🎭 Miami's faculty shuffle

Good morning, Preble County. After three years at the helm as Miami University's provost, Elizabeth Mullenix is trading administrative meetings for classroom discussions. Her return to the College of Creative Arts faculty marks the end of a remarkable chapter that caps nearly two decades of leadership at the institution. President Crawford's praise for her "longstanding commitment" speaks volumes about the impact she's had on campus life.

Hollywood glamour arrives in Oxford this month as the community's first-ever Pride Prom rolls out the red carpet at the Oxford Community Arts Center. The March 29 event promises drag performances and inclusive celebration for those who missed experiencing prom as their authentic selves. Meanwhile, as Miami University pursues its 2040 carbon neutrality goals, a hidden environmental challenge lurks in the cloud-based services students use daily—a digital carbon footprint that remains unmeasured despite growing concerns from environmental experts.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Eaton

29°

41°

70%

Lakengren

29°

41°

70%

Camden

30°

41°

68%

Lewisburg

30°

41°

80%

West Alexandria

30°

41°

80%

Gratis

30°

41°

74%

New Paris

29°

41°

69%

West Manchester

30°

41°

84%

Eldorado

29°

41°

69%

Verona

30°

41°

80%

West Elkton

30°

41°

83%

☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🎭 Miami's provost returns to her teaching roots after three years. Elizabeth Mullenix announced she will step down as provost this summer to rejoin the College of Creative Arts faculty. Before her three-year stint as provost, Mullenix served 19 years in various Miami University leadership roles, including nine years as dean of the College of Creative Arts. President Gregory Crawford praised her "longstanding commitment" and passion for faculty and student success. The university will name an interim provost this semester while conducting a nationwide search for a permanent replacement.

🌈 Oxford's first Pride Prom brings Hollywood glamour to the LGBTQIA+ community. The "Out & Shining Hollywood Prom" will be held March 29 at the Oxford Community Arts Center, featuring drag performances and a red carpet experience. Tickets are available for $7 presale or $10 after March 16 for all LGBTQIA+ community members and allies 18+. The event, inspired by the Graduate Student Pride Association, aims to create an inclusive space for those who missed experiencing prom as their authentic selves. Local businesses like Uptown Threads are offering special discounts to attendees.

💻 Miami's tech infrastructure hides a carbon footprint students can't avoid. The university, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2040, relies on Google and Amazon platforms that operate energy-intensive data centers with unmeasured environmental impacts. While Miami tracks most campus emissions, it doesn't monitor the cloud-based carbon footprint from third-party services, considering it both impossible and outside required reporting frameworks. Environmental expert Dustin Edwards suggests universities should acknowledge these hidden impacts, advocating for broader conversations that could lead to improved energy efficiency rather than individual opt-outs.

Country brick bargain auction home: Priced at $100, this brick ranch home in a country setting offers 3 bedrooms, eat-in kitchen, living room, and attached garage, with easy access to I70, RT 127 & US 40, set for auction on April 24th, 2025.

Mixed use property near university: Priced at $275,000, this versatile property includes a 3-bedroom rental home, block warehouse with current tenant, and a former funeral home with viewing halls and reception areas, all conveniently located just 10 minutes from Miami University.

Updated Ranch Corner Paradise Views: Priced at $219,500, this updated brick ranch on a corner lot offers wide-open views, granite counters, stainless appliances, a light-filled addition, primary suite, and energy-efficient insulation in New Paris.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

📊 Mar. 20 - Monthly Board Meeting: Join us for the Monthly Board Meeting on March 20 at 200 Eaton Lewisburg Rd, Eaton. Have your voice heard as community matters are discussed! Note: Meetings typically skip July and December.

👨‍💼 Mar. 21 - Steve Worley: Sip and sway at Olde Schoolhouse Vineyard & Winery as Steve Worley performs on March 21. Enjoy live music among the vines at this charming Eaton venue—perfect for a relaxing spring evening.

🏓 Mar. 21 - Pickleball Open Gym: Grab your paddle and join the fun at Pickleball Open Gym! Drop in for court time or reserve your spot at The Gym & Star Theatre in Eaton on March 21. Call 937-533-8181 to secure your court.

🌃 Mar. 21 - Youth Night Miami: Youth Night Miami lights up New Paris this March 21st! Join the buzz at 6751 OH-320 for concerts, art exhibitions, and unforgettable activities that will make your 2025 spring memorable.

🎵 Mar. 22 - JH Solo & Ensemble: Young musicians showcase their talents at the Junior High Solo & Ensemble Festival! Join these promising performers on March 22 at Tri-County North High School in Lewisburg for an afternoon of impressive musical displays.

🏞️ Mar. 23 - Lower Twin Meeting: Join us at Lower Twin on March 23! Gather at 6715 Quaker Trace Rd in Camden, OH for this community event. Questions? Call 712-432-8773 (pin 782537) or text Lynton Yost at 937-603-4912.

🙏 In Remembrance

Greg S. Allen

Greg S. Allen, 48, of West Alexandria, passed away unexpectedly on March 16, 2025, leaving behind his fiancée Maria Conley, two sons, five siblings, and extended family. Born in Dayton on December 30, 1976, Greg was a homebody who found joy in simple pleasures, particularly his passion for Hot Rods, both real cars and model collections. He had a laid-back personality, enjoyed watching comedies, and though he preferred staying home, made a lasting impact on those who knew him. A graveside service will be held on March 21 at Preble Memory Gardens Cemetery.