Robert E. Mahn personal papers

Robert E. Mahn (REM) received his A.B. in history from Miami University in 1935. He received a graduate fellowship in higher education administration at the University of Kentucky, where he received his masters and continued work towards a doctorate. It was depression time,a nd in Fall 1937, when graduate stipends were reduced to below subsistence level, he accepted a position with the National Archives in Washington D.C. In December he accepted the position of Assistant to the Registrar and University Examiner at Ohio University, effective January 1, 1938.

In 1946 REM was named Registrar. After 21 years in that position, and with many additional responsibilities having been assumed, he was named Secretary of the University, a position of his own design. In 1970 President Claude Sowle invited him to be his Assistant, a responsibility he continued under President Harry Crewson and, until his mandatory retirement on June 30, 1984, under President Charles Ping, serving simultaneously as secretary of the Board of Trustees.

Immediately following retirement he assumed a new four and one half year assignment as Special Assistant to the President and Board of Trustees. As part of this assignment he prepared a history of the Sowle and Crewson presidencies.

During his 51 year tenure, REM served under seven presidents. In 1979 he attained the number one position among faculty and staff in years of service to the University. Among not yet mentioned additions to his core titles, at one time four simultaneously, were University Editor, Coordinator of Veterans Affairs, Representative to the North Central Association, Secretary of the Faculty, and, before or after being secretary ex-officio to all University committees, Secretary to the University Council, Curriculum Council, Budget Committee, College of Osteopathic Medicine Advisory Board, and Innovation Center and Research Park Authority.

Recognition by the University came in many forms. Among awards not previously mentioned were honorary alumnus in 1959, Secretary Emeritus to the Board of Trustees in 1984, and the Phillips Medal of Public Service of the College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1984. In 1988 he became a member of the Trustees Academy. He is a life member of the Emeriti Association.

REM passed away on February 1, 2004.