Annually, 12 Ohio State staff members are honored with the Distinguished Staff Award for their remarkable accomplishments, leadership and contributions to The Ohio State University. As the university’s most prestigious staff recognition, the award celebrates staff members who have made a significant impact at Ohio State.
Award recipients are nominated and carefully chosen by the selection committee based on the following contributions:
- Enhancing the quality of work life for colleagues or customers
- Providing outstanding and ongoing service to university stakeholders
- Developing creative solutions to increase department or university operations
- Consistent demonstration of one or more of the university’s values
At a luncheon held on Monday, May 1, at the Longaberber Alumni House, recipients were recognized and congratulated by Ohio State leaders, including President Michael V. Drake. Award recipients also received a $1,500 cash award, $700 base salary increase and a crystal trophy. This year’s winners will also be honored on the field at Ohio Stadium during the September 23 Ohio State football game.
Congratulations to the 2017 Distinguished Staff Award recipients:
Jeffrey T. Agnoli
Senior Staff Training and Development Specialist
Office of Research
26 years
Agnoli’s passion, efforts and collaborative nature have increased the amount of university research funding opportunities and strategic relationships. In addition to identifying new funding sources, he has established trainings, events and collaborations to help advance research. Throughout his career, Agnoli’s innovative approaches have also led to successful programs, including a faculty and staff wellness program pilot, the Faculty Awards and Recognition reception and Ohio State’s Postdoc Association.
Trina Beebe
Administrative Office Manager, Agricultural Communication, Education and Leadership
College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences
16 years
Throughout her career at Ohio State, Beebe has been an integral member of the college and has made a difference for many students, faculty and staff. She is an active and engaged staff member, often volunteering, serving on many committees and supporting diverse projects within the college and university-wide. Beebe’s hard-working and compassionate nature have earned her recognition from several industry association and student society awards.
Chad Bivens
Technical Laboratory Manager
Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering
6 years
Bivens has significantly improved the department through the transformation of machine shop operations, including helping direct a significant curriculum change during the semester conversion. Serving as a mentor to more than 1,300 students, he has provided unique hands-on, experiential learning for students throughout their time at Ohio State.
Tina Bogac
Director, Research Safety & Biosafety Program
Administration and Planning, Facilities Operations and Development, Environmental Health and Safety
9 years
Tina is credited for taking initiative and spearheading programs that have significantly improved laboratory safety across the university. Compliance risk across more than 2,500 campus research laboratories has been lowered thanks to her inclusive and engaging approach, which has included organizing a safety committee, developing a scorecard and creating a campus safety culture survey. Tina’s leadership on the university Lab Safety Committee will continue to demonstrate a strong commitment to lab safety.
Molly Ranz Calhoun
Associate Vice President for Student Life
Office of Student Life
30+ years
Calhoun has a skill for bringing people together to meet shared goals that lead to successful initiatives that support off-campus and commuter students and social change programs. While always seeking the best outcomes for students and taking a broad perspective, Calhoun has been integral in the completion of several marque campus projects, such as the Ohio Union, the Recreation and Physical Activity Center (RPAC), and North Residential District.
Scott Dickson
Senior Director of Event Services and Guest Experience
Jerome Schottenstein Center
12 years
Dickson is recognized as an expert and leader nationally amongst his peers and from his colleagues within Ohio State. His innovative work and caring for people has enabled a comfortable, safe and enjoyable experience for more than 800,000 annual guests during Jerome Schottenstein Center and other university events. He also serves as a mentor to more than 400 staff and students.
Donna Hight, PhD
Chief Student Life and Retention Officer
The Ohio State University at Mansfield
12 years
Dr. Hight’s dedication to the development, well-being and success of students helps ensure they receive a high-quality experience that is educational, supportive and inclusive. Through her leadership, the Ohio State Mansfield campus has transformed to a combined residential and commuter campus, with the residential population doubling over three years.
Joan Galbraith Jerauld
Office Associate, Animal Sciences
College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
18 years
Jerauld’s support is essential for faculty and staff and she is known as a mentor to students throughout the department. With her problem-solving, student-first and above-and-beyond approaches, she has created an environment where students feel welcome and can succeed.
Luciana Musetti, PhD
Curator, Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology
College of Arts and Sciences
20 years
Dr. Musetti has significantly enhanced the success and excellence of the Triplehorn Insect Collection and Ohio State’s Museum of Biological Diversity. Through her high standards and creative community outreach she has increased the national profile of the collections while simultaneously providing inspiration and enthusiasm to students, staff, volunteers, and visitors.
Cesar Seguil
Director of Academic Services, Teaching and Learning
College of Education and Human Ecology
10 years
Seguil supports more than 400 students with a consistent focus on improving their educational experiences, streamlining academic processes and enhancing diversity. He is viewed as a respected mentor and counselor to domestic and international students, many of whom are non-traditional, and under his leadership the department has increased the number of students from underrepresented populations.
Karen E. Sobul
Fiscal and Human Resources Officer, Languages, Literature and Cultures
College of Arts and Humanities
30+ years
Throughout her career, Sobul’s hard work and dedication has promoted diversity and inclusion that educates and impacts many people across the university. As the creator of multiple programs, tools and cultural activities, Sobul is an inspiring leader who leads by example with empathy, helpfulness and eagerness.
David Will
Director of Computing Services, Astronomy
College of Arts and Sciences
12 years
Recognized for superior support of faculty, staff and students, without Will’s work and the computer systems he maintains, research would not be possible in the Department of Astronomy. His countless creative solutions and eagerness to help resolve challenges have advanced the department’s mission and furthered the research and success of his colleagues and students.