Alumni Hall of Fame
Academic / Professional Achievement (2022)

Thomas S. Poetter is a member of the St. Marys Memorial High School Class of 1981. From the time he was a child, Tom has excelled at everything he does. As a student and athlete he was driven to succeed and was a leader among his peers. At the same time, he has acknowledged and honored those who have influenced and supported him throughout his life. After graduation, Tom attended Heidelberg College in Tiffin, Ohio. In 1985, he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree majoring in English and Business Administration. In 1988, he obtained his State of New Jersey Teacher Certification while earning his Master’s in Divinity with a major in Christian Education through the Theological Seminary, all at Princeton University in Princeton, New Jersey. From 1988 - 1991, Mr. Poetter was an English Teacher at Culver Academies in Culver, Indiana. He was also the Boys’ Basketball Coach and served as Assistant Chaplain.

In 1991, Tom began his work toward a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a Minor in Philosophy of Education from Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. He earned his PhD in 1994 based on his Dissertation: “Making Meaning in the Experiential Domain.” While at Indiana University, he served as a Graduate Assistant to the Chair and Associate Instructor of Curriculum and Instruction. From 1994 – 1997, Dr. Poetter would serve as an Associate Professor of Education at Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas.

In 1997, Dr. Thomas S. Poetter was hired by Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Educational Leadership. Since that time, Dr. Poetter has dedicated himself to his profession, risen through the ranks, and is currently Professor and Chair of the Department of Educational Leadership. Tom Poetter is a widely respected thinker and writer in the fields of education, curriculum studies, and teaching. He has published twenty–three books and monographs on topics ranging from education curriculum, to teacher leadership, to his experiences as a citizen candidate, to other practical life experiences. He has written forty–three journal articles, twenty–one book chapters, and two book reviews. In addition, he has authored numerous commissioned and non-refereed publications and delivered academic presentations in cities across the United States. He has also presented internationally. Beyond his teaching and advising responsibilities, he has mentored thirty–seven doctoral candidates through the dissertation process.

Tom is a devoted servant of others and is involved in the university community, the Oxford, Ohio, community and beyond. He is currently the Chair of the Miami University Senate. He has Co – Chaired the Miami – Talawanda Partnership and has been Director of the Miami University Partnership Office. He has served as an external reviewer of tenure and promotions at universities such as Washington State University, Brigham Young University, and Akron University. He has been an involved member of the Oxford Presbyterian Church and the Miami Little League. Tom has also never forgotten his alma mater, Memorial High School, and has given to the youth of St. Marys on numerous occasions.

It should be noted that Tom Poetter had a prolific high school and collegiate athletic career. At Memorial High School, he was a two sport star athlete in basketball and baseball. He was a three - time letterman in basketball. He was First Team All - Western Buckeye League both his junior and senior seasons and was co – captain of the 1980 – 1981 Western Buckeye League Co - Championship Boys’ Basketball Team. As a result, Tom is still the all – time record holder for assists and was named to the Inaugural MHS Boys’ Basketball Hall of Fame in 2020. He was a four - time letterman in baseball and played on the 1978 and 1980 Western Buckeye League Championship Baseball Teams. He was also First Team All – Western Buckeye League his junior and senior seasons. At Heidelberg College, he was equally successful. He played one year of soccer and lettered as a striker. He lettered three years in basketball, and four years in baseball. In basketball, Tom played on Heidelberg’s team that set the school record for wins, for which he and his team were inducted into the Heidelberg College Athletic Hall of Fame. In baseball, he was a two – year team co – captain, and was named Team MVP his junior and senior seasons. These experiences inspired Tom’s desire to coach various sports throughout the years, and to do so successfully.

His many contributions and achievements have earned Tom numerous awards and honors, including the Spivey Award for Excellence in Teaching, Talawanda Schools Crystal Apple Award for Partnership Work, a John Goodlad Agenda for Education in a Democracy Scholar, The Delp Award for Teaching, and the Miami University Faculty Distinguished Scholar Award.

For excellence in his profession as a distinguished scholar and widely respected expert in his field, and service to others beyond himself, the St. Marys Memorial High School Alumni Foundation inducts Thomas S. Poetter into the St. Marys Memorial High School Alumni Foundation Hall of Fame for Academic / Professional Achievement.