Campus Scene

Tiffin University named as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education

The National Security Agency (NSA) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have designated Tiffin University as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAECDE) through 2025. Tiffin University’s B.A. in cybersecurity received the designation. This prestigious title places Tiffin University among a select group of universities that meet the federal government’s criteria for demonstrating a commitment to cybersecurity education. Currently, there are 10 schools in Ohio with this designation and 300 schools nationwide.

“This designation acknowledges that Tiffin University’s cybersecurity program is at the forefront of workplace development for the cybersecurity field,” said Scott Blough, Chief Information Security Officer, Executive Director of the Center for Cyber Defense & Forensics and Associate Professor. “We are proud to be a leader in cybersecurity education.”

Board Room Dedication

Tiffin University dedicated the Seitz Boardroom to Dr. Claire Johansen for her 31 years of service as a Trustee. The boardroom is now called the Johansen Presidential Boardroom.

A resident of Tiffin, Ohio, Johansen joined TU’s Board of Trustees in 1989. She served as Chair of the Board since 2014 and was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Tiffin University in 2018. Johansen earned a Bachelor of Science from The Ohio State University and was in the first TU MBA graduating class. She owns and jointly operates Lane of Dreams, a working farm and an equestrian training center in Tiffin.

TU Confers an Honorary Degree to William F. Reineke Sr.

William F. Reineke Sr., TU Trustee Emeritus, was presented with an honorary degree of Doctorate of Humane Letters by the University.

William F. Reineke Sr. is known for his business acumen and strategic risk-taking. He started his first dealership, Reineke Buick Oldsmobile, in 1960. The dealership quickly found its footing in the community and Reineke grew his business to what is now the Reineke Family Dealerships. With seven different dealerships, the Reineke family employs over 400 people. Reineke is the true essence of an entrepreneur and family man. He built a successful business, which is now managed by many of his children and grandchildren.

Reineke is a strong believer in continuing education, with a 30-year tenure on the Tiffin University Board of Trustees. He was conferred the title of Trustee Emeritus upon retirement from the Board in 2016. “I enjoyed being on the Board for 30 years,” said Reineke, “and I appreciate Tiffin University awarding me with this honorary degree.”

New Trustees Elected

TU Alumnus Jeff Beard, along with Jane Dell and Cindy Dunne were elected to Tiffin University’s Board of Trustees. Beard is President and CEO of SSNB, Inc. and its subsidiary Standing Stone Bank. Dell is a Managing Partner and Attorney at Dell Burtis Law, Ltd. She is also a Licensed Title Agent and Owner of Professional Title Services, Ltd. Dunne is the President and Owner of ECS Billing & Consulting South (ECS Solutions, Inc.).

Tiffin University Awarded Mental Health and Wellness Grant

The Ohio College Initiative at Prevention Action Alliance, the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services and the Ohio Department of Higher Education awarded Tiffin University a mental health and wellness grant. According to Julie Richards, Director of Counseling and Wellness Services at TU, the $31,451.61 grant will be used toward promoting the general mental health and well-being of the campus.

TU Earns 2021-2022 Bronze Military Friendly ® School Designation

Tiffin University earned the 20212022 Bronze Military Friendly ® School designation. The Military Friendly ® School with Bronze distinction is a school that scored within 30 percent of the 10th best schools in their category. This year, 747 schools earned this prestigious designation. Tiffin University exhibits leading practices in the recruitment and retention of students with military experience.

Musical Theatre Production

Tiffin University presented the musical theatre production of “Dogfight” on March 18 - 21. Under the direction of Aly Horn, the show was TU’s third-ever musical theatre production. Students rehearsed with a rigorous health protocol, including masks, regular testing, social distancing and increased room ventilation.

TU Earns Honorable Mention for Diversity and Inclusion

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and Minority Opportunities Athletic Association (MOAA) presented Tiffin University with an Honorable Mention for the 2021 Award for Diversity and Inclusion. The NCAA/ MOAA Award for Diversity and Inclusion recognizes the initiatives, policies and practices of schools and offices that embrace diversity and inclusion in intercollegiate athletics. Over half of Tiffin University’s student population are student-athletes, with over 41 percent identifying as diverse, including individuals with disabilities, and approximately 6.5 percent identifying as LGBTQ+.

TU’s President Elected as NAICU Chair of the Audit Committee

Tiffin University’s President, Dr. Lillian Schumacher,

was elected as Chair of the Audit Committee to the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU) Executive Board of Directors. The Audit Committee oversees the Association’s financial accounting process, internal controls, independent auditors, conflict of interest policies and other related matters.

Allen Named DII Athletic Director of the Year

Lonny Allen, Tiffin University’s Vice President for Athletics, received the 2021 Athletics Director of the Year Award by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA). He was one of 28 honorees across seven divisions. Allen was recognized for his outstanding efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. “It is a tremendous honor to receive this from NACDA,” said Allen. “I appreciate the recognition, but this should go to the entire athletic department, as without them and their hard work, this would not be possible. It truly has been a year of adversity and challenges, but everyone at TU has come together to ensure that our students have the best experience possible.” To read the full story, visit gotiffindragons.com.

Women’s Leadership Conference

The 2021 TU Women’s Leadership Conference took place virtually on Wednesday, March 17. This year’s theme, “Taking Care of the Whole You: How to Live a More Balanced and Meaningful Life,” focused on strategies for achieving health and wellness. The annual Each One, Reach One Award was also presented to Lynn Detterman, a 2019 Tiffin University alumna. This award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exemplary engagement in facilitating leadership development for women.

Frank Named Vice President for Finance and Administration

Devin Frank has been named Vice President for Finance and Administration. He serves as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), reporting directly to the President. Frank has oversight of the Business Office. He previously served as Tiffin University’s Director of Institutional Analysis, Contract Management & Internal Audit where he was responsible for financial analysis, budgeting and policy and procedure development.

Tiffin University to Offer Three New Academic Programs Beginning Fall 2021

In a new partnership with RIZE Education, Tiffin University will offer three new concentrations beginning fall 2021: video game design, web design and esports management. RIZE, a higher education company, utilizes a course-sharing model that helps private colleges and universities expand educational opportunities for students while streamlining and lowering institutional costs. With the help of RIZE, Tiffin University can adopt high-demand programs, including its three new concentrations. “Our students in computer science and sports management now have access to courses designed and maintained by top academic minds and industry leaders, such as Google and Unity Technologies,” said Dr. Peter Holbrook, Tiffin University’s Provost and Chief Academic Officer. “Tiffin University’s professionally focused programs in computer science will prepare students for the workforce while earning a degree and professional certifications.”

COVID-19 Vaccine Provided on Campus

In an effort to outrun the coronavirus, Tiffin University was among the first surge of Ohio colleges and universities to administer free COVID-19 vaccinations to students, faculty and staff on campus. All who chose to participate received the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine. The COVID-19 vaccine is not required for students, faculty or staff, but it is encouraged.

TU Receives State Grant in Support of Choose Ohio First Scholars Program

TU has been awarded over $870,000 from the state in support of a program that aims to recruit, nurture and graduate more students in the fields of science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine (STEMM).

The Choose Ohio First (COF) grant will help enroll undergraduate students majoring in computer science, science and math education, chemistry, health care administration/management, athletic training, substance abuse/addiction counseling, registered nursing and logistics/supply-chain management.

The COF scholarship program will also create a pipeline of talented students to strengthen Ohio’s competitiveness in the STEMM disciplines, ensuring a well-qualified workforce in those industries.

“This program will cultivate a workforce that aligns workers’ skills with the jobs of the future,” said Dr. Peter Holbrook, TU’s Provost and Chief Academic Officer. “The COF grant will significantly benefit Ohio businesses through the training and graduating of a talented, STEMM-based, job-ready pool of workers.”

International Dinner

Tiffin University’s 30th International Dinner was a drive-up, grab-n-go style dinner rather than the traditional seated event. Boxed dinners with a variety of cuisines from across the globe and cookbooks with recipes from the dinner were available to purchase. Today, TU celebrates 150 international students who represent a total of 26 countries.

Virtual Research Conference

Tiffin University hosted its Third Annual Virtual Research Conference on April 20 and 21 through Blackboard Collaborate. Sponsored by TU’s Office of the Provost and the Center for Online and Extended Learning, students from all academic schools virtually attended or presented. Student researchers shared their knowledge and expertise in their field of study, representing all undergraduate, graduate and Ph.D. disciplines. The virtual conference also included remote keynote speakers Sheriff Fred Stevens, Seneca County and Dr. Lea Kovacsiss, Social Sciences Research Specialist with the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

Beam Setting Ceremony

As Tiffin University’s new Center for Science and Technology framing neared completion, students, faculty, staff and the community were invited to a Beam Setting Ceremony. The event included the raising and placement of the last steel beam with brief remarks by TU’s President, Dr. Lillian Schumacher. Attendees also had the chance to celebrate this meaningful milestone by signing the final beam that was added to the construction of the building. The Center for Science and Technology will open during the 2021-22 academic year with a formal ribbon cutting.

TU Senior Commissioned in the Army

Hannah Hamilton was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Army. She will join the Ohio Army National Guard as a Quartermaster Officer. Hamilton graduated this spring with a bachelor’s degree in business management and is working toward her master’s degree in human resource management.

TU Collaborates with American University in Switzerland

Tiffin University and American University in Switzerland (AUS) have entered into a new partnership, allowing AUS students to obtain a dual degree from both institutions.

The partnership offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business with multiple specialization options. To receive the dual degrees, AUS students must successfully complete the required AUS curriculum and TU specialty courses. The TU programs will be online with video, discussion rooms, readings and other assignments, as well as in a hybrid format with some instruction provided on AUS’s campus.

Lori Hall Staff Member of the Year Award

Tiffin University’s Staff Assembly (TUSA) honored two staff members with the Lori Hall Staff Member of the Year Award. This award honors a TU staff member for their contributions and exemplary characteristics in service to TU and the community.

The 2019-2020 Lori Hall Staff Member of the Year Award recipient was Jon Beard, Director of Undergraduate Advising & Retention Analyst. The 2020-2021 Lori Hall Staff Member of the Year Award recipient was Ashley Vaughn, Assistant Director for Online Advising & School Certifying Official.

Tiffin University Receives Lifetime Achievement Award

Tiffin University was announced as a co-winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership 2021 annual meeting. This award recognizes a business, organization or individual with a continuous history of operation in the community.

Forensic Science Academy

Tiffin University’s Forensic Science Academy hosted its summer camp on June 21 - 24 for high school students in grades nine through twelve. Campers worked in small groups with high-level TU professors who have experience in crime scene analysis, secret service detail, forensics and criminal justice. Activities included staged crime scene investigative processes, collection of evidence through autopsies, forensic anthropology, blood spatter analysis, fire forensics, ballistics and courtroom testimony. Students also toured a medical center, wrote investigatory reports, took part in the President John F. Kennedy Shot Sequence Competition and learned about forensic science careers.