To the Ada community,

As one of your newest village residents, I’d like to thank you for already making me feel like I’m home. Since becoming Ohio Northern University’s president this past summer, your warm welcome and hospitality has made all the difference.

This close-knit and supportive community, which has helped make ONU such a successful learning hub, is one of the reasons I decided to move here and accept this exciting leadership opportunity.

I was raised in Mansfield, Ohio, a city similar to Ada in that it’s comprised of kind, industrious people with family-centered values. In turn, I also worked hard to earn engineering degrees, ultimately becoming a teacher and administrator at universities in “that state up north,” in Alabama, and here in Ohio. I have two amazing adult daughters and a sweet, rescue boxer, Schatze. Along with helping students become the best version of themselves, I have a love for baking, and, I discovered, for Ada’s Harvest and Herb Festival! Participating in this community event gave me a great opportunity to meet many of you in person.

I’m hoping to interact with more of you to hear your stories, to learn from you, and even to lean on you a bit as we work together to recruit and retain more ONU Polar Bears. As ONU continues to find enhanced ways to educate, serve, and enrich our students, our community, and the public at large, your collaboration and great ideas will be integral to our shared success.

At the same time, we’re hoping that you’ll always take advantage of this wonderful University that’s right in your backyard. You have an open invitation to experience the myriad remarkable events, celebrations, and public learning opportunities here. For instance, plan to see some of the amazing shows at the Freed Center for the Performing Arts and Presser Hall, stop by the Elzay Gallery, attend a public presentation that just might relay something you consider amazing, cheer on the Polar Bears during an athletic event, and celebrate Homecoming 2022 with us from October 21-22.

Again, thank you for welcoming me. I look forward to strengthening existing community partnerships, to forging new ones, and to simply offering you a handshake and my own hello.

Go Bears!

Melissa J. Baumann, Ph.D.
ONU’s 12th President