When Lindsay Bond began her career at Ohio State, she had one goal in mind “change the world one kid at a time.” That passion and ambition led her to make an impact at Ohio State and become a recognized leader in her field.
As the youth protection program consultant in the Office of Human Resources, Lindsay manages the university’s minors program, which includes more than 1,000 university programs and activities involving around 710,000 minors across the state—the largest effort of its kind from any university in the country. Her aim is to create quality programs for youth entrusted in the university’s care while protecting their safety and well-being.
“I knew I wanted to work with youth programs but I didn’t know exactly how to do that,” Lindsay said. “But, I knew I wanted to make a difference.”
After graduating from Ohio State and working in Ohio State’s Office of Recreational Sports, Lindsay transitioned to her current position to help create a safe experience for children under the age of 18 who participate in any Ohio State-sponsored activity or interact with university employees, students or volunteers, including activities like orientation, 4-H programs or athletic camps.
When Lindsay started this position five years ago, she engaged in dialogue with university leaders, faculty and staff to initiate a proactive update to the university’s Activities and Programs with Minor Participants policy, resulting in what is now one of the most well-regarded minors programs in the country.
“The work we do is so much more than checking the boxes on policy,” Lindsay said. “There is always more we can do for these kids.”
Lindsay takes a hands-on approach while addressing safety and health concerns for minors and personally visiting 50-60 programs a year. In this role, she oversees policy requirements to mitigate risks and educates others on how to positively and appropriately interact with minors.
She regularly consults with program and activity directors, offers best practices, assists in implementing safeguards for minors, conducts training and oversees any reports of inappropriate behavior, all to create a comprehensive and accessible source of information.
“I want to make a one-stop shop for staff and faculty and provide all the resources and training they need to host programs and activities for minors,” Lindsay shared. “I’m always looking for ways to keep us on the cutting-edge.”
In addition, Lindsay’s enthusiastic approach and expertise led her to launch a new association for her professional peers across multiple universities, The Higher Education Protection Network. As the association’s first executive director, she drives collaboration across more than 70 institutions to share best practices, procedures and opportunities.
Her compassionate approach and desire for progress are driven by a long-standing commitment to Ohio State and a similarity between her moral aspirations and Ohio State’s dedication to the greater good, according to Lindsay.
“It’s important to me that kids on any campus are as safe as they can be,” Lindsay said. “Being a Buckeye is a part of who I am and I am very grateful to be working alongside outstanding colleagues who are also dedicated to the cause in making our Ohio State community the best it can be.
In 2018, Lindsay received a Distinguished Staff Award, Ohio State’s highest recognition for staff. Lindsay says that through the opportunities Ohio State provides she will continue to grow the minors program and work toward her ultimate goal—to change the world.
More information on the Distinguished Staff Awards | See the full list of 2018 recipients