In recognition of their commitment to teaching and their scholarly and creative contributions, the Ohio Dominican University Board of Trustees has approved the promotions of two faculty members for the 2026–27 academic year. The promotions took effect July 1, 2026.
- Dr. Blake Mathys
Associate Professor of Biology with Tenure – Promoted to Professor of Biology
- Dr. Jeremy Skrzypek
Assistant Professor of Philosophy – Promoted to Associate Professor of Philosophy with Tenure
“We are proud to announce the promotions of two outstanding faculty members who demonstrate excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service,” said ODU Provost Dr. John Marazita. “Their reach extends beyond the disciplines in which they teach as they lead the Division of Math, Computer and Natural Science, and ODU’s Honors Program with dedication and passion.”
“Congratulations to Dr. Mathys and Dr. Skrzypek on their well-earned promotions,” said ODU President Dr. Shonna Riedlinger. “These exceptional educators embody our mission to prepare our students for successful careers and meaningful lives.”
About the Faculty
Dr. Blake Mathys is now a professor of biology at Ohio Dominican University.
Mathys has long been interested in nature and animals. He earned a bachelor’s degree in biology, with a minor in field biology, from Ohio Northern University.
Following graduation, Mathys spent several years working as a field biologist, monitoring elephant seals in California, endangered sparrows in the Florida Everglades, and migrating raptors in Washington state.
His doctoral work at Rutgers University focused on birds introduced to islands, which allowed him to conduct fieldwork in Bermuda, Trinidad, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico.
A native Ohioan, Mathys has returned to the state to inspire Ohio Dominican’s young biologists to explore the natural world around them.
Dr. Jeremy Skrzypek is now an associate professor of philosophy with tenure at Ohio Dominican University.
Skrzypek joined the Ohio Dominican philosophy faculty in 2022. Prior to coming to ODU, he taught at the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota.
He earned a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy from the State University of New York at Buffalo, a Master of Arts in philosophy from the University of Saskatchewan, and a Ph.D. in philosophy from Saint Louis University.
Skrzypek’s primary research areas include metaphysics, medieval philosophy, and philosophical theology. His dissertation focused on hylomorphism, the theory that material objects are composed of both matter and form, and he continues to research and write about how the theory can be understood and applied.
His published work has appeared in Erkenntnis, The European Journal of Philosophy, Synthese, The Journal of Analytic Theology, Oxford Studies in Medieval Philosophy, Analytic Philosophy, and The European Journal for Philosophy of Religion, among other publications.