Malone Alumni News

Malone University graduate Patricia Reynolds '21 is bringing her passion for mental health and wellness to her hometown with the opening of Elevating Mental Health & Wellness, located in East Liverpool, Ohio. Patricia holds a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling and has worked in the mental health field since 2021, including positions at Aspire and Insight Social Health Services. Her practice provides counseling for children through adults, with services addressing anxiety, ADHD, stress management, work-life balance and emotional regulation, along with telehealth options. As an East Liverpool native and middle school girls' basketball and track coach, Patricia hopes her strong community ties will help clients feel comfortable seeking support. Her goal is to help individuals recognize their progress, manage everyday challenges and continue growing. In an interview with Morning Journal, she recently shared the heart behind her practice: "For me, starting ...

Congratulations to Dr. John Chopka ’89, recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the North American Coalition for Christian Admissions Professionals (NACCAP)!  A 1989 graduate of Malone University, John earned his Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts. He was involved in theater, the Aviso, and Student Senate, eventually becoming Student Body President.  After graduation, John built a distinguished career in higher education enrollment management and marketing.  John returned to Malone in 1997, serving as Vice President for Enrollment Management and Marketing until 2007.  He then joined Messiah University--a fellow CCCU school--where he served as Vice President for Enrollment Management for nearly 18 years. Today, John serves as Vice President for Enrollment Management and Marketing at Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota, Florida. This well-deserved recognition celebrates John’s leadership and lasting contributions to higher education. Malone Univ...

Melinda Kay Talbott, age 63, of Newark, Ohio, passed away Monday, October 12, 2026, at the OSU James Cancer Hospital. She was born in Newark, Ohio on March 4, 1963, to the late Otto and Viola (Regoli) Talbott. Melinda obtained her undergraduate degree from Malone College and her master’s degree from Bowling Green State University. She worked in higher education at several institutions and finally retired from Newark City Schools, Liberty Middle School, in 2024 where she taught health and physical education. In retirement she enjoyed operating her own home decor business, Rula’s, in Berlin, Ohio. Melinda was a devout Christian who attended church regularly. She loved gardening, traveling, and volunteering at the Licking County Humane Society. Melinda is survived by her sister, Darla Talbott; nephew, Blake (Gwen) Talbott; numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. Visitation will be held from 4PM-7PM Friday, October 16, and 10AM-12PM Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Brucker and Kishler Funeral H...