And ORTA continues to SNUB him? (This is getting REALLY bizarre!)

Press Release from Ohio University, April 5, 2007

DENNIS LEONE RECOGNIZED FOR LEADERSHIP IN EDUCATION

The Coalition of Rural and Appalachian Schools has recognized Ohio University-Chillicothe employee Dennis Leone for his leadership and service as an advocate for Ohio educators. Leone is one of three individuals to receive the recognition this year.

He will receive a framed certificate April 24 from the coalition, which is part of the Ohio University College of Education.

Leone is interim assistant dean for development and interim director of the Ross County/Ohio University-Chillicothe Child Development and Family Service Center.

He is being recognized for his service on the Ohio State Teachers Retirement System (STRS) Board of Directors. Leone is in his second year with the STRS board.

Leone has received the Ohio Ethics Award from the Government Finance Officers Association in 2005 and the First Amendment Award from the Ohio Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists in 2004. Before being elected to the STRS board, Leone wrote a 13-page report on STRS spending practices and has continued to advance initiatives for change as an active board member.

A long-time educator, the Lawrence, Kansas, native spent 33 years as a teacher and administrator. He was superintendent of schools in the Chillicothe City School District from 1997 before retiring in 2004.

Leone earned his bachelor's degree in education from Bowling Green State University, his master's degree in public relations from American University in Washington, D.C., and his doctorate from the University of Arkansas.