Author

Todd Jones

Photo portrait of author Todd Jones
Author

Todd Jones

Todd Jones has been a senior writer for Ohio State Alumni Magazine and University Marketing and Communications since 2017. He also served as host of the Ohio State podcast “One Degree Greater,” featuring Buckeyes in their first years after graduation.

Todd spent three decades as a newspaper reporter, including 20 years at The Columbus Dispatch, and has received more than 50 national, state and local journalism awards. He reported on stories from Australia, Greece, Scotland, Japan and nearly every major U.S. city while covering events such as Hurricane Katrina, the Olympics and two Ohio State football national championships. His work has appeared in numerous publications, including The New York Times and Los Angeles Times.

You can usually find Todd with his face in a nonfiction book, listening to all types of music, enjoying time with his wife, Deb Bertsch, or having yet another fashion faux pas corrected by his two young-adult daughters.

Selected storytelling
A woman in a red Ohio State sweatshirt looks to the sky as she sits on a giant, moon-shaped, orange and cream-colored rock formation. She’s significantly higher than the ground, but behind her, portions of the rock go much higher, off the top of the photo.
Our Alumni
The courage of Dr. Christina Knight

Serving in Navajo Nation, this openhearted young Buckeye has endured hardship and doubts to provide the special kind of care that changed her own life.
A young doctor in a surgical mask prompts a child patient to raise his shoulders during a medical exam
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Our Alumni
Hear how a Buckeye doctor helps Navajo Nation

Christina Knight, an openhearted young alum, pushes through hardship to provide the kind of care that changed her own life.
A young Black woman smiles at the fellow scientist who funded her scholarship
Our Students
60 years apart, scientists share zeal for discovery

Kristin Chesnutt is the first recipient of the Nancy Byrd Johnson and Howard M. Johnson endowment, and a kindred spirit.
Illustration depicting a woman helping another who is in need
Current Conversations
How are Buckeyes fighting human trafficking?

To confront a complicated problem like human trafficking, it takes a community, and as Buckeyes, we’re invested.
Rex Kern in front of sign for bexley public library
Spirit & Sports
Buckeye great Rex Kern is, in a word, grateful

The legendary quarterback shares stories about life, football and friends in a new book and reflects on his old helmet.
Charles Muse working on engine of red Corvette
Our Alumni
The engineer building a transportation revolution

Keep your eye on Charles Muse ’13, a rising star in automotive engineering and an embodiment of Ohio State’s pay forward spirit.
portrait of Joshua Jay in front of a colorful wall
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Our Alumni
Every little thing Joshua Jay does is magic

He is a magician, a storyteller, a mentor, a businessman, a showman, a podcaster, a friend. And, oh yes, a Buckeye.
High school student smiling in reaction to a magic trick performed by Joshua Jay
Our Alumni
Certain bonds come down to pure magic

In Joshua Jay, these students have a champion who shares their craft and supports their achievements.
Man with sunglasses sitting next to a bicycle
Paying Forward
Giving and finding strength

Scott Rider converted a diagnosis of Parkinson’s into a mission to help others — through connection, empathy, awareness and fundraising. His perspective has lessons for all of us, regardless of the nature of our challenges in life.
girl takes photo of another girl holding a picture frame
Our Alumni
Young Scholars Program: Inspiring trajectories

Ohio State helps talented students of modest means get the benefits of higher education. Meet some of the YSP alumni.