History made: Ohio U appoints first female president

The search for Ohio University’s 23rd president is over. Ohio U’s Board of Trustees held a special meeting today where it appointed Dr. Lori Stewart Gonzalez to succeed President Hugh Sherman. 

The Board of Trustees began by thanking the search committee, which was “vital” in finding the next president for Ohio U. The search committee was composed of 16 members, ranging from Ohio U faculty and staff members, Ohio U alumni, Athens Mayor Steve Patterson, members of Student Senate and Ohio U students.

Board of Trustees Chair Peggy Viehweger, who conducted the meeting, discussed the months-long search. 

“We probably interviewed over 100 people with the resume, brought in ten people, got that down to three people, so it took some time and some effort,” Viehweger said.

The meeting continued by formally conducting the resolution to appoint Gonzalez to be the next president. The resolution passed unanimously and Gonzalez shared her thoughts on her new role at Ohio U. 

“We’re really excited about being part of the community here and part of the university. The roots of Appalachia run deep in my veins, I was born in a small town in southeast Kentucky,” Gonzalez said. “But it’s more important that we think about how we protect our region, how we can make sure that young people have a bright future and then help students from all around the world have a bright future by coming here.”

Viehweger also shared her thoughts on Gonzalez’s appointment in a press release. 

“Dr. Gonzalez has broad experience as an academic leader and a deep commitment to the power of public higher education. What set her apart, however, was her open and honest communication style and her demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and to build strong teams – characteristics our stakeholders told us were of utmost importance” Viehweger said in the release. 

Gonzalez will be under contract as president for six years with a $600,000 salary.. President Emeritus Duane Nellis made $662,248.53 in 2021 and Sherman made $450,970.70 in 2021. 

Gonzalez earned a Bachelors of Arts in speech pathology and audiology from University of Kentucky in 1979, then a Masters of Arts degree in communication disorders from Eastern Kentucky University in 1981. In 1989, he received a Ph.D. in communication disorders from University of Florida.

Gonzalez comes to Ohio U with a long history in the administration of universities inside and outside Appalachia. Most recently, the University of Louisville, where she currently serves as the executive vice president and university provost. Gonzalez also served as interim president at the University of Louisville. 

Additionally, she served as the vice chancellor of academic, faculty and student affairs at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. Her lengthy career doesn’t end there, Gonzalez also was the provost and executive vice chancellor at Appalachian State University from 2011 to 2014. She was also the Dean of the College of Health Sciences at the University of Kentucky from 1991 to 2011. 

During her time at the University of Louisville, Gonzalez achieved a great deal however, she will most notably be remembered for her connection with the student body. 

Tate Luckey, editor-in-chief of The Cardinal, a student-run newspaper at the University of Louisville, expressed his excitement for Gonzalez and reflected on her time at the University of Louisville.

“It's very interesting to watch Provost Gonzalez's rise here at U of L to now being President at Ohio U. In her time here as interim president, she made it her biggest priority to create programs that involve and put the success of students at the forefront,” Luckey said.“Her leadership in devising U of L's strategic plan and establishment of U of L's Center for Engaged Learning are particular highlights of this fact. Ohio University students have much to be excited about in having a president that works so well with the student body.”

Outgoing Sherman talked about Gonzalez’s experience in the field of health sciences as being a key component to her success at Ohio U in a Board of Trustees press release. 

“Dr. Gonzalez’s background in, and knowledge of, the health sciences will serve her well as president of Ohio University,” Sherman said. “A third of our students are enrolled in health sciences professional programs, and we are home to the largest public medical school in the state. In addition, she brings with her a clear understanding of the region we serve.”

Gonzalez’s term will begin July 1.