George Voinovich Named OHIO Visiting Professor of Leadership and Public Affairs

ATHENS, Ohio—Former United States Senator George V. Voinovich has been named OHIO Visiting Professor of Leadership and Public Affairs at Ohio University’s Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs. He will begin his work immediately, with responsibilities including writing, seminar creation, public private partnership program development, and the development of the Voinovich Collection, which is permanently housed at Ohio University’s Alden Library.

“We are exceptionally pleased that Ohio University students will directly benefit from the exceptional expertise and experience of George Voinovich. He brings direct expertise from his leadership roles in municipal, county, state, and federal government service,” said Roderick J. McDavis, president of Ohio University. “We are grateful to him for his willingness to share his time and talents with us. He is a source of great pride for his alma mater. We are honored to have this esteemed alumnus and friend return to enrich the educational experience of the next generation of leaders.”

“I have never forgotten the role Ohio University played in my career and my life” said Voinovich. “That is why, of all the accolades I’ve been fortunate to receive during my years in public service none mean more to me than the establishment of the Voinovich School, and the frosting on the cake is the Voinovich Seminar Room in Alden Library.”

The George V. Voinovich Center for Leadership and Public Affairs was established in 1998 when the Ohio University Board of Trustees voted to rename and expand the Center for Public and Environmental Affairs to include an Executive Leadership program and an entrepreneurship program. In 2007, the George V. Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs became the first multidisciplinary school at Ohio University and continues to focus on applied research, leadership development, and applications learning across colleges.

“The Senator’s range of experience, leadership and interests and his passion for public service are unique in Ohio history and will be invaluable for educating and inspiring students at the School and across the campus,” said Voinovich School Director Mark Weinberg. “His hands on approach mirrors the School’s approach to combining education and real world problem solving to make a difference in the lives of the citizens of this State.”

George Voinovich earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in government from Ohio University in 1958, a Law degree from The Ohio State University in 1961, and an honorary degree from Ohio University in 1981. He served as the 65th Governor of Ohio from 1991 to 1998, and as the 54th mayor of Cleveland from 1980 to 1989. Voinovich was the only Governor of Ohio to be granted degrees from both Ohio University and The Ohio State University. Voinovich’s public service includes terms as assistant attorney general of Ohio, member of the Ohio House of Representatives, county auditor of Cuyahoga County, a member of the Cuyahoga County Board of Commissioners, Lieutenant Governor of Ohio, Governor of Ohio, and United States Senator from Ohio.

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