Today's Update: Friday, February 13, 2026
February 13, 2026
Dear Student Life team,
Happy High Five Friday!
Our Student Life community continues to shine because of the everyday kindness, collaboration and commitment our colleagues show to one another. This week’s High Fives highlight just a few of the many ways our team members support each other in meaningful ways.
High Five to Kelly Kyser at ATI/Wooster campus for adding to the focus on making #BuckeyeLove come alive.
Jordan Smoot gets a High Five for helping a colleague work through some Qualtrics issues and spending time with them to find a solution to a data formatting issue. Thank you, Jordan, for your patience, expertise and willingness to lend a hand.
High Five to Chef Ben from the Willie J. Young, Sr. Off-Campus and Commuter Student Engagement team for helping them incorporate a cooking competition into their annual employee event. OCCSE wrote “Chef Ben created an amazing experience for the team, paid attention to every detail, was incredibly accommodating and executed an exceptionally special experience for the team. Chef Ben truly exemplifies our Student Life culture commitments!”
High Five to Stacy Smith, the lady who keeps me rolling … especially on the days it feels like I’m on roller skates!
High Five to Christian Manning for his quick work on an important design job with a tight turnaround. Christian, your responsiveness and talent are appreciated!
Finally, I want to give a meaningful High Five to Anne McDaniel, Kellie Uhrig, Dave Wiseley, Zia Ahmed, Ryan Lovell, Jen Vandemark, Dan Huffman, Jeremy Gabis and Travis Barnhart for the extraordinary lift they’ve taken on with a major planning effort. What they’re building isn’t just another initiative—it has the potential to shape the student experience in lasting and visible ways. The thoughtfulness, collaboration and sheer hours behind the scenes have been impressive. Big plans only become historic when people are willing to lean in the way this group has. Grateful for their leadership and for the example they’re setting for all of us.
Have a Scarlet and Great weekend, and you know what comes next: GO BUCKS!
Melissa S. Shivers, PhD
Senior Vice President for Student Life
The Ohio State University