Dean of Students and Interim Vice President for Student Affairs sounds off on “Bobcat Family”
This fall marks my 24th year at Ohio University. If you’d have asked me as a first-year student living in Pickering Hall if I’d be serving my alma mater as the dean of students and interim vice president, I’m sure I would have laughed. Back then, I did not see myself staying and making my life here in Athens, but I am glad that I did. I am so proud and humbled to serve you and this institution that I love. People say that over time something magical happens to students at Ohio University. I understand — because that magical experience happened to me, too.
I believe that the core of that magical experience comes from what we have come to call the “Bobcat Family.” Just like a family, everyone has a place and everyone fits in here. You aren’t required to have a certain style or attitude to belong. Everyone is welcome. But also like a family, we step in and take care of each other, intervene when we need to and challenge each other when things get tough.
I have never been more proud of our student community than I was at the end of last Fall Semester. When a fire devastated Union Street and 19 of our students lost everything, the Bobcat Family was there. I was focused on organizing immediate relief and making phone calls when suddenly I noticed the Baker Ballroom filling up with supplies. We needed you, and you were there. We didn’t even have to ask; it’s just understood that Bobcats take care of each other. The Bobcat Family at work is wonderful to witness and experience.
However, being a member of the Bobcat Family is bigger than responding to an obvious crisis; it’s also stepping in and intervening in tough situations. When someone is expressing suicidal thoughts, it’s making sure that person gets the help they need by connecting them to counseling. When someone is drinking too much, it’s not being afraid to say something. When someone is walking home alone or going home with someone when they’ve had too much to drink, it’s making sure they get home to their own place, alone and safe. When people look lonely, it’s inviting them to lunch. When people are being hurt by words or actions, it means intervening. If you see something, you say something. If we truly are a Bobcat family, we need to also look out for each other even when it’s hard. Some of us already do; I believe we all can.
As we start the new school year, please remember that the faculty and staff at Ohio University are here for you. I’m excited to continue to grow together as a family and community.
Jenny Hall-Jones is the dean of students and interim vice president for Student Affairs.
