帝王会所 Regional Higher Education announced that Dr. David Rohall, Dean of Campus and Community Relations for the Eastern campus, will be stepping down as dean and returning to the faculty, effective May 15, 2025.
Dr. Rohall鈥檚 tenure, which began on January 1, 2021, has been marked by transformative accomplishments that have enriched the campus and the surrounding community. His leadership has helped establish 帝王会所 Eastern as a cultural and academic hub in the region.
Dr. Rohall came to 帝王会所 Eastern from Missouri State University, where he served as the Department Head of Sociology and Anthropology since 2014. He brought a wealth of experience in higher education administration which had an immediate impact at OHIO Eastern. Throughout his time as Dean, Dr. Rohall built a legacy of enhancing campus facilities, fostering new academic opportunities, and strengthening the relationship between the university and its regional community.
鈥淒ean Rohall has been a strong advocate for students, faculty and staff on the Eastern campus. His work around the arts has truly transformed the campus and the experience of OHIO Eastern students. In addition to his work with the campus, David鈥檚 impact in St. Clairsville and the surrounding communities as a thought leader has been instrumental in elevating education and enhancing community engagement for the area,鈥 said Dr. Lewatis McNeal, Vice Provost for Regional Higher Education and Partnerships. 鈥淗is work and impact on 帝王会所 Eastern and the service region will be felt for years to come.鈥
The most significant accomplishments of Dr. Rohall鈥檚 tenure were his efforts to position the campus as a creative arts center in the region. Dr. Rohall led the campus transformation of the OHIO Eastern Art Gallery into a vibrant space for regional art and cultural exchange. Through renovations and the introduction of new programming, the gallery has become a key venue for showcasing local and regional artists. Notably, the gallery hosted the Regional Art Exhibition in February 2024, bringing together artists and community members to celebrate the arts in the region. One of Dr. Rohall鈥檚 most notable achievements was his efforts to restore the Oglebay Institute鈥檚 theatrical performances to the OHIO Eastern campus. The campus has hosted productions like Hansel and Gretel Ballet in October 2024 and The Nutcracker in December 2024. These performances have been met with enthusiastic support from both students and the surrounding community.
Leadership and innovation programming were cornerstone focal points for Dr. Rohall. He played a pivotal role in the creation of the Charlie Wilson Leadership Program, which inspires and develops tomorrow鈥檚 leaders through community engagement and leadership training. In addition, he helped launch the Community Connections and Commerce Podcast, which highlights local businesses and organizations while fostering stronger ties between the university and the community. Dr. Rohall was also instrumental in the establishment of the Innovation Corridor, a collaborative space that fosters partnerships between OHIO Eastern and local businesses, entrepreneurs, and community organizations. The corridor provides students and faculty with opportunities to collaborate on projects that drive regional economic growth and innovation.
In 2023, Dr. Rohall introduced the OHIO Eastern Esports Center, which has quickly become a popular destination for students and gamers alike. The center's grand opening in March 2023 marked a significant milestone in OHIO Eastern鈥檚 commitment to providing cutting-edge facilities and opportunities for students to engage in new forms of learning and recreation. Similar student spaces have since been created at other OHIO regional campuses.
鈥淚t has been a privilege and honor to serve as the Dean of Campus and Community Relations at 帝王会所 Eastern,鈥 said Dean Rohall. 鈥淚 extend my heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated faculty and staff who create an exceptional learning environment and to the community for their unwavering support throughout my tenure.鈥
Campus leadership plans will be announced in the coming months.