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Ohio University Alumnus Named Board Of Regents Chancellor

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UPDATE 4:58 p.m. An Ohio University alumnus chosen to lead one of the largest comprehensive systems of public higher education says he's ready to work with business and education leaders to enhance job and educational opportunities in Ohio.

Gov. John Kasich appointed John Carey as chancellor of the Ohio Board of Regents Wednesday.

Carey, a 1981 OU graduate, will officially start on April 29.

“I wouldn't have ever had the opportunity to do any of the things that I've been able to do without the education I received from graduating high school and going to Ohio University,” he said. “Growing up in a small town, I wasn't really exposed to the greater world and that's what Ohio University offered me was the ability to see the bigger picture and to learn from people that have come from different backgrounds than I do.”

Carey echoed Kasich’s vision of integrating higher education with job creation and workforce development efforts.

“Aligning the education for the jobs that are available I think is going to be very important,” he said. “The ability to think, the ability to learn, is important but there are also skills in vocational fields that are going unfilled so we need to concentrate on both.”

In a written statement OU President Roderick McDavis said he looks forward to working with Carey.

“His extensive public service, his bold approach to tackling issues of importance in the Ohio legislature and his commitment to educational access for students in Appalachian Ohio has earned his alma mater’s highest esteem,” McDavis said.

Carey replaces Jim Petro who retired Feb. 1.

He is a native of Chillicothe and currently resides in Wellston with his wife and two sons.


Ohio Gov. John Kasich appointed an Ohio University alumnus as chancellor of the Ohio Board of Regents Wednesday.

John Carey, a 1981 OU graduate, will officially start on April 29.

In a press release from Gov. Kasich’s office, Carey is said "to lead the University System of Ohio – the largest comprehensive system of public higher education in the nation – and will further the administration’s efforts to better integrate higher education into the state’s job creation and workforce development efforts."

Carey replaces Jim Petro who retired Feb. 1.

Dr. Stephanie Davidson has been serving the Board as Interim Chancellor since Petro’s retirement.

Kasich was quoted in the press release saying "John Carey can help to continue to transform Ohio's system of universities into a university system, and in doing so, higher education can become a stronger partner in Ohio's job creation efforts,” he said. “As Chancellor, Carey will work with businesses to ensure that coursework and curricula give students the skills they need to meet the needs of employers.”

OU President Roderick McDavis issued this official statement earlier today:

 “Chancellor Carey has been a key mover in Ohio’s higher education and K-12 education reform movements and, more recently, a staunch advocate for Shawnee State University – experiences that make him well-suited to assume responsibilities as Chancellor of the Ohio Board of Regents,” McDavis said. “His extensive public service, his bold approach to tackling issues of importance in the Ohio legislature and his commitment to educational access for students in Appalachian Ohio has earned his alma mater’s highest esteem. I look forward to working with Chancellor Carey to strengthen Ohio’s public higher education system in the years ahead.”

Carey graduated from OU with a bachelor’s degree in political science, is a native of Chillicothe and currently resides in Wellston with his wife and two sons.