Joanne Passano Bartlett

Joanne Passano Bartlett, 1983

B.A., Denison University


Former Educator and Coach

Owings Mills, Maryland


Joanne BartlettJoanne Bartlett is a former teacher who continues to support educational organizations.

In 1983, Joanne graduated from Denison, earning a Bachelor of Arts in history. While a student at Denison, she was a member of the varsity field hockey and women’s lacrosse teams and a sister of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. 

Joanne began her career as a history teacher and varsity field hockey and lacrosse coach, who then transitioned to college counselor at the St. Paul’s School for Girls from 1988-1997. Joanne then returned to the classroom to teach students with dyslexia and other language learning differences. From 2013-2019, she proudly served as a trustee at the St. Paul’s School for Girls. She was the chair of the governance and trustee committee and the chair of the board, who was instrumental in the ‘unification’ of the St. Paul’s School and the St. Paul’s School for Girls. She continues her involvement by assisting in campaign fundraising for the St. Paul’s Schools.

Throughout her life, Joanne has remained faithful to her Denison roots. She continues to give back to her alma mater through valuable volunteer work and loyal, generous financial support. Joanne has served as an alumni fellows participant and a fundraising campaign volunteer. She has also served on her Reunion Gift Committee and as a Campaign Feasibility Study participant. Joanne’s efforts as a volunteer career advisor at Denison helped inspire the gift she made with her husband to establish the Christopher ’83 & Joanne Bartlett ’83 Fund for Career Exploration, an endowment that supports the launching of Denison students into meaningful lives and careers after graduation.

In addition to his giving, Joanne’s father-in-law established the Bartlett Family Fund for Faculty, supporting senior and junior faculty, especially those within the social sciences. The Bartletts also remain committed to Denison as steadfast donors to the Denison Annual Fund.

Joanne currently resides in Owings Mills, Maryland, with her husband, Chris. They have two children, Elizabeth and Nicholas, and a grandson, Wesley.