Neff College Welcomes New Management Faculty Member
August 26, 2024 | News, John B. and Lillian E. Neff College of Business and Innovation
By John Anderson III
With 16 years of experience in career services, academic advising and management,
René Downour will join the John B. and Lillian E. Neff College of Business and Innovation's
management department beginning in the fall 2024 semester.
Downour's teaching focus will be on career development courses, as well as executive communications essentials.
Downour earned a bachelor's degree in education from The University of Toledo and a master's degree in management from Spring Arbor University.
She brings a comprehensive background in education, having taught students from preschool to college.
She is a Certified Career Services Provider and holds an Associate Professional in Human Resources certification, with the goal of becoming an Education Specialist in the near future.
She firmly believes that if she expects her students to commit to their professional development, she must commit to hers as well.
Her personal motto, "If my name is on it, then I'm on it," reflects her unwavering dedication to excellence.
Downour joins the Neff College from Owens Community College, where she began by teaching adult education courses, advanced to an advisor role in Career Services and ultimately managed Testing Services.
Prior to Owens, she served as the Director of Admissions where she played a pivotal role in building the Student Services division for a nursing school in Toledo.
She owned an in-home preschool center, which inspired her to start her professional journey in education.
Downour worked at Oregon City Schools, first as a substitute teacher, and then as the Student Services Coordinator and instructor for the Adult Education programs.
Downour is excited to join The University of Toledo family and looks forward to connecting with others who share her deep passion for education.