Ohio State recognizes 5 new Distinguished University Professors

Ohio State recognizes 5 new Distinguished University Professors

Trustees also approve adoption of policies, rules in compliance with SB 1

The Ohio State University Board of Trustees on Wednesday recognized the five newest recipients of the Distinguished University Professor appointment, a title held in perpetuity.

Those honored were Patrick Green, professor of veterinary biosciences; Peter Hahn, Arts and Sciences Distinguished Professor of History emeritus; Anita Hopper, professor of molecular genetics; Michael Lisa, Arts and Sciences Distinguished Professor of Physics; and Phillip Popovich, professor and chair of neuroscience.

The Office of Academic Affairs awards the Distinguished University Professor title to full professors who have exceptional records in teaching, research, scholarly or creative work, and service. Each receives a $30,000 award to support scholarly work.

Board Chair John Zeiger, President Walter "Ted" Carter Jr. and Executive Vice President and Provost Ravi V. Bellamkonda presented medallions to the new Distinguished University Professors.

"This is the highest honor bestowed by Ohio State. Since its creation more than 35 years ago, the Distinguished University Professor title has been awarded to a very limited group of exceptional faculty members each year," Bellamkonda said. "This year, we are fortunate to have five."

Distinguished University Professors automatically become members of the President's and Provost's Advisory Committee.

"That means that Ohio State can call on their expertise to advise us on how best to promote the excellence at the university," he said.

The following actions were taken during the full board meeting:

Establishment of a master of systems engineering approved
Trustees approved the establishment of a master of systems engineering in the College of Engineering, a professional program aimed at practicing engineers seeking to increase their systems engineering modeling, planning and decision-making skills.

Presidential review, FY26 goals
Trustees approved fiscal year 2026 goals for President Carter focused on six priority areas: academic excellence, enterprise artificial intelligence, transformative research and innovation, operations, health care, and talent and culture.

After completing an annual review of Carter's performance, trustees approved changes to his base compensation and a performance award.

"The Board is deeply appreciative of your steady leadership over the past year. You are an exceptional ambassador for the university's land-grant mission and vision, both on our campuses and throughout the communities we serve," Zeiger and Talent, Compensation and Governance Committee Chair Jeff Kaplan wrote in Carter's review letter. "We are excited to see how you capitalize on this momentum going forward."

In recognition of his own accomplishments and university accomplishments under his leadership, Carter will receive a 4.5% adjustment to his base salary in the amount of $51,233, and an annual performance award of $398,475, which equates to 35% of his base salary.

Personnel actions approved
Trustees approved the following appointments:

• Robert Baker as professor (The Phyllis and Richard Leet Endowed Chair in Chemistry) in the College of Arts and Sciences for a term running from Aug. 15, 2025, through Aug. 14, 2030.
• Glen Barber as professor (The Klotz Chair in Cancer Research #2) in the College of Medicine for a term running from May 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029.
• Amanda Berrian as associate professor (Dr. Tom Mack Endowed Chair in Global One Health) in the College of Veterinary Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2030.
• Aravind Chandrasekaran as interim dean (The John W. Berry, Sr. Chair in Business) in Fisher College of Business for a term running from June 1, 2025, through June 30, 2027, or until a permanent dean is appointed.
• Wei-Lun (Harry) Chao as associate professor (College of Engineering Innovation Scholar) in the College of Engineering for a term running from Aug. 15, 2025, through June 30, 2030.
• Dennis Hirsch as professor (The Kara J. Trott Endowed Professorship in Law in honor of Prof. Lawrence Herman) in the College of Law for a term running from Aug. 15, 2025, through Aug. 15, 2030.
• Yuheng Hu as associate professor (Fisher College of Business Distinguished Associate Professor) in Fisher College of Business for a term running from Aug. 15, 2025, through Aug. 14, 2028.
• Jen-Yi Huang as professor (The Dale A. Seiberling Professorship in Food Engineering) in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences for a term running from Jan. 1, 2026, through Dec. 31, 2031.
• Kim Jordan as professor-clinical (The Joseph S. Platt-Porter, Wright, Morris, & Arthur Professorship) in the College of Law for a term running from Aug. 15, 2025, through Aug. 15, 2030.
• Margaret Kwoka as professor (The Frank R. Strong Chair in Law) in the College of Law for a term running from Aug. 15, 2025, through Aug. 15, 2030.
• Gabriel Lade as professor (The C. William Swank Chair in Rural and Urban Policy) in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences for a term running from Aug. 15, 2025, through Aug. 14, 2030.
• Kristen Lindquist as professor (Robert K. and Dale J. Weary Chair in Social Psychology) in the College of Arts and Sciences for a term running from Aug. 15, 2025, through June 30, 2030.
• Gregory Nixon as professor-clinical (The Vision Service Plan (VSP) Chair for the Advancement of Professional Practice) in the College of Optometry for a term running from June 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026.
• Masaki Oshikawa as professor (Ohio Eminent Scholar in Condensed Matter Theory) in the College of Arts and Sciences for a term running from Jan. 1, 2026, through June 30, 2030.
• Marc Spindelman as professor (The Heck-Faust Memorial Chair in Constitutional Law) in the College of Law for a term running from Aug. 15, 2025, through Aug. 15, 2030.
• John Stafford as professor (The Charles Austin Doan Chair of Medicine Funded by the Charles Austin Doan Fund) in the College of Medicine for a term running from Aug. 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029.
• Todd Starker as professor-clinical (Charles W. Ebersold and Florence Whitcomb Ebersold Professorship) in the College of Law for a term running from Aug. 15, 2025, through Aug. 15, 2030.
• Yu Su as associate professor (College of Engineering Innovation Scholar) in the College of Engineering for a term running from Aug. 15, 2025, through June 30, 2030.
• Shigeo Tamiya as associate professor (The Dr. Frederick H. Davidorf Honorary Professorship Fund) in the College of Medicine for a term running from Aug. 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029.
• Wen Tang as associate professor (Burghes Professorship in the College of Medicine) in the College of Medicine for a term running from Aug. 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029.
• Jin Wang as professor (Distinguished Professor of Engineering) in the College of Engineering for a term running from Aug. 15, 2025, through June 30, 2030.
• Jennifer Woyach as professor (The Bertha Bouroncle M.D. and Andrew Pereny Chair of Medicine) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029.

Trustees approved reappointments for the following:

• Georgios Anagnostou as professor (The Miltiadis Marinakis Endowed Professorship of Modern Greek Language and Culture) in the College of Arts and Sciences for a term running from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2030.
• Michael Bevis as professor (Ohio Eminent Scholar in Geodynamics) in the College of Arts and Sciences for a term running from June 1, 2022, through May 31, 2027.
• Steven Clinton as professor (The Robert A. and Martha O. Schoenlaub Cancer Research Chair) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029.
• Sarah Cole as professor (The Michael E. Moritz Chair in Alternative Dispute Resolution) in the College of Law for a term running from June 1, 2025, through May 31, 2030.
• Vadim Fedorov as professor (Corrine Frick Research Chair in Heart Failure and Arrhythmia) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029.
• Datta Gaitonde as professor (The John Glenn Endowed Chair for Technology and Space Exploration and Ohio Research Scholar in Advanced Propulsion System Integration) in the College of Engineering for a term running from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2030.
• B. Scott Gaudi as professor (The Thomas Jefferson Chair for Discovery and Space Exploration) in the College of Arts and Sciences for a term running from Sept. 1, 2024, through Aug. 31, 2029
• Andrew Glassman as professor and chair (The Frank J. Kloenne Chair in Orthopedic Surgery) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026.
• Susan Olesik as divisional dean for Natural and Mathematical Sciences in the College of Arts and Sciences for a term running from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2027.
• Lisa Pinkerton as associate professor-clinical (The Marie Clay Endowed Chair in Reading Recovery and Early Literacy) in the College of Education and Human Ecology for a term running from Aug. 15, 2025, through Aug. 14, 2030.
• Frank Schwartz as professor (Ohio Eminent Scholar in Hydrogeology) in the College of Arts and Sciences for a term running from June 1, 2022, through May 31, 2027.
• Jami Shah as professor (Honda Designated Professorship in Engineering Design for Manufacturing) in the College of Engineering for a term running from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2028.
• Lu Zhang as professor (John W. Galbreath Chair in Real Estate) in Fisher College of Business for a term running from Oct. 1, 2025, through Aug. 14, 2030.

Trustees also approved the appointment and reappointment of chairpersons and faculty professional leaves, and the awarding of emeritus titles, university faculty awards, and faculty promotion and tenure.

Adoption of required policies, rules and plans pursuant to Ohio Senate Bill 1 approved
The board adopted policies and plans for which trustee approval is required under Ohio Senate Bill 1, and directed the president to take all required steps to submit the policies, rules and plan to the chancellor of higher education as required by law.

Fiscal year 2026 capital investment plan approved
Trustees authorized and accepted the capital investment plan for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026.

Professional services and construction contracts approved
The board authorized the university to enter into or increase professional service and construction contracts for the following projects:

• Blankenship Hall upgrades
  Professional services totaling $1.2 million, to be paid for with university funds.
• Brain and Spine Hospital - lower-level renovation
  Professional services totaling $0.3 million, to be paid for with auxiliary funds.
• Doan Hall - PET/CT replacement
  Professional services totaling $0.4 million, to be paid for with auxiliary funds.
• Outpatient Care East - clinic renovations & relocations
  Professional services totaling $1.1 million, to be paid for with auxiliary funds.
• East Hospital - chiller and cooling tower replacement
  Professional services and construction totaling $7 million, to be paid for with auxiliary funds.
• Herrick Drive rebuild
  Professional services and construction totaling $4 million, to be paid for with university debt.
• 1922 Club
  Professional services and construction totaling $14.5 million, to be paid for with university debt and auxiliary funds.
• Polaris MEP updates
  Professional services and construction totaling $7.4 million, to be paid for with auxiliary funds.
• 600 Ackerman- specialty pharmacy expansion
  Professional services and construction totaling $15.2 million, to be paid for with auxiliary funds.
• Tunnel rehabilitation phase 1
  Construction totaling $5.5 million, to be paid for with university debt, university funds, and state and partner funds.

Ohio State Energy Partners utility system capital improvements plan approved for fiscal year 2026
The board authorized Ohio State Energy Partners to proceed with capital improvements to the utility system.

Disposition of real property approved
Trustees authorized the university to sell 5.369 acres along Thayer Road in Bath Township, Ohio, to Allen County to enable improvement and widening of the road.

Fiscal year 2026 operating budget approved
The board approved the university operating budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026.

Naming of spaces
Trustees approved the following namings:

• Internal spaces in University Hospital
  • Stanley D. and Joan H. Ross Neurosciences Critical Care Unit (Floor 14)
  • Mark B. Landon, MD and Jane Landon Visitor Lounge (Floor 23 Visitor Lounge)
  • Janet and Elden Thomas Sanctuary (Room 2075)
  • Cindy and Larry Hilsheimer Chairman's Conference Room (Room 0075)
• Internal spaces in the Riffe Building
  • Dr. Robert J. and Barbara B. Weber Classroom
  • Ann & Barry Klein Family Student Lounge
• Internal spaces in Mason Hall
  • Nu Chapter Delta Sigma Pi Corporation Room (room 133)
  • Esselburn Breakout Room (room 140D)
  • Neil M. Klatskin Conference Room and Neil M. Klatskin Collaborative and Learning Resource Corridor
• Internal Space in The James Outpatient Care
  • Generous gift from the Metzger/Sheridan Family Fund (Room 1234)
• Naming of the university's innovation community the Innovation District at Ohio State
• Naming of the Waterman - Multispecies Animal Learning Complex
• Naming of the Wexner Medical Center facility at 7171 Sawmill Parkway, Outpatient Care Powell
• Naming of the College of Engineering building at 920 Kinnear Road, Commercial Vehicle Innovation Laboratory

Appointment to the Self-Insurance Board approved
Trustees approved the appointment of Christopher A. Cray to the Self-Insurance Board for a term ending June 30, 2027.

University Foundation report approved
The board approved the report as of June 30, 2025, which includes the establishment of two endowed chairs: the Dr. Harold "Hal" Miller and Betty J. Miller Endowed Chair in Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, and the Endowed Chair in Integrative Health; five endowed professorships: the Honda Endowed Professorship in Artificial Intelligence in Mechanics and Manufacturing, the Dr. John M. McGregor Department of Neurosurgery Professorship, the Jeffrey Professorship in Children, Young Adult and Family Psychiatry, The Leon M. McCorkle Jr. Professorship in Commercial Law, and the Colleen McMahon Professorship in Music; two professorship funds: The Ernestine R. Lowrie Professorship Fund in Thoracic Surgery and the Wayne Urban Endowed Professorship Fund; one scholarship as part of the Scarlet and Gray Advantage Endowed Matching Gift Program; and 21 additional named endowed funds and the revision of 26 named endowed funds.

Resolutions in memoriam

• Carol A. Baker, who died April 24, 2025, at age 88. She was professor emeritus in the College of Nursing.
• Robert A. Buerki, who died June 7, 2025. He was professor emeritus in the College of Pharmacy.
• Konrad Dabrowski, who died June 26, 2025. He was professor in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences School of Environment and Natural Resources.
• Melvin N. Greenball, who died March 27, 2025, at age 87. He was professor emeritus in the Department of Accounting Management Information Systems in Fisher College of Business.
• John F. Grimes, who died April 16, 2025. He was professor emeritus in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences.
• Lois Ann Hungate, who died June 12, 2025, at age 95. She was professor emeritus in the Department of Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences.
• Ann Lilly, who died June 4, 2025, at age 95. She was professor emeritus in the Department of Dance in the College of Arts and Sciences.
• Steven M. Still, who died July 10, 2025, at age 80. He was professor emeritus in the Department of Horticulture and Crop Science in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences.

Hospital plans approved
Trustees approved the Clinical Quality Management, Patient Safety and Patient Experience plans for FY26 for University Hospital, Ross Hospital, Harding Hospital and East Hospital, and The James Quality, Safety and Experience Council Plan for FY26. The board also approved plans for patient care services at Ohio State Wexner Medical Center and The James Cancer Hospital.

Scope of care, contract services at ambulatory surgery centers approved
Trustees approved the scope of care and contract services for The Ohio State University Ambulatory Surgery Center-Outpatient Care New Albany and The Ohio State University Ambulatory Surgery Center-Outpatient Care Dublin.

Health system policies, contracts approved
Trustees approved the Patient Complaint and Grievance Management policies and Direct Patient Care Services Contracts and Patient Impact Service Contracts Evaluation for Ohio State Wexner Medical Center and The James Cancer Hospital.

Amendment to the Bylaws of the Board of Trustees approved
The board approved amendments to the Bylaws of the Board of Trustees related to Ohio Senate Bill 1, and organizational changes to the Academic Affairs & Student Life Committee.

Ratification of committee appointments for fiscal year 2025-2026 approved
Trustees approved the ratification of committee appointments for fiscal year 2025-2026 as follows:

Academic Affairs & Student Life

Reginald A. Wilkinson, Chair
Elizabeth A. Harsh, Vice Chair
Elizabeth P. Kessler
Jeff M.S. Kaplan
Michael F. Kiggin
Bradley R. Kastan
Kara J. Trott
Patrick C. Arp
Phillip Popovich (faculty member)
Eric Bielefeld (faculty member)
Stefanie Sanford
John W. Zeiger (ex officio)

Athletics

Gary R. Heminger, Chair
Michael F. Kiggin, Vice Chair
Elizabeth P. Kessler
Jeff M.S. Kaplan
Pierre Bigby
Bradley R. Kastan
George A. Skestos
Patrick C. Arp
John W. Zeiger (ex officio)

Finance & Investment

Tomislav B. Mitevski, Chair
Pierre Bigby, Vice Chair
Gary R. Heminger
Michael F. Kiggin
George A. Skestos
Kendall C. Buchan
Amy Chronis
Kent M. Stahl
John W. Zeiger (ex officio)

Legal, Audit, Risk & Compliance

Elizabeth P. Kessler, Chair
Bradley R. Kastan, Vice Chair
Michael F. Kiggin
Juan Jose Perez
Patrick C. Arp
Amy Chronis
John W. Zeiger (ex officio)

Master Planning & Facilities

Juan Jose Perez, Chair
George A. Skestos, Vice Chair
Elizabeth A. Harsh
Reginald A. Wilkinson
Pierre Bigby
Bradley R. Kastan
Kendall C. Buchan
Robert H. Schottenstein
Keith Myers
John W. Zeiger (ex officio)

Talent, Compensation & Governance

Jeff M.S. Kaplan, Chair
Elizabeth P. Kessler, Vice Chair
Gary R. Heminger
Reginald A. Wilkinson
Tomislav B. Mitevski
Juan Jose Perez
John W. Zeiger (ex officio)

Wexner Medical Center

Leslie H. Wexner, Chair
Gary R. Heminger
Tomislav B. Mitevski
Juan Jose Perez
George A. Skestos
Kara J. Trott
Kendall C. Buchan
Robert H. Schottenstein
Stephen D. Steinour
Cindy Hilsheimer
Amy Chronis
Hiroyuki Fujita
John W. Zeiger (ex officio, voting)
Walter E. Carter Jr (ex officio, voting)
Ravi V. Bellamkonda (ex officio, voting)
Michael Papadakis (ex officio, voting)
John J. Warner (ex officio, voting)

Finance Committee, Wexner Medical Center

Stephen D. Steinour, Chair
John W. Zeiger
Tomislav B. Mitevski
Juan Jose Perez
Pierre Bigby
George A. Skestos
Amy Chronis
John J. Warner
Michael Papadakis

Quality & Professional Affairs Committee, Wexner Medical Center

Juan Jose Perez, Chair
George A. Skestos
Ravi V. Bellamkonda
Michael Papadakis
John J. Warner
Jay M. Anderson
Eric Bourekas
Carol R. Bradford
Stacy A. Brethauer
David E. Cohn
Scott A. Holliday
Kami J. Maddocks
Elizabeth Seely
Deana Sievert
Corrin Steinhauer
Andrew M. Thomas

Foundation Board Representative

Pierre Bigby

Alumni Board Representative

Elizabeth A. Harsh

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