COLUMBUS — One of the most familiar faces on the campus of Shawnee State University, and a former southern Ohio voice in the Ohio House of Representatives, is about to embark on the next step in his career. John Carey, Assistant to the President for Government Relations and Strategic Initiatives at Shawnee State University, was tapped late Tuesday afternoon by Ohio Governor John Kasich to serve as Chancellor of the Ohio Board of Regents.
As Chancellor, Carey will lead the University System of Ohio – the largest comprehensive system of public higher education in the nation – and will further the Administration’s efforts to better integrate higher education into the state’s job creation and workforce development efforts.
Carey’s appointment is effective April 29 and is subject to the advice and consent of the Ohio Senate. Carey replaces Jim Petro who retired effective Feb. 1. Dr. Stephanie Davidson has been serving the Board as Interim Chancellor since Petro’s retirement.
“I’m looking forward to using the experiences I’ve had – in both state government and at Shawnee State – to impact higher education on a state level,” Carey said. “I have really enjoyed working with President Morris, the faculty and staff at Shawnee State University – and being a part of the Scioto County area. I hope to be a frequent visitor. I feel fortunate to have been given this opportunity and I’m looking forward to working with the Governor and with each of Ohio’s public institutions.”
Carey officially joined Shawnee State University on Jan. 1, 2012. Most recently Carey had been part of the team from SSU that met with the city’s various committees and Portsmouth City Council to help answer questions about the importance of closing a stretch of Third Street to accommodate the future growth of the university.
Carey served nine years in the Ohio House of Representatives, where he served as Chairman of the Primary and Secondary Education Subcommittee, and eight years in the Ohio Senate, where he served as Chairman of the Senate Finance and Financial Institutions Committee. Prior to his work as a legislator, Carey was mayor of the City of Wellston.
Carey is a graduate of Ohio University with a degree in political science. He was born in Chillicothe and currently resides in Wellston with his wife and two sons.
Frank Lewis may be reached at 740-353-3101, ext. 252, or at flewis@civitasmedia.com. For breaking news, follow Frank on Twitter @FrankLewisPDT.
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