In his second year as Interim Dean at Raymond Walters College, Don O’Meara welcomes all current and returning students and faculty.Since the resignation and untimely death of the previous RWC Dean, Dr. Dolores Straker, Dean O’Meara has faced and continues to face numerous challenges on behalf of the community at Raymond Walters.
The first challenge that Dean O’Meara has faced is the communication between his office and the faculty, staff and students. To ensure that this communication is ongoing, Dean O’Meara is encouraging every member of the campus community to participate in the following issues:
The University of Cincinnati is considering changing the name of the campus from University of Cincinnati–Raymond Walters College to University of Cincinnati–Blue Ash. The Dean is looking forward to student participation in a survey that will take place at a later date. There has been discussion between his office and the alumni, retired faculty and staff, as well as current faculty and staff. The Dean has surveyed the interest of the City of Blue Ash in the changing of the name of the campus. More information will be forthcoming.
The campus is up for reaccreditation. The campus will be receiving a visit from the Higher Learning Commission next May. The Dean again encourages all students to participate in the questions and surveys that might be asked. More information will be forthcoming.
University System of Ohio (USO) is starting a ten year strategic plan. By this plan, the USO is trying to get the satellite campuses of major universities to offer more bachelor degree programs. More information will be forthcoming.
People who know Dean O’Meara well say he has a big heart and deep commitment to the Raymond Walters College community and believes in the mission and philosophy of the college. He himself says that he truly believes “in openness and accessibility, including shared ownership, responsibility, and active participation in decision making among all of its various constituencies–students, alumni, community, faculty, staff, and administration–in order to foster mutual respect, academic freedom, loyalty, and commitment” (Mission and Philosophy of Raymond Walters College).
This philosophy is evident in the actions of the administration and faculty of RWC. The Dean says he cannot stress enough the importance of the participation of the students in the decisions and events that could shape the future of the school.
If you have any questions, feel free to email him at . Or you can set up an appointment to see him by seeing Mabel Gilliam in the Dean’s Office, Muntz 149A, or calling her at 513-745-5660.
Dean O’Meara is no stranger to the University of Cincinnati community. After completing his undergraduate work and receiving his Master’s Degree in Sociology at UC, Dean O’Meara went on to receive his Ph.D. at the University of Notre Dame. He has taught sociology for thirty-two years.
He has been a member of the RWC faculty since 1977 and served many years as Chair of the Behavioral Sciences Department before being appointed Associate Dean of Academic Affairs at the College in 1993. Following the resignation of Dr. Dolores Straker, due to health reasons, in 2007, Dean O’Meara was appointed as Interim Dean.
He is married and the father of four daughters.