provided Otterbein with $120,000 for the Kathryn I. Briggs and Ronald R. Starcher Scholarship, which will support one student at a time for four years of studies at Otterbein.

Dr. Richard J. Smolen and Karen Hohnhorst Strand ’68 each provided funding to establish the Smolen/Strand Scholarship in honor of Susan Hohnhorst Smolen ’66, Richard’s late wife of 57 years and Karen’s sister. Susan was a proud Theta Nu sister and educator. Her family will support rising juniors or seniors majoring in Education in perpetuity through this $50,000 scholarship.

Virginia Phillippi Longmire ’55 gave a generous donation to support Phase Two of the Campus Center Renovation Project. This renovation improves the safety and accessibility of the second floor of the Campus Center, as well as culinary offerings for the Otterbein campus.

Jennifer Nichols Day ’89 has supported the Otterbein Fund with a gift of $35,000.

Alan R. Goff ’75 and Coral Harris H’23, longtime partners in Otterbein’s priorities, generously donated to the Promise House, the Rolling Green Fund, and Phase Two of the Campus Center Renovation Project. Goff and Harris are active on campus as members of the Lifelong Learning Community (LLC), patrons of Otterbein arts performances, and volunteers with the Courtright Memorial Library and other projects.

Trailblazer Alumna Bequeaths $900,000 to Otterbein Endowment

Dr. Carol Thompson

During her time as an Otterbein student, the late Carol Thompson ’61 fully embraced every opportunity to get involved in college life. To say she was a trailblazer is an understatement. As a first-generation college student in the late ’50s, Thompson was on the tennis, basketball, and field hockey teams; participated in choir, Torch & Key, the Women’s Athletic Association; and was a member of Kappa Phi Omega sorority.

In her 1961 50th reunion memory book, Thompson shared, “My years in the quiet peaceful village were four of the happiest years of my life. The educational experience in the classrooms exceeded my expectations. My student work experiences contributed greatly to my education; it was one of my jobs that exposed me to the possibilities of graduate school. My extracurricular activities helped me to grow in leadership abilities, and the intercollegiate sports I played provided many joyous hours of participation and skill development.”

After completing her degree in Education at Otterbein, she later obtained her master’s and doctorate degrees in Physical Education from the University of Illinois and The Ohio State University, respectively. A true lifelong learner, she spent 37 years in higher education at Baldwin-Wallace University, teaching, coaching, and eventually earning the role of associate academic dean.

Thompson passed away in July 2023, and in October 2023 the University learned of her incredible $900,000 gift to Otterbein’s endowment through her close friend, Carol Heskett, trustee of the Carol Thompson Trust. This transformational gift, and Carol Thompson’s legacy of seizing every opportunity as a first-generation college student, will live on through generations of Otterbein students to come.

The Roush Family Foundation has donated an additional $250,000 to support the Campus Center Renovation Project and $50,000 to support improvements to the Rike Center court floor and bleachers. During a recent hard-hat tour, Foundation members and guests felt it was important to honor the legacies of the Roush Family Foundation founders and to invest in Otterbein’s current and future students in this way.

Nancy Jean Smith ’72 committed $30,000 to establish the Nancy Jean Smith Endowed Scholarship in Arts and Humanities. Smith spent 30 years as a local public librarian and takes joy in the lifetime of inspiration she acquired for art and the humanities from former Otterbein art history professor Lillian Frank.

Dr. Fred E. ’79 and Deborah Webber ’80 Benedict donated $25,000 to support Phase Two of the Campus Center Renovation Project.

Brian E. ’93 and Gwendolyn Swigart ’93 Nichols pledged $35,000 to support Phase Two of the Campus Center Renovation Project.

Alan Waterhouse ’82 and Dr. Beena Wycliffe donated $11,847 to be split evenly to support the Otterbein Fund and the Waterhouse Family Scholarship, which honors the legacy of Alan’s father, George Alan Waterhouse, by providing financial support to students from Richland County.

A gift has been bestowed to the Otterbein Fund from the estates of Robert and Ruth Osbahr, parents of Nancy Osbahr DeBell ’77 and Mark Osbahr ’81, and parents-in-law of Fred DeBell ’76.

Gretchen Freeman Hargis ’77 and Trustee Jonathan R. Hargis ’79 contributed $50,000 to conclude their $100,000 total commitment to support Phase Two of the Campus Center Renovation Project.

Chris ’77 and Karen Kaiser donated $28,550 to support the Campus Center Renovation Project, the Deborah and Mark Thresher Family Scholarship, and the Otterbein Fund.

Trustee Emeritus Dr. John T. “Ted” Huston ’57, P’85, P’89 gave $37,050 to support the Campus Center Renovations and the Promise House. With lead gifts from Ted, along with Michael ’86, P’16, P’21 and Lisa Collins ’86, P’16, P’21 Huston and John P. ’89, P’04 and Lisa Rindfuss ’88, P’04 Huston, the Huston family is joining together to give as a legacy family to support the Campus Center. Fifteen members of the Huston family have attended Otterbein.

The Austin E. Knowlton Foundation donated $25,000 to benefit the Department of Equine Science in honor of the gala celebrating 15 years of excellence at the Austin E. Knowlton Center for Equine Science.

The Vida S. Clements Foundation granted a total of $165,000 to support The Point; the Rike Center Bleacher Renovation Project; the Sports Film Digitalization Project spearheaded by the Courtright Memorial Library staff; the Deborah and Mark Thresher Family Scholarship; the “O” Club; and the Vida S. Clements Endowed Scholarship to support full-time students.

The Otterbein “O” Club has continued its long legacy of supporting students with a recent $75,160 gift to fund the Rike Center Bleachers Renovation Project and the assistant sports information position.

Former Otterbein Trustee and Chair Cheryl Herbert provided over $100,000 to establish the Cheryl Sinden Endowed Fund for Student Success. This gift will support several aspects of the Otterbein READY career and professional preparation program, including the first-ever Otterbein READY Day.

Dr. David L. Ward ’74 gave $100,000 toward the founding of the David Lee Ward ’74 Endowed Scholarship. Ward is an accomplished scientist and physician who credits the scholarship he received at Otterbein in shaping his future. He is proud to create the same opportunity for students to realize their educational and professional goals.

James A. and Kathleen Rutherford P’99 provided $50,000 to further build the James A. and Kathleen Rutherford Endowed Scholarship, which places a special emphasis on fostering the education of first-generation students.

The John B. and Olive S. Cook Foundation granted $12,300 to provide funds to support the Riley Auditorium Lighting Project and the Olive S. Cook ’24 Memorial Endowed Award to facilitate graduates in the fields of Music and Music Education.

Morton J. H’00 and Barbara K. H’23 Achter donated $70,000 to support the new lighting project in Riley Auditorium and the purchase of equipment to facilitate experiential learning for the Nursing IV students. Morton is a retired professor emeritus of Music and former chair at Otterbein whose passion helped develop the Musical Theater program, and Barbara was the founding chair of the Nursing program at Otterbein.

WELCOME to our new team member supporting Grants and Sponsored Programs in Institutional Advancement!

Megan Reamsnyder

Assistant Director, Grants and Sponsored Programs

Grants, Corporate, and Foundation Support

Grants help to provide essential funding for new programs, research, and other areas that directly impact our students. Otterbein faculty and administrators have received five grants totaling $2,803,905 since the fall issue of Towers from the organizations listed here.

United States Department of Education

Title III Cardinals First Program

AMOUNT: $1,794,331

These Title III funds support the creation of the Cardinals First Program to hire a program director, resource navigator, and an additional academic success coach to expand the student success support for first-generation students. Through this program, Otterbein will also hire additional tutors and provide training and support for tutors who work with first-generation and second-year students taking high intensity classes to increase retention; increase faculty development options; provide mentor training and supplies; and purchase software to track the success of the students.

Ohio Department of Higher Education

Choose Ohio First STEM and Engineering Scholarships

TOTAL AMOUNT OF TWO GRANTS: $896,816

In December, Otterbein received two scholarship-based Choose Ohio First Grants. Our Cardinal STEM Scholars: Continuing to Build Ohio’s STEM Pipeline Scholarship Program was awarded $779,961 in fiscal year 2025 Choose Ohio First funding. This grant will provide STEM Scholarships from fall 2026 through 2030 to 75 students in five cohorts of 10-15 students. Based on the financial needs of the students, scholarships will range from a minimum of $1,500 to a maximum of $9,081. With the addition of Otterbein dedicated matching funds, this equates to scholarships in the range of $8,000- $22,000 per student in STEM disciplines.

Otterbein also received $116,855 for a Choose Ohio First Fiscal Year 2019 Completion Grant. The 2019 Choose Ohio First Grant was a multi-year grant, but as it was a new program, it was not fully funded through the entire academic career of the student cohorts receiving these Engineering-based scholarships. This continuation grant provides funding to complete the scholarships for the students.

Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO)

Community Waste Reduction Grant

AMOUNT: : $12,758

Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO) awarded Otterbein for a Community Waste Reduction Grant to purchase new recycling receptacles for the Dining Hall in Phase Two of the Campus Center Renovation Project. The grant will also provide recycling training and education to students, staff, and faculty as well as an analysis of current campus recycling efforts and creation of a campuswide recycling plan.

Columbus Foundation Shackleford Field of Interest Fund

Otterbein READY Experiential Learning Experiences

AMOUNT: : $100,000

This grant award supports the Otterbein READY program and removes economic barriers to experiential learning opportunities in central Ohio, such as support for students with unpaid internships in their field of study.

The Vance Family: A Legacy of Giving Back

The Vance family: (L to R) Evey ‘51, P’80, Kathryn ’80, Patti, (the late) Robert ‘49, P’80, and Rick.

Family Members Reminisce on Otterbein Memories with Office of Engagement’s Dana Madden Viglietta ’96

Every Otterbein legacy family has a story about how their Cardinal roots began. For Evelyn “Evey” Bender Vance ’51, P’80 and her late husband, Robert Vance ’49, P’80, their story began with a serendipitous meeting that inspired a lifetime of giving back. Evey had known Floyd Vance, class of 1916, from school and happened to see “Vance” on Robert’s name tag at a local Methodist church singles event, and immediately knew he was a part of a special Otterbein legacy family.

Robert Vance With Dr. Floyd Vance Pic — When visiting campus, a highlight for Vance family members is visiting the Presidents’ Gallery in Towers Hall. Above: The late **Robert Vance ’49, P’80**, in front of the portrait of his father, Floyd Vance, class of 1916.

Robert’s father, Floyd, was one of the longest-serving staff and faculty members, having served in 10 different roles over 43 years at Otterbein — including principal of the academy, dean, treasurer, business manager, director of admissions, foreign student advisor, director of placement, chairman of credits committee, French professor, and registrar — before serving as the 16th president of Otterbein from 1957-58, then returning to the registrar position and retiring in 1964.

Evey came to Otterbein from New Philadelphia, OH, at the recommendation of a friend from church and majored in education. She was a member of Sigma Alpha Tau sorority.

Robert grew up in Westerville and, after serving in World War II, earned his degree in Chemistry at Otterbein. During school, he was in Pi Kappa Phi fraternity, band, and played football and softball. Robert went on to earn master’s and doctorate degrees in Chemistry from the University of Illinois.

Robert Vance As A Young Chemist — **Robert Vance ’49** was a research chemist at General Electric’s Appliance Park in Louisville, KY. In later years, he also established and directed the analytical laboratory of the Kentucky Department of Water and worked at the U.S. Naval Ordnance Station.

Evey’s late brother, Ralph Bender ’59, and sister, Nancy Bender Carlton ’64, both followed in her footsteps to attend Otterbein. Much later, one of Evey and Robert’s three children, daughter Kathryn Vance Latosky ’80, also graduated from Otterbein.

“I lived in Hanby Hall and was in (Epsilon Kappa Tau) sorority,” said Latosky. “Taking walks around Otterbein with my friends is one of my favorite memories. I would sometimes walk to the Otterbein cemetery to look for my grandfather’s headstone.”

In some funny family history, Evey and Robert’s son, Rick Vance, shared that the cow taken up to the fourth floor of Towers Hall as a student prank many years ago actually came from his dad’s farm in Westerville. Rick now owns some pieces of Otterbein history handed down from his dad, including an old desk and office items. He’s especially grateful for the legacy of giving back that his parents passed down to their children.

Inspired by Robert and Evey’s love of chemistry and education, the family endowed two funds at Otterbein in 2023: the Robert F. ’49 and Evelyn Bender ’51 Vance Endowed Scholarship in Science and the Robert F. ’49 and Evelyn Bender ’51 Vance Endowed Scholarship in Education. Both are providing impactful scholarship support for students in perpetuity.

The family recently sponsored a Habitat for Humanity home to honor Robert and Evelyn’s longstanding volunteerism and impact.

In addition to their generosity to Otterbein, Robert, Evey, and their family were (and continue to be) dedicated to many community causes. One such cause was Habitat for Humanity in their hometown of Louisville, KY. Rick recalled a Habitat trip to the Philippines with former President Jimmy Carter where he, his parents, and 2,000 volunteers helped build 120 houses in one week. The family invited President Carter to come to Kentucky to help with another Habitat project, and he agreed — a highlight of their family memories.

Robert volunteered weekly with Habitat until the age of 90 and recently, their family sponsored a Habitat house in honor of Evey and in memory of Robert — a special way to give back to their community and celebrate a lifetime of giving back.

Otterbein Homecoming and Family Weekend September 26-27, 2025

HOMECOMING

& Family Weekend, September 26-27, 2025

We can’t wait to welcome our alumni, families, and friends back to the ‘Bein for this special annual tradition.

Save the date to come back to the “nest” for every Cardinal’s favorite weekend on campus!

We’ll celebrate the Class of 1975’s 50th Golden Reunion, honor our Alumni Award winners, cheer on the Cardinals, and much more!

HOMECOMING & FAMILY WEEKEND
FRIDAY AND SATURDAY
SEPT. 26-27

Visit www.otterbein.edu/homecoming to see the photo album from last year’s festivities.

Otterbein and Antioch Universities Create NCAA Athletics Consortium

The NCAA has approved Otterbein’s request to create an NCAA athletics consortium between Otterbein University and Antioch University-Yellow Springs. The request was endorsed by the Ohio Athletic Conference. Through the consortium, students enrolled in online graduate programs offered through Antioch University who have NCAA eligibility can compete on Otterbein’s teams, whether they attended Otterbein as an undergraduate or not. The consortium agreement will be reviewed and renewed every four years. The NCAA is also reviewing old legislation to address similar situations within the changing landscape of higher education.

Remembering Student JOSH TAYLOR

The campus community lost a valued friend, teammate, and classmate when second-year student Josh Taylor passed away tragically on Jan. 2.

Taylor was a member of the men’s wrestling team and a graduate of Lakewood High School in Hebron, OH. Nearly 100 of his teammates, classmates, coaches, faculty, and staff attended his memorial service to support his family and share their memories. The men’s wrestling team is breaking their huddle with the chant “JT” in his memory this season.

READY DAY Scheduled for Sept. 24, 2025

Starting in fall 2025, all Otterbein students will shift their class and lab studies to an entire day dedicated to their professional preparation.

Otterbein’s READY Day will guide students through programming and opportunities personalized for their year of study with some common experiences shared by all. Developed after several years of discipline-specific career jumpstart programs, students gave the READY Day concept very high marks specifically acknowledging:

The benefit of connecting with alumni in their field of interest.
Learning and practicing networking skills in real time situations with professionals.
The chance to explore internship and employment opportunities.

Student Success and Career Development is looking for alumni volunteers, sponsors, and donors. Email ready@otterbein.edu, call 614-823-1624, or visit www.otterbein.edu/READY.

Otterbein Recognized for Student Voting

Student voters have earned Otterbein another recognition from the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge, this time as a 2024 Most Engaged Campus for College Student Voting.

Otterbein is one of 471 colleges and universities recognized for outstanding efforts to increase nonpartisan student voter participation in the 2024 election. The results were released Nov. 16, 2024, and are based on statistics gathered from the 2020 election by the National Study of Learning, Voting, and Engagement. In 2020, Otterbein’s student body had a 74% voting rate compared to the national average of 66% for college students.

Historic Milestones in Changes to Board of Trustees

Celebrating Otterbein’s Historic Leadership

William “Eddie” Harrell Jr. ’94
Alumnus, Media Executive, Servant Leader, and Otterbein’s First Black Board Chair

William (Eddie) Harrell Jr. ’94 has been committed to improving the lives of others throughout his career and through his service and civic engagement. He serves as the regional vice president of all Radio One markets in Ohio, including Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Columbus. He also has extensive experience leading civic organizations focused on diversity and inclusion, including I KNOW I CAN and Project GRAD Columbus, the Columbus Urban League, and the Ohio Civil Rights Commission.

Now, this accomplished alumnus and professional will continue his commitment to making meaningful contributions to the current and future students of his alma mater as he begins his tenure as the chair of the Otterbein Board of Trustees. Serving on the University’s board since 2007, Harrell is poised to make history at Otterbein as the first person of color to serve as the chair alongside Vice Chair Theresa Harris, the first Black woman to serve in that role.

Q&A with William “Eddie” Harrell Jr. ’94:

How did Otterbein prepare you for your career?

Otterbein provided a strong foundation of critical thinking throughout the curriculum. The Integrative Studies classes provided a broad range of topics to indulge in, and the business classes were integral in shaping my understanding of business and commerce. Socially, Otterbein helped me engage with students and faculty from various backgrounds and walks of life. This has been very important to my development as a business executive.

Why are you serving on Otterbein’s Board of Trustees?

Otterbein has given me so much that it feels natural to stay engaged as Otterbein continues to be a beacon of hope and opportunity in the lives of students. Everywhere I go, I try to weave Otterbein into the conversation. It is easy to talk about something you love.

What challenges are facing higher education, and how is Otterbein addressing them?

The affordability of higher education remains a challenge across the board. The administration of Otterbein is working hard to fundraise, control expenses where possible, and model our financial aid to keep Otterbein affordable for generations of families to come. We are particularly committed to remaining an institution of opportunity for first-generation college students and students of color.

Another challenge is ensuring we are graduating students that are prepared for post-graduate institutions and industries that will be in-demand over the next couple decades. One way we are doing this is the development of the Coalition for the Common Good. I would encourage all alumni to learn more about this effort, as it allows us to focus on what we do best.

Describe your leadership style and how you will apply it to your board leadership.

I would describe my leadership style as level-headed, collaborative, and engaging. We have an incredible board with a governance model that includes students, faculty, and alumni. I will continue to rely on the board to make sound decisions to provide our students with a world-class experience.

What areas of opportunity do you see for Otterbein?

We must continue to improve our physical plant and infrastructure. To remain competitive, we need to consistently improve our facilities to ensure our students have an environment that is conducive to living and learning. The Campus Center is an example. The upgrades we are making to that facility are going to benefit students for years to come.

What are your priorities as Board Chair?

Remain student-focused on decisions we make as a board. Ensure we are making fiscal decisions that set up Otterbein for long-term viability and success. Strengthen our position in the undergraduate market as we leverage our efforts within the Coalition for the Common Good.

Why did you choose to attend Otterbein?

When I visited Otterbein as a high school senior, it felt like home. I can recall the night before making a final choice of where to attend, I received a call from (Associate Director of Admission) Jeanne Talley. It was her personal touch and care for my well-being that made the ultimate difference.

What was your major and what extracurriculars were you involved in?

Business Administration with a Minor in Sociology. I was active in the African American Student Union, Otterbein University Gospel Choir, and joined Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.

What were your fondest memories of your time at Otterbein?

I had a great experience at Otterbein, so there are many to choose from. From having Thanksgiving Dinner at President Devore’s home, to playing in the championship game of the intramural football league – the great times were numerous. Ultimately, I was part of a community that was nurturing, insightful, and valuable, both personally and professionally. The fondest memory was my father and I embracing and crying together at commencement. My parents were very supportive of my educational pursuits, so it was gratifying to pay them back by completing my undergraduate education at Otterbein.

Were there faculty or staff members who had a particular impact on you?

Jeanne Talley, who worked in Admission, was part of my inspiration to attend Otterbein. Throughout my time at Otterbein, she consistently checked in to make sure I was doing what was expected of me along the way. She held me accountable, which was like having a second mom right there on campus.

What do you think is special or different about Otterbein graduates?

Otterbein graduates understand the importance of service. The education we receive at Otterbein is top notch, yet it is the commitment of service to others that sets us apart.

Otterbein’s First Female Board Chair Retires

Cheryl Herbert, Chair of the Board of Trustees

After 14 years of service to the Otterbein University Board of Trustees, with three of those as chair, Cheryl Herbert is retiring. She holds a significant place in Otterbein’s history, not only breaking barriers as the board’s first female chair, but also leading the University through the creation of the Coalition for the Common Good.

“It was a great honor to be elected as Board Chair at Otterbein, following in the footsteps of wonderful leaders that came before me,” she said, sharing credit for Otterbein’s continuing success with her predecessors.

President John Comerford praised Herbert for the progress Otterbein has made under her leadership. “Cheryl Herbert has been an engaged and forward-thinking leader, strengthening Otterbein’s position by focusing on its future stability and growth. Her ability to assess higher education trends and forecasts has allowed us to make smart moves that will continue to impact generations of students to come,” he said.

Herbert brought executive vision to the board, drawing from her experience as a senior vice president at OhioHealth who started her career as a nurse over 40 years ago. She also understands the value of a private university education, having earned her bachelor’s degree from Capital University and master’s degree in business administration from Ashland University.

Her background has given her insight into the need for an industry to innovate over time. “Higher education is going through significant changes and challenges. The Board and I wanted to ensure we faced those head on and positioned Otterbein for success well into the future,” she said.

That’s why her proudest achievement as board chair is an innovative partnership that addresses those challenges in a bold, new way – the Coalition for the Common Good, which Otterbein founded with Antioch University.

Although she is retiring from the Otterbein Board of Trustees, the University has impressed Herbert in ways that she will carry with her.

“Otterbein is unwavering in its commitment to affordable and accessible education for all. Faculty, staff and administration are steadfast in their dedication to the goal of graduating outstanding citizens into the world. The graduates of Otterbein live up to that billing. They are smart, creative, knowledgeable, and really want to make the world a better place,” she said.

“In my time on the board, I developed great respect for the University, what it stands for, and how it conducts itself,” she added. “It was an honor to serve as chair.”

Thanks to Herbert’s leadership, Otterbein is ahead of its peers in making the bold, transformational changes that will define the future of higher education, while remaining true to the values upon which it was founded.

Our Newest Board Members

Rev. John Edgar
President of Columbus Housing Enterprise.

Julianna Grubich ’26
Student trustee

Jonathan Hargis ’79
Retired Chief Marketing Officer, Charter Communications.

Sonya Lowmiller Higginbotham ’98
Senior Vice President and Chief of Corporate Affairs, Communications, and Sustainability, Worthington Enterprises (alumni trustee).

Michael Hudoba, Ph.D.
Associate professor and chair, Department of Engineering, Computer Science, and Physics (faculty trustee).

Karin Yaffe Stump ’80
President, Yaffe and Stump Consulting.

Otterbein would like to thank the following Board of Trustees members for their service. We are grateful for the leadership and commitment they shared with the University.

April Casperson ’03
(2021-24).

Cheryl Herbert
(2010-24)

Yasmeen Khafagy ’25
(2023-24).

Kathryn Felsenthal Stephens ’97
(2021-24).

John Tansey
(2021-24)

Al Waterhouse ’82
(2007-23)