Ohio teen named first chief student officer for K12 online schools
Jun 30, 2025
by: Mike Harris Posted: Jun 20, 2025 / 03:38 PM EDT
STEUBENVILLE, OH — Jerome Pathakamuri, a recent graduate of Ohio Virtual Academy (OHVA), has been appointed as the first Chief Student Officer (CSO) for K12, a national provider of online education.
The 17-year-old was chosen from over 500 applicants to take on the new part-time, paid role. As CSO, Pathakamuri will help shape student-focused content, advise on social media trends, and lead a project to improve the online school experience.
K12’s CSO program, launched in February, aims to bring student perspectives into the organization’s decision-making and marketing strategies.
Pathakamuri completed all grades K–12 at OHVA, a K12-powered school. He served as president of the school’s Business Professionals of America (BPA) chapter, where he boosted membership and led fundraising efforts. Under his leadership, participation in state and national conferences increased fivefold, and he earned top state honors.
He also led OHVA’s nationally ranked chess esports team, started a debate club, and served on the school’s Student Advisory Council.
This role gives me real-world experience in marketing before college. The connections and lessons will help shape my future.”Jerome Pathakamuri | CSO, K12
His mother, Nicole Pathakamuri, credited OHVA for providing opportunities that helped him grow. She highlighted his involvement in business prep programs, virtual challenges, and the support of teachers and mentors.
Outside school, Pathakamuri co-founded a vending machine business with his brothers at age 12. He has also earned college credits through OHVA’s prep program. He plans to study business and marketing at Franciscan University of Steubenville this fall.