Exceptional Ohio State staff recognized for achievements

Dilnavaz Cama has been the heart behind Ohio State’s off-campus and commuter student engagement for nearly 30 years. From student assistant to director, her visionary leadership has built a thriving office that continues to significantly impact students, the university and the community. Dilnavaz is an advocate for her staff and for student success, helping create a culture of growth and collaboration. Her influence extends far beyond her office as she has cultivated strategic partnerships across university departments, local organizations, the city of Columbus and international networks, ensuring her office remains innovative and effective in serving students. These relationships have not only enhanced the quality of services but have also solidified Ohio State’s reputation as a leader in the off-campus housing industry. Guided by her personal motto “kaizen” which means continuous improvement, Dilnavaz’s passion and genuine care have created a lasting legacy.

Michelle Anderson is a highly valued and dedicated professional whose passion and commitment are instrumental to the success of the College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. Recognized for her proactive approach and dedication to creating a strong culture of compassion, equity and integrity, Michelle consistently goes above and beyond to enhance the college’s operations and support of faculty and staff. She expertly coordinates programming and events and assists in leadership development. Colleagues highlighted Michelle’s invaluable contributions, emphasizing her commitment to excellence as a cornerstone of her work. Beyond her operational expertise, she is deeply committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment, especially for junior faculty.

Puja Batra-Wells is a driving force behind the Global Arts + Humanities – an Office of Academic Affairs initiative that is the gateway to cross-disciplinary research at Ohio State. For over six years, her dedication has helped to grow the initiative into a vital hub of support for creative and humanistic approaches to critical societal challenges and solutions. From managing core operations to spearheading signature programs, Puja’s leadership is exemplary. She fosters a culture of empowerment, inspiring innovation through trust and collaboration. Her commitment to excellence, integrity and genuine care makes her an asset.

For more than 20 years, Jesse Buxton’s dedication, exceptional leadership and relentless pursuit of excellence have had a positive impact on Ohio State and the wider community. He represents the backbone of support for Ohio State Extension across all 88 counties in Ohio, dedicated to enhancing the work lives of nearly 800 employees. From navigating complexities of the everyday job to creating user-friendly budget tools, Jesse consistently goes above and beyond. He’s a creative problem-solver who bridges university processes with county needs, all while embodying care, compassion and integrity. His commitment to service goes beyond the standard as he recently volunteered to represent the North Central Region Land Grant Universities on the planning committee for the National Extension and Research Administrative Officers Conference.

Melanie DiFeo is recognized for her exceptional leadership and impact as a senior director and chief of staff and culture initiatives. She doesn’t just manage – she leads with vision, compassion and unwavering dedication that elevates Fisher’s brand and cultivates a more inclusive and supportive culture for faculty, staff and students. Her colleagues shared that willingness to step up and provide guidance across various college units, coupled with her commitment to service and the well-being of the community, is a testament to who she is. She empowers her team, champions staff recognition and consistently goes above and beyond to make Fisher a better place for everyone.

Margaret DiMaria is praised for her impact on the educational landscape at Ohio State. Her expertise and dedication have directly enhanced the learning experience for countless students through the development of engaging and accessible courses. Faculty across the college benefit from her innovative solutions, dependable support and proactive guidance in navigating the evolving world of online and hybrid education. Beyond individual assistance, Margaret has created valuable tools and instills a culture of shared best practices, elevating the quality of teaching and learning throughout the College of Public Health and beyond. Her commitment to student success and faculty empowerment makes her indispensable and a highly impactful member of the university community.

For nearly 30 years, Susan Hatfield has been an invaluable asset to Ohio State’s Office of Technology and Digital Innovation, providing constant support and expert assistance to numerous senior leaders. Her exceptional organizational skills, proactive problem-solving and dedication to excellence have ensured smooth operations and facilitated successful initiatives within OTDI and across the university. Susan’s positive attitude, resilience and genuine care for her colleagues encourages a welcoming and collaborative environment. She is a highly respected member of the Ohio State community, and her significant contributions have had a lasting positive impact on the university’s technological landscape and the people who work within it.

Richard Henricksen significantly enhances teaching and learning at Ohio State through his expertise in educational technology and his innate ability to mentor and support faculty and staff. His pivotal role in the successful implementation of platforms like Canvas and PebblePad has directly impacted thousands of students, providing them with innovative learning opportunities. Richard’s patient and accessible approach makes complex technology easier to understand, cultivating an environment where confident technology integration thrives across disciplines. His proactive problem-solving, continuous learning and collaborative spirit makes him a vital resource.

For more than four decades, Stephen Riley has been the dedicated backbone of Ohio State’s Newark campus’ physical infrastructure. His unparalleled contributions have ensured the consistent and safe operation of critical mechanical systems. Stephen’s proactive approach and quick critical thinking skills have averted numerous campus disruptions, particularly during emergency situations. He also serves as a respected leader and mentor within the facilities department. His long-standing dedication and quiet professionalism have provided a foundational level of reliability that benefits the entire Newark campus community, making him a deeply respected and appreciated member of the university.

Byron Roush has been an instrumental figure in expanding and enhancing educational opportunities. His visionary leadership was paramount in establishing a thriving online MSW program, significantly increasing access to social work education. He is willing to take on any role or task needed to support faculty and student success. His office supports multiple teaching modalities, accessibility and supporting emerging technologies, like generative AI. Byron’s dedication and collaborative spirit are a true testament to innovation within the university.

Beth Ullum has been the heart of the Buckeye experience for students and their families for more than 25 years. From her pivotal role in shaping the iconic Ohio Union to her transformative leadership in Parent and Family Relations, Beth consistently demonstrates her remarkable commitment to the university and its community. She built the “living room” of campus, revolutionized family engagement and serves as a tireless advocate and mentor for both students and colleagues. Beth’s genuine care and magnetic spirit deeply connect the Ohio State community, earning her the affectionate title of honorary mom to countless students.

Wenda Williamson is recognized as a critical force driving CBE’s growth and progress. Her approach to storytelling and focus on strategic communication has dramatically elevated the department’s national visibility, fostered unprecedented alumni engagement and helped to secure crucial funding. She has been fundamental to enhancing the department’s reputation and has helped to strengthen rankings. Beyond the metrics, Wenda’s impact is deeply personal; she champions faculty advancement, empowers students and cultivates a community in which everyone’s contributions are recognized. Students and colleagues deeply admire her knowledge and genuine care, attesting to her significant impact. Her ability to translate complex research into compelling narratives, along with her proactive problem-solving and collaborative spirit, make her an indispensable asset.

Ricardo Zamaripa is a powerful force behind student success at Ohio State. Admired for his leadership, Ricardo helped secure record scholarships, revitalize crucial programs and navigate financial aid transitions, directly empowering students. His adaptability was key during the FAFSA overhaul, where he innovatively ensured access for all students. Ricardo’s expertise, deep compassion and tireless advocacy have created an undeniable impact, affirmed by both students and colleagues who praise his genuine care and mentorship. His commitment to excellence in his work shines through every day making him a vital member of the team.