MARION OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—The Ohio State University has named Jennifer Schlueter as the new dean and director of The Ohio State University at Marion, effective March 17, 2025, pending approval by the Board of Trustees. Schlueter, a distinguished academic administrator, teacher, performance maker, and producer, currently serves as the vice provost of academic affairs at The New School in New York City, where she also holds a faculty appointment in the university’s School of Drama.

At Ohio State Marion, Schlueter will spearhead initiatives aimed at enhancing student achievement, innovative teaching and learning, research opportunities, and community engagement.

“Jennifer is an experienced leader deeply committed to educational access and innovation,” said Ryan J. Schmiesing, senior vice provost for external engagement. “Her passion for collaborative problem-solving and high-impact learning practices makes her an exceptional choice for dean at Ohio State Marion.”

In her current role, Schlueter is responsible for developing and managing institution-wide processes in academic strategy, policy, and operations. Prior to joining The New School, she held leadership roles at Columbus College of Art & Design (CCAD), including serving as the inaugural dean of graduate studies and later as associate provost and dean of academics.

Schlueter is no stranger to Ohio State, having spent nine years as a faculty member in the Department of Theatre (now the Department of Theatre, Film, and Media Arts). She previously held roles as director of undergraduate studies, associate chair, faculty fellow of curriculum development at the Graduate School, and project director of the Global Arts & Humanities Discovery Theme. She is a recipient of several prestigious teaching awards from Ohio State, including the Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching and the Ronald and Deborah Ratner Distinguished Teaching Award.

“Ohio State has been fundamental to my development as a scholar, artist, teacher, and leader,” said Schlueter. “I am excited to return to serve as Marion’s dean and director, bringing my experiences beyond the university with me.”

Schlueter’s creative work has been recognized by Backstage Magazine and the Chicago Tribune. She has directed full productions and staged readings, authored journal articles and book chapters, and received commissions from BBC Radio 4.