President’s Cabinet

Dr. Kimberly E. Inman

Provost and Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs

Dr. Kimberly Inman serves as Provost and Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs at Shawnee State University.

Dr. Inman started at SSU in 2013 in the Department of Natural Sciences. She was named the Chair of the department beginning in 2018. She was then named the Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences in July 2023.

On campus, she has been involved in several outreach initiatives with K-12 students for science activities and visits to the SSU Anatomy Lab. She has also served on the university’s Educational Policies & Curriculum Committee, served as the faculty co-chair on the Higher Learning Committee’s Criterion 3 focus group, and serves as a member of the Ohio Department of Education’s Transfer Assurance Guide Anatomy & Physiology Faculty Panel.

Dr. Inman received her Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from Marshall University in 1998 before completing her Ph.D. in Cellular & Molecular Biology at the University of Wisconsin – Madison in 2006. She served as a Postdoctoral Scientist at Stowers Institute of Medical Research for seven years and continued much of her developmental biology research with her students at SSU.

Craig Gilliland

Chief Financial Officer

Craig Gilliland, a 1991 graduate of Shawnee State University, brings 35 years of experience in finance, leadership, business development, and corporate compliance. He most recently served as Vice President of Financial Services and Chief Financial Officer at Margaret Mary Health in Batesville, IN.

Gilliland holds a bachelor degree in Business Administration, Computer Information Systems and Accounting from Shawnee State University and a Master of Business Administration from Ohio University.

As Chief Financial Officer, Gilliland will assume leadership of Auditing, Contract Services, Controller, Institutional Budgeting, and Procurement Services.

Malonda Johnson

Chief Operating Officer

Ms. Malonda Johnson brings more than 18 years of human resources and leadership experience. She joined Shawnee State University in 2011 and has advanced the HR department as its Director over the past 7 years. Malonda has also served as SSU’s Chief Diversity Officer, leading the goals tied to diversity, equity, and inclusion outlined in the strategic plan. Over the years, she has led several university-wide committees and focus groups designed to address and meet the needs of our employees and strengthen administrative operations.
 
Prior to joining SSU, Malonda served 8 years in the Ohio Army National Guard, 16th Engineer Brigade with one deployment in Baghdad, Iraq. She was assigned to the Manpower and Personnel Directorate (J-1), a bureau responsible for overall human resource strategic planning, integration, and analysis to ensure personnel readiness, operational capabilities, and sustainment of the National Guard community. She also previously served in human resources with the Ohio Secretary of State’s office, where she worked for 8 years.
 
A graduate of Franklin University where she earned a Bachelor of Science with a concentration in Human Resources Management, Malonda is a Certified HR Professional through the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). This summer she will graduate from Capella University with an Master’s in Business Administration degree.

As Chief Operating Officer, Malonda will assume leadership for Facilities, Planning and Construction, Human Resources, Information Technology Services, and Safety & Campus Police.

Dr. Michael Barnhart

Interim Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences

Dr. Michael Barnhart joined Shawnee State University in 2003 and has held several key leadership roles, including Chair of the Department of Fine, Digital & Performing Arts, Vice President of the University Faculty Senate, Director of the General Education Program, and Director of the Summer Bridge to Success program. He has also led the General Education Advisory, Educational Policies & Curriculum, and Distance Learning committees. In 2023, he was selected to serve on the President’s Council, and he assumed the role of Interim Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences in May 2024.

Dr. Barnhart holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in composition and computer music from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. He is a published scholar, a peer reviewer for Cogent OA: Arts & Humanities, and the founder of SSU’s Center for Creative Audio, supporting the minor in Sound Design. His contributions also include service on the Worldfest Committee, helping to bring international artists to Portsmouth through Arts Midwest support, and five years representing SSU on the Ohio Faculty Council.

Adam Miller

Dean of the College of Business & Engineering Technology

Adam Miller joined Shawnee State University in 2011. He most recently served as Chair of the Department of Engineering Technologies. In addition to his role as Associate Professor of Plastics Engineering Technology, he served for four years as Assistant to the Dean for Strategic Initiatives in the College of Professional Studies. In that position, he developed and executed initiatives to advance the college’s mission, strategic plan, and continuous improvement.

In 2018, Miller became Chair of the Engineering Technologies Department. He led efforts in curriculum planning, program growth, and student development. As Interim Dean of the College of Business & Engineering Technology, Miller will work closely with business, industry, and community stakeholders. He aims to shape the college’s direction, strengthen its academic and research partnerships, and ensure students graduate with the skills needed for innovation, entrepreneurship, and regional employment.

Miller earned a B.S. in Plastics Engineering Technology from SSU (2009), an M.S. in Industrial Systems Engineering at Ohio University (2012), and is a doctoral candidate at Penn State. His research includes industry partnerships, additive manufacturing, and engineering education.

Dr. Tony Ward

Interim Dean of the College of Health & Human Services

Dr. Ward has been with the University for over 25 years. He has served as Program Director of Athletic Training Education and Exercise Science. He is also a previous Shawnee State University Board of Trustee’s Distinguished Teaching Award recipient and served as the University Faculty Senate President from 2019-2022.

As Dean of the College of Health & Human Services, Ward will provide leadership for the college’s academic programs, including Allied Health, Rehabilitation Sciences, and Nursing, and create partnerships with regional health agencies to meet workforce and community needs

Dr. Ward received his doctorate in Educational Leadership with an emphasis in Health Science from the University of the Cumberlands and his Master’s in Health and Physical Education and Bachelor’s in Athletic Training from Marshall University.

Jeff Hamilton

Dean of Students

Jeff Hamilton has served at Shawnee State University for more than 15 years, holding key leadership roles spanning athletics, corporate relations, and student support. From 2008 to 2023, he was SSU’s Athletic Director, overseeing significant program growth to 22 competitive varsity teams and celebrating national championship titles in Men’s Basketball, Esports, and Indoor Track & Field.

In 2023, Hamilton was appointed Director of Corporate & Foundation Relations, where he worked to build and strengthen partnerships with regional businesses, private foundations, alumni, and advisory boards.

Hamilton now serves as Dean of Students, providing leadership for student support services, overseeing student conduct and community standards, and fostering a positive, inclusive campus environment that supports student well-being and success.

He holds a Master’s Degree in Athletic Administration from Ohio University and a Bachelor’s Degree in History from the College of Wooster.

Kaci Foster

Chief of Staff

Kaci Foster brings extensive experience in government, communications, and community development across Southern Ohio and Kentucky. Before joining Shawnee State University, she served as Executive Director of the Maysville-Mason County Area Chamber of Commerce, where she strengthened partnerships with regional employees and advanced workforce and business development initiatives. She previously worked as a Field Representative for Congressman Brad Wenstrup and as a Communications Specialist with Fluor-BWXT/InSolves at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Portsmouth Site, supporting public affairs and stakeholder engagement.

In 2024, Foster was recognized by the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce as the Young Professional of the Year for her leadership in business and community development.

Foster earned both her undergraduate and graduate degrees in government from Morehead State University. She remains active in civic and community leadership through the Maysville Rotary Club, the United Way of Mason County Board of Directors, and the American Association of University Women of Mason County.

As Chief of Staff, Foster will work closely with leadership throughout the institution to achieve our strategic goals, foster relationships that support our mission, and facilitate projects that strengthen the institution.

Elizabeth Blevins

Special Assistant to the President, Student Experience

Ms. Elizabeth Blevins has 34 years of experience in public relations, communications, marketing, and corporate development. She joined Shawnee State in 2008, created the brand for the institution, and developed an integrated Marketing & Communications Office. 

Liz earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Morehead State University and a master’s degree in healthcare administration from Central Michigan University. She is accredited in public relations through the Public Relations Society of America and maintains her credentials through recognized continuing education. In 2019 she was named the PR Practitioner of the Year by the River Cities Chapter of PRSA.

Sam Brady

Executive Director of Economic Development

Sam Brady, named one of North America’s Top 50 economic development professionals in 2025, serves as SSU’s first Executive Director of Economic Development and Strategic Partnerships.

Brady, an Appalachian Leadership Institute Fellow, has also served as the chairman of the Joint Economic Development Initiative of Southern Ohio (JEDISO), is a member of the U.S. Department of Energy Portsmouth Site-Specific Advisory Board (SSAB), Ohio Economic Development Association Board of Directors, and a previous finalist for Ohio Economic Development Association Economic Developer of the Year.

As Executive Director, Brady will lead efforts to support rapidly emerging development opportunities at the DOE Portsmouth Site in Piketon and will work with employers throughout south central Ohio to quickly feed the increasing demand for well-qualified talent.

Aimee Welch

Executive Director of SSU Foundation

Aimee Welch brings more than 15 years of experience at Shawnee State University, including nine years of service with the SSU Foundation. She most recently served as Director of Institutional Budgeting, supporting university-wide financial planning and resource allocation. Prior to that role, she served as Director of the SSU Foundation, where she coordinated the SSUF Board, led accounting and financial reporting, managed fund and real property portfolios, and oversaw donor relations and stewardship. She began her career at the university in Human Resources and Payroll.

A 1998 graduate of Shawnee State University, Welch earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. She and her husband, Chad, along with their two sons, Gavin and Gabe, are all proud Shawnee State alumni.

As Executive Director, Welch will lead the SSU Foundation’s operations and advancement efforts, guiding philanthropic initiatives that support scholarships, academic programs, and student success across campus.

Randalyn Worley

General Counsel

Randalyn Worley joins Shawnee State with 16 years of experience as an attorney in private practice and the public sector. Her background includes serving as an assistant prosecuting attorney in Adams County and as the city law director for the City of Hillsboro. She has also worked in civil litigation, estate planning, adoptions, criminal defense and business formation.

Worley earned her bachelor’s degree from Ohio State University and her law degree from Arizona Summit Law School. She passed the Ohio Bar in 2009.

Ms. Worley’s role as General Counsel includes advising the Board of Trustees and administration on policy development, ethics, contracts, personnel issues, public records, and compliance with federal and state laws.

Jamie Barker

Chief External Relations Officer

Jamie Barker joined Shawnee State University in 2024 as Director of the SSU Center for Appalachian Public Policy and to support external relations within the College of Health & Human Services. He brings extensive experience in government relations, constituent engagement, regional politics, and education to his role at the university. A former high school teacher, township trustee, and Southeast Ohio District Director for U.S. Senator Rob Portman, Baker has built strong relationships across the state and a deep understanding of the region’s needs. 

As Chief External Relations Officer, Barker serves as SSU’s primary liaison to elected officials, government agencies, and key university partners. He works closely with university leadership to advance higher education initiatives, strengthen relationships with regional employers, and develop comprehensive strategies that support community engagement and workforce development. He also guides efforts to build and enhance the internal structure that supports these partnerships and initiatives.

Barker holds a Master’s Degree in Social Science and a Bachelor of Science in Education from Ohio University.

Jason Yeager

Chief Enrollment Officer

Dr. Yeager brings more than 20 years of experience in higher education, student life, recruitment, and enrollment management to SSU. He previously served as Vice President of Enrollment Management & Student Affairs at Glenville State University. A faculty member since 2000, Dr. Yeager has taught at Eastern Kentucky University, Glenville State University and Lexington Community College/Bluegrass Community and Technical College in criminal justice and law enforcement.

Before beginning his career in higher education, Dr. Yeager served 20 years in law enforcement, including two years as Commander of the crisis negotiations unit and six years as sergeant of the narcotics enforcement unit.

A native of Charleston, West Virginia, Dr. Yeager earned a Doctor of Executive Leadership degree from the University of Charleston, a master’s degree in criminal justice from Eastern Kentucky University and an undergraduate degree in criminal justice and sociology from Marshall University.

Overseeing enrollment management at Shawnee State, Dr. Yeager will lead the offices of undergraduate and graduate admissions, bursar, financial aid and registrar.

Cindi Remy

Chief Communications Officer

Cindi Remy brings nearly three decades of experience in journalism and public relations to SSU. Remy started her career at NBC4 in Columbus as a producer and worked her way up the ranks, leading both evening and morning newscasts during her nearly 20-year broadcast career. After television news, she returned to her hometown of Waverly, Ohio, and immersed herself in various community projects while transitioning to corporate communications, including healthcare and her most recent role at the Southern Ohio Cleanup Company. 

Remy, a graduate of Ohio State University, lives in Waverly with her son Landon, who is an incoming Business Management major at Shawnee State University.

As Chief Communications Officer, Remy will lead the University's internal and external communications strategy while strengthening SSU's brand and visibility on a local, state, and national level.

Gerald Cadogan

Athletic Director

Mr. Gerald Cadogen brings more than two decades of experience in athletics, team-building, and goal-setting as a former professional athlete, collegiate student-athlete, teacher, and coach. His professional career includes three years in the National Football League, two years in the Canadian Football League, and ten years as an educator and high school football, swimming and track coach. 
 
Gerald became SSU’s first men’s and women’s swimming head coach in 2019. In the first three seasons, the program celebrated two NAIA All-Americans and finished top four in the Mid-South Conference. Since 2013, he has served as a teacher and coach with Portsmouth City Schools. He founded and managed Cadogan’s Camp Football and Swimming, a youth summer camp to help students develop athletically and professionally, and is founder of the Portsmouth Unity Project that fosters community collaboration on artistic and educational experiences.
 
A graduate of Shawnee State University’s Master’s in Education Intervention Specialist program, Gerald earned two undergraduate degrees, a Bachelor of Science in Biological Psychology and a Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Services, from Pennsylvania State University. As a student-athlete at Penn State, he was a two-time Academic All-American, was named First Team All-Big Ten, received the John Oswald award of leadership and was a Sports Mural Honoree. 
 
As Athletic Director, Gerald will work with our coaching staff to lead our 22 collegiate varsity teams, make college possible for more students who want to continue to compete while earning their degrees, and in partnership with faculty, advisors and support services, help student-athletes successfully reach their educational and career goals.

Tyler Walters

Chief Advancement Officer

Tyler Walters brings more than 25 years of healthcare operations experience to his role as Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives at Shawnee State University. He joins the College of Health & Human Services to strengthen and expand partnerships with regional health agencies and advance initiatives that support the university's mission and community impact.

Walter began his career at Shawnee Mental Health in Portsmouth, where he served as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer. He has since held multiple executive leadership roles, including Market Chief Financial Officer for Bon Secours Kentucky Health System and Chief Operating Officer for Mercy Health West Hospital in Cincinnati.

He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Healthcare Management from Marshall University and a Master of Business Administration from Morehead State University.

Chris Shaffer

Chief Executive Affairs Officer

Chris Shaffer has been with Shawnee State University since 2011. He began as the university’s first Director of Institutional Effectiveness, overseeing institutional research and data-informed initiatives. He transitioned to the role of Grants Director, then Senior Advisor for Agency and Educational Partnerships before taking on his current position as Chief Executive Affairs Officer. 

He holds a bachelor's degree from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in Human Geography and Environmental Engineering, an MBA from Ohio Dominican University, and is pursuing a PhD in Interdisciplinary Studies (Education and Policy) at Ohio University.

Shaffer has presented nationally on data analytics and retention research, chaired the ServeOhio board, worked with various statewide and national programs, and served in Gov. Ted Strickland's administration, where he advocated for Ohio's Appalachian region and led community development initiatives. He is a combat veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and an active community volunteer.