Profiles
POV: 'We Will Support Them Every Step of the Way'
POV shares insights from the Kent State University community on important topics. Liz Piatt, interim dean of University College, shares her journey as a first-generation college student and how faculty mentorship helped her discover a career path she didn't know existed — one that now allows her to support other first-generation students as they navigate their own transformative college experiences.
Two Degrees Completed, On His Way to His Third
Graduate student Delonte Goodman finished his fall semester at Kent State by successfully defending his master's thesis and receiving his master's degree. When he returns to campus in the spring, he will work as a teaching assistant as he begins his doctoral program.
Unsung Heroes Abound at Kent State University
Perhaps the best word to sum up Brianna Benson’s role at Kent State University is “caretaker.”
Flash Focus: Kadin McElwain
Meet Kadin McElwain, a senior communication studies major from Painesville, Ohio, who uses his positions at Autism Speaks and Autism Digest to educate individuals on neurodivergence.
Nursing Professor’s ‘You Can Do This’ Philosophy Creates Passionate Caregivers
Tracy M. Dodson, Ph.D., MSN, RN, CEN, associate professor at the College of Nursing, is committed to helping students succeed through compassion and innovative teaching techniques. These techniques, accompanied by a passion for education, have been recognized with the Glenn Frank Distinguished Teaching Award.
Student Transformations Inspire Professor to Award
Tina Patel, associate professor of interior design, thinks students should have confidence, creativity and commitment in their design work. Her philosophy in the classroom has led her to be awarded the Glenn Frank Distinguished Teaching Award.
Teaching is ‘Ever-Evolving’ Endeavor for Award-Winning Professor
Leveto's philosophy of teaching is that it requires compassion, understanding and patience. When mastered, it can create a transformative experience for students. This approach to education helped Leveto earn the 2025 Glenn Frank Distinguished Teaching Award.
Students Recognize Professor Who ‘Helped Me Shine’ with Teaching Award
Education is a process that goes beyond studying and memorizing, according to James Redfearn, Ph.D., assistant professor of biological sciences in the College of Arts and Sciences at Kent State University. Redfearn's attitude, approach and creation of this supporting space led him to be awarded the Glenn Frank Distinguished Teaching Award.
Flash Focus: Abigale Traska
Meet Abigale Traska, an alumna and current graduate student from Brunswick, Ohio, whose willingness to explore her options has yielded a promising future.
From Golden Flashes to Boutique Fashion, a Mother-Daughter Journey
For Barbara Mucci, the path from the classroom to owning a small business has been full of surprises. One surprise is being able to work alongside her daughter, Erica Sutton. These alumnae credit their Kent State experiences with helping them to open Mainstream Boutique in Hudson, Ohio.