Kent State Stark Faculty Earn Teaching Accolades
Lindsay Starkey, Ph.D., says that for her, teaching isn’t about getting awards – it’s about the impact you have on students and colleagues and perhaps most importantly, what they can teach you. Starkey, a resident of North Canton and assistant professor of history, is the recipient of the 2016-17 Distinguished Teaching Award at Kent State University at Stark.
“I have the pleasure of working with so many excellent colleagues and students from whom I have learned a great deal about teaching,” Starkey said. “I look forward to continuing to develop as a teacher in the years to follow.”
Starkey holds a Bachelor of Arts in history from Denison University and a Master of Arts and Ph.D. in early modern European history from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Included in the nominations submitted for Starkey by her students was high praise for her passion for history and teaching. One student wrote, “[Dr. Starkey is] one of the best teachers I’ve ever had. [She] goes above and beyond to ensure understanding.” Another said, “Dr. Starkey has a true passion for history, and it really shows through each and every one of her lectures. It’s a pleasure being in her classroom.”
Pictured left to right: Aaron Shay, Bathi Kasturiarachi, Lindsay Starkey, Denise Seachrist, Robert King and Erin Hollenbaugh.
Finalists for the Distinguished Teaching Award were Robert King, MFA, associate professor of English and Erin Hollenbaugh, Ph.D., associate professor of communication studies.
Aaron Shay, an instructor of music, received the Award of Distinction, presented to part-time faculty for excellence in teaching.
Shay, who received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Kent State University and his master’s degree in guitar performance from the University of Akron, teaches electric guitar at Kent State Stark. He was described by his students as knowledgeable and humble, and he makes the subject matter interesting. “I feel that Mr. Shay is a wonderful teacher. He teaches without notes, and speaks as though this is something he’s known his whole life,” wrote one student.
The recipients and finalists were recognized during the Kent State Stark Spring 2017 Commencement Ceremony, held May 12 at Umstattd Performing Arts Hall in Canton.
For more information on the Distinguished Teaching Award and Award of Distinction recipients and finalists visit www.kent.edu/stark/DTA.