At Ohio University, faculty members are decorated with multiple degrees and have decades of real-world experience, making them highly qualified to teach the next generation of business professionals, scientists, journalists, engineers, teachers, the list goes on.
OU owes much of its esteemed reputation to its faculty whose work has played a role in earning the university a variety of prestigious achievements. One of which is the Carnegie R1 Classification, which is awarded to institutions indicating the highest level of research activity.
This R1 classification is also due to the employment of Ph.D.-level personnel engaged in research. As OU is regarded for its high levels of research across the institution, more than 100 faculty members are recognized for contributing to the development of knowledge, professional service, teaching and mentoring.
“This is a significant milestone for our great University. This Carnegie R1 Classification amplifies OHIO’s ability to attract additional outstanding faculty and more research dollars, which will ultimately lead to innovation and discovery to the benefit of our global society,” OU’s former President Hugh Sherman told OHIO Today.
Research dollars also contribute to the R1 recognition. Institutions with the Carnegie R1 Classification spend, on average, at least $50 million annually on research and development. Faculty at OU are responsible for this esteemed recognition and it is only half of their role at the university.
Aside from their support and dedication to research, OU faculty are decorated with awards and certificates for their notable contributions to their fields and industries. Known as OHIO Faculty Newsmakers, the university recognizes faculty members for their work, insights and expertise that have elevated OU’s national and global profile.
Ways in which faculty may be recognized under this title include, “being quoted as an expert or source in one or more media stories, having research or creative work picked up by multiple news outlets, being featured in a significant media profile or article and receiving an award or honor highlighted by the media.”
Roberto Duncan, an associate professor of economics and M.A. graduate chair in the College of Arts and Sciences, is a Faculty Newsmaker for 2025. In March, Duncan was featured in local and national media for his analysis on the new tariffs, providing insights into how the tariffs could lead to higher consumer prices, disrupting supply chains.
Sharon Casapulla, director of rural and urban scholars pathways program and assistant professor of primary care in the Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, is also a Faculty Newsmaker who, in February, was featured in the Columbus Dispatch. Casapulla discussed the critical issue of healthcare deserts in rural Ohio, placing an emphasis on the profound impact on communities where access to medical services is limited or nonexistent.
Duncan and Casapulla are two of the seven Faculty Newsmakers who have contributed extremely to OU’s institutional recognition, but there are many faculty members who provide the same recognition and have yet to be recognized.
Faculty members are credited with paving the way for students and opening industries to the next generation of experts. To have such esteemed faculty working so closely with students through research and development, an institution such as OU is spectacularly different and should be recognized for its dedicated faculty.
Daphne Graeter is a senior studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnist do not reflect those of The Post. What are your thoughts? Let Daphne know by emailing her at dg422421@ohio.edu.
