Ten faculty finalists were chosen from a group of more than 250 nominations for this year’s 48th Annual Kent State University Alumni Association Distinguished Teaching Award. The three recipients of the award will receive a $1,500 cash prize and a crystal apple. They also will be honored at the University Teaching Council Conference luncheon on Friday, Oct. 23.

Each year, the Kent State Alumni Association recognizes Kent State’s outstanding faculty members by awarding three nominated educators with the Distinguished Teaching Award. The Distinguished Teaching Award is the most prestigious award that Kent State accords to full-time, tenure-track faculty members.

In order to be nominated, faculty members must have been employed at the university for at least seven years and be in a tenure-track position.

“With so many deserving nominees, it is truly an honor to be selected as an award finalist,” says Lori Randorf, assistant vice president of the Kent State Alumni Association. “Faculty members represent Kent State University to so many of our students, and the impact they have on the Kent State experience is remembered long after graduation. The effort put forth in the classroom by these finalists is a wonderful example of faculty commitment to student success.”

Maureen Blankemeyer

Maureen Blankemeyer, School of Life Span Development and Educational Sciences, Kent Campus

Students commend Maureen Blankemeyer for her strong commitment to teaching and ability to connect with students on a personal level. Her enthusiasm transcends into helping students grow in the human services’ field.

“She really does dedicate everything she has into human services and takes her role as an educator seriously,” says a student nominator. “She loves the work she does, and it is hard not to be motivated, if not at the least receptive, to her type of enthusiasm in human services.”

Natalie Caine-Bish

Natalie Caine-Bish, School of Health Sciences, Kent Campus

A student nominator describes Natalie Caine-Bish as a positive individual who is always available when students need her. She structures her classes in a way that makes learning enjoyable and worthwhile for students.

“She rooted for me to succeed and continued to believe in my success when my belief faltered,” writes the student.

Kelly Cichy

Kelly Cichy, School of Life Span Development and Educational Sciences, Kent Campus

Kelly Cichy received a B.S. in psychology from Xavier University and a M.S. and Ph.D. in human development and family studies from The Pennsylvania State University. She currently teaches courses in gerontology, including Introduction to Gerontology and Adult Development and Aging. Cichy’s research examines the links between social relationships and health, and much of her work has focused on the relationship between adults and their parents. Specifically, she is interested in understanding how negative family experiences (e.g., conflict) compromise midlife and older adults' health and well-being. Her research combines different methodological approaches, including videotaped observations and daily diary procedures, and offers undergraduate students the opportunity to become involved in research. Cichy is a member of the Gerontological Society of America and the International Association for Relationship Research (IARR).

Douglas Goldsmith

Douglas Goldsmith, School of Visual Communication Design, Kent Campus

Douglas Goldsmith challenges students in the best way possible, says a student nominator. He encourages students to ask questions and stimulates their creativity through constructive feedback.

“Doug was one of the most passionate individuals I have encountered in the VCD program,” a student nominator states. “He made my classmates and me, who never even considered a future in illustration, fall in love with the art form.”

David Hacker

David Hacker, Department of Geology, Kent State University at Trumbull and Kent Campus

Student nominators acknowledge David Hacker for his ability to extend learning beyond the classroom. He inspires students through hands-on learning, as well as provides a positive and welcoming classroom environment.

“Dr. Hacker truly motivated me to learn about the subject matter in all his classes I had the pleasure of taking with him,” writes a student nominator. “Through effective communication, Dr. Hacker conveyed concepts very clearly. He enjoys his work and is trustworthy when seeking advice.”

Mark Kershner

Mark Kershner, Department of Biological Sciences, Kent Campus

Mark Kershner goes out of his way to help students and make them feel at ease. A graduate student nominator regards Kershner as an extremely fair professor who supports students’ individual interests and academic decisions.

“I would consider Dr. Kershner to be my mentor,” says the nominator. “He has helped me along the way since I started my first semester here. He has helped me schedule my classes every semester as my faculty advisor and sent me down the right path for my future career goals.”

Jan Leach

Jan Leach, School of Journalism and Mass Communication, Kent Campus

Nominators describe Jan Leach as a strong mentor throughout their college careers. She motivates students to critically think about controversial topics, while conveying her own enthusiasm for journalism.

“I have never had an instructor as enthusiastic as Jan,” writes a nominator. “Every day, it was obvious just how much she loves the topics of journalism, media ethics and grammar. Her enthusiasm was so infectious that it made me love these areas even more than I already did.”

Jennifer Maxwell

Jennifer Maxwell, Department of Political Science, Kent Campus

Jennifer Maxwell received her Ph.D. in social science from Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs in 1985. Maxwell has taught conflict theory and intervention skills at Kent State since 1983. Maxwell has developed training programs and curricula for business, law, education, government, and human service professionals, and for nonprofit community organizations. She is a trained mediator and arbitrator, a certified teacher in social studies (7-12) and art (N-12), and a licensed social worker. She also is a Board Certified Expert in Traumatic Stress -- Diplomate, American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress.

Christopher Ransom

Christopher Ransom, School of Visual Communication Design, Kent Campus

A student nominator honored Christopher Ransom for his effective communication skills in the classroom and timeliness when responding to student concerns. Ransom serves as this nominator’s role model who inspired him to have a career teaching photography, as well.

“Professor Ransom is by far the most enthusiastic professor I have ever had,” the nominator says. “He makes class so much fun, and we always made memories in his class. He is passionate about photography, as well as teaching.”

Gregory Stroh

Gregory Stroh, College of Architecture and Environmental Design, Kent Campus

Gregory Stroh puts forth extensive effort as an architecture professor, one student nominator notes. He makes sure students live up to their full design potential and have complete understanding of his course material. Through detailed feedback and personal discussions, Stroh inspires students to think innovatively.

“He never seeks to discourage a student’s original work,” writes a student nominator. “He only strengthens their project by insisting they challenge themselves to take ownership of their design capability.”