Freshman round the corner from Richland Ave Bridge onto President St. on the way to the activity fair after Convocation on August 26, 2018. Photo by Blake Nissen | For The Post

Who’s Who?

OU, Athens officials students should know

College can seem daunting for Athens-bound students leaving their hometowns and friends behind. Athens is full of new faces and personalities, but there are a few Ohio University and Athens City officials that all students should be aware of as they enter college.

Jesse Jarrold-Grapes | Director of Photography

Hugh Sherman

Hugh Sherman was named Ohio University’s 22nd president in May 2021. This is his last contractual year serving as president, as he is scheduled to exit the role in June 2023.

Prior to serving as president, Sherman was the dean of the College of Business and an OU faculty member. Before joining OU’s staff in 1995, Sherman worked with Swatch Watch, which is a Swiss watch and electronics manufacturer.

Sherman’s office is located in Cutler Hall on College Green.

Tanner Pearson | For The Post

Steve Patterson

Steve Patterson is the Democratic mayor of the city of Athens. Prior to working as mayor, Patterson was a city councilman and an associate professor of health psychology at OU.

Patterson serves on several committees including the Outdoor Recreation Council of Appalachia, Southeast Ohio Public Energy Council and the Athens County Economic Development Council.

Photo provided by Chief Powers

Andrew Powers

Andrew Powers is the police chief of the Ohio University Police Department, located at 118 Ridges Circle. OUPD is responsible for maintaining safety on campus.

OUPD sends out crime alerts when campus security is at risk, which students receive at their OU email account. It also conducts investigations for incidents that occur on campus and enforces criminal laws, according to OU’s website.

Dayna Shoulders

Dayna Shoulders is the newly-elected Student Senate president, which is a governance body that represents university students. Shoulders is also a founder of the President’s Student Cabinet for Inclusive Excellence.

Student Senate’s general body meets every Wednesday during the school year at 7:15 p.m. and students may attend those meetings.

Hannah Schroeder | For The Post

Tom Pyle

Tom Pyle is the police chief of the Athens Police Department, which maintains safety within city limits excluding campus. Although OUPD and APD work together daily, each entity maintains that OUPD jurisdiction falls within campus limits and APD juristicts over the city.

Pyle leads APD in its responsibility and job duties. Students notice the police department commonly patrolling during fest season, on Halloween weekend and during high-density events, though it patrols the city daily.