Before becoming Dean of Miami University’s College of Education, Health, and Society, where she led over 3,100 students and 175 faculty and staff, Amity Noltemeyer, Ph.D., served as a school psychologist in Ohio’s Butler and Trumbull counties. That early field experience established a guiding principle for her career: higher education and scholarship must directly serve real-world communities.
"In order for individuals to be successful, they also have to be in supportive systems and environments," said Noltemeyer. "To effect the most change, it's not just about helping one individual navigate a situation but also about transforming systems to better support them."
Noltemeyer earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Xavier University, her M.S. and Ed.S. in School Psychology from Miami University, and her Ph.D. from Kent State University. Since joining Miami’s faculty in 2010, she has built a career defined by institutional leadership, research, and statewide advocacy.
A Career of Service and Leadership
Noltemeyer has spearheaded innovative academic pathways to meet workforce needs, co-developing a Master of Education in Health Professions Education with the Cleveland Clinic, an accelerated 3+1 Teacher Pathway with Butler Tech, a Master of Education in Counselor Education, and a Mental Health Intervention Graduate Certificate.
"The goal is identifying common challenges and goals and leveraging the strengths of each institution to make it happen," she said.
A fierce advocate for student well-being, Noltemeyer served as co-principal investigator on major state and federal grants—including the $6 million Ohio School Wellness Initiative, a $1.85 million Project AWARE grant, and a $571,000 School Climate Transformation Grant. These initiatives expanded Student Assistance Programs, Mental Health First Aid, and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports statewide.
"Making sure we prepare highly qualified mental health professionals is one area," Noltemeyer said. "But the other is making sure everyone has some understanding of mental health. Mental health is everybody's responsibility."
Noltemeyer’s impact extends to scholarly achievement and mentorship. She has authored or co-authored 55 peer-reviewed publications, helped secure over $9.2 million in external funding, and directly mentored nearly 120 graduate students through thesis and dissertation committees.
"I encourage them [students] to think for themselves, come up with possible solutions, and use me as a sounding board," she said, highlighting her commitment to fostering independent problem-solving.
Nationally and internationally, Noltemeyer served as Editor-in-Chief of School Psychology International and led the Ohio School Psychologists Association through a three-year executive cycle. She is also President-Elect of the Society for the Study of School Psychology and Ohio's State University Education Deans. In 2023, OSPA awarded her the Clyde V. Bartlett Distinguished Service Award for her leadership and service in mental health.
"You’ve got to be engaged in your local community, but your local community is part of a broader context," said Noltemeyer. "Understanding how those intersect is key."
Noltemeyer’s induction into the EHS Hall of Fame honors a career bridging research, administrative leadership, and community impact.
Reflecting on the honor, she expressed gratitude to her alma mater: "It was a wonderful surprise and a great honor. It isn't just about me—it's about the faculty at Kent State who went above and beyond to set me up for my career."
Kent State’s College of Education and Human Services is proud to honor Amity Noltemeyer with the Leadership Alumni Award for her academic excellence and community service.
