Just as Ohio State’s main campus is welcoming the new leadership of President Karen A. Holbrook, the Marion campus of Ohio State is saying good-bye to one of its most influential leaders — F. Dominic Dottavio.
Dottavio is the dean and director of Marion campus, but beginning July 1, he will become Heidelberg College’s 13th president.
“His departure from our campus will leave a large vacuum not only for Ohio State Marion, but also for the Marion community, where he is extremely well liked and highly respected,” said Debby Shade, spokeswoman for the Marion campus.
Within Dottavio’s nine years at OSU, the Marion campus has seen many positive movements that have benefited students and staff such as the construction of a new library, a childcare center, a maintenance building and an outreach center.
Dottavio also led the campus to a defining moment in its history — its conversion to a residential campus. Officials have begun laying plans that schedule residential halls to open there in 2005.
“Becoming a part of the tradition and future of Heidelberg College is a wonderfully exciting opportunity.” Dottavio said. “I am deeply impressed by the enthusiasm and passion for learning at Heidelberg.”
Dottavio said it was the stress that Heidelberg places on the quality of the student experience that most appealed to him.
“We are indeed pleased that our search has produced such a fine candidate whom the board concurs will provide excellent leadership for Heidelberg College,” said Gary Bryenton a Heidelberg board of trustees chairman.
Though Dottavio may no longer be directly serving OSU, his connections run deep. He graduated from OSU with a bachelor’s degree in 1973. He earned his master’s degree from Yale University and his doctorate from Purdue before returning to OSU to share his education.
“Ohio State is my alma mater and I just love this place,” Dottavio said.
