Commencement speaker
John Schriner, Ph.D.
Associate Dean, Admissions and Student Affairs, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine
Over his nearly 30-year career at the Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, few people have impacted the lives of as many students as Associate Dean of Admissions John Schriner, Ph.D.. This is evident by the Class of 2025’s request to have Schriner as their commencement speaker. It’s a fitting celebration for Schriner, who retires in June after 37 years of work in higher education.
Schriner launched his higher education career at the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio in 1988. He then worked in the admissions office at Thiel College in Greenville, Pennsylvania before becoming the associate director of admissions at the Heritage College in 1996 and now serves as the associate dean of admissions.
During his career, Schriner has shepherded prospective students from the interview process to orientation, including the all-important call to inform them they’ve been accepted into medical school. It is estimated that Schriner has personally delivered the life-changing news to more than 2,500 students.
John Schriner, Ph.D., associate dean of admissions and student affairs, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine
Every year in his admissions role, Schriner selects the best candidates from large pools of applicants. By choosing students who not only fulfill academic requirements but also demonstrate a passion for patient care and a potential for quality leadership, Schriner has helped to shape the face of health care in Ohio and beyond.
Scores of Heritage College students and alumni have benefited from Schriner’s guidance on professionalism, which he shares during an orientation speech lovingly known as the “Schriner Sermon.” In his talk, he discusses what is expected of students while in medical school and what society will expect of them as physicians. He imparts to the students what he calls the building blocks of respect: attitude, perspective and integrity.
Schriner was a key player in creating several Heritage College recruiting programs, including the Early Assurance Program, which allows select students to earn an undergraduate degree and their Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree in as few as seven years.
In addition to his responsibilities in the admissions and student affairs office, Schriner is also an assistant professor in the social medicine department. He taught the second-year class “Return to Wellness,” which aligned with his doctoral studies in interpersonal communication surrounding family and health communication, particularly around the cognitive decline of elderly relatives.
Schriner, a beloved member of the Heritage College community, is known for his involvement in social activities as well. When he served as co-host of the student and faculty talent show, Talent Follies, he was never afraid to put on a costume and join in performances, much to the delight of students in the audience. He is also known to have dressed as Santa Claus for staff holiday parties, and in the warmer months, could often be found at the grill, flipping burgers during student picnics.
Schriner’s contributions to the medical education community have been recognized with several awards, including the Heritage College’s Trillium Award, which recognizes those who have made exceptional efforts to help the college thrive and grow. Most recently, Schriner was awarded an Ohio Osteopathic Association Meritorious Service Award in April 2024.
Originally from Lakewood, Ohio, Schriner and his wife, Janis, have called Athens home for nearly three decades. Here, they raised their two sons, John and Jacob, and now enjoy doting on four grandchildren. He holds a B.S. in organizational communications from Ohio University, an M.Ed. from Cleveland State University and a Ph.D. from Ohio University.
Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine
© 2025 Ohio University. All rights reserved.