OU-Chillicothe Commencement Calls On Alum To Deliver Keynote Address
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(Chillicothe) – Ohio University alumna and associate professor of social work Stacey Saunders-Adams will deliver the keynote address for OHIO Chillicothe’s Graduation Recognition Ceremony on Thursday, May 1st.
Dr. Saunders-Adams, who received a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from Ohio University, went on to earn a master’s degree in Social Science Administration from Case Western Reserve University and a Ph.D. in Social Work from The Ohio State University.
Dr. Saunders-Adams was recognized as the OHIO Chillicothe Woman of Distinction in 2024. She received the ADAMH Prevention Advocate of the Year Award in 2023.
Ohio University Chillicothe Dean of Campus and Community Relations Roberta Milliken said that Dr. Saunders-Adams is a valued faculty and community member.
“We are honored that Stacey has agreed to deliver the keynote address for our graduation recognition ceremony,” Dean Milliken said. “As a professor of social work at OHIO Chillicothe and Associate Director of Ohio’s University Consortium for Child and Adult Services, Stacey combines her expertise with a heartfelt passion for teaching and mentoring the next generation of social workers.”
Dr. Saunders-Adams’ areas of expertise include substance abuse, research and evaluation, child welfare, and policy practice. Known for her dedication to evidence-based practices and innovative problem-solving, she takes pride in fostering a dynamic and supportive learning environment. Her love for teaching and her commitment to social justice drive her efforts to address complex social challenges and make a positive impact in the lives of vulnerable populations, both in the classroom and throughout the Chillicothe community.
In addition to her academic and professional achievements, Dr. Saunders-Adams has an extensive record of community leadership and service. She served as a hostage negotiator and earned second place in a national hostage negotiation competition. She co-founded the volunteer sexual assault survivor advocacy program at Adena Regional Medical Center, which later evolved into Adena Health System’s Advocacy Program. She also co-founded a local nonprofit organization that addresses service gaps to help Ross County residents live lives free from substance use.
She plans and chairs an annual prevention conference for South Central Ohio and organizes Hope Fest, an annual recovery celebration held on the last Saturday in August. She serves on the board of the Hope Partnership Project and is an active advocate for holistic, community-based support systems. Beyond her professional and volunteer commitments, Dr. Saunders-Adams expresses her creativity through painting and dabbling in graphic design.
“I’m delighted to have the opportunity to speak at OHIO Chillicothe’s Graduation Recognition Ceremony,” Saunders-Adams said. “I began my journey as a scholar, activist and academic as an undergraduate at Ohio University, and I’m excited to share some perspectives and advice with our graduating class of Bobcats.”
Above all, Saunders-Adams values family and is the proud mother of 11-year-old twins. Balancing her many accomplishments with her dedication to family life, she exemplifies the importance of nurturing both personal and professional connections.
Ohio University Chillicothe’s 2025 Graduation Recognition Ceremony will be held on Thursday, May 1, beginning at 6pm in the Shoemaker Center on the Chillicothe Campus.
