Ten faculty finalists were chosen from a group of more than 250 nominations for this year’s 47th 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, and they will be honored at the University Teaching Council Conference luncheon on Friday, Oct 24.

Each year, the Kent State University 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.

John Alexopoulos

John Alexopoulos, Department of Mathematical Science, Kent State University at Stark

John Alexopoulos is known for helping his students both in and outside of the classroom.

“He took a lot of his time to meet with us at his house, the library and other places to help us learn the materials,” says a student nominator. “He is recognized as an encouraging and motivating instructor who puts all of his efforts into helping students learn the material.”

Rebecca Chism

Rebecca Chism, Department of Modern and Classical Languages, Kent Campus

Although she has a framework for the course set up in the beginning of the semester, Rebecca Chism allows her students to negotiate and brainstorm topics that they wish to study in class. A student nominator says it is obvious Chism loves teaching.

“She goes the extra step to connect with the passions of her students,” the student writes. “She is the kind of teacher that student teachers want to emulate.”

Patrick Coy

Patrick Coy, Department of Political Science, Kent Campus

Patrick Coy creates an atmosphere that is very conducive to learning. He takes a personal interest in each of his students from day one, and provides exciting and lively presentations in class. A student nominator says Coy’s passion for his field comes through in his lectures.

“It is refreshing to learn from someone who doesn’t just stand and read from a book, but instead lives and breathes the material,” says the student nomination letter.

John Johnson

John Johnson, Department of Biological Sciences, Kent Campus

John Johnson is able to communicate the complex material behind neuroscience in a clear and interesting way. Students who learn from Johnson know how challenging, yet rewarding, his assignments are.

“Dr. Johnson’s breadth of knowledge on the subject of neuroscience was simply astonishing,” a student nomination letter states. “He always knew what the latest findings were, and could always help with challenging assignments.”

David Kaplan

David Kaplan, Department of Geography, Kent Campus

David Kaplan encourages his students to think about ideas and concepts in new ways. Students see Kaplan as more than a teacher, but also a mentor, confidant and friend.

A student nomination letter indicates Kaplan’s real enthusiasm shows when he is listening to students discussing ideas. “The collegial atmosphere he fosters allows students to take risks, propose ideas and share thoughts even though they may be wrong,” the student writes.

David Kessler

David Kessler, Department of Sociology, Kent Campus

David Kessler has the ability to ignite passion in each and every student. He sets his classes up to encourage independent thinking and analysis, something that a Kent State alumna found exciting when she took his class.

“His qualities deeply align with the excellence in action that Kent State strives for,” she writes. “Dr. Kessler makes Kent State an outstanding school that I am proud to call my alma matter.”

Katherine Rawson

Katherine Rawson, Department of Psychological Sciences, Kent Campus

Katherine Rawson’s communication and organization skills stick out to her students. A student wrote that Rawson was the most passionate and enthusiastic professor she has had while at Kent State.

The student will begin her career in academics in the fall and wrote, “I want my students to experience from me the amount of care and empathy that I experienced from her.”

Clare Stacey

Clare Stacey, Department of Sociology, Kent Campus

Clare Stacey’s enthusiasm is known to be contagious and spread throughout the class. A student recognizes Stacey for the connection she makes with each and every one of her students.

“From knowing each student’s name, strengths, weaknesses and insecurities, Dr. Stacey makes students feel comfortable both inside and outside the classroom,” the nomination letter states.

Robin Vande Zande

Robin Vande Zande, School of Art, Kent Campus

Robin Vande Zande is recognized for setting high expectations for her students, which only pays off in the end. A student wrote that Vande Zande’s classroom atmosphere creates a deep love of learning and a motivating experience.

“Whenever I completed a project, I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment as well as confidence that I am prepared to not only do well in my career, but excel and stand out in it,” the nomination states.

Christopher Woolverton

Christopher Woolverton, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Kent Campus

Although he has a busy schedule, Christopher Woolverton always makes time for his students. He desires to see all of his students succeed and acquire the same love for the field that he has. One student sees Woolverton as enthusiastic and passionate about his field and his students.

“Dr. Woolverton is more than a professor to the students,” the student writes. “He is a role model and someone we look up to and greatly respect.”