Conversations with Owens Community College President Dr. Dione D. Somerville

by Dr. Dione D. Somerville

“Conversations with Owens Community College President Dr. Dione D. Somerville” is a podcast featuring a variety of leaders in education, public service, business and civic life. Host Dr. Dione D. Somerville is the president of Owens Community College, a premier two-year college serving students across Northwest Ohio. Dr. Somerville engages each guest with critical questions about their education, career and professional perspec ...   ...  Read more
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Podcast episodes

  • Season 1

  • Owens CC PTA Chair Dr. Sara Burke

    Owens CC PTA Chair Dr. Sara Burke

    S01 E18
    40:57

    In this episode, Dr. Dione D. Somerville sits down with Sara Burke, PT, DPT, the chair and assistant professor of the Owens Community College Physical Therapist Assistant Program. Dr. Burke has won several awards, including the Owens’ School of Nursing and Health Professions Teaching Excellence Award, the American Association of Community College Dale P. Parnell Faculty Distinction Recognition, and the Owens’ Presidential Teaching Award. She earned her bachelor’s degree in biology from Ohio State University-Lima Campus and her doctorate in physical therapy at the University of Findlay. Dr. Burke began her Owens career in 2008 as an adjunct faculty member in the science department. She began teaching in the physical therapist assistant (PTA) program as an instructor in 2016 and rose to her current rank of assistant professor in 2021 and department chair in January 2023.

  • United Way of Greater Toledo President/CEO Wendy Pestrue, J.D.

    United Way of Greater Toledo President/CEO Wendy Pestrue, J.D.

    S01 E17
    33:33

    In this episode, Dr. Dione D. Somerville sits down with Wendy Pestrue, J.D., the President and CEO of the United Way of Greater Toledo. Pestrue has more than 20 years of nonprofit experience, with expertise in program strategy and fund development for agencies, medical centers and universities. Her experience includes notable institutions such as Ohio State’s Wexner Medical Center, Temple University College of Medicine, Texas Heart Institute and Bon Secours Virginia Health System.Her background includes frontline work in nursing, public education, government affairs and campaign finance. In her time with United Way of Greater Toledo, she has focused on a new collaborative model instrumental to informing program evaluation and investment. This includes a community analytics center, expanding 211 services and moving the organization to a more contemporary position leading the community in data-driven work to address basic needs.A native of Texas, Pestrue holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin, a master’s in education from the University of Houston and a doctor of law from Capital University in Columbus.

  • Connecting Kids to Meals President Wendi Huntley

    Connecting Kids to Meals President Wendi Huntley

    S01 E16
    45:06

    In this episode, Dr. Dione D. Somerville sits down with Wendi Huntley, the Connecting Kids to Meals president since 2016. An accomplished attorney with nearly 30 years in corporate, litigation, intellectual property, sports and entertainment law, she established her own firm, SPEC Group, after working for a large law firm. The Toledo native earned her bachelor’s degree from Bowling Green State University and Juris Doctorate from the Ohio State College of Law. She is Chair of the HOPE Toledo Board, and on the Board of Directors for Mercy Health, Partners in Education of Toledo and Mobile Meals of Toledo.

  • City of Findlay Mayor Christina Muryn

    City of Findlay Mayor Christina Muryn

    S01 E15
    38:36

    In this episode, Dr. Dione D. Somerville sits down with Christina Muryn, the city of Findlay mayor since 2020. The Findlay native graduated from the University of Findlay in 2014. While at the University of Findlay, she served as the student representative to the Board of Trustees, as Student Government Association President (for two terms), as a Dana Scholar, as Service Chair of Mortar Board Academic Honor Society, as Vice President of Aristos Eklektos Service Honor Society and as a founding member of Delta Mu Delta Business Honor Society. Mayor Muryn is an active member of the community, with the Findlay Family YMCA Board of Directors, the Ohio Mayors Alliance and the United States Conference of Mayors Membership Committee. In 2017, she received the Northwest Ohio 20 Under 40 Award, and she is a recipient of the Zonta International Women In Business Scholarship.

  • 13abc Action News Anchor Kristian Brown

    13abc Action News Anchor Kristian Brown

    S01 E14
    19:43

    In this episode, Dr. Dione D. Somerville sits down with Kristian Brown, a member of the 13abc news team since 2002 and anchor of the noon newscast and Action News at 5:30 with Lee Conklin. A graduate of the prestigious E.W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University with a degree in Broadcast Journalism, Kristian began her career at KTVE in Monroe, Louisiana before returning to her hometown of Toledo for a reporter position at WTOL.She then joined 13abc and excelled, including a focus on education with her Building Better Schools segment. She was inducted into the Ohio School Board Association Media Hall of Fame for her reports on education in the community in 2011 and received the Northwest Ohio Black Media Association Media Achievement Award in 2009. A recipient of Toledo’s coveted 20 under 40 honor in 2007, she received a Telly Award and Association Press Award for her story entitled Hip Hop Math.A member of the National Association of Black Journalists and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Kristian is a dedicated industry leader and community supporter who often presents to girls and women’s groups about personal development and positive choices.