North Columbus News

Angus Fletcher, a professor in The Ohio State University Department of English, will deliver the university’s summer commencement address. Fletcher is a story scientist, author, and screenwriter leading an academic think tank for the study of how stories work.

Approximately 1,600 degrees will be awarded at the Aug. 4 ceremony at the Schottenstein Center. The ceremony begins at 2 p.m. and will last approximately 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Tickets are not required for guests.

“Throughout his career, Dr. Fletcher has been a dedicated mentor, dynamic writer, passionate educator and researcher who epitomizes the passion all Buckeyes have for finding solutions the world needs,” said President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr. “I know he will help elevate this special day for our graduates and their loved ones, making it memorable and meaningful. We couldn’t be more excited that he will be speaking during summer commencement.”

Fletcher began his academic career working for four years in a medical school neurophysiology laboratory. It was during this time that Fletcher says he learned that the brain functions less like a computer that processes data and is more driven by emotion and story.

Fletcher changed his academic focus and went on to earn a Ph.D. in literature from Yale University. He has since worked with numerous companies, including animation studio Pixar, on how narrative storytelling and creative technology stem from the same areas in the brain.

Before joining Ohio State, Fletcher previously taught at Stanford University, the University of Southern California, and Yale. He also works with Ohio State’s Max M. Fisher College of Business and other business schools around the country, helping students train the brain’s creativity centers.

In 2021, Fletcher began working with the U.S. Army’s Command and General Staff College, training special operations personnel in leadership and decision-making skills. In 2023, he was awarded the Army’s Public Service Commendation Medal (PSCM) for his work.

The PSCM is the fourth-highest public service decoration that the Army can bestow upon a civilian. The PSCM is awarded for distinguished service or achievements that contribute to accomplishing an Army mission.