A long-time champion of Ohio State University’s regional campuses has died. John T. Mount passed away at his home in Columbus this morning. He was 95.
Reared on a farm near the Mahoning County village of Middleton, Ohio, Mount was connected to Ohio State early-on when he raised his first dollars as a boy through a 4-H swine project.
Throughout the years, Ohio State presidents asked Mount to tackle different and difficult assignments. One of them was to serve as vice president of the regional campuses. Dean and Director of The Ohio State University at Marion, Dr. Greg Rose remembers Mount as critical to the growth of the Marion campus.
“I think the fact that he was so committed to the regional campuses really helped us get up on our feet and laid the groundwork for us to turn into what we are today,” said Dean Rose.
Beginning in 1960, Mount held four vice presidency positions within the university, as well as serving as a faculty member in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences. For many years, he taught a course on the history of The Ohio State University.
As a firm believer in education and democracy, Mount became known as the initiator of Ohio State’s student recruitment efforts. He personally called on hundreds of prospective students and their parents and wrote thousands of letters each year to let them know about the resources and benefits he received from an Ohio State education.
Interim President Joseph A. Alutto noted Mount’s leadership and generosity in a statement issued today.
“With the passing of John T. Mount, Ohio State has lost a dear friend and loyal supporter. As an engaged alumnus and beloved long-time administrator, John dedicated his life to helping others achieve their goals, and in the process served as an outstanding role model for young people across the university and beyond. John’s generosity to the Ohio State family and his legacy as a truly inspiring leader will continue to endure for generations to come.”
Dean Rose said Mount gave generously back to his alma mater with some of his scholarships benefitting regional students.
“We have a John Mount award on the regional campuses for students who begin on the regional campus and finish on the Columbus campus in recognition of his critical role in building the regional campuses.”
In addition to that award, Mount also funded a new scholarship to benefit regional campus students participating in international travel opportunities, Rose explained.
“The first year is Marion’s which I was happy about. We anticipate giving this to one of the students who’s going to be on our France and Italy tour.”
For his commitment to helping others and enriching the lives of countless people at Ohio State, Mount received many university accolades and honors. Among them, Ohio State’s Distinguished Service Award, the John B. Gerlach Sr. Development Volunteer Award, the Ohio Staters Founders Award, and the E. Gordon Gee Spirit of Ohio State Award.
He loved the company of students and frequently had Ohio State students and alumni as his guests at his Columbus home or in the office he maintained until recently at the Ohio State University Foundation headquarters on Lane Avenue.
Mount had three sons and a daughter, one of whom lives in Marion. Son Don Mount is a vice president of sales at Wyandot, Inc. in Marion.
Funeral arrangements are pending. Additional information is available by clicking here.
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