Three 2020 Outstanding Administrators announced

Three Outstanding Administrators, David Scott Carpenter, Wayne Chiasson and Nicholas Lather, and more than 160 administrators will be recognized during the 2020 Administrative Service Awards Ceremony when it is held on Oct. 13 during the 2020-21 academic year.

The annual spring semester ceremony, which had to be postponed from March 31 due to the coronavirus pandemic, recognizes the service of those employed for 10 years or more and also celebrates retiring administrators for their outstanding work and dedication. Every honoree will receive a gift according to their years of service.

First given in 1975,  Outstanding Administrator Awards  are conferred each year to three individuals who exemplify a strong commitment and distinguished service to Ohio University. The winners were chosen by an Administrative Senate committee after a ­­nomination period and an extensive interview process. Read more about this year’s three recipients:

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David Scott Carpenter, Director of Laboratory Animal Resources

In his position, Carpenter is responsible for ensuring the welfare of all animals used in research across the university, including regional campuses.

Highlights of his career:

• Stays current on his job by working with the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, which lays out the protocols associated with animal research
• Has served as an administrative senator since 2007
• Community work includes 4-H leader and Clay Target team volunteer at Athens High School
• Serves as archery coach at Athens High School and Athens Middle School
• Active member of Ducks Unlimited
• Serves as an Ohio Division of Wildlife Hunter Education instructor

Anonymous quote about Carpenter: “You are the epitome of what Ohio University counts as commitment to excellence. Many of your colleagues have described you as the reason they have not departed for another university.”

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Wayne Chiasson, Physics and Astronomy Department Administrator
In his position, he balances outreach, research and academics in a large, complex department while overseeing five administrative staff who support four research institutes, six lab support staff, two direct-report IT staff and a public relations person.

Highlights of his career:

• Outside-the-box thinker who assisted the department in finding sufficient resources to build a helium recovery facility.
• Approaches challenges in non-traditional ways that allow the department to support a modern and diverse research agenda.
• Serves on numerous department committees that provides input into policy development and implementation.
• Supports continuous improvement in both efficiency and effectiveness.
• Helped in the development of youth in the community and served as a coach.

Anonymous quote on Chiasson: “You navigate and balance academic, facility and personnel realms while welcoming constructive communication. You are always concerned with doing the right thing and being honest. Last, you continually seek improvement, finding ways to get things done and make things right.”

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Nicholas Lather, Chief Pilot, Gordon K. Bush Airport
In his position, he manages and directs airport operations for the campus community. He focuses his efforts on safety, education and creates an experience with everyone who flies with him.

Highlights of his career:

• Has transitioned from student, to co-pilot, to captain, to chief pilot during his 20 years at OHIO and has flown over 800,000 miles.
• Shares the calendar of Bobcat Air and allows open seating to be filled free of charge, which allows cost efficiency and encourages collaboration among departments and colleges.
• Developed an internship program that has produced 270 pilots.
• Led a humanitarian mission trip that delivered 19,000 pounds of supplies to Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria struck the island in 2017.
• Flew nine people back to safety in the U.S. from Puerto Rico as part of this mission.
• Attends local high school fairs to recruit students to the field of aviation.
• Provides free supervised flight hours to student pilots who can’t afford to pay for them.
• Recognized by the National Business Aviation Association as a ‘Top 40 Under 40,” which highlights young leaders in business aviation.

Anonymous quote about Lather: “He is the brand for Ohio University business aviation nationwide. If you attend Ohio University, people know you’ve flown with Nick Lather and people respect you for that. He is a supreme professional.”