Social Justice in the Workplace
2020 Social Justice in the Workplace Awardees
Jenny Hall-Jones, Ph.D., Senior Associate Vice President and Dean of Students
Dr. Hall-Jones currently serves as the University’s senior associate vice president for student affairs and dean of students, where she is charged with administrative oversight of the Campus Involvement Center, Campus Recreation, Community Standards and Student Responsibility, Counseling and Psychological Services, Health Promotion, the Margaret Boyd Scholars Program, Sorority and Fraternity Life and the Survivor Advocacy Program. As Dean, she leads the university’s crisis response involving students, is a consummate student advocate, serves as the official communicator to parents and families on behalf of the university and recently infused the Baker Center food pantry, the meal swipe donation program and emergency micro-grants into the Dean of Students’ Office programming.
A three-time Bobcat, Dr. Hall-Jones holds a Doctor of Philosophy in higher education, a Master of Education in college student personnel and a Bachelor of Arts in sociology – all from Ohio University.
Katie Meisky, Assistant Manager, Culinary Services
Katie Meisky is an Assistant Manager with Culinary Services, and a longtime member of the Ohio University community. She is a fourth generation OU graduate, and received her undergraduate degree in Spanish from the Honors Tutorial College in 2013. She has worked for Culinary Services for over five years in different roles, and is working toward a master’s in Public Administration. She currently serves on the Division of Student Affairs strategic planning committee for equity and social justice, where she is able to work with an incredible team in an effort to incorporate social justice into the day-to-day work of division employees. She has a passion for student development, which she is able to put into practice as an instructor for a class designed to grow leadership and job skills for student employees.
2019 Social Justice in the Workplace Awardees
Dianne L. Bouvier, PhD, Associate Director for University Accessibility
Dr. Dianne Bouvier has served in various capacities around Ohio University for over 28 years. From her first position as the Student Services Coordinator in the School of Art, to her roles as University Ombudsman and Interim Director, ADA Coordinator and Title IX Coordinator in Institutional Equity and University Equity and Civil Rights Compliance to her current position as Associate Director for University Accessibility, Dianne has taken on roles that seek to provide equal footing and opportunity for all. One of seven children, Dianne grew up in a family that recognized the importance of advocating for social justice within our society. She has shared this passion through her involvement in programs such as the Women’s History Month, Athens Area Mediation Service, the Restroom and Lactation Committees, the Women’s Center’s mentoring program, the Provost’s Women’s Committee. Dianne has advocated for equal opportunity in our employment practices and recognition programs. She is currently Secretary of the Board for the Ohio Industry Liaison Group, a professional association for affirmative action practitioners. As Chair for the President’s Advisory Committee on Disability and Accessibility Planning (PACDAP), she has developed policy and practices to make our university more accessible and inclusive for persons living with disabilities. In the community, Dianne serves as vice president on the Board of Passion Works Studio and sings harmony with Calliope Feminist Choir and the Athens Justice Choir.
Danielle E. Schabel MSN, RN, Lecturer of Nursing
Danielle Schabel (she/her pronouns) is a Lecturer in the School of Nursing on Ohio University Athens campus. In her 10-year nursing career she has focused her experience on emergency nursing and undergraduate nursing education. In her current role, she is the course lead for junior level nursing students- coordinating lecture, lab and clinical experiences for traditional BSN students. Danielle received her Master's degree from Grand Canyon University and earned her undergraduate degrees at Ohio University and Owens Community College. She is enthusiastic about sharing knowledge and experiences, and hopes to empower others to excel in any area they are passionate about.
2018 Social Justice in the Workplace Awardees
Cat Russell, Human Resources Liaison
Catherine “Cat” Russell is an HR Liaison for Ohio University. In her role, she partners with several of OHIO’s colleges and support units to support business needs and strategic plans, especially as they relate to recruitment, development, and retention. Cat is a proud OHIO alumna and began her career in human resources at the university. After spending some time in the private sector, she returned to OHIO where she is able to connect both passion for diversity and inclusion with her knowledge of the human resources field.
Sharon Casapulla, Director, Rural & Urban Scholars Pathways (RUSP) Program
Dr. Casapulla holds a doctorate in Education from Ohio University and a master’s degree in Education from Virginia Tech. Dr. Casapulla is currently the director of the Rural and Urban Scholars Pathways (RUSP) Program at the Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine. The RUSP program addresses health care inequities in underserved communities by supporting the education of medical students who are interested in practicing in rural or urban underserved communities. In her role as director, Sharon develops programming, facilitates small groups, mentors medical students in community-engaged scholarly activities and builds community connections. Her research interests include resilience and the factors that contribute to it. She teaches classes on qualitative research methods.