2023 Archie M. Griffin Professional Achievement Award
Dr. Donald Staffo ’78 PhD
For many years, Donald Staffo ’78 PhD lived a double life. He enjoyed a 50-year career as an award-winning educator in the fields of health, physical education and athletics while simultaneously working as a nationally recognized sports journalist.
As an educator, he is one of only two people ever to receive the three top awards from the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance and to be inducted into the National Association for Sport and Physical Education Hall of Fame. He has also been honored as part of Ohio State’s College of Education and Human Ecology Hall of Fame awards.
As a journalist, Staffo authored 11 books, covered sports for the Associated Press and published articles in national publications such as The Sporting News, USA Today and Baseball Digest
“With his national awards and honors, Dr. Staffo has made history. It takes a lifetime of absolute excellence to accomplish what Dr. Staffo has.”
Question
What’s the greatest challenge you’ve faced and how did you overcome it?
My greatest challenge was probably getting into college and then graduating. In high school, I graduated 78th out of 100 in my class, and I was rejected by every college I applied to. Fortunately, a new community college was starting near my hometown of Little Falls, New York. That college probably accepted everyone who applied, so I got in. On my first test, I got an F- in English Composition. That was the best thing that ever happened to me. I got scared, and for the first time I started seriously studying. I never failed a course.
Question
What was most gratifying to you as a professor?
At Alice Lloyd College in the Appalachian Mountains of Kentucky, I had the opportunity and privilege to help people who were impoverished and underserved. I also worked with disadvantaged students at historically black Stillman College in Alabama. In both places, I was helping first-generation college students, which I once was.
Question
Why did you choose Ohio State and how did it prepare you for your career?
I selected Ohio State for its academic reputation. There’s no question that a PhD from Ohio State helped me throughout my career. When I was hired in public schools, the superintendent told me he was impressed by my degree. Also, both the presidents of Alice Lloyd and Stillman College were Ohio State graduates, so I’m sure my degree helped me.
Question
What’s an interesting fact most people don’t know about you?
Most of my colleagues in education didn’t know I also had a sports writing gig, and my friends in the media never knew I had a full-time job as an educator. I was much happier being able to do both jobs. I operated by checklists and deadlines to get everything done.
“One would have to look very hard to find a more accomplished individual than Donald Staffo at the local, national and international level with such a devotion to his profession and to the service of others.”
Awarded to alumni who have superb records of distinguished career accomplishments and who have made outstanding contributions to their professions.