New leadership at The Ohio State University South Centers

The Ohio State University (OSU) South Centers welcomes new leadership as Dr. Julie Fox steps in as the Piketon-based center’s interim director. With the recent retirement of previous director Tom Worley, the South Centers team remains committed to engaging with local communities and assisting people with informed decision-making through applied research, educational programs, entrepreneurial application, and collaborative partnerships. 

Thanks to support from local stakeholders and Ohio State’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES), the South Centers opened in 1991 as the Piketon Research and Extension Center, with the Endeavor Center business incubator later being established in 2005. 

“I’m honored to return to the South Centers, a creative hot spot, where I’ve seen how innovation flourishes through collaboration,” stated Fox. Her career began with Ohio State in June 1998, when she joined the OSU South Centers to advance the business development team. In February 2014, Julie was selected to serve as a member of the statewide Extension leadership team, where she expanded her experience and connections across the campus community.

To build on what’s working and explore future direction and priorities, Fox led an external review of the South Centers. “The timing is great to establish vibrant advisory groups; facilitate a dynamic needs assessment process; be more intentional with our programs, processes, and communications; and improve strategic alignment with the college and local communities,” Fox announced. “We welcome others to join in this unique opportunity of celebrating progress and championing the future.”

To learn more about the South Centers, visit southcenters.osu.edu.