A woman who says scholarships changed her own life is now taking charge of the organization that helps fund educational opportunities for students at Shawnee State University.
Shawnee State has named Aimee Welch as Executive Director of the Shawnee State University Foundation, placing her in charge of the university’s fundraising and philanthropic efforts that help support scholarships, academic programs, and student success across campus.
In everyday terms, Welch’s new job involves helping raise and manage money that directly benefits students. That includes overseeing scholarships, working with donors and alumni, supporting university projects, and helping fund programs and campus improvements.
The role could become even more important as Shawnee State enters what may be one of the most ambitious growth periods in recent university history.
The university is already generating major community buzz with plans tied to the restoration and modernization of Spartan Stadium and the addition of a football program — developments supporters hope will boost enrollment, increase student life activity, and bring new energy and economic activity to Portsmouth.
Welch, who has worked at Shawnee State for more than 15 years, says the mission is personal.
“As a student who could not have attended college without scholarships, I understand the lasting impact a gift to the SSU Foundation can make in a student’s life,” Welch said in a statement released by the university.
SSU President Eric Andrew Braun said the Foundation plays a critical role in supporting students and university priorities.
“Ms. Welch’s leadership will be instrumental in strengthening the SSU Foundation and ensuring continued support for scholarships, programs, and initiatives that directly benefit our students and community,” Braun said.
Welch is no stranger to the foundation itself. Before taking over as Executive Director, she served as Director of Institutional Budgeting, helping oversee university financial planning and resource allocation. She also previously served as Director of the SSU Foundation, where she managed donor relations, financial reporting, foundation assets, and board coordination.
Her history with the university stretches back even further, beginning in Human Resources and Payroll.
Welch graduated from Shawnee State in 1998 with a degree in Business Administration. Her ties to the university run deep — her husband Chad and sons Gavin and Gabe are also Shawnee State alumni.
The Foundation she now leads helps fund a massive range of scholarships for students throughout the region.
Those scholarships support everything from nursing, education, engineering, and business to athletics, honors programs, international studies, community service, and first-generation college students.
Some scholarships specifically target local students from schools across Scioto, Adams, Pike, Lawrence, Ross, and surrounding counties, while others help veterans, single parents, allied health students, athletes, and students facing financial hardship.
Among the scholarships available through the Foundation are:
- Alumni Legacy Scholarship
- Sean Elliott Scholarship
- McElhaney Honors Scholarship
- Glockner Community Service Scholarship
- Dr. George & Sandy White Veterans Scholarship
- Wayne F. White Memorial Scholarship
- Bear Completion Grant
- Neal & Vicky Hatcher Emergency Housing Scholarship
- Stanley Electric Engineering Technologies Scholarship
- Roy Rogers Scholarship
- Wendy’s High School Heisman Scholarship
- Numerous nursing, business, allied health, education, and arts scholarships
Students hoping to qualify for scholarship opportunities are encouraged to apply to Shawnee State and submit transcripts along with ACT or SAT scores.
The university’s priority deadline is January 15 for full scholarship consideration. Applications submitted between January 16 and May 1 may still qualify while funding remains available.
With football plans advancing, stadium improvements on the horizon, and expanded scholarship efforts underway, university leaders appear to be betting heavily on growth — and Welch will now play a major role in helping fund that future.
