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Meet Maura Dougherty, a senior theatre studies major with a focus on performance from Pittsburgh. From acting in elementary and high school productions to working at a theatre for young audiences for five years, Dougherty has consistently pursued her passion for the performing arts.

The work of a well-known Cleveland textile artist who earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from �鶹��ѡ will be on display at the �鶹��ѡ Museum beginning Jan. 24.

Empathy, kindness and critical thinking are cornerstones of courses taught by Shannon Cielsa, Ph.D., who strives to foster a strong sense of community in her courses. Students have noticed and appreciated it, nominating her for the Outstanding Teaching Award.

Eric Johnson, Ph.D., associate professor of economics in the Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship, says the most rewarding part of the job is knowing that he has impacted his students in some way. And now they've honored this impact with the Distinguished Teaching Award.  

Meet Jess Edmisten, a junior communication studies major with a minor in public relations from Medina, Ohio. When it came to deciding what to study, she felt it was a clear choice as the communication program offered immense flexibility. Just what she needed with her busy life.

When Alex Newnes arrived at �鶹��ѡ this fall, she wasn't sure what career path she wanted to pursue. But unlike many undecided students, Newnes saw this uncertainty not as a drawback, but as an opportunity – one that led her specifically to Kent State's Exploratory program.

It’s not every day that someone gets to celebrate the 100th birthday of their hero, but for �鶹��ѡ graduate student Mason St. Clair it happened. On Oct. 1, he was in Plains, Georgia, attending the 100th birthday bash of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, and shared details of his experience with �鶹��ѡToday. Carter, a Democrat who served one term from 1977-1981, is the only American president to live to age 100.

“Teaching is one of those fields where you may never know the impact that you have,” said Lisa Borgerding, Ph.D., professor in the School of Teaching, Learning and Curriculum Studies at �鶹��ѡ. The lasting impact she has had on her students in preparing them for success in the workforce through hands-on learning experiences has resulted in her being recognized and honored with the Distinguished Teaching Award.  

Cheryl Potenza-Radis, Ph.D., assistant professor of Early Childhood Education in the School of Teaching, Learning and Curriculum Studies, uses her classroom to build significant partnerships and relationships with students. And now she has an Outstanding Teaching Award to demonstrate the success of that approach.