Editor’s Note: The College of Arts & Sciences launches the Notable Alumni Awards, honoring 37 Notable Alumni in 2017 for broad accomplishments in their careers, a commitment to community service, and valuable contributions to Ohio University, the College of Arts & Sciences, and its students.
Steve Ellis ’82 Political Science
Ohio University alum Steve Ellis led customer service at Sprint, Florida Power & Light, Comcast and Luxottica. Throughout his career, he has been recognized as a leader in the fields of customer service and customer experience.
Ellis earned a B.S. from in 1982 in Political Science from the College of Arts & Sciences, adding a minor in Business Administration. He is currently the Senior Director of e-commerce Sales with Luxottica.
Traci and Steve Ellis
Ellis also received the Benchmark Portal award for “Top 20 US Call Center of the Year” for five years in a row—a rare accomplishment in the field. Ellis was recognized as one of the top three Contact Center Leaders of the year by the International Quality & Productivity Center. Additionally, he is an Organizational Change Management expert.
Ellis is also active in volunteer work, serving both the American Cancer Society and the United Way Economic Development organization.
Traci and Steve Ellis at their graduation
Connections to Ohio University
Ellis met his wife of 34 years, Traci, at Ohio University, and both of their daughters are OHIO graduates.
Ellis served on the former College of Arts & Sciences dean’s advisory board, in addition to serving as the Southwest Ohio Promise Lives campaign co-chair with Traci. Ellis also mentors students through the Student Advisory Board.
Ellis also is an Ohio University Alumni Association Board Member.
Steve Ellis celebrating Mom’s Weekend
Favorite Bobcat Memory
“Debating with Professor Frank Henderson in several Political Science classes, sitting on the wall of the old Baker Center Front Foom (now Schoonover) listening to bands, chatting with friends while enjoying a beer or two,” Ellis says of his favorite memories.
Steve Ellis in front of U.S. Capitol
Ohio University Mentor
Professor Mark Weinberg was instrumental in getting Ellis involved in a series of internships—with a judge, a mayor, a state senator and a congressman.
“These internships really prepared me for career after college,” Ellis recalls. “The internships provided me with great life and work experiences and allowed me the opportunity to have a successful business career.”
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