Ohio University's Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service

Home
United States
Athens, OH
Ohio University's Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service

The Voinovich School is a catalyst for collective impact in entrepreneurship, energy & the environment. News and World Report Best Public Affairs Grad Schools.

The Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service is a catalyst for regional, state and national collective impact in the areas of entrepreneurship, energy and the environment, and public and social engagement policy areas. Ranked as the 39th Most Innovative Public Service Schools in the country, the Voinovich School was also recently elevated to the top 100 U.S. By blending real-world problem

solving and government, nonprofit sector and industry partnerships with education, students are offered unique learning opportunities as they prepare for careers serving the public interest in Ohio University's rural region and beyond.

06/08/2026

Ever since graduating from OHIO, Rebecca Miller, MPA '13, has used what she learned to further her work in public policy, advocacy and community organizing. 💚

After graduation, she joined OHIO as an administrator. At the time, the Ohio University College of Health Sciences and Professions had a partnership with the local Child Advocacy Center, which she helped recover from financial and program struggles as executive director for three years.

Since 2024, Rebecca has been executive director of community relations and engagement for the college.

"Being aware of what's happening in the world, our community, institutions, organizations, their policies and funding — that's really important in our partnership work. My MPA has been exceptionally helpful in thinking about how partnerships should be reciprocally beneficial, but also in thinking critically about how the community and University can work together to address important health and social issues."

📰 ohio.edu/news/2026/05/mpa-graduate-rebecca-miller-prompts-public-advocacy-ohio

06/05/2026

The 14th Annual Appalachian Ohio State of the Region Conference, held in May, uplifted key contributions on job, housing, and energy initiatives in Southeastern Ohio. 💡

Hosted by the Voinovich School, the event drew 350+ attendees in person on the Athens campus and online. The conference included networking opportunities and panels, focused on the theme "Jobs that Last: Stability, Growth, Retention."

Thank you to all speakers, attendees, partners and sponsors that made the day possible! 💚

📰 ohio.edu/news/2026/06/appalachian-region-conference-focuses-job-housing-energy-initiatives-southeastern-ohio

06/02/2026

Congratulations to internationally known entrepreneur and leader David Wilhelm, '77, for being named the 2025 Konneker Medal for Commercialization and Entrepreneurship recipient! 👏

David served as co-chair of the Voinovich School Partners Group for many years. He is the co-founder and chair of HGR Energy, a company developing solar and battery storage projects across the world.

The Konneker Medal was established by the Ohio University Foundation to recognize those who have demonstrated excellence in innovation, invention, commercialization and entrepreneurship. 💡

📰 ohio.edu/news/2026/05/ohio-alumnus-david-wilhelm-named-konneker-medal-winner

06/01/2026

Jasmine Lastery-Butler, '11, walked in the footsteps of of her family by getting her undergraduate degree at OHIO. She currently serves as district director in U.S. Rep. Shontel Brown's office, and is a member of the Voinovich School Advisory Board. ⭐️

She credits the experiences she had at OHIO with preparing her for her career and wants to give back to current students. Her seat on the Advisory Board gives her a pathway to help students transition into public service careers.

“The opportunities at Ohio University allowed me to branch off in different ways that I didn’t realize until later in life. The people that I met along the way are part of my path here. Without that experience, I wouldn’t have been as confident doing the work that I’m doing.”

📰 ohio.edu/news/2026/04/lastery-butler-promotes-career-pathways-voinovich-school-advisory-board-member

05/29/2026

Looking to expand your career opportunities? Stop by the Virtual MSSR Open House! 💻

Join us Friday, June 5, from 12-12:30 p.m. ET, to learn more about the Online Master of Sustainability, Security and Resilience degree!

Explore graduate certificate options and scholarships that are available, plus meet with faculty.

Register today » https://grad.ohio.edu/register/?id=2d310e89-9f85-46b6-81b7-0ded3b712d3a

05/28/2026

Public trust matters — especially when organizations are serving vulnerable populations and families who depend on critical services.

The Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service works with county boards of developmental disabilities and the Ohio Association of County Boards of DD on leadership, strategy and communications efforts that help local boards better connect with their communities.

At the OACB Spring Conference, Executive-in-Residence Scott Milburn presented to county board leaders on communicating mission, demonstrating public value and building long-term community trust and support.

05/27/2026

A deep connection to Southeast Ohio and nostalgia brought Joe Brehm to OHIO for the Master of Science in Environmental Studies program. Now, he is the Co-CEO at Rural Action.

In his current role, he thrives on the variety of each day, whether he is focused on fundraising strategy or visiting his programs' hands-on forestry work in the field.

"If I could give any advice to students, it would be to trust that your thoughts, instincts and passions are of the utmost importance to the world ... When you're at the beginning of a career, it’s difficult to have confidence that your perspective matters, but you should pursue those interests relentlessly, it will take you somewhere worth going."

📰 ohio.edu/news/2026/05/ohio-graduate-discusses-career-public-service-offers-words-advice

05/26/2026

Looking for a new book to read this summer?

"Becoming the Voinovich School" by Greg Browning, which shines a light on our school's history and public service, is on sale as part of the Ohio University Press Summer Reading Sale, happening now until June 4! 📖

Use promo code “SUN” for 40% off all books.

View the book & explore the sale » https://www.ohioswallow.com/9780821426821/becoming-the-voinovich-school/

05/25/2026

Today, we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation 🇺🇸

Wishing our Bobcats a safe Memorial Day from Athens, OH 💚

05/22/2026

Congratulations to Executive MPA alumna Sarah Simmons, '25, for being recognized with the Community Engaged Administrator Award! 👏 💚

Awarded by the Ohio University Center for Community Impact, the award acknowledges exceptional strength and impact of the awardee's contributions to community engagement.

Sarah, a communications and external relations manager, was recognized for her leadership in strengthening Ohio University-Southern’s role as a key connector between the University and the surrounding region.

📰 ohio.edu/news/2026/05/ohio-university-recognizes-faculty-administrative-leaders-excellence-community

Address

Building 21, The Ridges
Athens, OH
45701

Telephone

+17405939381

Website

http://www.ohio.edu/voinovich-school

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Ohio University's Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Want your university to be the top-listed University in Athens?