Kasich appoints new OU trustee

The Ohio University Board of Trustees’ newest member is no stranger to the job — or to working in higher education.

Ohio Gov. John Kasich appointed N. Victor Goodman, a partner in the Columbus law firm Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan and Aronoff, to serve on the board until May 13, 2020. This isn’t Goodman’s first appointment to the board; he was previously an OU trustee from 1994 to 2001.

“My first term … was very worthwhile,” Goodman said. “I learned a lot about OU and what it does and the southeastern part of our state.”

Goodman said he enjoyed working with OU’s president, faculty and students so much that he asked Kasich to consider putting him back on the board. He also has served two terms on the Ohio University Foundation Board of Trustees from 2001 to 2010.

“Mr. Goodman’s higher-education expertise is matched by his commitment and passion, and we are grateful that he will again share his significant talents in leadership service for (OU),” OU President Roderick McDavis said in a statement. “We look forward to working with him in the coming years.”

Goodman’s experience in higher education extends past his terms on OU boards: He has also worked as vice chairman of the Ohio Board of Regents, the state’s higher-education governing body.

“Continued involvement with (OU), previous service as chairman of OU’s Board of Trustees, and being a former member of the Ohio Board of Regents played a significant role in determining that Mr. Goodman was the best person for this position,” said Connie Wehrkamp, Kasich’s deputy press secretary.

            Goodman is replacing outgoing board member M. Marnette Perry, whose term expired in May. Goodman’s term has already begun, and he will attend the April board meeting, according to a university news release.