Martin Tuck introduced as interim dean of the Chillicothe Campus

Martin Tuck was introduced as the interim dean of Ohio University-Chillicothe during a campus-wide meeting in the Stevenson Center Learning Commons on May 25. His appointment officially begins May 31.

Tuck has a strong background as an educator and administrator. Since 2004, he has served as Associate Provost for Academic Affairs for Ohio University. In this capacity, he worked extensively with students and faculty on all of the university’s campuses. He is noted for his fairness and his extensive knowledge of topics associated with higher education.

“Marty understands the culture of Ohio University and embraces the whole focus, including both the Athens campus and the regional campuses,” said Executive Director of Regional Campuses Dan Evans in introducing the new leader of the Chillicothe Campus. “He is a true academic leader and is someone who is a visionary and who really cares about people.”

Tuck emphasized the value of teamwork and having an approach that is focused on the students’ educational experience.

“I appreciate and respect the mission of the regional campuses. I realize that this campus is directly tied to the community,” Tuck said. “I look forward to working together and making Ohio University-Chillicothe the best it can be.”

“First and foremost, I am very student- and faculty-centered. Our students are our most important constituency group, and faculty members are a close second,” Tuck said. “Also, I have a great deal of respect for the administrative and classified staff and the work they do.”

“My leadership style involves listening to all opinions and developing a consensus. I have an open-door policy and welcome the input of others,” Tuck said. “Further, I realize that some decisions cannot be made by committee, and I am willing to make those decisions and take responsibility for them.”

Tuck has been a faculty member and academic administrator at the university for 25 years. He is an associate professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry on the Athens campus and was graduate chair of the molecular and cell biology program for eight years. He also represented the College of Arts and Sciences in Faculty Senate. For three of the years he spent as a senator, Tuck served as secretary on the Executive Committee of Faculty Senate.

Tuck received a doctorate at the University of Tennessee in 1982. He later completed a three-year postdoctoral fellowship at Fels Research Institute of the Temple University School of Medicine. He joined Ohio University in 1986 as an assistant professor of chemistry before being promoted to associate professor of chemistry in 1995.

His research has received funding from prestigious organizations such as the American Cancer Society and centers on the molecular basis of cancer formation. His professional memberships include the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the American Chemical Society, as well as many other honorary societies.

Beverly J. Gray named recipient of OU-C Alumni Leadership Award

Long-time educator and community historical enthusiast Beverly J. Gray has been named the recipient of the Rich Bebee Alumni Leadership Award and will be recognized during Ohio University-Chillicothe’s “Recognition of Graduation” event at 7:30 p.m. on June 10 in the Shoemaker Center.

The award recognizes former OU-C students who exemplify service to the university, philanthropic support, recognition in their professional field and service to the community. The award is named in honor of Richard Bebee, who was dean of the Chillicothe Campus from 2001 to 2010. Jim Lungo received the initial award last year.

“With her passion for education and tireless dedication to helping students realize their potential through academic achievement, Beverly Gray exemplifies the spirit of the Chillicothe Campus in utilizing education as a gateway to opportunity,” OU-C Resource Development Coordinator Joyce Atwood said. “Her legacy is found in the countless individuals in our community who have been impacted by Beverly’s devotion to helping others.”

Gray earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Ohio University in 1971 after taking most of her classes on the Chillicothe Campus. She also pursued advanced studies at Kent State University, Ohio State University, the College of St. Joseph in Cincinnati and Ashland University. She holds certificates in elementary education, vocational education and reading development.

Her 30-year career in the classroom includes teaching elementary classes at Paint Valley Schools from 1968 to 1978, then teaching elementary, middle school and high school students in the Chillicothe City School District from 1978 through 1996. She has also served as an adjunct faculty member of education on the Chillicothe Campus and has worked in the correctional institutions as an adjunct professor of education.

During her teaching career, Gray sought out opportunities where she could make a difference. She served as the School-to-Work coordinator for Chillicothe City Schools as well as a primary teacher and tutor for the Even Start Family Literacy program.

Upon retirement from formal teaching, Gray continued to use her teaching skills to impact the community and others, serving as an education specialist at Adena Mansion and Gardens and as a tutor of students diagnosed with dyslexia at the David Ater Clinic.

She has received numerous professional awards and recognition including induction into the Ohio Women’s Hall of Fame; Educator Emeritus, Chillicothe Education Association; Outstanding Teacher of the year by the Appalachian Center for Higher Learning; and recognition by the U.S. Department of Energy and President Ronald Reagan for her work with disadvantaged youth.

Besides education, Gray’s other passion is history. She is a co-founder of the David Nikens Heritage Center in Chillicothe and has been heavily involved with the Friends of Freedom/Ohio Underground Railroad Association, serving as a regional coordinator. She is also a member of the African-American Council for the Ohio Historical Association.

Gray is one of four distinguished alumni of Ohio University-Chillicothe who will be recognized during the June 10 ceremony. Biographical sketches listing their accomplishments will be displayed in the Bennett Hall hallway, along with last year’s honorees. Other 2011 distinguished alumni include:

Larry R. Cox earned an associate degree in Law Enforcement Technology in 1983 while studying on the Chillicothe Campus. During his college career, he was a member of the OU-C men’s basketball team. He used his college education to benefit his fellow members of the community as a member of the Chillicothe Police Department from 1986 until his tragic death in 2005. Cox impacted the lives of numerous youths as the D.A.R.E. officer for the Chillicothe City Schools, including several students who now attend OU-C. His selfless duty to others was noted by President George W. Bush at the 25th annual National Peace Officers Memorial Service.


Julia Lyddon Gourley earned her bachelor’s degree from Ohio University in 1984. Her professional career has led her to positions with the State Department and the Environmental Protection Agency as well as international conferences. She led the U.S. delegations to meetings of the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedures for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade. She was also the State Department representative on the U.S. delegation to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer and the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management. She has also served as the U.S. representative to the Arctic Council, and leads development of U.S. foreign policy in the Arctic region.

Martha Gerber Rittinger earned a bachelor’s degree in commerce from Ohio University in 1955, a master’s degree from Ohio State University and a Juris Doctorate degree from Capital University Law School. She has since operated two family businesses and has also established her own legal practice. In addition, Rittinger has served as Legal Concerns Chair of the American Agri-Women for 26 years and earned the Ohio Farmers Master Farmer Award in 1998 and the Conservation Award in 2010. Rittinger has been active in the community with groups such as the Ross County Planning Commission, Union Township Zoning Commission, Ross County Board of Mental Retardation and Development Disabilities and the Girl Scouts. Additionally, she supports current Chillicothe Campus students as a member of the OU-C Giving Circle.

Theater activities shine as highlight of Carly Joseph’s college career

As Carly Joseph contemplates the next act in her life, she looks back with fondness at her time in the OU-C theater department and other aspects of her college career. Joseph will be among the students being recognized during the campus’ “Recognition of Graduation” ceremony at 7:30 p.m. on June 10 in the Shoemaker Center. A pinning ceremony for graduates of OU-C’s nursing program will be held at 6 p.m. on June 9 in the Shoemaker Center.

Some of the highlights of Joseph’s college career occurred in the Bennett Hall auditorium, both in rehearsals and performances for various theatrical productions. She was on-stage for seven performances and worked behind the scenes in another three productions. To borrow some theater parlance, the experience was more than just a stage she was going through.

“I have met so many people through theater who have become long-term friends,” said Joseph, a communication studies major from Zane Trace High School. “I transferred to OU-C from Urbana University, and people in the theater program welcomed me with open arms.”

There is a special connection between performers, Joseph explained.

“I think we bond so well because of our shared love of the theater. Friendships are developed as we go through the process of learning about the characters and bringing the play together,” she said.

OU-C’s vibrant theater program has been a natural outlet for Joseph. “I have always been drawn to theater. I think it’s largely because I am outgoing and upbeat, and this allows me to express myself. Also, I enjoy getting in-depth with a character and portraying another person. It is fun to analyze characters and understand what motivates them. Acting is something I really enjoy and is a good break from the classroom part of college life.”

Joseph looks to find a career that allows her to continue that creative expression. “I would like to work with the media, possibly in writing, entertainment or even acting,” she said. This summer, she will be working as an on-field emcee during between-innings promotions with the Chillicothe Paints after serving as an intern with the Paints last year.

Her OU-C experience has mainly been about the people she has met. “I like this campus. When you walk into the library, people greet you with a friendly wave and the professors care about the students. I feel I am prepared for life after college. For example, a lot of my friends on campus are older than I am, and that helps to develop maturity.”

Among those “older” friends is her mom, Winda, a fellow OU-C student who is majoring in Technical and Applied Studies.

“I love having my mom as a fellow student,” Joseph said. “We get to drive to school together and I see her between classes. We can share experiences.”

Winda Joseph said, “We have always had a good relationship. I think, or hope, we can talk with each other about almost anything. She has helped me with what classes to take. We get coffee together most mornings in the Stevenson Center lounge and even study together at home.”

Carly, the most recent recipient of the Jayne Stone Brown Theater Scholarship, has made an impression on other members of the campus community.

“She brings to the theater experience an intelligence, dedication, curiosity and energy which always enliven the typically difficult and grueling rehearsal process,” OU-C faculty member and theater director Ken Breidenbaugh said. “Carly delivers the goods in the performance setting, and is, in my opinion, well poised for a career in theater. She has represented the theater program and the university very well, and she deserves our gratitude and congratulations.”

That energy is apparent in her academic pursuits.

“She is not afraid of hard work, and she brings this energy to the classroom as well. Her performance on stage, like her writing, is flawless and professional.” English instructor Pam Kraft said. “Yet she is a very caring, sensitive person, bursting with creativity. She has the soul of an artist. She seems to be able to relate to anyone, and she gets along with all kinds of people very well. Carly reminds me of a golden star-- bright, warm and profound.”

Upcoming Campus Events

• Nursing pinning ceremony at 6 p.m. on June 9 in Shoemaker Center


• Recognition of Graduation event at 7:30 p.m. on June 10 in Shoemaker Center