Kenneth Bindas (left) and Sophia Swengel

College of Arts and Sciences Dean's Undergraduate Student Leadership Awards

College Honors Outstanding Student Leaders, Faculty and Advisor at Annual Awards Ceremony

The Kent State Student Center was filled with celebration and pride as the College of Arts and Sciences at Kent State University recognized its top student leaders, along with one distinguished faculty member and advisor, at the annual Dean’s Undergraduate Student Leadership Awards on April 27.

Held each spring, the event honors one student from each academic department who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, academic achievement and service to their peers and community.

“This is absolutely my most favorite day of the year where we get to celebrate all of these wonderful students who have done so amazingly in our program,” Dean Mandy Munro-Stasiuk, Ph.D., said. “These awards recognize not only excellence, but resilience, growth and a commitment to learning beyond the classroom.”

Faculty members presented each award, sharing stories of students who have excelled in research, led organizations, mentored peers and contributed meaningfully both on campus and beyond.

In addition to student awards, two faculty honors were presented:

Distinguished Teaching Award: Ruth Leslie, Ph.D., professor, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry
Paula C. Konz Distinguished Advisor Award: Manacy Pai, Ph.D., associate professor, Department of Sociology and Criminology

Both were recognized for their lasting impact on student success through mentorship, dedication and support.

The evening also highlighted the importance of family, faculty and peer support systems that help students thrive throughout their academic journeys.

As the college prepares to transition into the College of Sciences and Humanities, the event served as both a celebration of current achievements and a reflection of the strong community that continues to define Kent State.

Congratulations!

	Anthropology – Jaymes Taylor Jaymes Taylor (pictured right) is recognized for his leadership in fieldwork, forensic research and hands-on learning experiences. (Presented by Dr. Linda Spurlock)
Biological Sciences – Cece Mary Stoddard Cece Mary Stoddard (pictured left) is recognized for her leadership in research, national conference presentations and academic excellence. (Presented by Dr. Heather Caldwell)
	Chemistry & Biochemistry – Rebecca Stratton Rebecca Stratton (pictured second from left) stands out for her exceptional academic achievements, published research and leadership on campus. (Presented by Dr. Hao Shen)
Computer Science – Mason Bair Mason Bair (pictured right) is recognized for leading HacKSU, building industry partnerships and organizing one of Kent State’s largest hackathons. (Presented by Giovanni Villalobos Herrera)
	Earth Sciences – Noah Zollinger Noah Zollinger is honored for his interdisciplinary research and contributions to fossil studies. (Presented by Dr. Carrie Schweitzer)
English & History – Sophia Swengel Sophia Swengel (pictured left) is recognized by both departments for her exceptional writing, scholarship and leadership. (Presented by Dr. Ryan Hediger and Dr. Kenneth Bindas)
	Geography – Jackson Miller Jackson Miller (pictured center) is recognized for his interdisciplinary research and leadership in environmental studies. (Presented by Dr. David Kaplan)
Mathematical Sciences – Lauren Luecke Lauren Luecke (pictured left) is celebrated for her research, presentations and leadership within the Math Club. (Presented by Darci Krecht)
	Modern & Classical Language Studies – Kali Siembor Kali Siembor (pictured left) is recognized for her academic excellence, study abroad experience and leadership in language education. (Presented by Kimberly Talentino)
Multidisciplinary Social Sciences & Humanities – Iris Metzner Iris Metzner (pictured right) is honored for her outstanding leadership, global experiences and commitment to interdisciplinary study. (Presented by Dr. Julie Mazzei)
	Peace & Conflict Studies – Grace Powers Grace Powers (pictured right) is recognized for her work in policy, advocacy and conflict resolution. (Presented by Jacquelyn Bleak)
Philosophy – Maggie McNamara Maggie McNamara (pictured left) is honored for her academic excellence and commitment to making a meaningful impact. (Presented by Dr. Matthew Coate)
	Physics – Mila Spike Mila Spike (pictured center) is recognized for her research, outreach and contributions to the scientific community. (Presented by Dr. Almut Schroeder)
Political Science – Lilly Berkhouse Lilly Berkhouse (pictured left) is honored for her academic achievements, global experiences and forward-thinking research. (Presented by Dr. Gabriella Paar-Jakli)
	Pre-Health – Lorna Benden Lorna Benden (pictured left) is recognized for her dedication to research, service and her future in healthcare. (Presented by Erin Lawson)
Pre-Law – Trinity Civay Trinity Civay (pictured left) is honored for her academic success, service and commitment to pursuing a career in law. (Presented by Erin Franczak)
	Psychological Sciences – Abbey Madasz Abbey Madasz (pictured right) is recognized for her leadership in research, mentorship and academic excellence. (Presented by Dr. Kathleen Casto)
Sociology & Criminology – Jillian Findling Jillian Findling (pictured right) is honored for her leadership, initiative and impact on campus. (Presented by Dr. Anthony Vander Horst)
	Dr. Manacy Pai Dr. Manacy Pai (pictured second from the right) is recognized with the Paula C. Konz Distinguished Advisor Award for her dedication to student success. Congratulations!
Dr. Ruth Leslie Dr. Ruth Leslie (pictured right) is recognized with the Distinguished Teaching Award for inspiring and engaging students in meaningful ways. Congratulations!