Kent State University’s inaugural year for the Excellence in Faculty Mentoring awards resulted in recognition for both Dr. Gooden and Jayne Moneysmith, Ph.D., associate professor of English at the Stark Campus.
A result of the Great Place Initiative, and funded by the Office of the Provost, the awards underscore the commitment to endorse outstanding mentoring of faculty by faculty, and they acknowledge the time and dedication faculty mentors devote to fostering the career development and academic success of colleagues in the areas of research, creative activity, education, service and practice. Each award consists of a certificate, a cash award of $1,500, and recognition at an awards ceremony.
Gooden is an associate professor and chair of Pan African Studies on the Kent Campus. She was nominated by nine faculty members for extraordinary mentorship of underrepresented faculty members.
One nominee said “Dr. Amoaba Gooden exemplifies the definition of mentoring in every possible way…she never hesitates to serve as a sounding board and provide critical advice as needed.”
Another nominee said “her presence, spirit and voice have been, and remain, necessary components of my (and others') success, trajectory and tenure at Kent State.”
Gooden said she is honored and humbled by the nomination and the award. By providing this service, her own journey at Kent State becomes clearer and more purposeful.
Thank you for your dedication to helping faculty, Dr. Gooden!