Visionaries: Honoring trendsetters and risk takers

Ohio State Newark opens the door to life-changing opportunities. The 2025 Progress Report celebrates those who have transformed themselves and inspired others, capturing the heart and spirit of our community. Read their stories below.

Meeting the moment, making a mark

A message from Dean and Director Matthew J. Smith, PhD

Portrait of Dean and Director Matt Smith standings outside Hodges Hall on an autumn day.

Dilu Divaratne sits at a computer screen in the SciDome which has a large planet projected on the screen.

A duty to develop local STEM learners

Dilu Divaratne, PhD, is working to foster the next crop of curious young learners in this community.

Judge LuAnn Cooperrider stands in a courthouse hallway wearing her judge's robe.

Raising the bar from the bench

Judge Luann Cooperrider has successfully given the phrase “ladies first” a whole new meaning.

Portrait of Ken Yeager standing outside the Wexner Medical Center at The Ohio State University in Columbus.

Recognizing pain, restoring people’s lives

Ken Yeager, PhD, lessens stigma of trauma and addiction through a prolific career as a mental health clinician.

student Acacia Rhodes swims underwater wearing goggles next to a fish that is nearly the same size.

Transformational globetrotting

Ohio State Newark is a leader among regional campuses in establishing education abroad opportunities, facilitating fellowships and organizing overseas internships. For many students, these efforts afford them their only chance at meaningful international exposure.

Portrait of Brad Shumaker standing outside on the campus of Ohio State Newark.

Exemplifying Semper Fi

Col. Brad Shumaker led platoons, planning commissions and the Pentagon on 9/11 during his 29-year military career.

Portrait of Brittany Henry standing inside Park National Bank's downtown Newark office overlooking the courthouse and downtown square.

A big break at a breakfast buffet

During her time as a student, Brittany Henry was served perhaps the most important meal of her life.

Portrait of Todd Rickets standing in front of the JPMorgan Chase office building.

From back roads to the forefront of change

Todd Ricketts helps raise JPMorgan Chase’s capacity to stay ahead of the technology curve.

Portrait of Sara Staats outside Founders Hall on the campus of Ohio State Newark.

A founding mother’s mission

As one of Ohio State Newark’s foremost pathfinders for more than 40 years, Sara Staats molded its psychology department into the finely shaped form it displays today.