State Representative Earns Outstanding Teaching AwardReturn to Issue of May 5, 2008 After 18 years of political experience, Vernon Sykes says becoming a professor seemed the next logical path for a “lifelong student/learner.”
Sykes, assistant professor of political science, says his favorite aspect of being a professor is to have the opportunity, challenge and reward of engaging students to discover existing theories and practices. “Together we discover new insights, stretch our imaginations and explore different approaches to solving problems,” he says. The Outstanding Teaching Award recipient is the state representative for the 44th district in Ohio and has served on the Kent State faculty for seven years. In addition, he is also the director of the Columbus Program in Intergovernmental Issues and the Democratic leader on the House Education Committee. Before joining the Kent State faculty, Sykes taught in the social science discipline at the University of Akron. With his political background, it’s no wonder he teaches in political science. “I am a practical politician,” he says. “I like to be actively involved in assessing and developing public policy, and much of our lives are regulated politically at the state level.” Sykes has two daughters, both of whom attended Kent State and worked on the staff, and is married to Barbara, who is the president and chief executive officer of Ohio’s chapter of the United Way. Sykes uses his political know-how when he approaches his students. He says he explores the course material with them and discovers new realities about the world of politics. “I use examples of real-world issues to help students understand and address contemporary political issues,” Sykes says. After understanding the need to be studious and inquisitive, Sykes says he also wants his students to see the need to be interested in helping to make the world a better place to live. “Dr. Sykes was the first teacher I’ve ever had who really challenged me not only to stand behind my beliefs, but also to back them up with real facts,” says one student. “At the start of this course, I wasn’t even a registered voter, and now I find myself actively tuned into the political world because I understand how it affects my life.” By Noelle Pennyman Do you have other examples of those who put Excellence in Action at Kent State? Submit your story ideas to einside@kent.edu.
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