The SASSO Staff
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Serving Student-Athletes
Since 1967 |
Student-Athlete Support Services Office (SASSO) at The Ohio State University is committed to a comprehensive program of academic, personal, and professional development for student-athletes. We provide athletic academic counseling in conjunction with academic advising across the university to ensure seamless academic support. We collaborate with the Department of Athletics and other Ohio State University units and colleges to enhance academic, personal, and career development programming, and we partner with the community to bring service and career opportunities to student-athletes.
Under the direction of the Office of Academic Affairs, SASSO has an experienced and committed staff to help student-athletes navigate their way to graduation. Our team is made up of a Director, Associate Director, Assistant Director, Athletic Academic Counselors, Learning Specialists, an Academic Resources Coordinator, Office Manager, Front Desk Coordinator, Office Assistant, Assistant Academic Counselors, a math specialist, and reading and writing specialists. Additionally, we employ a large staff of tutors and proctors that assist with SASSO's tutor and study table programs.
Together, we assist more than 900 student-athletes across 37 teams in areas of academic, personal, and professional support and development.
SASSO Leadership Team
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David Graham
Director
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Hometown: Adel, GA
Years in SASSO: 3
Education: Savannah State University, B.S. Mathematics; B.S. Electronics Engineering Technology, 1992; Georgia Southern University, M.A. Sports Administration/Education, 1998.
Athletic Experience: Football, Savannah State University.
Favorite Quote: "The great challenge is to prepare ourselves to enter these doors of opportunity." Martin Luther King, Jr.
Currently resides in: Dublin, OH
Family: Wife, Patricia; Four children, Samatha, Kindra, Johnathan, and Jasmine
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Before joining the Buckeyes, David served as the director of the Student-Athlete Support Services Office at Miami University where he had numerous accomplishments: David co-authored the NCAA Choices Grant, and received the NCAA Division 1A CHAMPS Program of Distinction Award. A native of Adel, Georgia, David received Bachelor of Science degrees in Mathematics and Electronics Engineering Technology from Savannah State University (1992). He was also a student-athlete on the football team. He also received a Master's Degree in Sport Administration/Education from Georgia Southern University (1998). David is a member of the inaugural class of the NCAA Leadership Institute for Ethnic Minority Males (2002), an NCAA initiative that helps to prepare future athletics administration leaders. He serves the NCAA as a member of the CHAMPS/Life Skills Advisory Committee and is a member of the NCAA Division I Initial Eligibility Waivers Committee. He and his wife, Patricia, reside in Dublin, OH, and have four children, Samantha, Kindra, Jonathan, and Jasmine.
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Darin Meeker
Associate Director
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Hometown: Rayland, OH
Years in SASSO: 14
Team Assignments: Football, Degree Completion Program Coordinator
Education: Ohio University, B.A. Psychology, 1989; The Ohio State University, M.A. Sport Psychology, 1991; The Ohio State University, M.A. Counselor Education, 1996.
Athletic/Coaching/Professional Background: Football at Ohio University 1985-89; YMCA of Central Ohio for 2 years.
Best part of my job: The daily interaction with our student-athletes and seeing them graduate!
Favorite Quote: "Knowing others is wisdom. Knowing yourself is enlightenment."
Currently resides in: Powell, OH
Family: Married 15 Years; Children: Nate is 11, Noah is 9, and Noelle is 6
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Vicki Melnick
Assistant Director
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Hometown: Milan, MI
Years in SASSO: 6
Team Assignments: Diving, Men's Swimming, Women's Synchronized Swimming, Women's Rowing
Education: Michigan State University, B.A. History/Secondary Ed., 1991; Western Illinois University, M.S. Physical Education: Sport Management, 1997.
Athletic/Coaching/Professional Background: Played JV softball, and JV and Varsity basketball in high school; coached at MSU summer basketball camps; Asst. Coach for JV basketball team at alma mater in 1993; Assisted Athletic Advisor at WIU from 1994-96 while a graduate student; Full-time intern in Athletics Academic Advising at the University of Utah, 1996-97; Athletic Academic Advisor at the University of Northern Iowa, 1997-2002.
Best part of my job: Watching students succeed both in the classroom and on the playing field.
Favorite Quote: "Nothing is so strong as gentleness, nothing as gentle as real strength." St. Francis De Sales.
Currently resides in: West Columbus
Hobbies: Reading, watching sports-themed movies, walking my dog, and singing along to the radio.
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Ruth Staveley Bolzenius, PhD
Academic Resources Coordinator
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Hometown: Upper Arlington, OH
Years in SASSO: 8
Education: Kenyon College, B.A. English, 1986; The Ohio State University, M.A. English, 1989; The Ohio State University, Ph.D. English, 1996.
Athletic/Coaching/Professional Background: Instructed freshman composition and basic writing at Ohio State. Coordinated the tutoring and learning skills program in the former University College at Ohio State.
Best part of my job: Working with students, developing programming that will enhance the student's academic experience, and working with colleagues.
Currently resides in: Upper Arlington, OH (in the same house I grew up in).
Family: Husband John, is a luthier (guitar-maker) and singer/songwriter; daughter, Louisa, is 4 and wants to be “in charge” when she grows up; Chihuahua, Lonestar.
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Joann Coppler
Office Manager
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Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
Years in SASSO: First
Best part of my job: Each day can bring something new.
Favorite Quote: “Live life to the fullest; you never know when it may end.” Unknown
Currently resides in: North Columbus
Personal Information: I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, traveling, watching football (Go Steelers! Go Buckeyes!) and Nascar.
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Kim Doran
Senior Learning Specialist
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Hometown: Rochester, NY
Years in SASSO: 3
Education: LeMoyne College, B.S. in Business Administration/Secondary Ed., 1999; LeMoyne College, M.S. Ed Special Education, 2003.
Athletic/Coaching/Professional Background: Before arriving at Ohio State, Kim taught a wide variety of business courses at Nottingham High School in Syracuse, NY. Also served as a volunteer assistant coach for the Syracuse University Softball program. Prior to teaching and coaching, Kim was a 4 year member of the LeMoyne Softball program.
Best part of my job: Watching our student-athletes be successful, both academically and athletically, and of course being a Buckeye.
Favorite Quote: "Never forget where you've come from." My Dad
Currently resides in: Columbus, OH
Family: Most of the family lives in New York (Rochester and Waterloo); youngest sister lives in Washington, DC. I have a 6 year old black lab/beagle mix named Halie.
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Athletic Academic Counselors
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John Macko
Athletic Academic Counselor
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Hometown: Toronto, OH
Years in SASSO: 24
Team Assignments: Football, Men's and Women's Golf, Men's Ice Hockey, Men's and Women's Tennis, Degree Completion Program Coordinator
Education: The Ohio State University, B.S. English, 1977; The Ohio State University, M.A. Guidance and Counseling, 1978.
Athletic/Coaching/Professional Background: English teacher and Track Coach at Jefferson Junior High School from 1978-79; Guidance Counselor and Golf Coach at St. Charles Preparatory School from 1979-1982 and 1983-1984. Guidance Counselor at Mentor Lake Catholic School in Mentor Ohio from 1982-1983; Athletic Academic Counselor at Ohio State beginning in 1984.
Best part of my job: Working with student-athletes.
Favorite Quote: Whatever it takes.
Currently resides in: Worthington, OH
Family: Wife, Susan. Daughter, Hannah, will be a freshmen at The Ohio State University this year.
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Allison Housman
Athletic Academic Counselor
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Hometown: Cincinnati, OH
Years in SASSO: 6
Team Assignments: Men's Baseball, Women's Basketball, Women's Ice Hockey, Men's Wrestling, Board member-Women's Varsity 'O' Club
Education: The Ohio State University, B.A., 1994; American University, M.A., 1996; The Ohio State University, Ph.D. candidate, Spring 2009.
Athletic/Coaching/Professional Background: Cross Country; Track and Field Student-Athlete at The Ohio State University
Best part of my job: Working with student-athletes on a day-to-day basis and getting to know each of them on a personal level and watching them grow in every facet of their life.
Favorite Quote: "The path to our destination is not always a straight one. We go down the wrong road, we get lost, we turn back. Maybe it doesn't matter which road we embark on. Maybe what matters is that we embark." Hall
Currently resides in: Dublin, OH
Hobbies: I enjoy running, hiking, reading, shopping, watching Ohio State athletic events, socializing with friends, and going to movies.
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Chad McClellan
Athletic Academic Counselor
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Hometown: Findlay, OH
Years in SASSO: 5
Team Assignments: Basketball
Education: Florida State University, B.S. Business, 1989; Ohio University, MBA Marketing, 1990; The Ohio State University, Ph.D. Candidate Higher Education.
Athletic/Coaching/Professional Background: Played baseball at Florida State University.
Best part of my job: The relationships with the student-athletes, and witnessing the growth and transformation of the student-athletes during their college years is exciting.
Favorite Quote: Luke 9:23
Currently resides in: Columbus, OH
Interests: I enjoy spending time with my family, power-lifting, and reading Civil War history. I'm active in my church and pursuit of knowing Christ more intimately.
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Tooti Snider
Athletic Academic Counselor - CHAMPS/LifeSkills Coordinator
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Hometown: Dayton, OH
Years in SASSO: 3
Team Assignments: Men's and Women's Gymnastics, Cheerleading, Men's Volleyball
Education: University of Findlay, B.S. Sports Management, 2001; American Military University, M.S. Sports Administration, 2008.
Athletic/Coaching/Professional Background: 4 year player with the University of Findlay Women's Soccer team; Has been coaching youth, high school, and college soccer for 13 years; Prior to Ohio State, Tooti worked at Wittenberg University as an assistant to the AD for 5 years.
Best part of my job: Working with student-athletes and seeing them grow and be successful.
Favorite Quote: "Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there." - John Wooden
Currently resides in: Hilliard, OH
Hobbies: I enjoy running, working out, coaching and traveling.
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Aaron Estes
Athletic Academic Counselor
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Hometown: Kearney, NE
Years in SASSO: 3
Team Assignments: Men's and Women's Fencing, Pistol, Rifle, Men's and Women's Soccer, Women's Swimming
Education: University of Nebraska at Kearney, B.S. Sports Administration, 2004; University of Nebraska at Kearney, M.S.Ed Student Affairs Counseling, 2006.
Athletic/Coaching/Professional Background: Graduate Assistant in Academic Services and Compliance at University of Nebraska at Kearney, 2004-2006.
Best part of my job: I really enjoy building relationships with students and watching them develop, both academically and personally, as they progress through college.
Favorite Quote: "Be kind; everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." Dad
Currently resides in: Gahanna, OH
Family: Married 3 years to Kara, and our son, James, is 1. I like watching the teams I work with compete, and I'm a big fan of the New York Mets, Dallas Cowboys, Denver Nuggets, and live music.
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Ben Carignan
Athletic Academic Counselor
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Hometown: Claremont, NH
Years in SASSO: 1
Team Assignments: Field Hockey, Men's & Women's Lacrosse, Softball, Women's Volleyball
Education: Western Washington University, B.A. Physical Education & Sport Studies: Sport Psychology, 1999; Miami University, M.S. Physical Education, Health & Sport Studies: Sport Behavior & Performance, 2001.
Athletic/Coaching/Professional Background: Volunteer Asst. Coach, Western Washington University Women's Soccer, 1998-99; Graduate Asst. Miami University Women's Soccer & Miami Synchronized Skating, 1999-2001; Academic Advisor, Miami University Athletics, 2001-2003; Sport Psychology Consultant, 2001-2005; YMCA of Central Ohio, 2005-2008.
Best part of my job: Watching student-athletes grow more confident and go after their passion.
Favorite Quote: "These are the days that must happen to you." Walt Whitman
Currently resides in: Pickerington, OH
Family: Married 7 great years to Natalie. Two sons, Leo, 2, and Max, born May 8th.
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Liz Tovar
Athletic Academic Counselor
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Hometown: Lawrence, KS
Years in SASSO: First
Education: University of Kansas, B.A. Psychology, 2002; University of Kansas, M.A. Clinical Psychology, 2009; University of Kansas, Ph.D candidate, Educational Policy and Leadership Studies – emphasis Higher Education.
Professional Experience: Associate Director Academic and Career Counseling, Student Athlete Support Services at the University of Kansas
Best part of my job: To learn something new I didn’t know before about the students I work with everyday.
Favorite Quote: “If not now, when?” Hillel the Elder
Currently reside in: Clintonville, OH
Family: Husband Steve; Hobbies include biking, reading, shopping, and my dog, Pharaon.
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Academic Support Staff
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Elaina Biffle
Learning Specialist
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Hometown: Detroit, MI
Years in SASSO: 1
Education: University of Detroit Mercy, B.A. History & Secondary Education, 2005; Grand Valley State University, M.Ed. College Student Affairs Leadership, 2008.
Favorite Quote: “He who does not thank for little will not thank for much" Estonian proverb
Best part of my job: The best part of my job is being able to learn and grow everyday, because when you stop learning, you stop growing, and when you stop growing, you stop living.
Personal: When I’m not working, I enjoy strength training, shopping, and spending time with family and friends.
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Ben Scragg
Assistant Learning Specialist
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Hometown: Belpre, OH
Years in SASSO: 2
Education: Ohio University, B.S.Ed. Integrated Social Studies, 2005; The Ohio State University, M.A. Educational Psychology & Philosophy, 2009.
Professional/Coaching Background: Educator, Chicago Public Schools, 2005-2007; Asst. Coach, Boys Basketball, Ace Technical Charter High School, 2006-2007.
Best Part of Job: "The People. The Tradition. The Excellence." Need I say more?
Favorite Quote: "I am what I am not yet." Maxine Greene
Currently resides in: Clintonville, OH
Personal Information: Enjoys reading, playing music, and attending concerts, playing Wii with friends, and all things Chicago and Buckeyes.
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Assistant Counselors
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Kelli Hinton
Assistant Counselor
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Hometown: Gary, IN
Years in SASSO: 1
Education: University of Cincinnati, Bachelor Business Administration: Marketing & International Business, 2003; Indiana University, M.S. Kinesiology - Athletic Administration, 2008.
Professional Experience: Sports marketing intern with Gary Steelheads CBA team, 2003-04; Marketing and Promotions Assistant at the University of Cincinnati, 2004-05; CHAMPS/ Life Skills volunteer graduate worker with Xavier University, 2004-05; Graduate student worker with Indiana University Athletics, 2008.
Best part of job: Helping student-athletes achieve their full academic potential.
Favorite quote: “You are not judged on the height you have risen, but from the depth which you have climbed.” Frederick Douglass
Currently resides in: Reynoldsburg, OH
Personal Info: I have a 3 year old daughter, Rhiyan, and enjoy shoe shopping.
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Maurice "Moe" Lee
Assistant Counselor
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Hometown: Cleveland, OH
Years in SASSO: 1
Educational Background: The Ohio State University, B.A. Education/Sports & Leisure Studies, 2004.
Athletic/Coaching/Professional Background: Member of the 2002 Ohio State National Championship Football Team – Played wide receiver; Asst. Coach, Maple Heights High School (OH), 2004; Member of the Dayton Warbirds/Canton Legends/Miami Valley Silverbacks Arena Football Teams, 2005-2008; Youth Leader working with troubled youth, The Buckeye Ranch, 2005-2008.
Best part of my job: Being able to work, help and mentor student-athletes, and also share my experiences as a student-athlete with them.
Favorite Quote: “Seize the opportunity.” Coach Jim Tressel
Currently resides in: Columbus
Personal: I enjoy watching football (favorite team is the Cleveland Browns), NFL Network, ESPN, Martin, and Fresh Prince of BelAir. I also enjoy going out to eat and working out. My favorite movie is “The Dark Knight”.
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SASSO Office Support Staff
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Anna Wilkinson
Front Desk Coordinator
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Hometown: Sandusky, OH
Years in SASSO: 3
Education: The Ohio State University, B.S. Business Administration, 2005; The Ohio State University, MBA Candidate, 2010.
Best part of my job: Interacting with the student-athletes, they keep things interesting. Each day brings something new.
Favorite Quote: "The happiness of your life depends on the character of your thoughts."
Currently resides in: Hilliard, OH
Interests: I enjoy spending time with family and friends, reading, cooking, traveling, and shopping.
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Dawn Saunders
Office Assistant
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Hometown: Columbus, OH
Years in SASSO: 1
Education: Wright State University, B.A. Political Science/Mass Communications, 2001.
Best part of my job: The great people I work with everyday.
Favorite Quote: "Dream as if you live forever, live as if you'll die tomorrow." Unknown
Currently resides in: Columbus, OH
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