Department Transitions
Departures
This year, Nancy Coscia accepted a position with the University of Cincinnati as a Senior Academic Advisor on the Clermont Campus. In her short tenure in Geography, Nancy was pivotal in the transition of Geography into a well-functioning and accessible program, effectively raising the profile of GIS and Atmospheric Sciences around campus. We wish her well in her new endeavor.
Associate Professor Jay Hobgood will officially make the transition from a faculty appointment in Geography to a full-time appointment in OAA under the Committee of Academic Misconduct on July 1, 2020. We are grateful to him for his continued service not only to the department but the university in such an important role. We would like to recognize his valued accomplishments in teaching, research, and service.
Professor Hobgood began his career in academia at The Ohio State University in 1974, upon receiving his Bachelor of Arts here in Geography. He then received his MA in 1976 and his Ph.D. in 1984, all from the Department of Geography at The Ohio State University. He has truly been one of the pillars of the department through the years. Although his is not leaving the university, his presence within the department will be felt by everyone from the faculty and students, to the staff.
Over his long career, Professor Hobgood has published numerous papers and been sought after for his expertise on the triggers for rapid intensification of tropical cyclones. In his area of meteorology, he has been sought out by various groups such as news organizations like CNN and entrepreneurs to realize the impact of storms across geography. He has given presentations on his work, with audiences ranging from alumni, peers, to students in both graduate and undergraduate constituencies. It is here, where his expertise and warmth will be sorely missed. His dedication to the student experience and their education surpassed everything else. His students have always been the focus of his work. Even though he will no longer be focusing on Geography students, we are sure that the university students that encounter him will benefit from his expertise, long service, and genuine concern and kindness for their wellbeing.
And finally, this year the department also saw the retirement of one of our best-loved and respected staff members. Diane Carducci served the department of Geography for 21 years. Over that time, she became the “heart of the department”, always welcoming each person with a smile on her face and an open heart. She adored the students who passed through our doors and reveled in their success. Her pride in the department and the people in it was something she wore on her sleeve. She touched each and every person she came in contact with, making lasting memories and friendships along the way. Years after being away, returning students would stop in to see her and give her a hug. At the very center of Diane was a kind soul that people gravitated to and remembered. We wish her well as she starts her new phase of life, spending valued time with her family and traveling. However, her work ethic, her warmth, and her smile will be missed for years to come.
“Whenever I entered the office, you were always there like the sunshine and always made me feel warm.” Ning Zhang, PhD Graduate
“Working with you has been such a pleasure. You’re so competent, so efficient, and so nice about doing your job...On top of that, you’re a great person and it was always a pleasure to see you.” Alvaro Montenegro, Associate Professor, Geography
Welcome
Kim Miller, who stepped into the very large shoes of Diane Carducci, has joined the department in the Administrative Office Assistant role. She comes from a long history of education in the K-12 system in California and was eager to begin her new journey with OSU. Originally from Chillicothe, she returned to Ohio to be closer to family. She received her Associate degree in court reporting, English, and medical transcription from South Coast College. We are very excited to have Kim on our team and know she will make a welcome addition to the department.
Ali Grandey has joined the department as the Academic Planning Specialist. She will be working with students, administration, and faculty on program initiatives and advising students within the department. She comes to us from the Department of Music where she worked as a recruiting officer and worked with incoming students and their parents. She received her DMA from Eastman School of Music in Vocal Performance and Literature. Her expertise in recruiting, dedication to student success, and professionalism will be a welcome addition to our leadership team.