Highland County Historical Society to induct five into Hall of Fame; ceremony set for Aug. 16
By Steve Roush
HCP Columnist
The Highland County Historical Society will once again honor local excellence, service, and legacy with the induction of five new members into its Hall of Fame on Sunday, Aug. 16.
The Hall of Fame was established to recognize individuals who have made meaningful contributions to Highland County and beyond. More than a celebration of achievement, it serves as a reminder of the importance of local history and the lasting impact of those who call this community home. It also encourages younger generations to pursue excellence in their own lives and careers.
This year’s inductees include Dr. Brad D. Nelson, Ph.D.; Dinah Phillips; Leslie Ramsey; Dr. Robert T. “Rob” Sharp; and the late Paul Turner.
The induction ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Hillsboro. A reception and social hour will follow at the Highland House Museum. The public is warmly invited to attend and help celebrate this distinguished group of honorees.
Below is a brief look at each inductee:
Dr. Brad D. Nelson, Ph.D.
A Hillsboro native and active-duty U.S. Air Force officer stationed at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois, Dr. Nelson has built a distinguished military and academic career. He began his service in the U.S. Army in 2000 and later earned his commission through Officer Candidate School. Over the years, he has earned advanced degrees including an MBA and a Ph.D. in public safety, and has served in both Iraq and Afghanistan.
Now serving in the Air Force contracting field, Dr. Nelson has contributed to major defense projects, including work tied to the next generation of Air Force One aircraft during his time at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. He is also active in community service and mentoring programs and remains engaged in civic and professional organizations.
Dinah Phillips
A longtime leader in Highland County politics, Dinah Phillips recently retired after more than 50 years of service in the Democratic Party. She first became president of the Highland County Democratic Women’s Club in 1976 and later served as chair of the Highland County Democratic Party beginning in 1999.
She also led the Southern Ohio County Chairs Association for two decades, representing 16 counties. Over the course of her career, she met and worked alongside numerous national political figures, including presidents, vice presidents, senators, and first ladies. Her leadership helped shape local and regional political engagement for generations.
Leslie Ramsey
A lifelong Highland County resident, Leslie Ramsey is widely known for her decades in broadcasting and community service. She began her career at WSRW Radio in 1967 and became a familiar voice to listeners through her work on-air, in production, and in advertising sales.
She is best known for hosting the “Community Bulletin Board,” a daily program that kept residents informed about local events and announcements. More recently, she contributed in a similar role at WVNU in Greenfield.
Beyond broadcasting, Ramsey has dedicated much of her life to community service, including two terms as a trustee and secretary of the Highland County Historical Society. She has also volunteered extensively and frequently served as an emcee for local events and ceremonies.
Dr. Robert T. “Rob” Sharp
A lifelong Ohioan, Dr. Sharp has had a diverse and accomplished career in both military service and veterinary medicine. He earned degrees from Miami University before serving five years in the U.S. Air Force as a KC-135 navigator during the Vietnam era.
After his military service, he earned his doctor of veterinary medicine from The Ohio State University and went on to practice in Hillsboro for more than 40 years, retiring in 2023. His veterinary practice became a family operation, with his son, daughter, daughter-in-law, and longtime staff all contributing to its success.
Dr. Sharp is also an author and has been a respected figure in both the local agricultural and veterinary communities for decades.
Paul Edward Turner (1931–2019)
The late Paul Turner of New Vienna served his country with distinction in the U.S. Navy for 26 years, retiring as a Master Chief. After his military career, he returned home to Highland County, where he dedicated himself to preserving the historic Gist Settlement.
The Gist Settlement, established in the 1800s, is a significant part of local and national history tied to the legacy of Samuel Gist and the freedmen who settled in Ohio. Turner worked to preserve this important heritage, including paying back taxes to protect 150 acres of historic land.
His efforts helped ensure that this unique chapter of Highland County history would not be lost to time.
The Highland County Historical Society invites the public to attend the Aug. 16 ceremony and help honor these individuals whose lives reflect service, leadership, and dedication to community.
For more information, contact the society at (937) 393-3392 or hchistoricalsociety@gmail.com.
Steve Roush is president of the Highland County Historical Society and has served as chairman and vice chairman of the HCHS Board of Trustees. He is also a board member of the Highland District Hospital Foundation, a vice president of an international media company, and a columnist and contributing writer for The Highland County Press. He can be reached at roush_steve@msn.com.