President's Blog

The Owens Express: A Legacy of Success

It’s the month of March and most of the sports world wants to talk about basketball. When I was in high school, I loved being a student-athlete who ran cross-country and track. It allowed me to go outdoors and connect with nature in a peaceful and rejuvenating way.

My running led in part to why I chose Ohio Northern University for my own undergraduate education.  I was able to run cross-country and track while still concentrating on my academics. Being a student-athlete was a transformational experience. I met new people and traveled the region, which enabled me to see the world from different perspectives. Those views taught me so much and helped shape the person I am today. I got to run, which I loved, and I learned flexibility from my coaches, who encouraged me to run longer distances as a way to help my team win. Even an individual sport like running challenges you to make choices for the good of the team.

The skills that I learned as a student-athlete still serve me every day here at Owens, and I’m so proud to see our own student-athletes carrying that legacy forward in their lives. Being a student-athlete means learning how to excel both in the classroom and on the court or field. These young people develop discipline, dedication and commitment. They emerge with stronger time management, leadership qualities, universal skills, and other strengths valued by professors and employers alike. They intimately understand the link between effort and excellence.

Through the decades, our Owens Express teams have enjoyed a rich history of winning championships, including six national championships and four since the 2018-19 season. The women’s volleyball team won its third straight national championship in November and the women’s basketball team won its first national title two weeks ago. We also see these student-athletes excel where it matters most — in the classroom. They enjoy a special connection to our institution because of their commitment. They make an impact in northwest Ohio as well, cultivating a beautiful “we over me” mentality.

Similar to what you see on other college campuses, just like my days at Ohio Northern, student-athletes provide their fellow students, faculty and staff with a sense of school spirit and pride. They invigorate the community and add benefit to the collective Owens education. With our baseball and softball teams in season, I invite you to attend a game and watch our student-athletes in action! To learn more and find team schedules, visit www.owensexpress.com.

Dione D. Somerville, Ed.D.
President