CHILLICOTHE, OH — The Shoemaker Center was filled with “Bobcat Pride” on Thursday night as Ohio University Chillicothe celebrated nearly 120 local graduates during its 2026 Graduation Recognition Ceremony.
The event marked a major milestone for the regional campus, which has seen 165 students successfully complete their degree requirements over the past academic year.
“Success as a Message”
Keynote speaker Jamie Brown, a 2022 Ohio University alumnus and advocate for Sojourners Care Network, delivered a powerful address focused on the unique strength found in Appalachian communities. Drawing from his own lived experience as a survivor of poverty, Brown urged the graduates to see their diplomas as more than just paper.
“Your success sends a powerful message about what is possible for others across Appalachia and Southeast Ohio,” Brown told the crowd. He encouraged the new alumni to take ownership of their personal stories and recognize the impact their milestones have on the region’s future.
Stories of Resilience
The ceremony featured moving reflections from student speakers Phillip Howard and Jared Kaiser, who each detailed the hurdles they cleared to reach the finish line.
Phillip Howard’s journey is a testament to lifelong learning. A retired disabled combat veteran and first-generation college student, Howard earned an associate degree in 2025 and is now graduating with his Bachelor of Social Work. Having served his country and community as a firefighter and military service member, Howard pursued his degree to set an example for his children. This past year, he put his education into practice through a high-impact internship with Ross County Children’s Services.
A Community Win
The Class of 2026 enters a workforce hungry for skilled professionals in social work, technology, and communications. For many in attendance, the ceremony was a celebration of local talent staying local—proving that the path to success runs straight through the heart of Chillicothe.
Kaiser, a Chillicothe resident and graduate of Westfall High School, began his studies at OHIO Chillicothe as a human biology major before transitioning to nursing. He is graduating cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and plans to begin his career as a registered nurse before pursuing a master’s degree.
Twenty students were named Outstanding Graduates after being nominated by faculty for academic achievement, campus involvement and community service. This year’s Outstanding Graduates are:
- Erika Hellman, Associate of Applied Science, Nursing
- Desiree Willman, Associate of Applied Science, Nursing
- Mikaela Wiley, Bachelor of Science, Communication
- Kadance Fraley, Bachelor of Science in Education, Early Childhood Education
- Marissa Huff, Bachelor of Science in Education, Early Childhood Education
- Hannah Henthorn, Bachelor of Science in Education, Middle Childhood Language Arts and Mathematics
- Jessica Ebert, Bachelor of Science in Education, Middle Childhood Language Arts and Social Studies
- Kylie Fink, Bachelor of Science in Education, Middle Childhood Language Arts and Social Studies
- Cheyanne Kifer, Bachelor of Science in Education, Middle Childhood Language Arts and Social Studies
- Maelynn Quigley, Bachelor of Science in Education, Middle Childhood Mathematics and Science
- Hayden Henthorn, Bachelor of Science in Education, Middle Childhood Mathematics and Social Studies
- Owen Kline, Bachelor of Science in Education, Middle Childhood Science and Social Studies
- Natalie Nelson, Bachelor of Science in Education, Integrated Language Arts
- Trace Smith, Bachelor of Science in Education, Integrated Social Studies
- Josie Courts, Bachelor of Science, Health Services Administration
- Chrysten Kell, Bachelor of Science, Health Services Administration
- Raegan Dick, Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Kylie George, Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Sierra Saxon, Bachelor of Social Work
- Aubrey Wood, Bachelor of Social Work
Earlier in the day, 19 Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduates and 51 Associate of Applied Science in Nursing graduates participated in a nurse pinning ceremony.
During the graduation recognition ceremony, Interim Dean of Campus and Community Relations Michael Lafreniere presented alumni awards to Amy Beeler and Jessica Short.
Beeler is superintendent of the Ross County Board of Developmental Disabilities/Pioneer Center. She earned an Associate of Applied Science degree from OHIO Chillicothe and later completed bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Wilberforce University and Central Michigan University. Her career reflects long-standing leadership and commitment to expanding educational and workforce opportunities in Ross County.
Short earned a Bachelor of Science in middle childhood education from OHIO Chillicothe in 2010 and a master’s degree in educational leadership and administration from the University of Cincinnati in 2013. Her career includes teaching and school leadership roles, including service as principal of the Dayton Regional STEM School. She now serves as director of the Dayton Regional STEM Center and chief of operations for DO STEM.
“These graduates represent the best of what higher education can accomplish when determination is matched by community support,” Lafreniere said. “They are entering fields where our region needs them most and are strengthening the institutions that support our communities.”
