Ohio University Honors Tutorial College

OHIO students took a trip to Dysart Woods in Belmont, as part of a honors course taught by Dr. Jacqueline Yahn, associate professor of middle childhood education at Ohio University Eastern. 🌳

The course, titled "Defending Dysart: The Story of Southeast Ohio’s Old Growth Forest,” was open to students on the Athens and Eastern campuses and was in partnership with Marshall Dyer, land protection manager for the Captina Conservancy.

Students participated in virtual classes before spending a weekend in the woods focusing on ecology, activism and environmental stewardship through guided hikes, collaborative problem-solving activities, community discussions and hands-on conservation work. 🌱

📰 ohio.edu/news/2026/05/ohio-honors-course-connects-students-stewardship-history-dysart-woods

Congratulations to Breanne Sisler, assistant dean of HTC, for being awarded an Outstanding Administrator Award! 🌟

Awarded annually to three individuals who exemplify creativity and innovation, along with distinguished service to Ohio University, Breanne was celebrated at the annual Administrative Service Awards Ceremony.

In her role, Breanne dedicates her time to supporting students in difficult situations, helping them get back on track. She also leads initatives tied to new programs Ohio Honors Early Experience Program and the Templeton, Appalachian, Rankin and Urban Scholarship programs.

Julia Schneider, colleague and nominator, shared that Breanne “is the go-to person for anything honors-related. Not only do students trust her, but staff and faculty rely on her to keep the Honors Tutorial College running smoothly.” 💚

During spring break, 17 OHIO Honors students traveled to Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky. 🦣

The two-credit hour course was designed to engage students with the economy, ecology and culture of the area, also showing the complexity of the National Park system.

In addition to seeing cave formations, bats and salamanders, the trip included a community service project, an after-hours tour of the historic main entrance, a private tour of the Great Onyx Cave, a visit to the Bransford African American Cemetery and more.

The course was designed by by Geoff Buckley, HTC associate dean, and Michelle O'Malley, executive director of the Office of Experiential Learning.

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

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

Congratulations to all Honors Bobcats who were honored on the Spring 2026 academic achievement lists! 🎊

HTC had 265+ students recognized on the President’s, Provost’s and Dean’s Lists. 👏

View full lists and info » ohio.edu/news/2026/05/ohio-announces-spring-semester-2026-student-academic-achievement-lists

Finding time to read 📖

Dean Dr. Kristina Bross wanted to help students find time to relax. In collaboration with the Athens County Public Libraries Bookmobile, the result was Drop Everything And Read (DEAR) hour.

Throughout the spring semester, DEAR was held every other week, giving students an outlet outside of their studies.

“I hear from so many students that they want to read more or that they miss reading for pleasure. To be honest, it’s hard for me to find time in my schedule, even though I am an English professor at heart and have a stack of books on my bedside table." — Dean Dr. Kristina Bross

📰 See what books students recommend here: ohio.edu/news/2026/03/dear-readers-picking-your-next-book

Katie Callahan, '28, an HTC student studying geography, documented a field trip students in Dr. Yeong Kim's Urban Geography classes took to Central Ohio earlier this spring.

She noted that students were eager to learn from professionals in both the public and private sector as the group made its way through each of the four stops, asking questions and meeting OHIO alumni along the way.

📰 Learn more about the trip from Katie's point of view here: ohio.edu/news/2026/03/urban-geography-students-take-field-trip-central-ohio

Earlier this year, HTC students Lola Morano, Kate Wiselogel and senior Sarah Braun worked on an exhibition about George V. Voinovich at the Slovenian Museum and Archives in Cleveland. 📜

To prepare for the exhibit, the students looked at the George V. Voinovich Collection in the Mahn Center for Archives and Special Collections. They sourced items they best felt would showcase the late senator.

The final exhibit was called, "Together We Can Do It! George Voinovich and the Work of Government."

The Community Campus Coalition has named Ohio University student Ava Wood as a recipient of the statewide 2026 Charles J. Ping Student Service Award. 👏

The statewide award recognizes outstanding undergraduate leadership in community service and civic engagement.

Ava, a third-year HTC student studying environmental studies, was chosen for the award for her focus on connecting student organizations with community-identified needs and expanding access to service opportunities.

📰 ohio.edu/news/2026/04/ohio-university-student-ava-wood-receives-statewide-charles-j-ping-student-service

Congratulations, HTC Class of 2026! We're so proud of all you've done to earn this achievement. 💚