Outstanding Administrators for 2022 announced

The Ohio University Administrative Senate has presented three employees with the Outstanding Administrator Awards for 2022.

This year’s award recipients are: 

• Tim Epley, associate director of operations, Event Services
• Carly Leatherwood, executive director of communication services, University Communications and Marketing
• Dr. Kimberly Rouse, director of the Survivor Advocacy Program, interim assistant dean of students

First given in 1975, Outstanding Administrator Awards are conferred each year to three individuals who exemplify creativity and innovation, along with distinguished service to Ohio University. The winners are chosen by an Administrative Senate committee after a nomination period and an extensive interview process.

The Outstanding Administrator Award is considered the University’s highest honor for administrative employees, and each year the pool of interview finalists presents the committee with difficult selection decisions.

Outstanding Administrator Award recipients will be honored at this year’s Service Awards Ceremony, which is tentatively planned for June.  The specific date of the ceremony will be announced soon. Hosted by Administrative Senate, the Service Awards Ceremony also includes recognition of University employees with 10 years of service or more to the institution and retiring administrators for their dedication to the University.

Here is more information about Ohio University’s Outstanding Administrators for 2022

Associate Director of Operations Tim Epley 

In his position with Event Services, Epley is responsible for facility and front-of-house operations at multiple event spaces at Ohio University, including Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium, Galbreath Chapel, Baker University Center, and the Walter Hall Rotunda. He has also been responsible for structuring the financials for his department, the supervision and mentorship of a large staff of professional and student employees, the coordination of regalia sales for commencement, and the cap and gown loan program.

Known as a strong student advocate, Epley has taken an active interest in enriching the student employment experience by encouraging supplemental training and professional development opportunities. He also helped to develop best practice guidelines for student employment, which are now in use by the Division of Student Affairs.

Epley is also highly regarded for his leadership in Administrative Senate, where he has served as chair, vice chair, treasurer and member of several committees.

Comments from colleagues about Epley include:

• “The kind of person you want in your office, on your committee, or in your community.”
• “Attentive, an excellent listener, respectful, and empathetic.”
• “Tim’s commitment to our University and his attention to detail are unmatched.”

Executive Director of Communication Services Carly Leatherwood

In her role with University Communications and Marketing, Leatherwood serves as a spokesperson for Ohio University, leads strategic direction for the University’s internal and external communications, and develops and disseminates communication plans aligned with OHIO’s mission, vision, goals, and strategic priorities.

Leatherwood has been integral in the development and ongoing updates of Ohio University's Be Safe Bobcats website and countless University-wide communications. In addition, her timely and thoughtful responses to media inquiries are particularly beneficial in getting the University’s position on the record.

Leatherwood is also active in the community through exemplary work as a long-term advisor to the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority and as board president of Athens County’s Court Appointed Special Advocate/Guardian Ad Litem (CASA/GAL) program.

Comments from colleagues about Leatherwood include:

• “I think Carly is especially deserving of this year’s award because of the way in which she has partnered with all corners of the University to communicate to multiple constituencies with a high degree of accuracy, integrity, speed, and kindness.” 
• “There is deep admiration for her ability to nurture positive relationships across campus and beyond, including being instrumental in supporting First Generation students, OMSAR, and African American Studies.” 
• “Your commitment to the University helped plan, organize and moderate town hall meetings for faculty and staff, for students and for parents.”  

Survivor Advocacy Program Director Dr. Kimberly Rouse, LISW-S

As director of the Survivor Advocacy Program at Ohio University, Rouse has excelled in sustainably managing the program to support student survivors of sexual assault, sexual harassment, dating/domestic violence, and stalking. Rouse directly supports, assists, and advocates for clients, while also providing administrative oversight of the program. 

The “Start by Believing” campaign, which includes a documentary, discussion panel, and educational viewing and discussion guide, is just one of Rouse’s many contributions to the University and the clients she works with. 

Rouse also serves on the Joint Police Advisory Council as a subject matter expert and has been the subject matter expert on additional committees formulating policy related to interpersonal violence. It has been noted that in this vital role, Rouse does “an excellent job of balancing the sometimes competing needs of survivors and law enforcement.”

She also works with various student groups and offices to raise awareness about survivor-centered approaches and to help develop policies, procedures and student training that align with these goals. 

Rouse, who was also named as the interim assistant dean of students in February of 2022, also seeks out opportunities to serve as a mentor to students and colleagues and supports the University community in numerous ways.

Comments from colleagues about Rouse include:

• “A fierce advocate for students who have experienced the trauma of interpersonal violence.”
• “An outstanding mentor for those seeking to work in the field of advocacy.” 
• Rouse is commended for “[moving] flawlessly through unique and disparate roles because of her attention to detail and commitment to the department and students.”