OHIO Regional Higher Education names new Deans of Campus and Community Relations

Ohio University announced today the appointments of four new deans of campus and community relations for Regional Higher Education.

The new deans were selected following a national search and will focus on the overall administration and vibrancy of the campuses while cultivating community relationships.

“As our regional campuses continue to evolve as part of our One OHIO strategy, our new deans will play crucial roles in leading the campuses into the future,” Executive Vice President and Provost Elizabeth Sayrs said. “Their academic strengths, many talents, and unique perspectives will serve the regional campuses and their communities well.”

Roberta Milliken, Ph.D., will join the Chillicothe Campus from Shawnee State University in Portsmouth, Ohio, where she has served as the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences since 2018. Milliken’s prior service includes roles as founding director of the Women’s Center, chair of the Women’s Forum, and professor of English at Shawnee State University. She received a Master of Arts in English Literature and Bachelor of Arts degree in French language from Ohio University. Milliken earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in medieval language and literature from the University of Toledo. She will begin her new role Jan. 1, 2021.

David Rohall, Ph.D., will join the Eastern Campus from Missouri State University where he has served as department head for Sociology and Anthropology since 2014. His professional experience includes roles as director of the Western Survey Research Center at MSU and professor of sociology and anthropology. Rohall received a Master of Arts degree in sociology from the University of Maryland and Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology from George Mason University. He also holds an Associate of Applied Science in police science from Northern Virginia Community College. Rohall earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in sociology from the University of Maryland. He will begin his new role on Jan. 1, 2021.

Jarrod Tudor, Ph.D., will join the Lancaster Campus from the Wayne College Regional Campus System of the University of Akron, where he served as dean and chief administrative officer since 2016. Tudor previously served as interim dean of the LeBron James Family Foundation College of Education with the University of Akron. He also served as dean and chief administrative officer with two regional campuses of Kent State University. Tudor earned Master of Laws degrees from the University of Akron and Cleveland State University; Master of Public Administration and Master of Business Administration degrees from Kent State University; a Master of Arts degree in Political Science and Juris Doctor degree from the University of Toledo. He has an education specialist degree in Higher Education Administration from Kent State University and a Bachelor of Arts in political science from The Ohio State University. Tudor also holds a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Higher Education Administration from Kent State University. Tudor will start his new duties as dean Nov. 2, 2020.

Hannah Nissen, Ph.D., will transition into the role of dean at the Zanesville Campus from her role as interim associate dean of campus operations. She began teaching at Ohio University Zanesville in 2000 and has previously served as the academic division coordinator and coordinator of the Early Childhood Education program for the campus. Nissen also served as an assistant professor at Youngstown State University and at California State University San Bernardino. She earned a Master of Science degree in family relations and human development from The Ohio State University and a Bachelor of Science degree in child development from Iowa State University. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy degree in family relations and human development from The Ohio State University. Nissen’s new role will begin Oct. 26, 2020.

As part of the One OHIO plan of the University’s strategic initiatives, the new dean role will focus on the overall administration and vibrancy of the campus and on cultivating community relationships that build resilience within the community.

OHIO's regional campuses have served southeast Ohio since 1946 and offer students a vibrant, student-centered learning experience while providing the excellence in education which is an Ohio University tradition.