The Ohio Dominican University Board of Trustees announced the appointment of Dr. Shonna Riedlinger to the position of University President on February 3, 2026.
Dr. Riedlinger has served as acting president and provost since January 2024 and has
served Ohio
Dominican University in various roles since January 2012. She holds a Doctor of Medical
Science with
Higher Education Concentration from Lynchburg University, a Master of Medical Science
in PA Studies
from Midwestern University, and a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics from Bowling Green
State University.
As president of Ohio Dominican, Dr. Riedlinger will be tasked with university operations,
strengthening
the resource base, enhancing the university’s reputation, amplifying the Catholic
and Dominican identity
as well as leading the executive leadership team.
“Ohio Dominican has been my home for the last 14 years,” said Dr. Riedlinger. “From
connecting with
students to growing my faith, this role will allow me to continue growing and contributing
to our ODU
community.”
As acting president and provost, Dr. Riedlinger has advanced the academic and operational
excellence
of Ohio Dominican. Her leadership has been marked by strategic vision, collaboration,
data-informed
decision making, and a deep commitment to the university’s Catholic and Dominican
mission.
Additionally, she will retain responsibility for the duties associated with the role
of provost through the
end of the academic year.
“Dr. Riedlinger has shown commitment to our students, strong faith and supported the
university
through exciting and turbulent times,” said Fred Takavitz, Ohio Dominican Board Chair.
“The Board of
Trustees is confident that she will continue to advance the university through the
next era of its history.”
Prior to assuming executive leadership at Ohio Dominican, Dr. Riedlinger built a distinguished
career in
healthcare leadership and administration, including nearly two decades practicing
as a PA in emergency
medicine, where she developed strong decision-making, crisis leadership, and team
management skills
in complex, high-stakes environments.
She also served in senior management and board governance roles in healthcare, advancing
organizational performance, and contributing to strategic and fiscal planning. She
led recruitment and
professional development for Advanced Practice Providers and strengthened clinical
performance
through quality improvement initiatives.
Since joining the University, she has progressed through academic and administrative
leadership
positions culminating in the responsibility for academic affairs, budgeting, compliance,
external
collaborations, and institutional operations—experience that provides the broad strategic
perspective
essential to the presidency.
“Dr. Riedlinger’s unique background in healthcare leadership has proven invaluable
to Ohio Dominican,”
said Takavitz. “Her experience building a high-performing team, driving quality improvement,
and
serving in board governance translates directly to the multifaceted challenges of
university leadership.