Dedicated to preserving and advancing the mission of Wittenberg, the University's Board of Directors has named two new members: Stacy Rastauskas Bretherton, Wittenberg class of 1998, and John C. Marschhausen, class of 1993. Both will begin their three-year term today, July 1.

“Stacy and John bring critical insight and expertise to our community both as alumni and leaders in their respective fields,” said Wittenberg President Michael L. Frandsen, Ph.D. “I join with the entire Board in welcoming them and in looking forward to their partnership as we work to advance Wittenberg’s mission and future.”

For 17 years, Rastauskas Bretherton has worked with The Ohio State University, where she currently serves as the vice president for government affairs. In this capacity, she works closely with faculty, students, and administrators to develop and lead Ohio State’s broad government relations agenda, which includes representing the university in advocacy for federal, state, and local governments, regulatory agencies, and key policymakers. Rastauskas Bretherton also manages the operations of the office and directs the federal relations activities and team.

Under her leadership, the university has increased engagement on emerging federal issues, developed university positions on federal legislation and regulations, and implemented strategies to advance the university’s agenda. Rastauskas Bretherton also regularly works with top U.S. research universities to establish advocacy plans to sustain and increase support for higher education and scientific research. 

An active member of several national higher education government relations groups, Rastauskas Bretherton has chaired both the Council on Government Affairs for Association for Public Land-grant Universities (APLU) and the steering committee for the Council on Federal Relations for the Association of American Universities (AAU). Stacy is also a member of the Friends of WOSU board and serves on the Ohio Chamber of Commerce board.

Prior to joining Ohio State in 2004, Rastauskas Bretherton worked in the U.S. House of Representatives where she handled appropriations and education issues for U.S. Congressman David Hobson. She earned her bachelor’s degree in political science from Wittenberg followed by a master's degree in public administration from George Mason University (2005). After nearly two decades in Washington, D.C., she relocated to Columbus, Ohio, in 2016. She resides in Worthington with her husband and two sons. 

“It is an honor to join the Wittenberg University Board of Directors, which has transformed the lives of so many students over the past 176 years, including my own,” Rastauskas Bretherton said. “Wittenberg has a bright future, and I am excited to play a role in shaping it.”   

Beginning Aug. 1, Marschhausen will lead the Dublin City Schools in Dublin, Ohio, as its new superintendent and CEO. Prior to his new post, he served as the Hilliard City Schools superintendent for eight years, as superintendent of the Loveland City School District for three years, and in the same role for East Knox Local School District for five years. Before becoming a superintendent, he was a principal, assistant principal, coach, and social studies teacher.

Marschhausen majored in history and political science with a minor in education at Wittenberg before earning his master’s degree from the University of Dayton and his Ph.D. from Capella University in Minnesota. He also serves on the faculty at The Ohio State University in the College of Education and Human Ecology as the Superintendent in Residence. In 2019, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine appointed him to serve on his Executive Workforce Board, where he works with business leaders and policymakers to better prepare Ohio's Workforce.

Originally from Connecticut, Marschhausen was a member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, worked in the Admission Office and served as a tour guide, was active in student government, and enjoyed intramural sports during his years at Wittenberg. He currently resides in Dublin, Ohio, with wife Susan, a fourth-grade teacher at Dublin, and their two daughters, Jordan and Emily.

“It is an honor to serve on the University’s Board of Directors,” Marschhausen said. “My years at Wittenberg are the foundation of my education and leadership journey. My hope is to support the administration and faculty and to continue the tradition of excellence that has served the Wittenberg community since 1845.”