RHE Leadership

Contact Information

Email: mcneall@ohio.edu
Phone: 740.593.9952

Education

• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Public Health Sciences – University of Louisville
• Master of Public Health (MPH) – Western Kentucky University
• Bachelor of Science in Nutrition – University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

About Lewatis

Dr. Lewatis McNeal is currently the Vice Provost for Regional Higher Education at Ohio University, where he leads the regional higher education system, collaborates with leaders to address educational needs, and develops strategies for enrollment, student success, and community engagement.

Previously, he served as the Associate Dean of Administration and Diversity at the University of Arkansas' College of Education and Health Professions, overseeing administrative operations and leading diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. He also worked as Associate Dean/Clinical Associate Professor of Public Health at Northern Kentucky University, where he led administrative operations and initiatives focused on diversity, inclusion, and academic quality.

Responsibilities

• Leads and manages the Regional Higher Education system at Ohio University.
• Collaborates with leadership teams to identify and respond to educational needs in the service region.
• Develops and implements strategies for enrollment, student success, and community engagement for the regional campuses.

Awards and Recognition

• Northern Kentucky University’s Black Faculty and Staff Association Presidential Award (2018-19).
• 2019 Alumnus of the Year from the University of Louisville School of Public Health and Information Sciences.

Personal Interests

In his free time, Lewatis loves to spend time with family and friends, trying new local cuisines and exploring destinations.

Contact Information:

740-774-7207
millikenr@ohio.edu

• Distinguished Faculty Lecturer Award (2014) from Western Illinois University, Macomb, IL
• Provost's Award for Excellence in Scholarly Activities (2010) Western Illinois University, Macomb, IL

Contact Information:

740-533-4610
marinski@ohio.edu

Contact Information: 

740-588-1525
nissen@ohio.edu

Contact Information

Email: andersc3@ohio.edu
Phone: 740.593.4768

Education

• PhD in Higher Education, Ohio University
• Masters in Corporate Media, Marietta College
• Bachelor of Art in Organizational Communication, Marietta College
• Associate of Art in Liberal Arts, Washington State Community College

About Carissa

A Southeast Ohio native, Dr. Carissa Anderson started her career at Washington State Community College (now Washington State College of Ohio) in Marietta, OH working with career-technical access programming. She joined Ohio University in 2007, developing the university framework for community college partnerships, articulation agreements, and support services for online and distance students. She began working with OHIO’s regional campuses as an Assistant Dean in 2011 and transitioned to her current role Associate Vice Provost for Regional Higher Education in 2022. 

Dr. Anderson is passionate about creating educational access opportunities for students throughout Southeast Ohio, and her role provides opportunities to collaborate with colleagues across all OHIO campuses for academic planning and student support services.

Responsibilities

Carissa oversees the strategic development and implementation of the regional course schedule; collaborates with academic leaders on current and future regional campus programming; partners with student services operations across all university campuses; serves on regional campus and university-wide leadership teams and work groups; and provides thoughtful guidance on academic and/or student support policies and processes for the regional campuses.

Awards and Recognition

• HERS Institute (2017)
• Distinguished Alumni, Washington State Community College (2011)

Personal Interests

In her free time, Carissa enjoys watching sporting events (especially if one of her sons is playing), spending time with family and/or friends, and falling into a good book while relaxing on her deck.

Contact Information:

Grosvenor Hall
Athens, OH
hayden@ohio.edu

Contact information: stclairr@ohio.edu

Education

Master of Business Administration, Ohio University

Bachelor of Business Administration, Ohio University

About Rosanna

A Southeast Ohio native, Rosanna started her career as a first-generation college student and student employee at the Ohio University Zanesville campus. As a student employee, she workedin the Office of Continuing Education supporting graduate programs, workshops, continuing education and business & industry.  After completing her first OHIO degree in 2001, Rosanna joined the staff full time overseeing and managing the Zanesville campus budget and financesand later oversaw the budget for Eastern campus. In 2012, Rosanna joined the Regional Higher Education office as Director of Budget and Operations and assumed responsibility for managing and overseeing budget operations for the five regional campuses.  She transitioned to her current role as Strategic Operations & Chief Finance and Administrative Officer in 2025.

Responsibilities

As a member of the senior leadership team for Regional Higher Education, provides strategic council regarding administrative and financial operations.  Rosanna oversees the development of budget, business strategies, financial planning, and human resources functions. She partners with executive and campus leadership across all regional campuses and serves on regional campus and university-wide leadership teams and work groups.

Personal Interests

In her free time, Rosanna enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading books, gardening, going to the beach, and enjoying the family farm.

Contact Information

Email: adkinss3@ohio.edu
Phone: 740.593.0048

Education

• Bachelor of Technical and Applied Studies, Ohio University
• Associate of Applied Business, University of Rio Grande and Rio Grande Community College

About Shanna

Shanna is a lifelong resident of Ohio and a first-generation college student. In 2013, Shanna joined Ohio University as an Administrative Services Associate for eLearning OHIO and Regional Higher Education.  In 2023, she assumed her current role as Administrative Specialist for Regional Higher Education. 

Responsibilities

Shanna provides administrative support to the RHE central office such as organizing and maintaining information; event logistics; travel arrangements; and other miscellaneous tasks and projects. She also serves as the hiring manager for vacant staff positions across the regional campus system. She collaborates with regional campus leadership, department administrators, and UHR in filling positions from the time positions are posted until the candidate is hired.

Personal Interests

Shanna loves 80s music, Ford Mustangs, and animals, especially dogs. In her free time, you will find her spending time with her family and fur babies.  

Contact Information: 

Collins Center 148, Ohio University Southern
740-533-4618
riehl@ohio.edu

Contact Information: 

Elson Hall, Ohio University Zanesville
740-588-1212
tumblin@ohio.edu

Contact Information

Email: priorb@ohio.edu
Phone: 740.681.3368

Education

• Masters in Business Administration, Franklin University
• Bachelor of Art in Rhetoric and Communication, Kent State University

About Kreig

In 2020, during the pandemic, Kreig joined Ohio University as Regional Coordinator for Internal and External Communications at OHIO Chillicothe. This eventually led to a promotion in 2022 to Manager of Communications and External Relations at OHIO Lancaster. In 2023, he assumed his current role as Interim Senior Director of Regional Campus Marketing & Partner Outreach for Ohio University’s Regional Higher Education department, where he oversees marketing strategies and partnerships across the university’s regional campuses.

Responsibilities

Kreig collaborates with RHE Managers of Communication across five regional campuses to identify and implement system-wide initiatives that address local needs in areas such as branding, content strategy, advertising, marketing, web strategy, and social media. He oversees the development and distribution of news and information both internally and externally through various channels, including weekly publications, emails, websites, and printed materials.

Serving as a campus liaison to University Communications and Marketing (UCM), he ensures adherence to university brand standards and expectations. Additionally, he supports external relations efforts, fostering connections and promoting engagement with key stakeholders.

In a supervisory capacity, Kreig leads his team by planning, assigning, scheduling, and reviewing their work to ensure quality standards are maintained. His leadership aligns with the mission and vision of OHIO, driving impactful outcomes and supporting the university’s strategic goals.

Awards and Recognition

• Ohio Department of Education Teaching Licensure
• Gannett Leadership 5.0 Award Recipient

Personal Interests

Kreig is deeply passionate about exploring new cultures through travel, books, and meaningful conversations. Antiquing is one of his favorite pastimes, as he enjoys discovering unique items that tell a story and add character to a space. Kreig has also cultivated a fascinating collection of kaleidoscopes, drawn to their intricate designs and ever-changing patterns.

A nature enthusiast, Kreig finds inspiration and peace in outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, or simply enjoying the beauty of the natural world. In the kitchen, he loves experimenting with new recipes and culinary techniques, often exploring flavors from diverse cuisines.

Community involvement is central to Kreig's life. He actively volunteers with local non-profits, supporting church initiatives, and hosting international students which fosters cultural exchange and meaningful connections. In his spare time, you will find Kreig relaxing with his wife (Jillian), his two boys (Ansel and Hudson) and his dogs (Banjo and Milo).

Contact Information

Email: lafrenie@ohio.edu
Phone: 740.774.7766