A native of Columbus and alumna of the Ohio State University, Melinda Goldner, professor of sociology, has been a Buckeye fan her whole life (which might help explain her competitive side – Buckeye fans are notoriously passionate).

After moving to Findlay, Ohio, in sixth grade and graduating from high school there, she moved to Boston and majored in American studies and classics -- not sociology -- at Tufts University (though she really enjoyed several sociology courses that she took with her favorite professor). While at Tufts, Goldner worked in the Dean’s Office, spent a semester in Kenya, and lived with three good friends -- all named Anne. She also started dating her husband, Jeff, at Tufts.

After college, Goldner moved to Eugene, Ore., and worked in women’s health for a year before starting graduate work in sociology at Washington State University and then Ohio State University. After conducting research on complementary and alternative medicine in the San Francisco Bay area for her dissertation, Goldner graduated from OSU in 1998 and started teaching at Union that fall. She has served as chair of the Sociology Department and teaches classes on theory, health and medicine.

Goldner and her husband live in Rexford. Their son, Toby, is graduating from Colgate University next month and then moving to Boston to start a job in medical research.

When not at Union, Goldner likes playing – and excelling – at games and sports.

“I like to walk and bike, especially along the Mohawk River or in Saratoga Spa State Park, and I recently took up pickleball. I enjoy most games, whether based on luck or skill, and my friends and family would definitely say that I’m competitive.”

Goldner and her family also love a good adventure.

“I have driven across the country more than once, visited most states and traveled to several countries (we are currently planning trips to the Netherlands and New Zealand). But my favorite travel has been to our son’s soccer games during high school and college, as well as our annual trip to the Outer Banks with about 20 extended family members. We rent one (very large) house and just hang out together. Each immediate family cooks one dinner and there are a lot of fun traditions like themed dinners and sing-alongs.”

FIRST APP YOU LOOK AT IN THE MORNING:

I always check my email and the headlines but then I quickly turn to a crossword, Wordle, Connections, Spelling Bee and other games while I am drinking my first cup of coffee.

WHAT’S THE LAST GREAT BOOK YOU READ?

I have read a lot of great books by authors that I may never have otherwise discovered because I have been in a monthly book club for over 20 years and always sought recommendations from my husband’s mother and aunt. I really like historical fiction.

BEST ADVICE YOU EVER RECEIVED:

“Of course you can.” This wasn’t technically advice but it was how my father responded when I shared that I didn’t think I could handle some upcoming medical procedure during an extended hospital stay. It sums up my parents’ unwavering belief in me, as well as their optimism, which are two things I hope to share with others.

WHAT ARE YOU WATCHING RIGHT NOW?:

Everything! My husband and I watch a lot of British crime series and live sports.

ONE SKILL YOU WISH YOU HAD:

I wish I had some artistic talent. I really wouldn’t care if it was drawing or playing an instrument but just something beyond carefully staying within the lines of coloring books and playing the one basic song that I know on piano.

THREE DINNER PARTY GUESTS (living or deceased):

I wish I could have known my paternal grandfather, who died when I was a baby, because he lived such an interesting life, and I would have loved for my mom to meet my son.

FIRST CONCERT:

During high school, I saw INXS (technically this was my second concert but my first is way too embarrassing to share). I lived in a fairly small town, but my parents let me drive hours away to concerts in big cities like Cleveland, Detroit and Columbus. I am amazed and grateful for the independence that they gave me.

LITTLE KNOWN FACT ABOUT YOU:

If I am reading for pleasure and not work, I give a book just one or two pages to grab my attention. There are too many great books out there to read, so I’ll move on to the next one very quickly.

FAVORITE UNION MEMORY/EXPERIENCE:

I love all of the graduation traditions, including wearing the academic regalia, because I use my mom’s robe from being an ordained minister. I especially enjoy seeing the students one last time and meeting their families. I identify with the parents now that my son is about to graduate from college.

ONE THING YOU CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT:

What about two things? I really love coffee and chocolate.