Dean McDonough Named Pacesetter Award Recipient

UC Clermont College Dean James F. McDonough was recently honored with the Edward J. Parish Pacesetter Award by the Clermont County Chamber. 

The Edward J. Parish Pacesetter Award recognizes an individual who has exhibited outstanding qualities of character, citizenship and leadership in addition to having genuine concern for the welfare of Clermont County and its residents. 

“I share Ed Parish’s passion for caring about the people of Clermont County and in particular -- caring about teaching and our students’ success,” said McDonough.  “I’ve always said that it’s not the light you shine on yourself but the light you shine on the people around you – then you’re able to bask in the reflection of that light,” added McDonough. 

“Jim is truly a visionary leader. He understands that great counties need great colleges and great colleges need great counties,” said Anthony J. Perzigian, UC senior vice president for academic affairs and provost in the video honoring Dean McDonough.

During his first tenure as dean, McDonough served on the boards of many Clermont County organizations including the Clermont Chamber of Commerce; Clermont Senior Services; Clermont 20/20; Clermont Educational Opportunities and the Eastern Area United Way. During that period he was recognized with Clermont 20/20’s William H. Over Leadership Award. More notably following McDonough’s retirement from UC – he continued his service and involvement in the same organizations. McDonough has been the recipient of numerous national awards for distinguished service and outstanding teaching.

McDonough was active in the Cincinnati area where he was selected as the Engineer of the Year. He went on to serve as the Head of Civil and Environmental Engineering for eight years, and then the Associate Dean of the College of Engineering. During that time he served on the State Board of Registration for Engineers and Surveyors for 10 years, the last five as chair.

McDonough’s hobbies include travel, genealogy, gardening, bridge and personal finance. He and his wife Kathryn have seven children and twelve grandchildren. So far, the family has achieved seven degrees from UC. Two grandchildren are currently juniors at the UC.