Linda Rae Daniels

Linda Rae Daniels, loving sister, aunt and friend, age 65 was born on January 22, 1953 in Wellsville, OH.  She departed this life on August 23, 2018 in Athens, Ohio.  Her homegoing celebration will take place on Saturday, September 8, 2018 at The Chapel of Peace East, 5456 E. Livingston Avenue, Columbus, Ohio (One block east of Noe Bixby, turn North on Lonsdale Road).  Interment will be at Union Cemetery. 

Linda became director of the Office of Multicultural Programs (MCP) at Ohio University in October 1997.  In July 2000, she took on the additional role of director of the Lindley Cultural Center (LCC).  Her responsibilities included the supervision of all programs and services of both offices.

Over the course of 18 years, Linda served the Ohio University community as an advocate for multicultural students. Her passion to create a diverse and inclusive space allowed students to find their home away from home in both MCP and LCC. 

Linda was a staple in the Ohio University community and she was a particularly important and vital figure in the African American community of OU. As a visionary and leader, Linda was instrumental in the development of key initiatives and campus traditions that are still celebrated on the Athens campus today. Linda understood the importance of meeting students where they are and shepherding them towards greatness. She provided multiple opportunities for students to step into their roles as young professionals, giving of her time and talents to develop the next generation of Higher Education professionals. As an advisor, Linda was patient. As a supervisor she encouraged young professionals to show empathy. As a mentor, Linda taught the importance of developing and maintaining professional relationships. Whether using new technologies or developing a program proposal, Linda readily offered her talents and provided a platform for any student that crossed her path to be heard and validated.

Prior to her appointment at Ohio University, Linda served the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown for 14 years as assistant vice president for Student Affairs, associate dean of Student Life and assistant dean of Student life.  She earned a Master of Arts in College Student Personnel from Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania and a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism / Communications from Point Park College in Pittsburgh, PA.

Linda was a proud and active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated for 46 years. She fully embodied the ideals and principles of the organization, particularly its mission of service to all mankind.

Linda is preceded in death by her parents and brother; Cora Jane, Samuel and Raymond Scales as well as a beloved aunt, Gladys Daniels. She will be missed and remembered by her siblings, Wallace Daniels, Samuel Scales, Harold Scales (Mary) and Jannie Washington (Alfonzo).  She also leaves a host of nieces, nephews and friend Angela Davis.

Visitation 9:30am and Funeral 10am Saturday, September 8, 2018 MARLAN GARY FUNERAL HOME, THE CHAPEL OF PEACE EAST, 5456 E. Livingston Ave.

Interment at Union Cemetery.