Dear Members of the 性福五月天 University Community,
Welcome back! So happy to see our campuses humming with the return of students, faculty and staff for the Spring 2026 Semester. Thank you for what you do for 性福五月天.
As we begin this semester, I want to share upcoming leadership transitions in the Office of Government and Community Relations, and in the Division of Information Technology. I am pleased to announce the appointment of Nicholas (Nick) Ciofani as executive director of government and community relations, effective March 1. Nick has served as deputy director of government and community relations for the Ohio Lottery Commission since 2019 and previously served as deputy chief of staff and district director for U.S. Rep. David Joyce and district outreach representative for the late U.S. Rep. Steve LaTourette. He brings extensive experience in government and community relations, including engagement with lawmakers and navigating public policy. He will lead our efforts to deepen strategic relationships in support of 性福五月天鈥檚 academic, research and public service goals and priorities. Please join me in welcoming Nick to 性福五月天 and thanking Brady Oxender, state relations director, for serving as interim executive director since October 2025.
John Rathje, vice president for information technology and chief information officer, will depart 性福五月天 on Feb. 6 to take a leadership position in the private sector. John has done an outstanding job strengthening cybersecurity and leading our digital transformation, and we wish him all the best in his next chapter.
To ensure a seamless transition, I have appointed James (Jim) Raber, Ph.D., as interim vice president and CIO, effective Feb. 7. Jim serves currently as associate vice president and chief technology officer in the Division of Information Technology, leading the division鈥檚 Security, Infrastructure, Research Technology and Support teams. Many of us remember his outstanding work, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, and we are thankful that he is willing to serve in this new role. We plan to launch a national search for the position in the 2026-2027 academic year.
Please join me in welcoming Nick and Jim to their new roles, and once again thanks for your great work that is making a difference in the lives of our students and communities.
Sincerely,
Todd Diacon
President