Jim Rathman wins President and Provost's Award for Distinguished Faculty Service

It was an important topic for the department to discuss, so no one questioned the aberrant time and location for the faculty meeting. All faculty were encouraged to attend – especially one faculty member in particular.

But no sooner had the meeting gotten underway when it was interrupted by an impressive cadre of university officials: President Drake, followed by Kay Wolf, Vice Provost for Academic Policy and Faculty Resources; Bruce McPheron, Interim Executive Vice President and Provost; W. Randy Smith, Vice Provost for Academic Programs; Randy Moses, Professor and Associate Dean for Research, College of Engineering; and Scott Herness, Interim Dean of the Graduate School, as well as university photographer Kevin Fitzsimmons and videographer Rick Harrison. 

“Please excuse the interruption,” President Drake began, “but we’re here to honor a very special individual. Each year our office selects two faculty for the Distinguished Faculty Service Award. I’m sure you can appreciate that this is a very selective honor, with just two awards given per year. And this year, I’m delighted to announce that Jim Rathman has won the award.”

After some hearty applause, President Drake added, “The work that Jim does is what makes us what we are. And so I’m very pleased to present this certificate to you, Dr. Rathman.”

The room was filled with a sense of exuberant surprise and enthusiasm as the presentation team continued with their offers of congratulations and words of appreciation. 

Kay Wolf kicked off the congratulatory comments by saying, “I’m very honored to have worked with Jim over the years. If anyone is a better leader in service, I don’t know who it is.”

Bruce McPheron and Randy Moses also added their comments of support and appreciation. “Jim has made a huge difference to the 300 faculty, 10,000 students, and 500 staff members in the College of Engineering,” Moses said. Bruce McPheron echoed the sentiment and thanked Dr. Rathman for his excellent service.

Scott Herness said, “I got to work with Jim on CAA (Council on Academic Affairs). It was such a great experience that I wanted to be present when we gave this award.”

Andre Palmer, chair of the William G. Lowrie Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, said, "We're very proud of Jim's work and achievements, and he has certainly been a tremendous help to us here in the department."

“I’ve worked with Jim for a long time and he’s always been so thoughtful, so professional, and so thorough in the work we have done together. I really wouldn’t want to work with anyone else,” said Randy Smith.

“This is truly an honor,” a noticeably surprised Jim Rathman said after further applause, “because I thought they were coming to fire me,” he joked. “In all seriousness, learning how this university works has been a great experience, and having the opportunity to meet and work with so many great people across campus has been tremendously rewarding. I’m humbled by this recognition.”

The President and Provost's Award for Distinguished Faculty Service honors faculty members whose contributions to the development and implementation of university policies and programs through non-administrative roles have been extensive and made documentable impact on the quality of the university. Recipients are nominated by members of the university community and selected by a committee of faculty, administrators, and previous recipients.

Rathman’s service includes extensive involvement with Faulty Senate and the semester conversion process. He has also been a leader in the chemical and biomolecular engineering department’s curricular evolution, and participated in the last ABET assessment as well as a department review by the Provost’s Office.

As the group assembled for a photograph, President Drake quipped, “It’s a bit like Publisher’s Clearinghouse, but we want to make sure we capture this in a photo.”

Faculty at the meeting were as surprised and pleased as Rathman was to learn of  the award.  “So now, if we’re arguing about a point, you’ll be able to just hold up your certificate and say, ‘Talk to the award!’” joked Aravind Asthagiri.

Rathman will also be recognized at a future Ohio State football game.

Congratulations, Professor Rathman!