2024 Dan L. Heinlen Award

She was interning at a Columbus law firm in 2009 when Dan Chow, an Ohio State law professor, called and said, “Phoebe, how would you like to open Ohio State’s first overseas office in China?’”

“I was shocked,” says You, who had planned to work for an American law firm. “Joining the higher education industry was never in my career plan. I had one week to think it through and discuss it with my family.”

Fortunately, You said “yes” and launched China Gateway in Shanghai. Fourteen years later, she has become a leader in international higher education and a passionate advocate for Ohio State.

As senior director of China Gateway, she recruits students to Ohio State, meets with Chinese leaders and keeps Buckeyes connected through six alumni clubs. 

Under You’s leadership, the number of alumni in the Greater China region has grown from several hundred to more than 3,000, while the number of Chinese students at Ohio State has almost tripled. 

She has built Ohio State’s presence in China through innovative programs and a social media portfolio in the Chinese language that has 58,000 followers. 

 “I am a strong believer in the power of communication,” You says. “Communication helps people identify potential opportunities and sparks creativity, which is so important in today’s world. That’s where I find meaning in my work.” 

Of her many accomplishments, she is proudest of a pre-departure orientation program she and her team created to prepare incoming students for life at Ohio State.

“The pre-departure program has prepared thousands of Chinese students for their college life abroad, and it brings a piece of Ohio State to their parents,” she says. “We were among the very first American universities to organize a program like this.”

You also supports Ohio State students and faculty who travel to China for research and internships. And she loves bringing people together in the alumni clubs. 

 “The football game watch party has always been the best way to connect our alumni with the university,” You says. Despite the 12-hour time difference, alumni gather in a restaurant to support their team. 

“We watch the game with breakfast burritos and coffee,” You says. “We cheer for any touchdown and sigh for any missed kicks. It’s just like being in Columbus.”