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Geoffrey S. Mearns, president of Northern Kentucky University, announced that Dr. Rebecca I. Porterfield has been named dean of the NKU Haile/US Bank College of Business. Dr. Porterfield currently serves as graduate associate dean of the University of North Carolina Wilmington Cameron School of Business. She will begin at NKU on July 1. 

“We look forward to having Rebecca lead our college of business,” said Sue Ott Rowlands, NKU provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. “She brings expertise and leadership that will help us to build upon the strengths of our excellent academic programs and to achieve our vision of transdisciplinary education at every level and across the university.” 

As dean of business, Porterfield will lead a college of four departments—accounting, finance and business law; construction management; management; and marketing, economics and sports business. The college enrolls 1,900 undergraduate majors and 214 graduate students taught by 70 full-time and part-time faculty members. The college is AACSB accredited and offers 10 bachelor’s degrees, including unique programs in entrepreneurship, sports business, and construction management. Master’s degrees are offered in business administration, accountancy, and executive leadership and organizational change. 

“This is an exciting time to be joining the Haile/US Bank College of Business,” Porterfield said. “Under the leadership of President Mearns and Provost Ott Rowlands, NKU is poised to sustain the momentum it has gained over the past decade. The college of business is an integral part of the Greater Cincinnati business community, and I look forward to building on existing relationships and establishing new ones.” 

Mearns said Porterfield brings experience at virtually every level of a college of business. “She started as an assistant professor at UNC Wilmington and methodically moved up in its Cameron School of Business, learning to manage a large academic organization at every level,” Mearns said. “We are pleased to welcome her—the future of the Haile/US Bank College of Business has never been brighter.” 

Porterfield has served as graduate associate dean of the UNC Wilmington Cameron School of Business since January. In her current role, she oversees the school’s graduate programs, international programs, outreach centers, and marketing and communications. She previously served in a number of roles within the school, including undergraduate associate dean, director of international programs and director of assessment, associate vice chancellor of academic affairs, associate dean, department chair, MBA director, associate professor, and assistant professor. 

During her tenure at UNC Wilmington, she has co-founded the first dual undergraduate degree program in the nation; initiated and founded a mentoring program with former Fortune 100 executives; created a concierge service for the school’s top 25 employers; developed and expanded online programs for departments across the university; and restructured the MBA program, resulting in a dramatic increase in completion rates. She was an honorary fellow at the University of Applied Sciences in Bremen, Germany, in 2006, and was named UNCW Global Citizen of the Year in 2008. 

Her teaching areas include both graduate and undergraduate classes in international management, global strategy, and strategic management. She has directed more than 150 professional MBA graduate team practica. In 2004, she was the inaugural recipient of the UNCW Alumni Outstanding Faculty Member award. Porterfield previously served as assistant professor at Hofstra University and Mississippi State University. 

Porterfield earned a B.S. in Management and an MBA in Management from Mississippi State University, a Ph.D. in Industrial Management from Clemson University, and a Management and Leadership in Education (MLE) certificate from Harvard University. 

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What do you do in your new position at the University of Cincinnati?
I have the privilege of working every day to serve my alma mater, the University of Cincinnati and my 270,000 fellow graduates. Our team of Alumni Association staff and volunteers work tirelessly to create opportunities for alumni to be meaningfully engaged.

To me, the most valuable reasons for alumni to be involved are:
• To support the vision of our dynamic president, Santa Ono and the university’s mission to “… create opportunity, develop educated and engaged citizens, enhance the economy, and enrich our university, city, state and global community."

• To support our current students at UC, continue to elevate the campus experience and assist in their preparation for life after college; and foster an environment that allows alumni to connect in order to positively impact each other’s personal and professional lives.

• The strength of the Alumni Association lies in the power of our alumni network. So the more people we have actively engaged, more opportunities will emerge for our students and alumni. The connections that we, as Bearcats, build on campus and as alumni will play a major role in our future success and will continue to enrich our lives over time.
 
What do you like best about this job?
The university is on an impressive upward trajectory under the Ieadership of President Ono. He brings such a positive energy to the campus and has been a natural “connector.” He cares about our students, faculty, staff, alumni and the whole Bearcat community. I wholeheartedly agree that this is the #HottestCollegeinAmerica, and as a loyal alumna, I am proud to be able to serve my university by his side. I have worked in the alumni business at five other universities, and I hold each of those campuses and professional experiences close to my heart. That said, there is nothing so sweet as coming home to UC, and there is no place I would rather serve as Alumni Director than at my alma mater. I had an amazing student experience that prepared me for my career and for life in general. I bleed Red and Black. I am passionate about my profession and I love UC. This is my dream job!
 
What's great about living/working in Cincinnati? 
I speak so much of the networking opportunities among alumni, but that connectivity transcends to the greater Cincinnati community as well. Cincinnati is a friendly place, and there are good people here who are willing to help, make introductions and share their expertise. Every time I meet someone, it is easy to find a commonality and feel immediately comfortable. 

I moved to Cincinnati from a small town outside of Columbus, Ohio, in 1992. I immediately connected with the university and the city of Cincinnati. It quickly became my home. I have been away for just four years, but as I have been re-acclimating myself, I am so impressed with how progressive the city is right now. Just as it is a period of growth on UC’s campus, it is for the city as well. There is such a diverse offering from professional sports to art and culture, new business accelerators, amazing restaurants and bars. It just goes on and on. There is an overall energy and excitement over this revitalization and growth, and the city is thriving.  

What part of town do you live in, and what do you most like about the neighborhood in which you live? 
I live in Columbia Tusculum. I love the location because it’s so central and accessible to Downtown and Clifton. There is such growth in this area … it booming! I can walk to Mt. Lookout and Hyde Park. There are shops, restaurants and beautiful parks just around the corner. Nearly everything I need is a short walk or drive from my house. It is a perfect spot for me.

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What do you do in your new position at the University of Cincinnati?
I assist the UC Foundation President—Rod Grabowski—in leading, organizing, and overseeing planning, strategies and operations of the UC Foundation Board of Trustees.

What do you like best about this job?
For the past 20 years, my career as a board professional has equipped me to ensure the success of boards in higher education. With a focus on the core mission of boards and their governance roles, I am gratified when extraordinary leaders work to improve the lives of students, faculty and staff of institutions of higher education. It is a privilege to my alma mater because U.C. prepared me well for a great and successful career. I am a proud UC alum who feels like Dorothy from "The Wizard of Oz" because there is no place like home. I have ruby red slippers in my office.
 
What's great about living/working in Cincinnati? 
Living and working in the Greater Cincinnati region is the best of both worlds. The community is willing to open its arms to new people and encourage their involvement. More importantly, this area was a GREAT place to raise our three sons who are very successful in their own lives.  
 
What part of town do you live in, and what do you most like about the neighborhood in which you live? 
About 23 years ago, we moved from northwest Dayton to West Chester (Beckett Ridge area). My husband’s job is in downtown Cincinnati, and I commuted to Dayton for those years. West Chester was the “perfect” half-way location for us. We LOVE the sense of this growing and diverse community along with its stunning economic growth, proximity to our hometown of Dayton, the strong and vibrant Lakota School District, along with many great recreational venues. It truly has become a great home for us.

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UC Alumnus, Education Advocate Joins The University of Cincinnati Foundation

Lynnette M. Heard fills newly created board relations role

Nearly 40 years after graduating from the University of Cincinnati, Lynnette M. Heard, who has a master’s in education, joined the UC Foundation on February 19 as the organization’s first Director of Foundation Board Relations.

In this newly created position, she will assist the UC Foundation president in leading, organizing and overseeing planning, strategies and operations of the UC Foundation Board of Trustees. She graduated from UC in 1975 with a bachelor’s degree in Education.

Inspired by her own experience, Heard is excited to be a part of an organization that helps students’ dreams of a quality education come true.

“I am truly honored and humbled to have this special opportunity to give back to the University of Cincinnati, which has brought so much to my life. As an undergraduate student and scholarship recipient, I didn’t realize the impact philanthropy had on my journey,” she says. “Now, as a board professional, I’m delighted to be a partner with UC Foundation leadership to enable others to benefit from the highest levels of excellence forged by the University of Cincinnati.”

Heard, who lives in West Chester, spent the early part of her career in marketing and communications. She later moved into educational administrative leadership roles, including executive director of the Office of the President at the University of Dayton, executive director for the Southwestern Ohio Council for Higher Education (SOCHE) and executive assistant to President and Secretary to the Board at Wright State University. She has held national positions with the Association of Governing Boards and the National Association of Presidential Assistants in Higher Education.

She was most recently president and CEO of BRIDGES for a Just Community.

“I am thrilled Lynnette has joined our team. Her expertise in board relations and her vast community connections are sure to inspire our board. Her skillset is a perfect match to cultivate our board members’ talent and expertise to the fullest for the betterment of our advancement efforts at UC,” says UC Foundation President Rod Grabowski.

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What do you do in your new position at WordPlay?
I work closely with diverse student and tutor populations coordinating WordPlay's daily programming activities, focusing on tutoring, literacy skills, academic enrichment, creative activities, social-emotional learning and pedagogical guidance. I develop the WordPlay Handbook and serve on the Curriculum Committee.
 
What do you like best about this job?
Every day is different, and I have the opportunity to meet my neighbors as well as community members from all over the city. Witnessing children's strength, creativity and individuality.
 
What's great about living/working in Cincinnati? 
The fresh energy that seems to be flowing since I last lived here 10 years ago.

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Bleuzette Marshall Named UC Chief Diversity Officer
University of Cincinnati President Santa J. Ono has appointed Bleuzette Marshall as UC’s Chief Diversity Officer, effectively immediately. Marshall, who holds three degrees from UC, including a Ph.D. in educational studies, will serve on the President’s Cabinet and the President’s Executive Committee. 

“Since assuming the role of Interim Chief Diversity Officer in January 2013, Dr. Marshall has worked tirelessly to build enduring relationships across the institution as well as within the broader community,” Ono said. “In the process, she has developed an unmatched understanding of the university’s opportunities, issues and organizational dynamics. Every step of the way, she has proven herself to be a gifted listener, a strategic thinker and, most importantly, a trusted partner. I am confident that Dr. Marshall will take our diversity and inclusion efforts to the next level.”

A University of Cincinnati alumna, Marshall has worked at UC and the UC Foundation for nearly 21 years, starting in Ethnic Programs and Services, at the African American Cultural and Resource Center, and in development at the UC Foundation. Since 2004, her work at the Foundation has taken her from Director of Development to Senior Director of Development. Since the inception of the position of Chief Diversity Officer in 2007, she has assisted that office and the President’s Diversity Council.

“As a respected member of the UC administration with more than two decades of experience in advancement, alumni affairs, diversity and inclusion, facilitation, organizational development, project management, student affairs and teaching, Bleuzette has gained an awareness of UC culture that will be essential in moving our university forward as we continue to implement the Diversity Plan,” Ono said.

Ono noted that Marshall had led several successful fundraising initiatives benefiting the Darwin T. Turner Scholars Program, developed an affinity-based giving program for African American alumni, and served as a key organizer of the Onyx & Ruby Gala—a formal recognition ceremony honoring distinguished alumni of color. She also developed a system of accountability to enhance diversity and inclusiveness practices throughout the university, designed and co-chaired the university-wide diversity conference for three years, and conducted and analyzed a university-wide diversity assessment.

“I’m thrilled by the opportunity to serve my alma mater in such a meaningful way and am excited by the possibilities that lie ahead to better our best. I look forward to continuing my work with university and community members to make UC the model of inclusive excellence,” Marshall said.  

On January 20, Marshall was honored with the King Legacy Award at the 39th annual King Legacy Awards Breakfast hosted by the Martin Luther King, Jr. Coalition and the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center at the Freedom Center. 

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