Transcript of Lykins Lough Interview
Interviewee
Ronald Lykins
Interviewer
Mallory Lough
Interview Date
3-12-2026
Description
Ronald Lykins is a former professor within the College of Business at Ohio University. Raised in rural Adams County, Ohio, in a family facing significant economic hardships, Lykins grew up in a household with no running water or electricity. These early experiences shaped his work ethic, along with giving him a deep appreciation for helping others and granting opportunities. Ron enrolled at Ohio University as a first generation student, graduating with his MBA in 1967 and his PhD in 1971. Following his graduation, Ron developed a career in accounting and financial services, eventually founding his own accounting firm in 1969. Over time, he built a reputation for professionalism, technical expertise, and a client-centered approach, contributing to both individual financial stability and broader economic development.
In addition to his professional achievements, Ron has demonstrated a deep commitment to philanthropy and helping others, specifically in higher education. Him and his wife, Ruth, decided to establish the Lykins Family Scholarship, which grants students from Adams County, Ohio financial support. The scholarship reflects his dedication to helping students who face financial struggles in higher education, especially those from backgrounds similar to his own. By investing in future generations, Lykins has helped extend the opportunities that were instrumental in shaping his own life trajectory. Currently, Ron resides in Columbus, Ohio, where he owns an accounting firm.
Keywords
Ohio University, Business, Accounting, Business Administration, Leadership
Disciplines
Oral History
Publication Date
Spring 2026
Interview Location
Athens, Ohio
Digital Publisher
Ohio University Libraries
Document Type
Oral History
Duration
00:52:04
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Lykins, Ronald and lough, mallory, "Oral History of Ronald Lykins Conducted by Mallory Lough on March 12, 2026" (2026). HIST 4798/5798: Recording Memory: Methods and Uses of Oral History. 24.
https://ohioopen.library.ohio.edu/hist4798/24