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Public Meeting Notices: ��Ƶ Board of Trustees (Week of May 13)

6003571 — Wed, 08 May 2024 17:59:21 +0000

The Governance Committee of the ��Ƶ State University Board of Trustees will meet on Monday, May 13 at 3:30 p.m. In accordance with state legislation and the Bylaws of the ��Ƶ State University Board of Trustees, this meeting will be fully virtual, and the public session will be available via livestream, which can be accessed here.

The ��Ƶ State University Board of Trustees will hold its annual meeting on Thursday, May 16 at 8 a.m. The meeting will be held in the Glasscock Family Ballroom on the third floor of the ��Ƶ Student Center, 2121 Euclid Ave. Some trustees and presenters will participate virtually in accordance with state legislation and the Bylaws of the ��Ƶ State University Board of Trustees. The public session of the meeting will be available via livestream, which can be accessed here.

The ��Ƶ State University Board of Trustees will hold a retreat and special meeting on Thursday, May 16 at noon and on Friday, May 17 at 8 a.m. at 6601 Euclid Ave. The board will adjourn into executive session to discuss personnel matters involving the employment and compensation of public employees and to discuss trade secret information required by law to be kept confidential. The entirety of the retreat and special meeting will be in executive session, and no action will be taken.

If you are a member of the media and are planning to view/attend any of the meetings, please notify the Office of University Marketing at pr@csuohio.edu so that we can ensure copies of the meeting materials are provided to you.

Public Meeting Notice: ��Ƶ Board of Trustees (May 9)

6003571 — Fri, 03 May 2024 19:29:18 +0000

The Academic Affairs and Student Success Committee of the ��Ƶ State University Board of Trustees will meet on Thursday, May 9 at 8 a.m. In accordance with state legislation and the Bylaws of the ��Ƶ State University Board of Trustees, this meeting will be fully virtual, and the public session will be available via livestream, which can be accessed here.

The Financial Affairs Committee of the ��Ƶ State University Board of Trustees will meet on Thursday, May 9 immediately following the Academic Affairs and Student Success Committee or at 10 a.m., whichever is later. In accordance with state legislation and the Bylaws of the ��Ƶ State University Board of Trustees, this meeting will be fully virtual, and the public session will be available via livestream, which can be accessed here.

If you are a member of the media and are planning to view the meeting, please notify the Office of University Marketing at pr@csuohio.edu so that we can ensure copies of the meeting materials are provided to you.

Public Meeting Notice: EADC Board of Directors (April 16)

6003456 — Fri, 12 Apr 2024 16:53:35 +0000

The Euclid Avenue Development Corporation (EADC) will hold a Board of Directors meeting on Tuesday, April 16, at 1 p.m.

The meeting will be held at 2300 Euclid Avenue, Room AC 208. There is also a Zoom option to those who cannot join in person, which is available here.

��Ƶ Hosts its First Black Maternal Health Equity Summit

6003456 — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 13:09:37 +0000

Update: Read more about the event on News 5 ��Ƶ.

In conjunction with Case Western Reserve University, the Black Maternal Health Equity Summit (BMHES) will take place at ��Ƶ State on Sunday, April 14, hosted by the Clinical and Transitional Science Collaborative of Northern Ohio (CTSC). The half-day event will convene stakeholders from diverse industries whose formal and informal education, along with lived and work experiences, will help drive conversations centered around finding evidence-based solutions to advance health equity for Black mothers and, consequently, all mothers.

Author Dr. Deidre Cooper Owens will serve as the keynote speaker. She is an award-winning historian, public speaker, and author of Medical Bondage: Race, Gender and the Origins of American Gynecology. She will set the stage for stories from local mothers, along with research and policy updates, challenges and opportunities. Participants can then apply their knowledge and share their own insights during a breakout session.

Dr. Joan Thoman is an Associate Professor in the School of Nursing, College of Health at ��Ƶ and leads the Community and Rural Research Partner on Development for this initiative as key personnel and serves on its Community Advisory Board. Colleagues at CWRU approached her regarding her contribution to this event, which resulted in offering ��Ƶ and the Student Center Ballroom as the venue (after consulting with Dean Stephanie Brooks).

That’s when the ball got rolling.

“I invited my nursing colleague, Dr. Heather Rice, to be a part of the planning committee due to the focus on pregnancy and women’s health, as both have collaborated in the past on funded research studies on these topics,” she said. “Dr. Rice and I have contributed and collaborated in the past in support of community events that align with research interests and raise awareness regarding health issues.”

The statistics prove why this is such an important topic and conversation. Thoman points out that in 2019, nearly 50 Black women died in Ohio for every 100,000 live births. Almost 40 percent of Black women experience maternal mental health symptoms, roughly twice the rate of all women. With that said, planning for the summit began in the fall of 2023, with 25 statewide stakeholders committed to participating and supporting this event, with ��Ƶ State University School of Nursing, College of Health as one of them.

“We have a lot of objectives for the event, but some of the major ones provided by the planning committee include raising awareness about the history and current state of maternal health, along with catalyzing collaboration and future interdisciplinary research opportunities in the maternal health space,” said Thoman. “We also hope to foster environments where various stakeholder groups can have shared learning experiences and discussion about maternal health challenges and solutions leading toward research project possibilities.”

This is the second such event, and while Thoman did not attend the fall event, she heard from others who did that it was well received and that the partners involved immediately began planning the second event, especially bringing back Cooper Owens.

“I obtained her book, which gives an account of how women in the United States were, in essence, experimented on without their consent regarding gynecological procedures and without anesthesia; many were slaves and given no choice, hence the term ‘medical bondage,’” said Thoman. “These women, however, helped to inform present-day advances and practices in the field that are used to this day.”

Public Meeting Notice: ��Ƶ Board of Trustees (April 9)

6003571 — Fri, 05 Apr 2024 18:20:09 +0000

The ��Ƶ State University Board of Trustees will hold a special meeting on Tuesday, April 9 at 9 a.m. The Board will consider a voluntary separation incentive program for faculty and staff and will consider the appointment of public officials. The meeting will be held on the third floor of the Parker Hannifin Administration Center, 2300 Euclid Ave., ��Ƶ. Some trustees and presenters will participate virtually in accordance with state legislation and the Bylaws of the ��Ƶ State University Board of Trustees. The public session of the meeting will be available via livestream, which can be accessed here.

If you are a member of the media and are planning to view or attend the meetings, please notify the Office of University Marketing so that we can ensure copies of meeting materials are provided to you.

��Ƶ Guardians Announce Addition of ��Ƶ Club Baseball to Guardians Nike RBI Program

6003571 — Tue, 26 Mar 2024 11:39:13 +0000

The ��Ƶ Guardians recently announced the addition of ��Ƶ State University (��Ƶ) Club Baseball to its 2024 Guardians Nike RBI program.

The Guardians Nike RBI program is part of Major League Baseball’s larger Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) youth outreach program, designed to increase participation and interest in baseball and softball for underrepresented and diverse communities. While the Guardians Nike RBI program is comprised of a majority of ��Ƶ Metropolitan School District (CMSD) students, the Vikings addition to the 2024 Guardians Nike RBI program stems from the professional club’s desire to increase support for athletics at ��Ƶ and provide local ��Ƶ youth with the opportunity to play baseball beyond the high school level.

“Our Guardians Nike RBI program has made significant leaps over the last three years. Led by a team of devoted coaches, our RBI players commit to year-round programming where we emphasize not just cultivating strong on-field athletes but building resilient citizens ready to take on life’s challenges,” says Raphael Collins, Assistant Director of Community Impact and Diversity Initiatives. “We’re thrilled to add such a strong institution like ��Ƶ State University into our RBI family.”

Read the full release on MLB.com.

Don't forget to join ��Ƶ Club Baseball on April 13 at League Park as they face off against Edinboro University. There will be free hot dogs, popcorn and pop for ��Ƶ students, and the first 100 students to attend will get an exclusive ��Ƶ x Guardians Jersey!

Public Meeting Notice: Euclid Avenue Development Corporation (March 25)

6003571 — Fri, 22 Mar 2024 20:30:04 +0000

The Euclid Avenue Development Corporation (EADC) will have a special Board of Directors meeting on Monday, March 25 at 2 p.m. to review and authorize a lease agreement with ��Ƶ State University involving Rhodes Tower.

The address for the meeting is 2300 Euclid Avenue, Room AC 208, ��Ƶ. There is a virtual option available for those who cannot attend in person.

��Ƶ at the Center of Eight Epic Days in #TheLand

6003456 — Thu, 21 Mar 2024 16:05:59 +0000

NCAA Women's Final Four, Solar Eclipse, Guardians Opening Day Among Highlights

April is ushering in an historic few days in ��Ƶ, with hundreds of thousands expected to descend on our city to experience the action first-hand. And at the epicenter of it all is ��Ƶ State University’s downtown campus.

From the NCAA women’s Final Four to the first total eclipse in Ohio in more than 200 years and the ��Ƶ Guardians’ home opener, there are plenty of history-making events throughout the week that will keep people talking for years—all within walking distance of ��Ƶ.

CLEVELAND INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL – BEGINS APRIL 3 AT PLAYHOUSE SQUARE

The 48th ��Ƶ International Film Festival will take place in person at Playhouse Square from April 3-13 and online from April 14-21. The festival’s in-person lineup will include more than 130 feature-length and 225 short films. In-person screening tickets will be $16 for CIFF members and $18 for non-members.

Distance from ��Ƶ: 8 minutes by foot / 1 minute by car

2024 WOMEN’S FINAL FOUR AND EVENTS – FROM APRIL 4 THROUGH 7 AT ROCKET MORTGAGE FIELDHOUSE

The top women’s college basketball teams ascend on The Land and Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse for a chance at the 2024 National Championship. There are plenty of events in town leading up to the big games with which everyone can get involved.

��Ƶ’s women’s basketball team, fresh off their first outright Horizon League Championship, is led by coach Chris Kielsmeier, who is excited that the city is hosting such a prestigious event.

“��Ƶ is a sports town, so they’re going to embrace the final four, embrace women’s basketball, ��Ƶ is anything you want it to be,” said Kielsmeier in an October interview with the marchmadnesswbb podcast. “People that are coming in from out of town will be able to script a day where maybe they’re walking on the beach one day and they’re skiing the next depending on how the weather is, so it’s an amazing city, and we are so thankful it’s coming here and we can showcase not only the city, but basketball at the highest level.”

��Ƶ last hosted the women’s Final Four in 2007, when the Candace Parker-led Tennessee Lady Volunteers defeated the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in the championship round. ��Ƶ was selected to be the host city in 2018. It joined San Antonio, Minneapolis and Dallas, which hosted the Final Four from 2021-23, respectively.

Distance from ��Ƶ: 17 minutes by foot / 3 minutes by car

WHEN THE SERPENT BITES THE SUN: HOW THE ANCIENT MAYA PREDICTED ECLIPSES (FREE LECTURE) - APRIL 4

Eclipses are mysterious, and while most of us can only dream of understanding them, even fewer can predict them. The ancient Maya seemed to crack the code, and one of their books contains a table that predicts eclipses anywhere in the world, just like the one we are about to experience in Northeast Ohio on April 8. How exactly did they do it? Dr. Peter Dunham, retired archaeologist from ��Ƶ's Anthropology program in the Department of World Languages and Cultures, will give you the inside scoop when he hosts a free lecture April 4 from 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. on the first floor of the Michael Schwartz Library.

Distance from ��Ƶ: On campus!

2024 WOMEN’S COLLEGE ALL-STAR GAME – APRIL 6 AT ��Ƶ

For the first time in 18 years, the women’s college basketball All-Star Game returns to ��Ƶ. It will be played on April 6 at 3:30 p.m. at the Wolstein Center and broadcast on ESPN 2. Tickets are available here.

The player watch list includes players from 11 different conferences, including the Big Ten, Big East and MAC. Four women’s basketball legends, including former ��Ƶ Rockers forward Janice Braxton, will join Dallas Wings forward Satou Sabally and Las Vegas Aces guard Kelsey Plum as coaches in the All-Star Game.

Distance from ��Ƶ: On campus!

TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE – APRIL 8

For the first time since 1806, Ohio will experience a total solar eclipse. More importantly, because ��Ƶ lies within the path of totality, it is expected that many people will travel to our region to enjoy the experience with us! A partial eclipse will begin at 1:59 p.m. and end at 4:29 p.m., but the totality will begin at 3:13 p.m. and end at 3:17 p.m.

There will be plenty of events on ��Ƶ’s campus leading up to the big moment, including an eclipse concert featuring eclipse-themed songs that will be held at the Student Center Atrium. Speaking of music, take a listen to this personalized playlist that is sure to get you amped up for the big event!

��Ƶ eclipse viewing glasses are now available at Viking Outfitters. Show a valid ��Ƶ ID at the register to receive your free pair. One per person, please.

Distance from ��Ƶ: On campus!

GREAT LAKES SCIENCE CENTER – FROM APRIL 6 THROUGH 8

Due to the ��Ƶ area being a prime spot to view the eclipse, NASA will set up shop and broadcast from the Great Lakes Science Center on April 8. From April 6-8, they will hold a free outdoor family-friendly science and arts festival featuring concerts, performances, speakers and hands-on science activities.

Distance from ��Ƶ: 29 minutes by foot / 6 minutes by car

CLEVELAND GUARDIANS HOME OPENER – APRIL 8 AT PROGRESSIVE FIELD

The Guardians could not have aligned (no pun intended) their home opener more appropriately with the eclipse, as they take on the Chicago White Sox at Progressive Field with a first pitch of 5:10 p.m. The gates will open at 2 p.m., and the team is encouraging fans to arrive early, as downtown is expected to resemble more of Grand Central Station.

Distance from ��Ƶ: 19 minutes by foot / 5 minutes by car

CLEVELAND THYAGARAJA FESTIVAL – BEGINS APRIL 10 AT ��Ƶ

The ��Ƶ Thyagaraja Festival, the largest Indian classical music festival outside of India, will begin on April 10. The 12-day event is supported in part through a public grant. A full schedule can be found here.

Distance from ��Ƶ: On campus!

��Ƶ Earns National Praise for Civic Engagement Action Plan

6003571 — Thu, 21 Mar 2024 12:25:57 +0000

��Ƶ State University is honored to have received the 2024 Highly Established Action Plan Seal by the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge.

��Ƶ is one of 93 campuses that has earned this recognition so far for the current election cycle. Our campus action plan has been recognized among the best in the country for building and fostering non-partisan civic engagement, and we’re proud to be #AllInToVote!

Learn more about how our Office of Civic Engagement (OCE) works with students, faculty and staff at ��Ƶ to encourage citizenship and strong communities by building partnerships within ��Ƶ, as well as with public and non-profit community-based organizations and governmental institutions.

Clothing Donations Needed for Upcoming Dress for Success Boutique on Wheels

6003456 — Mon, 18 Mar 2024 12:25:29 +0000

The Department of Career Development and Exploration is gearing up to host its annual "Dress for Success Boutique on Wheels" event this April providing students with free professional attire for students to wear to interviews, internships or jobs. The initiative takes place each semester and serves almost 500 students over a day and a half.

For the first time, ��Ƶ State is accepting clothing donations at Dress for Success ��Ƶ for this semester's event, including women's skirt suits, pantsuits, blazers, tailored blouses and dresses as well as men's suits, blazers, slacks, dress shirts and ties.

All donations can be dropped off between March 18 through 21 from 10 a.m.—3 p.m. at the Dress for Success ��Ƶ building at 2239 East 55 Street, ��Ƶ, OH 44103. Please do not bring clothing items to campus. Note that donations must also be hung on hangers and freshly washed or dry cleaned or they will not be accepted.

Director for Career Development and Exploration Brittany Wampler believes this is a tangible way to support our students and knows it makes an impact.

“This initiative started before CDE took it over in Spring 2022, but since then, we’ve done it every fall and spring semester,” she said. “Last fall, we supported almost 500 students over a day and a half. Access to professional attire can be a barrier for students, and this event celebrates finding professional attire for free for interviews, an internship, or a job. We want all students to find clothing that works for them so that clothing is not a worry or concern when they start their professional career journey.”

She added:

“Giving some professional attire to Dress for Success ��Ƶ that is timeless supports our students and their future.”

Schedule your donation drop off here.

Public Meeting Notice: ��Ƶ Board of Trustees (March 18 and 21)

6003571 — Thu, 14 Mar 2024 18:09:26 +0000

The Executive Committee of the ��Ƶ State University Board of Trustees will meet on Monday, March 18 at 8 a.m. In accordance with state legislation and the Bylaws of the ��Ƶ State University Board of Trustees, this meeting will be fully virtual, and the public session will be available via livestream, which can be accessed here. The Committee will recess into executive session to discuss personnel matters regarding the appointment of public officials and to discuss trade secret information required by law to be kept confidential. It is anticipated that the majority of the meeting will be in executive session, and there are no action items planned.

The ��Ƶ State University Board of Trustees will meet on Thursday, March 21 at 8 a.m. The meeting will be held in the West Wing on the fourth floor of the Gerald H. Gordon Conference Pavilion of the Wolstein Center, 2000 Prospect Ave. Some trustees and presenters will participate virtually in accordance with state legislation and the Bylaws of the ��Ƶ State University Board of Trustees. The public session of the meeting will be available via livestream, which can be accessed here.

If you are a member of the media and are planning to view or attend the meetings, please notify University Marketing so that we can ensure copies of meeting materials are provided to you.

Public Meeting Notice: ��Ƶ Board of Trustees (March 14)

6003571 — Fri, 08 Mar 2024 20:29:54 +0000

The Financial Affairs Committee of the ��Ƶ State University Board of Trustees will meet on Thursday, March 14 at 8 a.m. In accordance with state legislation and the Bylaws of the ��Ƶ State University Board of Trustees, this meeting will be fully virtual, and the public session will be available via livestream, which can be accessed here.

The Academic Affairs and Student Success Committee of the ��Ƶ State University Board of Trustees will meet on Thursday, March 14 immediately following the Financial Affairs Committee or at 9:15 a.m., whichever is later. In accordance with state legislation and the Bylaws of the ��Ƶ State University Board of Trustees, this meeting will be fully virtual, and the public session will be available via livestream, which can be accessed here.

Get Ready for the Women’s Horizon League Tournament Game This Week!

6003456 — Tue, 05 Mar 2024 13:43:23 +0000

Watch the ��Ƶ State Women's Basketball team in the 2024 Barbasol Horizon League Basketball Tournament at the Wolstein Center this week! Tickets are on sale now for the Quarterfinal Women’s Basketball game on Thursday, March 7 at 7 p.m.

Gear Up for the Horizon League Tournament at Viking Outfitters!
Gear up and support our Vikings. From shirts and hats to foam fingers and Viking helmets, Viking Outfitters has you covered.

You can shop Viking Outfitters online or in person at the ��Ƶ Student Center. Student Center Location is open Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Viking Outfitters Online

Women's Basketball || Quarterfinals vs. Northern Kentucky
Thursday, March 7 at 7:00 p.m.

Tickets are available for $10 in advance or $15 on the day of the game and include an All-You-Can-Eat and Drink package. The package includes unlimited hot dogs, popcorn, and sodas.

The first 250 fans will receive official ��Ƶ State Women's Basketball trading cards courtesy of Greenie Sports Cards.

Women's Basketball Captures Horizon League Regular Season Championship
For the first time in program history, the ��Ƶ State Women's Basketball team captured the 2023-24 Horizon League Regular Season Championship, with a program best 18-2 record.

All ��Ƶ students receive FREE admission to the game!

Go Vikings!

Public Meeting Notice: ��Ƶ Board of Trustees (March 6)

6003571 — Mon, 04 Mar 2024 22:14:09 +0000

The Real Estate and Facilities Subcommittee of the ��Ƶ State University Board of Trustees will meet on Wednesday, March 6 at 9 a.m. In accordance with state legislation and the Bylaws of the ��Ƶ State University Board of Trustees, this meeting will be fully virtual, and the public session will be available via livestream, which can be accessed here.

If you are a member of the media and are planning to view the meeting, please notify the Office of University Marketing and Communications at pr@csuohio.edu so that we can ensure copies of the meeting materials are provided to you.

��Ƶ Awarded on the Forbes America’s Best Employers 2024 List

6003571 — Tue, 27 Feb 2024 17:38:24 +0000

��Ƶ State University has been awarded on the Forbes list of America’s Best Employers 2024. This prestigious award is presented by Forbes and Statista Inc., the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider. The full list can be viewed here.

America’s Best Employers have been identified in an independent survey from a vast sample of over 170,000 U.S. employees working for companies employing at least 1,000 people within the U.S.

The final score is based on two types of evaluations:

Personal - Given by employees themselves, also known as direct evaluations.
Public - Given by friends and family members of employees, or members of the public who work in the same industry (also known as indirect evaluations) with a much higher weighting for personal evaluations.

The result is two sub-lists: one for “Mid” sized organizations (those with 1,000 to 5,000 employees) and “Large” sized organizations (those with more than 5,000 employees).

Based on the results of the study, ��Ƶ is ecstatic to be recognized on the Forbes list of America’s Best Employers 2024.

Statista publishes hundreds of worldwide industry rankings and company listings with high-profile media partners. This research and analysis service is based on the success of statista.com, the leading data and business intelligence portal that provides statistics, relevant business data, and various market and consumer studies and surveys.

Public Meeting Notice: ��Ƶ Board of Trustees (Feb. 28)

6003571 — Mon, 26 Feb 2024 18:41:19 +0000

The Executive Committee of the ��Ƶ State University Board of Trustees will meet on Wednesday, Feb. 28, at 8 a.m. In accordance with state legislation and the Bylaws of the ��Ƶ State University Board of Trustees, this meeting will be fully virtual, and the public session will be available via livestream, which can be accessed here. The Committee will recess into executive session to discuss personnel matters regarding the appointment and employment of a public official. It is anticipated that the majority of the meeting will be in executive session and there are no action items planned.

Public Meeting Notice: ��Ƶ Board of Trustees (Feb. 23)

6003571 — Thu, 22 Feb 2024 18:28:07 +0000

The Executive Committee of the ��Ƶ State University Board of Trustees will meet on Friday, Feb. 23, at 3 p.m. In accordance with state legislation and the Bylaws of the ��Ƶ State University Board of Trustees, this meeting will be fully virtual, and the public session will be available via livestream, which can be accessed here. The Committee will recess into executive session to discuss personnel matters regarding the appointment and employment of a public official. It is anticipated that the majority of the meeting will be in executive session, and there are no action items planned.

If you are a member of the media and are planning to view the meeting, please notify the Office of University Marketing at pr@csuohio.edu so that we can ensure copies of the meeting materials are provided to you.

[Video] “The House that Dr. Michael Schwartz Built”

6003456 — Thu, 22 Feb 2024 17:28:54 +0000

Video of ��Ƶ Honors the Legacy of Former President Dr. Michael Schwartz

The late poet Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, "Do not go where the path may lead. Go where there is no path and leave a trail."

That quote seems to epitomize the life of Dr. Michael Schwartz.

The former ��Ƶ State University and Kent State University president was no doubt smiling down on those gathered in his honor at ��Ƶ's Glasscock Family Foundation Ballroom on Feb. 8 to celebrate the life of a man who made a lasting impact on two great universities. However, if it weren't for the presence of a law professor at the University of Illinois named Rubin G. Cohn, the world may have never had the honor of knowing President Schwartz.

According to his son Kenneth Schwartz, who spoke at the celebration of life, Professor Cohn changed his father’s life, flipping a switch within the future university president and subsequently motivating his father to do an about-face by dedicating himself to changing lives in higher education.

THE EARLY YEARS

While Dr. Schwartz's pre-college life did not point to an academic career initially, he later found his calling while earning three degrees from the University of Illinois: a bachelor's degree in psychology in 1958, a master's in labor and industrial relations in 1959 and a doctorate in sociology in 1962 with an emphasis in social psychology.

"My father was an accomplished statistician; in the 1960s and 70s, his research was the cutting edge of transforming the study of social psychology from anecdotal methodologies, which are scientific and statistical methods," said Ken Schwartz. "He published more than 70 books and articles in his career, and he loved teaching statistics so much that he even found time to teach statistics while provost at Kent State."

In 1971, while chairing the sociology department at Florida Atlantic University, Dr. Schwartz won a distinguished teacher award and was later promoted to dean. Then, in 1976, he started his tenure in Ohio when he was appointed vice president of Graduate Studies in research at Kent State. Dr. Schwartz, appointed president of Kent State in 1982 and having served through 1991, was described as having set the golden standard when it came to being humble, approachable and someone who truly looked out for the students and always had time for his son, who was enrolled at Kent State himself.

"The students quickly realized how lucky they were; he was a great teacher, and I know," said Ken Schwartz. "In graduate school, when I was dealing with my own graduate statistics and was confused, I got some late-night tutoring from him while he was president at Kent State; he would pick up that phone late at night and walk me through it."

He also shared that when studying at the Kent State Student Center, students approached him with nothing but nice things to say about his father.

"Random students would walk up to me and say, 'Are you Ken Schwartz and is your father, President Schwartz?'" he said. "I would smile and say yes, and they would say without exception, 'I just want you to know that I think he's doing a great job;' that's a pretty special experience."

THE PEACEMAKER

Dr. Schwartz prided himself on being someone who could be counted upon to be a calming presence in the face of adversity. As a young professor and associate dean at Indiana University in the 1960s, Dr. Schwartz was personally approached by the university to negotiate with students who took over buildings on campus during Vietnam War protests. Not only did he successfully de-escalate those situations and help avoid violence, but he also returned the university to a late-1960s version of peace and civility, Ken Schwartz recalled.

Several years later, in 1977, Dr. Schwartz again took it upon himself to be the calming force necessary at Kent State University.

"While he was vice president and interim president at Kent State, protests unfortunately erupted on campus over the construction of a building near where some students were shot on May 4, 1970," said Ken Schwartz. "He successfully navigated protestors, politicians, courts and the community, but this experience launched him on a personal mission of education and healing that, with the help of many others, ultimately led to the establishment of the May 4 memorial dedicated to a sad American tragedy."

THE INNOVATOR

Although his presidency at Kent State would end on March 15, 1991, Dr. Schwartz used his retirement to return to the classroom, teaching graduate courses in higher education administration and statistical methods at Kent State. His legacy of outstanding leadership continued in 2002, when he served as ��Ƶ president until June 2009, spearheading projects that saw new student housing constructed while a new student center and administration buildings were built.

Friend, colleague and ��Ƶ Professor Emeritus William Bowen remembers when Dr. Schwartz first arrived on campus and was taken aback by how involved he wanted to be right from the very beginning.

"He went around and gave talks to introduce himself and to get to know some of the various student groups and faculty groups. Those talks were audacious, and they were inspiring," said Bowen. "I doubt that students had ever before heard someone in a position of academic authority describe the purpose of the university to them and tell them what they were supposed to be doing and what they were doing at the university."

Friend, colleague and ��Ƶ’s Vice President of Legal and Compliance Sonali Wilson remembers not only the kindness Dr. Schwartz exhibited to her, but also his deep appreciation for ��Ƶ and its students.

"I'll always remember all the impact that he had on all of us, on this community and this university; I'll always remember his wisdom and smarts, I will always remember his wit and humor, I will always remember his support and mentorship," she said. "And, of course, I will always remember his spirit and dedication to this university and the students he loved."

THE FRIEND

Current ��Ƶ President Dr. Laura Bloomberg would soon get to know Dr. Schwartz when she became ��Ƶ's eighth president in 2021. Even though he had been out of office for over a decade, Dr. Schwartz was more than willing to mentor her.

"When I was first introduced to him by his friend and fellow author Bill Bowen, we had lunch together, he told me to call him anytime,” Dr. Bloomberg recalled. “I took him up on that, and honest to goodness, I got more good advice from that man than I could ever possibly share with all of you."

She continued, "It always stands out to me that he took my calls whenever I called; he took my calls when he was sick, he was in pain, he was tired, he was in hospice—and he took my calls and answered my questions and pushed back and challenged me to think harder or deeper or longer about key issues, and I am so grateful for that.

"For all of us who knew Michael in his professional capacity, I extend on our collective behalf huge gratitude that you shared him with the world of higher education, with the world of ideas, with the world of the academy because I believe it comes at a bit of a pause to Michael, the family man, but I believe he had the heart for both, and we are so grateful for what he contributed," said Dr. Bloomberg.

Friend and ��Ƶ Board of Trustees Vice Chair Tim Cosgrove also paid tribute to Dr. Schwartz, echoing the sentiment that he always took the time to listen to students, colleagues and friends, and that his enduring legacy will live on through many, even those who didn't personally know him.

"You will live through the countless lives you've changed; you will live through those who never met you but benefit from your life's mission. Michael, it is appropriate that we are here today in the student center, a building that you built; outside of this room and throughout our campus and the Kent State campus, there are thousands of students whose lives will be changed and enriched because of you and what you built,” said Cosgrove.

THE LEGACY

Despite all of the successes Dr. Schwartz had as a university president, the lives he affected and the legacy he left, Ken Schwartz believes celebrating his father's life means acting to ensure the freedom to teach, research and study in search of the many truths that make us who we are and to combat meanness with kindness and education, just the way he did each day.

"It's to bring people together to celebrate our diversity and our differences," said Ken Schwartz. "When any of you do this, when we do this, I am sure Michael Schwartz is somewhere in the universe, he's coaching a little league game or casting a fly-fishing pole into those cosmic waters and he's smiling because another life has been changed."

To view the Celebration of Life in its entirety, click here.

Protest to Progress Traces 60 Years of ��Ƶ and the Civil Rights Act

6003456 — Thu, 22 Feb 2024 13:39:45 +0000

View the exhibit online here!

A new exhibit commemorating 60 years of the Civil Rights Act in conjunction with 60 years of ��Ƶ State University can now be viewed on display in the first-floor atrium of ��Ƶ’s Berkman Hall—home to the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Honors College—through Feb. 29.

Protest to Progress reflects the tenor of tragedy and triumph from the 1960s to today. The first influx of Black students at ��Ƶ had a profound influence that helped create the diverse, inclusive and welcoming campus it is today.

Ron Kisner, ��Ƶ alumnus and founder of The Vindicator, said he hopes the Protest to Progress exhibit will help answer the question, “How did we get here?” through photos, newspaper clippings and commentary.

“The exhibit attempts to connect the history of ��Ƶ to events in the city and nation that shaped the University's early and future directions,” he said during the opening reception on Feb. 1. “It also highlights how the University's commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion evolved for it to become an urban university for all, reflecting [��Ƶ President] Dr. Laura Bloomberg's vision.”

“As you read through the exhibit, you will know that we didn’t get everything right in our history; there are many mistakes and setbacks,” said Dr. Bloomberg. “I hope you will also see that we wanted this to be portrayed honestly, setbacks and all; this is our story; we are proud of the whole thing, and I am so glad you are here to enjoy it.”

Vice President of Student Belonging and Success Dr. Tachelle Banks also commented on how the exhibit's unveiling demonstrates ��Ƶ’s significant contribution to diversity and the ��Ƶ community since its inception in 1964.

“What we’re doing at ��Ƶ is taking proactive steps on the institution we have to create welcome environments and affirming experiences that offer students a sense of belonging that they rightfully deserve,” she said. “To put it kindly, if you choose ��Ƶ as a student, we choose you. This is not an easy task at all, and it is not for the faint of heart. This work requires compassion and commitment to do what is right for our students. And now is the right time to do what is right for our students at ��Ƶ.”

Dr. Thomas Bynum chairs ��Ƶ’s Department of Africana Studies and pointed out that the department has long roots that stretch back to the founding of the Black Studies program at ��Ƶ under the leadership of Ralph Pruitt in 1969. That came less than one year after the first Black Studies department was founded at San Francisco State University. Over the last six decades, the department has continued to be a haven for students.

“With support from the University and community partners, the Department of Africana Studies will continue the legacy of providing a safe space for students to learn more about Black history and culture throughout the African diaspora,” said Dr. Bynum. “We are proud to be a part of this exhibit [and] we greatly appreciate President Bloomberg’s support, vision and leadership.”

Kisner also believes patrons will be interested in understanding the racial tensions that existed at ��Ƶ, and how “demands” of the first ��Ƶ President Dr. Harold Enarson resulted in new groundbreaking events on campus.

“The creation of the Black Studies Program, the first African American Homecoming Queen (under some duress); the seeding of the African American Cultural Center; and the founding of the Black student newspaper, The Vindicator, now a cultural magazine,” said Kisner. “Significantly, the exhibit portrays how an editorial cartoon in the Cauldron mocking the homecoming queen nod and other Black progress led to a burning of the newspaper's edition on campus.”

Kisner added:

“The exhibit traces ��Ƶ's growth out of ‘protest’ toward ‘progress’ that has led to creative, inclusive educational and cultural programs endemic of a university looking toward a robust future meeting the new needs of a multi-cultural student body and city.”

Public Meeting Notice: ��Ƶ Board of Trustees (Feb. 15)

6003571 — Wed, 14 Feb 2024 20:06:14 +0000

The Executive Committee of the ��Ƶ State University Board of Trustees will meet on Thursday, Feb. 15, at 4 p.m. In accordance with state legislation and the Bylaws of the ��Ƶ State University Board of Trustees, this meeting will be fully virtual, and the public session will be available via livestream, which can be accessed here. The Committee will recess into executive session to discuss personnel matters regarding the appointment and employment of a public official. It is anticipated that the majority of the meeting will be in executive session, and there are no action items planned.

Public Meeting Notice: EADC Board of Directors

6003571 — Fri, 09 Feb 2024 20:36:13 +0000

The Euclid Avenue Development Corporation (EADC) will hold a special Board of Directors meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 13, at 10:30 a.m. to review request for authorization of a Memorandum of Understanding with ��Ƶ State University and a Management Agreement with PSF Management Company.

The meeting will be held at 2300 Euclid Avenue, Room AC 208. There is also a Zoom option to those who cannot join in person, which is available here.

Green Book ��Ƶ Digs Deep into History of Black Leisure

6003456 — Thu, 08 Feb 2024 14:32:37 +0000

Interactive Site Takes Viewers Back Into the Annals of Northeast Ohio Recreation

A project started by ��Ƶ Professor of History Mark Souther in 2021 is gaining traction, and it’s putting a spotlight on the history of Black leisure and recreation in Northeast Ohio.

Green Book ��Ƶ started in the Center for Public History + Digital Humanities at ��Ƶ, but has expanded over the past two and a half years into a broader collaborative. In 2021, Souther got the idea of involving ��Ƶ students to help research sites in the area that were either listed in the well-known Green Book guides for African American travelers in the 1930s-60s or were welcoming places throughout that time frame. His initial goal was to have the project to begin as a digital history project, and that it would become widely accessible and offer a basis for inspiring broader community interest and involvement.

“Green Book ��Ƶ is intended as a restorative history project to preserve and share stories of places that might otherwise be absent in the city's and region's history and aims to generate awareness of African American history in Northeast Ohio that moves beyond the Underground Railroad and the Civil Rights Movement,” said Souther. “Leisure and recreation shouldn't be seen as simply lighthearted or frivolous; Black Northeast Ohioans often struggled to overcome bars to entry in leisure and recreation spots and found it necessary to carve out their own spaces. Green Book ��Ƶ also seeks to use emerging knowledge of these place-based histories to encourage commemorative actions and even to contribute to larger efforts to bring more equitable access to green space in the region.”

Souther also points out that the goal of Green Book ��Ƶ is to restore visibility to places that live in people's memory but have in most cases been erased from the landscape. For instance, in ��Ƶ as in most American cities, Black communities were often among those that suffered disproportionately as urban renewal and other demolition programs leveled wide swaths of the city, and as disinvestment and population flight hollowed out these places. The project has called attention to places that might surprise many people today.

“Northeast Ohio had at least two Black-owned beaches in the early 20th century – one in Lorain and another in Ashtabula,” said Souther. “��Ƶ African American inventor Garrett Morgan developed the Wakeman Country Club for African Americans in the 1920s in the town of Wakeman in Huron County, and it was just one of several Black-owned rural resorts scattered around Northeast Ohio.”

The Center's key partner is the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, who was awarded a National Park Foundation Mellon Humanities Postdoctoral Fellowship for 2023-25 on the basis of this collaboration. It includes representatives from ��Ƶ Metroparks, Summit Metro Parks, the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park, The Trust for Public Land, ThirdSpace Action Lab, Ohio & Erie Canalway National Heritage Area, and the University of Akron.

“Dr. Hazim Abdullah-Smith, a recent American Studies doctoral recipient from the University of Maryland, is now actively engaged in the project,” said Souther. “The project team is continuing to do research, conduct oral history interviews, and engage with other organizations and individuals with similar programmatic interests.”

As Green Book ��Ƶ continued to grow, the ��Ƶ Center for Public History + Digital Humanities' developer Erin Bell established the project website, which uses a novel WordPress plugin called PlacePress that was developed in-house and made possible by grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities.

PlacePress is a free digital tool that anyone in the world can use to create similar location-based stories and tours.

“This project draws on my expertise as an urban and public historian and is a public-facing showcase of ��Ƶ undergraduate and graduate students' scholarship,” said Souther. “In my classes, I train students do original research, understand their work in broader historical context, engage with digital tools, and develop their "voice" as authors for a public audience; At the end of the semester, they've completed not merely a paper to be graded but an example of their writing and curatorial skills.”

That very model has extended to two classes at the University of Akron during this school year, with students there researching similar histories in the Akron area. In fact, one of the graduate students in the first group of ��Ƶ students, Erich Schnack ('22), has continued his work on it as a park Ranger at Cuyahoga Valley National Park, recently securing a position at Yosemite National Park in California.

“The Green Book ��Ƶ team is excited about the project’s potential to craft a more complete history of our region,” said Souther. “One that inspires dialogue and planning that creates civic spaces where everyone feels welcome.”

Can You Smell What ��Ƶ is Cooking?

6003456 — Thu, 25 Jan 2024 13:57:03 +0000

Food Strong, ��Ƶ Team Up To Pave The Way For a Healthy Future for Students

A program geared towards utilizing ��Ƶ’s FarmBot along with showing students the path to a healthy future on a budget is taking the Recreation Center by storm thanks to a partnership between ��Ƶ and Food Strong.

��Ƶ’s Farmbot made its debut last summer and is located on the ��Ƶ Recreation Center’s green roof. While it looks much like a regular garden you might see, it is controlled by a robotic farming machine and corresponding software. The addition of the FarmBot aimed to “create an open and accessible technology aiding everyone to grow food and to grow food for everyone.”

And that it has.

Not only does it produce herbs and vegetables grown in-house, but it provides an excellent opportunity for students to know where their food comes from. ��Ƶ’s Engineering Senior Design team has gotten in on the action as well, working on a project called FarmBot to the Max to build a second Farmbot so more produce can be grown and eventually distributed to the Lift Up Vikes food pantry.

Food Strong, whose mission is to utilize fresh local food to empower, educate, and cultivate health in communities across our region, was started by ��Ƶ Alumna Sara Continenza. It promotes the cultivation, purchase, and consumption of fresh, local foods while simultaneously providing linkage to other vital services and resources.

She started Food Strong after working for four years at an emergency food nonprofit.

“I wanted to help communities achieve food sovereignty- putting the power of producing and accessing local foods in the hands of the people,” she said. “Emergency food is very important- but I see it being something folks rely on. I wanted to help create a system that helps people find other avenues to access food that foster self-sufficiency.”

After graduating from Levin College in 2014, Continenza followed her career path. Food Strong was born to assist her in realizing the dream of building an active school garden/culinary arts/entrepreneurship programming throughout Greater ��Ƶ. Fast forward to 2023, after reconnecting with Department of Health Sciences and Human Performance in the College Health at ��Ƶ, Judy Ausherman, the dream of creating a garden program at her alma mater became a reality.

Enter Katie Blodorn, ��Ƶ's Assistant Director for Fitness and Wellness Programming. She thought it would be a great idea to team up with Continenza and Food Strong, so she devised a plan to conduct cooking demonstrations for students.

“Through this initiative, we have been able to meet monthly, truly connect as community partners and serve students,” she said. “Without them, we wouldn’t be here.”

To date, three culinary arts workshops have been taught, focused on educating students on how to prepare healthy dishes using affordable ingredients. Some dishes include pumpkin soup, vegetable curry pot pie, fire cider, and healthier holiday cookies. They have also been designing the garden's future, which is on the green roof of the student Rec Center. Beginning this Spring, additional steps will be taken to bring this vision to life. The classes have been well-received by students, with about 15 participating each time.

“Our goals are to inspire our students to understand the importance of fresh, local foods and eating healthily and we are teaching valuable culinary and agriculture skills,” said Continenza. “We envision a future at ��Ƶ with numerous student-driven food and native perennial gardens that enhance food access, support mental and physical health, and offer a therapeutic healing space for our students and faculty. We want ��Ƶ to become a destination for people pursuing careers in urban agriculture- an important step in a career pipeline that will turn Northeast Ohio into a destination for people who desire to heal our bodies and earth through fresh foods and gardens.”

Ausherman also points out the importance of the life skills students can take from these cooking demonstrations and the lessons they can take with them moving forward.

“Students are not being taught how to cook in schools, and we feel it is important to offer a healthy alternative for students living on campus,” she said. “Being an urban university located in a food desert, we feel it is important for ��Ƶ students to not only come to the university for their academics but also how to establish life-long health habits.”

Students interested in attending upcoming cooking demonstrations, slated for February 9, March 27, and April 18, can do so by registering through the ��Ƶ Rec Member Connect app. There are also numerous ways to get involved with Food Strong, chiefly by visiting foodstrong.org to learn more about the organization and multiple programs.

“Since many students are on a food plan, we want to offer events that teach people how to cook their own meals,” said Ausherman. “The old saying, ‘if you give a person a fish, you feed them for a day. If you teach them to fish, you feed them for a lifetime'; providing a meal plan, in my opinion, is like giving someone fish; it does not provide them with any skills for how to explore healthy food options, and it forces them to eat food that may not always be healthy.”

Continenza added:

Not only are cooking demonstrations offered, but also 90-minute garden workshops, according to Continenza.

“We are currently working with students to design what the future of the garden on the green roof of the rec center will look and the FarmBot is one part of it, but we are going to do different types of garden beds with various vegetables fruits herbs and native perennial flowers,” she said. “We create a well-rounded experience forced in participants and I would love to see how this initiative grows and supports urban agriculture education in the future.”

Upcoming Public Meeting Notices: January 25

6003571 — Tue, 23 Jan 2024 15:01:25 +0000

The ��Ƶ State University Board of Trustees will meet on Thursday, January 25 at 8 a.m. The meeting will be held in the West Wing on the fourth floor of the Gerald H. Gordon Conference Pavilion of the Wolstein Center, 2000 Prospect Avenue, ��Ƶ, Ohio. Some trustees and presenters will participate virtually in accordance with state legislation and the Bylaws of the ��Ƶ State University Board of Trustees. The public session of the meeting will be available via livestream, which can be accessed here.

The Euclid Avenue Development Corporation (EADC) Members will hold a regular meeting on Thursday, January 25. The meeting will be held in the West Wing on the fourth floor of the Gerald H. Gordon Conference Pavilion of the Wolstein Center, 2000 Prospect Avenue, ��Ƶ, Ohio and will begin at 10 a.m., or immediately following the ��Ƶ Board of Trustees meeting, whichever is later. The public session of the meeting will be available via livestream, which can be accessed here. There are no action items planned, and the purpose is for the officers and members to discuss the process of electing community directors.

If you are a member of the media and are planning to view or attend these meetings, please notify the University's Office of Marketing and Communications so we can ensure copies of meeting materials are provided to you.

��Ƶ, Tri-C Honor Legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr.

6003456 — Tue, 23 Jan 2024 14:01:12 +0000

33rd Annual Breakfast Remembered Life of Civil Rights Leader

��Ƶ State University and Cuyahoga Community College came together on January 15 for its annual celebration breakfast honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

��Ƶ’s Chaney Sims and Tri-C’s Oluwasegun Ogunlade served as Master of Ceremonies. Sims, a sophomore finance student at ��Ƶ, aspires to fuse her passion for nature, public speaking prowess, and financial acumen to become a prominent figurehead in promoting financial literacy harmonized with eco-conscious principles. She envisions herself as a catalyst for change, empowering the younger generation with essential financial knowledge.

“The enduring value and power of MLK's words and legacy remain as potent now as they were in the past. We persist in honoring and celebrating him, drawing motivation for today's ongoing fight against injustice. We should shed light and rejoice words that guide and support us in life,” said Sims. “Being the MC for this esteemed celebration at ��Ƶ is truly an honor. As someone committed to unity, equality, and self-love, participating in a celebration for such a remarkable man is an incredible experience.”

The ceremony also featured remarks from ��Ƶ President Dr. Laura Bloomberg and Tri-C President Dr. Michael Baston, followed by student speakers Tatiana Raudeles and Amulya Tiralapuram (Tri-C) along with Leah Jeter and Nautica Bell (��Ƶ). Jeter is a sophomore Theatre and Dance student and a member of the Black Leading Arts Cultural Club on campus. She is also passionate about creating and participating in creative spaces that allow black artists to speak their truths and express themselves through art and community.

Bell, a soon-to-be-graduate of the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program, class of 2024, focused her capstone project on "Housing and Life Skills Support for Transitioning Foster Youth." She is a former President of ��Ƶ's Chapter of the Coalition of OT Advocates for Diversity 22-23. Her goal is to be an advocate for individuals who don't always have a voice and to add to the 5% of Black African Americans of Occupational Therapists.

Jarrett Pratt, director of Student Success at the Pratt Center, provided a historical perspective on the day's significance.

“Each year, the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Holiday breakfast gives us the opportunity to come together as a community to honor a legacy of unwavering commitment to education, social justice, and civil rights,” said Pratt. “For more than three decades, ��Ƶ State, in partnership with Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C), has shared the responsibility of honoring this weekend with a breakfast, and each year, students submit essays and creative works to be featured in this space, which continues to serve as a bridge and powerful moment of reflection for all involved.”

Upcoming Public Meeting Notice: February 2

6003456 — Fri, 12 Jan 2024 14:56:33 +0000

The Executive Committee of the ��Ƶ State University Board of Trustees will meet on Friday, February 2, at 11:30 a.m. In accordance with state legislation and the Bylaws of the ��Ƶ State University Board of Trustees, this meeting will be fully virtual, and the public session will be available via livestream, which can be accessed here.

The Committee will recess into executive session to discuss trade secret information required by law to be kept confidential. It is anticipated that the majority of the meeting will be in executive session, and there are no action items planned.

Garrett Selected as Wake Forest Deputy AD, Administration

6003456 — Thu, 04 Jan 2024 15:33:20 +0000

��Ƶ State University President Dr. Laura Bloomberg announced today that Vice President and Director of Athletics, Scott Garrett, who had led the Vikings athletics department since 2019, will depart ��Ƶ for Wake Forest University where he will serve as Deputy Athletics Director for Administration.

Read the story here.

��Ƶ on Forbes' List of America’s Best Employers for Veterans

6003571 — Wed, 13 Dec 2023 21:25:44 +0000

��Ƶ State University has been awarded on the Forbes list of America’s Best Employers for Veterans 2023. This prestigious award is presented by Forbes and Statista Inc., the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider.

The America’s Best Employers for Veterans 2023 have been identified in an independent survey from a vast sample of nearly 8,500 U.S. veterans (having served in the United States Armed Forces, either in the regular military or in the National Guard or military reserves) working for companies employing at least 1,000 people within the United States.

The evaluation was based on two criteria:

Direct Recommendations: Veterans were asked to give their opinion on a series of statements related to general topics regarding their own employer like atmosphere & development, image, working conditions, salary & wage, workplace and diversity, as well as a set of topics related specifically to the interests of veterans in the workplace.
Indirect recommendations: Participants were also given the chance to evaluate other employers in their respective industries that stand out either positively or negatively.

Based on the results of the study, ��Ƶ is ecstatic to be recognized on the Forbes list of America’s Best Employers for Veterans 2023.

Statista publishes hundreds of worldwide industry rankings and company listings with high profile media partners. This research and analysis service is based on the success of statista.com, the leading data and business intelligence portal that provides statistics, relevant business data, and various market and consumer studies and surveys.

To see the ful list of America’s Best Employers for Veterans 2023, click here.

Meet ��Ƶ Fall '23 Valedictorian Isis Duncan

6003456 — Thu, 07 Dec 2023 14:22:01 +0000

At an early age, Isis Duncan understood the assignment: to be successful in life, she must overcome obstacles and discomfort and strive to be the best she can be against all odds.

Consider it a smashing success.

Duncan's journey, in earnest, began at a young age. As a child, her teachers were not very supportive or encouraging regarding academics. Even something as simple as spelling became an issue because of improper instruction in elementary school, which later spilled into a lack of confidence from educators who boldly disregarded her efforts. Couple that with the fact that she was often told at home and within the four different school institutions she had transferred between that she was too hysterical with her speaking and writing approaches.

Feeling defeated and realizing that no matter what she did, no one would listen or take the time to give her a chance, she turned to something that would later serve as a way out of the doldrums, enabling her to rise above adversity and become the woman she is today.

While the twists and turns of life continued, her true calling came during her second year at Bard High School Early College ��Ƶ. While continuing to drown in self-doubt and experiencing bouts of PTSD while reading poetry and fiction as part of her creative writing class, that's when the lightbulb came on. As a lifelong writer, Duncan often did so emotionally, cautiously, secretly and openly but with no rhyme or reason. It wasn't until she was introduced to poetry in her class that the words began to mean something more- and so did her life.

Although stanzas in a poem might be short, they began to become powerful words that stood out on the page and essentially cheered her on figuratively to become something great. Duncan began to use the power of the pen to wring out the negativity of her past and use it to move forward to bigger and better things. Things began to look up; she applied to join Twelve Literary Arts, an organization focused on slam poetry for urban youth that became highly inspiring. She was accepted into their fellowship program, meeting many teens who shared their own burdens within the group. Although they were all feeling pain in one way or another, they began working together to unravel their many troubles, which had left an indelible impression on their lives.

Then along came ��Ƶ Poet Siaara Freeman.

If there was ever a seismic shift in someone's life, that was Freeman to Duncan, who would push her to take a deeper dive into her writing and not hold back. Duncan has credited Freeman as one of the most significant shifts when it came to growth, and her accountability led Duncan to write many heartfelt poems featured in local poetry slams, special events, and even the ��Ƶ Museum of Art.

After graduating from Bard High School, Duncan attempted a move to Baltimore to continue her education but once again found herself on the short end of the stick after having to depart two weeks after the program began due to a lack of funds. Although she found herself back in ��Ƶ and felt like there was no way out, she took a different approach this time.

The setback might have stalled her progress in the past, but Duncan had a new lease on life. She continued to work at Twelve Literary Arts and was soon promoted from fellow to intern, gaining a large amount of enjoyment in helping other youth talents expand their poetic talent. Around that time, she made the most significant decision of her life: applying to ��Ƶ State to complete her bachelor's degree.

Fast forward to the present, where she's held true to her commitment to completing her degree, and despite all her previous hardships and negativity, Duncan never gave up. Through the power of poetry, passionate writings and self-commitment to persevering no matter the odds, she will walk across the stage at commencement, on the receiving end of a bachelor's degree in English Creative Writing.

She once told herself at the beginning of her ��Ƶ journey, 'I am deserving, I can do this. My future is dictated by the faith and trust I have in my ability to be vulnerable and receptive, and no one can take that away from me’.

Congratulations, Isis!

��Ƶ: How has ��Ƶ cultivated your character, values, and standards of excellence?

Isis Duncan: I think ��Ƶ helped cultivate a standard of diverse support! As a commuting student, I travel 45-48 minutes daily to school by bus, and when I first began attending, I wasn't submerged in university life. I would come to school, complete my work, and go home. That was my routine. I felt fine with this routine because I had just returned from a two-year break where I was working full-time and was usually making sure I was taken care of at the end of the day. But as time went on, I joined TRIO and started connecting with advisors and students coming in and out of the TRIO office, and the lively support they gave always left me warm. This led to joining with many other students from different backgrounds, giving/receiving ideas and resources to benefit our needs, and ultimately making connections with people I can see myself reaching out to.

��Ƶ: How do you think you’ve changed or grown during your time at ��Ƶ?

ID: This is a loaded question! I have changed/grown a lot over the past two and a half years, and I am grateful for the heart-wrenching moments along with the warm ones. Within the narrative I gave to the valedictorian committee, I will refer to a statement I gave them:

I began caring for my physical health; I took advantage of the therapy counseling programs available on campus and started asking the bigger questions about mental patterns that were holding me back. I watched my mindset evolve from “Why me?” to the biggest shift, “Why not me?”. I couldn't have gotten to this point without the pain and tribulations, and my “why not me” question made me realize how appreciative I am of my discomforts. I realized that it truly is within how I work my mindset and physical presence vs. what has affected me before and how I molded such moments into my identity. Many things will always be a part of me, from scars, physical and mental, but it is my choice and my choice alone to decide how I proceed with them.

This describes a lot of my change. I wanted to make a choice in my life for once that led me toward my betterment. Many choices were made for me by people who didn't have my best interest at heart, and that really affected the way I treated myself and how I trusted myself. But the pure willpower to disregard others' actions and find your way is something beautiful, something comforting… that's what I finally wanted in my life. Comfort and understanding within myself, and I’m slowly yet increasingly making my way there daily.

��Ƶ: Aside from being Valedictorian, what stands out most about your ��Ƶ experience?

ID: What stands out the most from my ��Ƶ experience is my ability to show up for myself even when I didn’t have the energy. While that answer can seem vague, I stand by it! College is tough, passing a class is tough, and ensuring you are accountable for your setbacks is tough, but I continued to tread on. Other things are happening outside of a college campus, from family emergencies, mental issues, working long hours to pay bills, widespread sickness, and political events… but college still insists you show up as your best self. Some days weren't my 100%, but I showed up on those 25% days; I went to work for ten-hour shifts three days a week while finishing assignments afterward, and I kept thinking about the end goal I had set for myself from the beginning. My tenacity to push forward was memorable.

��Ƶ: What is your favorite ��Ƶ memory?

ID: If I had to choose my favorite ��Ƶ experience, I would say when I went to Washington, DC, with my TRIO group in March of 2022. We had an amazing experience: a beautiful hotel, delicious food, and great moments exploring the city! We were there for three days, and it was just a nice moment of relaxation, discussion, and discovery!

��Ƶ: What is next for you in life, and how has your experience at ��Ƶ prepared you for it?

ID: After graduating from ��Ƶ, my next steps in my personal and social career come in many forms:

a. To continue being a student. Many believe learning stops at high school and college, but that is far from the truth! I have always been a curious individual, and it's my goal and mission to continue exploring areas of interest and learning beyond my degree. From getting certificates to eventually going for my MA in the coming years.

b. Work on my business: photography! Before coming to ��Ƶ, I was a photographer part-time on the side and truly enjoyed taking pictures for others and myself. I want to re-brand my business and work on my craft from the ground up.

c. Continue editing and crafting my manuscripts! I am a writer at heart, and I want to publish my work at some point. This will take time, and I am ready for the patient game, but my works won't write themselves!

d. And finally, find a job that correlates to my selective field. My goal is to find a job at a high school, a non-profit organization, or an internship that teaches creative writing and specific forms of creative writing. I would love to be in the teaching field, but I also see myself being a program coordinator who can establish what we can teach or collaborate with regarding creative writing.

��Ƶ has prepared me for these goals in many ways:

Finding resources.
Having a support system that's willing to give insight and guidance.
Having a mindset toward being orderly and concise.
Finding confidence in my professional impression.

��Ƶ: What advice would you give to the next class or a freshman entering your major?

ID: You are the only person who can define what success looks like and feels like to you.” I know this is such simple advice, but in a world where we see multiple versions of success and apply these standards to our daily living, it’s important to keep yourself grounded and focused on what brings you joy and your personal goals. For example, I struggled with seeing my journey as successful for a long time. I had to take breaks, was bombarded by unavoidable issues, and wasn’t living for myself at one point because of what I thought others would have wanted me to do. You MUST view this academic journey through your own lenses and grasp it for what brings you joy! If curing others brings you joy, do that! If finding peace of mind brings you joy, do that! Success isn’t defined by the world but by your goals and ambitions; the milestones you place and reach are your success story.

��Ƶ Street Team Creates Excitement on Campus

6003456 — Tue, 28 Nov 2023 17:42:15 +0000

Provides a unique perspective through the lens of students

If you've ever wandered around campus and have seen students interviewing students, it's a good bet that it's a member of the ��Ƶ street team looking to get the "inside scoop" to later share on social media for all to see.

Created by University Marketing Social Media manager Anthony Pero, the goal of the street team is not only to become brand ambassadors for the university but to build upon creating a space dedicated to being a welcoming environment for all students. And while the social media accounts may say "��Ƶ State," Pero says they belong to the students just as much, allowing them to create and express themselves in a way their fellow Vikings can support.

"Utilizing a street team helps create brand awareness from peers vs a brand, which is why you'll see more ambassador programs and incentives from companies for real people who own their products and share a video or review," he said. "In a way, each street team member is an influencer, and when they share anything positive about ��Ƶ, it is more authentic when it comes from their accounts compared to us posting positive news and highlights."

Take it from student Russell Lang, who has not only jumped in head over heels and has embraced the street team role with unbridled enthusiasm, but he has looked at it as a chance to do something special each time he has the opportunity to think about the content he wants to create.

"It is invaluable to student life because it creates a diverse and engaging environment on campus while fostering collaboration between students and the school," he said. "That, in turn, boosts school spirit and fosters a sense of community among us students."

Lang has been handed the creative controls when it comes to brainstorming ideas that are informative and unique, such as what experiencing life first-hand on the ��Ƶ campus looks like through the lens of a student.

"The most exciting thing I've done as a member of the Street Team was to create a reel about my favorite class, Wetland Ecology," he said. "This class emphasizes engaged learning and allows us to assess the health of various wetlands hands-on; canoeing in Old Woman Creek was one of my favorite moments as a ��Ƶ student, and sharing a reel with the campus was just the cherry on top."

Of course, the street team would not be where it’s at without student involvement. That’s why Pero says students should consider participating, especially if they are passionate about social media creation. Not to mention, it has contributed to helping attract new visitors to the photography page and created opportunities for him to collaborate with other prominent Instagram accounts.

"Utilizing a street team helps create brand awareness from peers versus a brand, which is why you'll see more ambassador programs and incentives from companies for real people who own their products and share a video or review," he said. "In a way, each street team member is an influencer, and when they share anything positive about ��Ƶ, it is more authentic when it comes from their personal accounts than when we post positive news and highlights."

Pero said that any student can participate, and along with it being self-driven with no deadlines, it gives students experience who are interested in marketing or social media campaigns and is a great entry point for students looking to build expertise in those realms and have something for their resume.

"It can be as simple as taking a picture you love of campus or a picture with friends or making a day in the life video and adding ��Ƶ as collaborators on Instagram along with simply following us on social media, sharing, liking, or commenting on our posts and submitting proof by emailing me at a.pero@csuohio.edu," he said. "My goal was to make the process as simple as possible to get involved and that there would be no pressure since everyone is so busy with schoolwork but might be looking for something to be involved during the school year."

While a role with the street team is currently unpaid, any member who joins and submits their proof for points can redeem them for ��Ƶ swag, ��Ƶ CAB VIP access and merchandise, a special lunch with President Bloomberg at Viking Public House and many more exciting opportunities. Pero says he is in the process of looking for departments or local partners to get involved with helping us expand rewards and prizes for students.

Lang's love for the street team drives his passion to contribute and spread the word about how great it is to be a part of something special.

"Collaborating with the ��Ƶ State Instagram account has been a significant benefit to my own page. It not only helped attract new visitors to my photography page but also created opportunities for me to collaborate with other prominent Instagram accounts," he said. "By establishing an enjoyable and professionally rewarding team, Anthony has contributed to a more vibrant campus culture."

Dr. Stacey Diane Arañez Litam Recognized by Crain’s 40 Under 40

6003456 — Thu, 16 Nov 2023 17:36:23 +0000

Dr. Litam is one of eight ��Ƶ affiliated honorees recognized by Crain's in the latest cohort

Crain’s ��Ƶ 2023 “40 Under 40 Class” includes Dr. Stacey Diane Arañez Litam, LPCC, among its honorees.

An assistant professor of Counselor Education in the Levin College of Public Affairs and Education Department of Counseling, Administration, Supervision and Adult Learning. Dr. Litam is an award-winning instructor, practitioner, social justice advocate and scholar with many publications in top journals in her discipline.

With a total of 17 research articles archived in the World Health Organization’s global literature database on COVID-19, she is one of the foremost leading researchers on the pandemic’s impact on the mental health of Asian American communities, COVID-19’s influence on sex and relationships, as well as the roles of stress, burnout, and moral injury in the workplace. Her clinical work, research expertise, and advocacy for supporting BIPOC communities, LGBTQ+ folx, as well as human sex trafficking survivors have garnered national praise and notoriety.

Dr. Litam is one of seven 40 Under 40 honorees affiliated with the Levin College of Public Affairs and Education and one of eight with deep ties to ��Ƶ State University as a whole, including:

Peter Bode (BS '12), President & CEO of Nature Center at Shaker Lakes
Jenna Gauntner (BBA '18), Senior Associate at CBRE
Kenneth Kalynchuk (MUPD ‘16), Director and Principal, Project Management Consultants
Paris Lampkins (M.ED.), Director of Learning and Development at AM Higley
Megan Wilson (MPA ‘16), Director, Government & Corporate Affairs and Public Policy at ��Ƶ Foundation
Cheng-Han Yu (MUPD ‘13), Vice President, Government Relations at Hanna Commercial Real Estate
Marcus Madison (BA '21), Community Relations Program Manager, ��Ƶ Clinic

Each year, Crain’s ��Ƶ Business recognizes 40 of Northeast Ohio’s professionals under 40 who are making a difference in their companies and communities.

The complete list of honorees can be found here.

��Ƶ Welcomes Jill A. Gordon, Ph.D. to lead Levin College of Public Affairs and Education

6003571 — Thu, 09 Nov 2023 14:31:31 +0000

Dr. Gordon to make the move from Virginia Commonwealth University

CLEVELAND, Ohio (November 9, 2023) — ��Ƶ State University is thrilled to announce that Jill A. Gordon, Ph.D. will be appointed the next dean of the Levin College of Public Affairs and Education following ratification by the ��Ƶ Board of Trustees at their next meeting, effective January 2, 2024.

Dr. Gordon comes to ��Ƶ from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, where she has most recently served as a professor and assistant vice provost for faculty affairs.

“The Levin College prepares students to address societal challenges as they build and sustain complex urban systems,” said Nigamanth Sridhar, Ph.D., ��Ƶ State University’s provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs. “I am confident that Dr. Gordon will champion the success of our diverse and inclusive student body to ensure the Levin College is a place where all have a sense of belonging and an opportunity to thrive.”

The Levin College encompasses ��Ƶ’s School of Communication; Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs; Department of Counseling, Administration, Supervision and Adult Learning; Department of Criminology and Sociology; Department of Educational Studies, Research and Technology; and Department of Teacher Education. As dean, Dr. Gordon will articulate and execute a vision for the future of these areas.

“I am very much looking forward to enhancing the Levin College’s footprint in the region and beyond, as well as serving at another public institution that values access, urban transformation and community engagement,” said Dr. Gordon. “And as an Ohio native, I’m delighted to have the opportunity to re-discover the city of ��Ƶ.”

Before her most recent roles at VCU, Dr. Gordon was also its interim senior vice provost for faculty affairs. In the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs, she served as the senior associate dean of faculty and academic affairs, interim associate dean for research, interim director of graduate student service and advising, and chair of the criminal justice program. Her research interests center on correctional employees’ attitudes toward work environment and culture, correctional program effectiveness and correctional staff workforce perceptions.

Dr. Gordon has experience in evaluation research covering both community and institutional corrections with most of this work being supported by federal, state or local funding. She earned her Ph.D. in Criminal Justice and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Cincinnati, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Bowling Green State University.

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About ��Ƶ State University
Founded in 1964, ��Ƶ State University is a public research institution located in the heart of Northeast Ohio with 14,000-plus students, ten colleges and schools, and more than 175 academic programs. Find more information at csuohio.edu or contact pr@csuohio.edu.

"Vikings Give" Aims to Help Others During the Winter Months

6003456 — Tue, 07 Nov 2023 13:50:38 +0000

Annual clothing drive looks to provide warmth and cheer to those in need

With the holiday season fast approaching, ��Ƶ State is once again collecting gently used winter weather clothing donations that will be distributed to unhoused communities located in and around the ��Ƶ campus.

Now in its second year and organized by University Marketing & Communications representative Lisa Evans, the drive runs from November 6 – December 11 and is accepting adult, children, and infant coats and jackets, earmuffs, gloves and mittens, hats, long-sleeve t-shirts, scarves, socks, sweatshirts, and sweaters.

The items will be donated to the Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless (NEOCH).

According to Evans, the project began when Vice President of Marketing and Communications Roy Gifford asked her to take the lead after observing many unhoused people walking around campus without proper and protective clothing. He thought that if they don’t have clothing during the warmer months, what happens when it gets colder?

That’s when the idea of a clothing drive to support the community began, and the wheels started churning for Evans.

“At first, I was intimidated because I had only been hired at ��Ƶ one month prior to being asked to organize this drive, so I didn’t know anyone on campus well enough yet to ask for their help, and I had never led a project of this magnitude,” she said. “But I resonated with the cause and purpose of the drive, so I decided to take on the task and was motivated by the eagerness to help and support from campus partners and our non-profit partner NEOCH.”

Gifford says Evans has not only done a great job with the clothing drive but with executing all of the finer details to ensure it goes off without a hitch.

“Lisa has done a great job organizing and executing all the details such as finding our downtown homeless community clothing partner, clothing drop-off & pickup locations, and communications to the campus community,” he said. “It is awesome to see how much our ��Ƶ campus cares about our downtown community through their clothing donations.”

While the benefit of helping others is always worthwhile, the meaning is much more significant because it aligns with President Bloomberg’s initiative of “Living Well Together, On Our Campus, In Our City.”

“I think it invites the ��Ƶ community to ignite our passion for the wellbeing of the people and the communities we serve, including the unhoused community we see on campus daily,” said Evans. “Supporting those in our city and not just on our campus helps us to achieve wellbeing for us all and creates allies with our external partners like NEOCH that work to serve this community as well.”

For those interested in donating, boxes will be placed at the following locations:

Administration Center Suite 113
Berkman Hall First Floor Near Barrio
College of Health – Room 307
College of Law – Room 106
Glickman-Miller Urban Building Room 335
Monte Ahuja Business Building Room 420
Science and Research Building Room 353
Student Government Association Office Student Center 343
University Recreation and Wellbeing Center – First Floor
Veteran and Military Success Center at Trinity Commons
Washkewicz Hall, Room 305

Evans is looking forward to building on the momentum set by last year’s successes.

“Last year, we received over 1,000 items of clothing, and this year, we are hoping to double that number and increase the number of participants,” she said. “That is why I included the help of not only faculty and staff but of students, faculty and staff organizations such as the Student Government Association, the Black Faculty and Staff Organization and the Student Veterans of America; with the addition of more box hosts, we are hoping to see an increase in giving and in school spirit and unity across campus.”

Gifford added, “I am hopeful that we will have another great clothing donation drive in 2023, and a big thank you to our campus community who donated last year and who are planning to do it again this year!”

For more information, please visit Vikings Give.

Major Grant to Facilitate High Research Activity on Contemporary A.I.

6003456 — Tue, 07 Nov 2023 13:44:50 +0000

��Ƶ is one of seven universities that are part of the collaboration

��Ƶ State University was awarded a grant for $600,000 to aid in Mobilizing the Emerging Diverse AI Talent (MEDAL) through Design and Automated Control of Automated Scientific Laboratories.

The project is a collaboration between ��Ƶ, the University of Texas at San Antonio, the Florida International University, the Argonne National Laboratory, Bowie State University, Oakland University and the University of Central Florida.

The MEDAL project aims to train faculty, doctoral, graduate, and undergraduate students with high research activity on contemporary artificial intelligence (AI) research relevant to the Department of Energy. This includes topics such as transformers, large language models, pre-trained visual and scientific models, and data-driven control of autonomous scientific labs. The project comprises four distinct tasks that aim to enhance learning outcomes on these topics by catering to diverse learning preferences.

"The mission of the project is to conduct scientific and technical innovations for autonomy in scientific labs as well as train the diverse students in the cutting-edge scientific machine learning and Artificial Intelligence technologies," said Associate Professor of Computer Science Sathish Kumar. "In addition, the project's mission is to create courses in scientific machine learning and contribute to the advanced Artificial Intelligence courses topics such as explaining the ability of deep learning models, the robustness of deep neutral networks and attention based-AI models such as transformers and perceivers.

Kumar explained that one of the reasons he became so intrigued to pursue the grant was conducting state-of-the-art research in scientific AI/ML and training diverse students to research cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence Technologies.

"This includes transformers, large language models, pre-trained visual and scientific models, along with control of autonomous scientific labs," he said. "The rationale for pursuing this project is to conduct outreach activities through summer workshops and creation of asynchronous online AI courses."

The real winners are the students, whom Kumar said he plans to use the grant money to support three Ph.D. students and two MS students for three years, along with ten undergraduate students for a two-week summer workshop every year for three years.

Kumar also plans to purchase two GPU workstations, five VR/AR headsets, and two web servers and travel to the Argonne National Lab in Illinois.

"Ultimately, this project will really help ��Ƶ State University to pursue follow-up grant funding from the Department of Energy," he said. "Undergraduate students will benefit by attending the two-week summer workshops and getting trained with the cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence and Scientific Machine Learning related content created in the MEDAL program."

Some of the project tasks include:

The adaptive delivery of video lectures using AI.
Large language models assisting with automated evaluation and related feedback generation.
The use of deep reinforcement learning and pre-trained models for autonomy in scientific labs.
The sustained dissemination of our efforts through outreach through summer workshops and asynchronous online AI classes.

Kumar said by implementing these tasks, the project aims to train students to create a new, diverse workforce capable of contributing to AI engineering and research in line with the technical requirements of the Department of Energy (DOE).

Upcoming Public Meeting Notice

6003571 — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 16:19:17 +0000

The Audit, Compliance and Risk Subcommittee of the ��Ƶ State University Board of Trustees will meet on Monday, December 18, at 1 p.m. In accordance with state legislation and the Bylaws of the ��Ƶ State University Board of Trustees, this meeting will be fully virtual, and the public session will be available via livestream, which can be accessed here.

If you are a member of the media and are planning to view the meeting(s), please notify the Office of University Marketing so that we can ensure copies of meeting materials are provided to you.

��Ƶ Student Captures Prestigious ��Ƶ Arts Prize

6003456 — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 12:10:07 +0000

Dream becomes reality for lifelong writer

As a young girl, Stephanie Ginese one day dreamed of following in the footsteps of her late poet-writing great-grandmother.

Although they met once, there’s no doubt she’s smiling down on her now.

Writer and comedian Ginese was named the recipient of the Emerging Artist 2023 ��Ƶ Arts Prize in Literature, an award given to the best of the best. Her debut collection of poems, “Unto Dogs,” is touted as a “faithful pursuit of agency under imperial rule” and was released in July of 2022.

First started in 1960 and established by the Women’s City Club, the ��Ƶ Arts Prize honors those in Northeast Ohio working in design, literature, music, photography and visual art.

Ginese, who won in the field of literature, received $10,000 and was celebrated in a ceremony on October 26 at the ��Ƶ Museum of Art.

“It honestly feels crazy. This is a very prestigious award that has previously honored some of my writing heroes, like Toni Morrison and Kisha Nicole Foster, and I don’t take that lightly,” she said. “Truthfully, it feels quite validating, especially given that the content of my work focuses on such controversial themes; it also feels right in line with how I envisioned my journey as a writer and artist going.”

To understand that journey, one must review Ginese’s past, which included knowing at a young age that it was almost a predestined plan that she would grow up and be a writer.

“I read A LOT as a kid and took an interest in the details of famous writers’ practices, like what they would eat while they wrote,” she said. “There’s a photo of me at about 9 or 10 years old where I’m sitting on the floor in my room, writing a story, and I can remember exactly what story I was writing in that photo too; all of this to say, it feels like it was destined for me before I even knew it.”

Writing is just one part of this story, though. Ginese is not only a mother of two but works full-time and is attending ��Ƶ and working toward a bachelor’s in English and a minor in history. Professor of English and Africana Studies and Arts and Humanities Ambassador Jeff Karem says her work ethic is exceptional, and she sets an amazing example for others with her insights and thoughtful contributions.

“Besides her outstanding work as a writer, she works hard to promote creativity and art in the community in multiple venues,” he said. “As arts and humanities ambassador, I work with a wide range of community partners, and almost everyone has worked with Stephanie; she is a genuine leader in community outreach, education, and the promotion of the literal arts.”

Ginese said her time at ��Ƶ has been highly beneficial, allowing her the time, space, and accountability to write while also enabling her to continue toward her goal of earning dual degrees.

“Since my practice takes a great deal of inspiration from history, I can take classes that interest me where I can research topics I want to explore creatively,” she said. “Last year, I began working on a new collection of poems while taking a poetry workshop at ��Ƶ [which] has also aided in opportunities to connect with professors and other students who have taken an interest in my work and vice versa.”

The award is just the beginning for Ginese, who is currently in the process of writing another collection of poems centered around her hometown of South Lorain and the conditions around migration and labor in Puerto Rico that have led to an influx of Puerto Ricans in Lorain and musings on growing up in the aftermath of it all. If that isn’t enough, she is also creating a collection of short stories playing with images of American diner culture, punk music, and working-class women of color.

But wait, there’s more!

“I am always most excited to talk about my endeavors in the arts community, which includes a variety show I host on Sunday nights with my co-host, musician, and comedian, TJ “Peachcurls” Maclin,” said Ginese. “The show is called Con Tu, and it happens every Sunday at 10 p.m. at Dunlap’s Corner Bar, where every week TJ and I feature a different comedian, writer, and musician that we love and are excited about.”

She continued:

“It’s a great show with incredible talent, which we have so much of in this city; that’s really my mission, to highlight the brilliance and legacy of artists in the city of ��Ƶ, which I believe winning this award will only help strengthen that mission.”

Major Grant to Facilitate High Research Activity on Contemporary Artificial Intelligence

6003456 — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 17:14:23 +0000

��Ƶ is one of seven universities that are part of the collaboration

The adaptive delivery of video lectures using AI.
Large language models assisting with automated evaluation and related feedback generation.
The use of deep reinforcement learning and pre-trained models for autonomy in scientific labs.
The sustained dissemination of our efforts through outreach through summer workshops and asynchronous online AI classes.

What Changes in Ohio Voting Laws Mean for Students

6003571 — Mon, 23 Oct 2023 16:39:14 +0000

Anita Ruf-Young, director of the Office of Civic Engagement at ��Ƶ State University, recently spoke with Ideastream Public Media about how her office is getting the word out about House Bill 458 and voter registration ahead of the upcoming election.

You can access the full story online.

��Ƶ Student Well-Being Initiative Is a ‘Win-Win’

6003456 — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 16:42:08 +0000

WIN awarded a $5,000 grant from the Ohio Department of Education

A student initiative on campus called Student Well-being Initiatives Network, or WIN for short, was recently awarded a grant for $5,000 from the Ohio Department of Education to assist in enabling students to help students.

The ��Ƶ Student Wellness and Prevention Program coordinated an inaugural conference on September 30 at the Student Center. It allowed participants in attendance to engage in dialogue, learn new skills and essentially take the lead when it comes to being an innovator for campus well-being and moving towards a “Live Well” culture.

Those in attendance at the conference got together and explored such topics as how mental health, substance use, and sexual violence intersect to impact well-being, along with engaging in a unique training course called Validate, Appreciate, Refer (V.A.R.), which consisted of a conversation around a three-step guide to help someone who might be struggling.

Other vital conversations included:

An intergroup Dialogue Training where students learned the basics of facilitating difficult decisions
Self-care and resource sessions
Trauma-informed training facilitated by the ��Ƶ Rape Crisis Center

But wait, there’s more!

Students also had the opportunity to sign up for campus outreach efforts including, but not limited to, V.A.R. training Ambassador, Resource Ambassador, and Intergroup Dialogue Ambassador.

“I am excited about working with these students,” said Wellness and Prevention Program Coordinator Denise Keary. “They are very invested in the well-being of our campus and energized and ready to take steps in moving the culture of well-being forward.”

According to Keary, the 1-day workshop provided the necessary groundwork and training needed to identify healthy/unhealthy relationships, understand sexual and intimate partner violence, intervene and help students and others in challenging situations, recognize the intersection of sexual violence, mental health and alcohol, along with developing a personal self-care plan and conduct campus outreach.

“These students have committed to weekly outreach across campus for at least the remainder of the semester as well as participation in the student Wellness Peer Education program,” said Keary. “Additional outreach efforts will be contingent on funding.”

WIN students had their first outreach in the SC innerlink during the Paint it Purple Event as part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month on October 12. To say it was a smashing success would be an understatement.

“We reached 128 students, many of whom signed up for trainings, downloaded the Reachout app, took information about healthy relationships and had meaningful engagement with Ambassadors,” said Keary. “These engagements including discussions on healthy relationships, understanding resources when seeking help and providing tips on how to help a friend.”

National Transfer Week is Officially Underway!

6003456 — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 16:26:49 +0000

Are you thinking of making a transfer to ��Ƶ State University? We have the resources to help make the transition as smooth as possible.

Check out https:///www.csuohio.edu/transfercenter/national-transfer-student-week

We look forward to hearing from you soon!

October 19 Public Meeting Notice

6003571 — Fri, 13 Oct 2023 13:06:19 +0000

The Executive Committee of the ��Ƶ State University Board of Trustees will meet on Thursday, October 19, at 8:00 a.m. In accordance with legislation and the Bylaws of the ��Ƶ State University Board of Trustees, this meeting will be fully virtual and the public session will be available via livestream, which can be accessed here. The Committee will recess into executive session to discuss matters required to be kept confidential, and it is anticipated that the entirety of the meeting will be in executive session.

Levin College of Public Affairs and Education Faculty Research Showcase Shines Bright

6003571 — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 15:48:19 +0000

Annual event features broader group of faculty for first time

��Ƶ’s Levin College of Public Affairs and Education was recently featured at the ultimate in networking event as part of a private, invite-only research showcase. The goal? To deepen the culture of research, improve the visibility of work, and help faculty identify potential new collaborations.

According to Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs for the Levin College of Public Affairs and Education Joanna Ganning, that was just the tip of the iceberg.

“This year’s event centered on fostering interdisciplinary connections between members of our college,” she said. “Our event took on special significance this year through the participation of the Levin family [who] was introduced by President Laura Bloomberg [where] Mort Levin provided remarks along with members of the family connected with faculty members from across the college during a structured networking activity.”

The magnitude of the relationship between the Levin family and ��Ƶ cannot be understated. Officially christened last November thanks to a transformational generous donation, it built upon the unprecedented reputation and legacy of the Maxine Goodman Levin College, named in honor of Mort’s aunt.

“We appreciated the opportunity to meet the faculty of the combined disciplines and to learn directly from the faculty how they are interacting and collaborating with each other,” said Mort Levin. “We left very energized and enthusiastic about the future of the Levin College of Public Affairs and Education.”

Coordinated in partnership with an interdisciplinary advisory committee, this year’s version featured plenty of energy and inspirational dialogue, all designed with putting ��Ƶ in the national spotlight.

“The idea for a research-oriented networking event emerged from faculty input at a research development event I held earlier this year,” said Ganning. “The networking-focused approach felt so critical because we are a new college; we are two schools, and four departments that form a new community of scholars and teachers [who] recognize the importance of developing our new shared culture, and that necessitates getting to know each other.”

Coordinated as a “speed networking” event, pairs of participants took turns discussing their research interests and further exploring potential overlap areas before moving on to a new partner. That simple yet effective approach paid dividends almost immediately, with a faculty member inviting a colleague to appear as a guest speaker in an upcoming class.

“From my perspective, continuing to engage the Levin family as active partners in our college’s story has incredible potential to shape our future,” said Ganning. “Their commitment to developing relationships with our colleagues and understanding the important work of our college is quite remarkable.”

According to President Bloomberg, this event is just another example of how bringing the colleges together is already paying big dividends for the present and immediate future.

“Our students and faculty are the real winners in this,” she said. “The innovative work that comes from a new academic alignment and, in particular, events like this are a driving factor in separating ��Ƶ from the rest of the pack when it comes to innovation and being on the cutting edge of higher education curriculum.”

As Ganning looks to the future, she is excited about future collaborations that can only enhance the reputation of the Levin College of Public Affairs and Education.

“While an interdisciplinary research approach has become a critical component of the mission and view of our new college, this was the first time the Research Showcase was presented as a research-oriented networking event,” said Ganning. “Faculty voiced an interest in holding similar events in the future, and I am happy to support that interest!”

��Ƶ’s Midori Lebron Named as a “Top 100 Latinos ��Ƶ Must Know” for 2023

6003456 — Thu, 05 Oct 2023 14:18:45 +0000

Midori Lebron, ��Ƶ’s Director of First Year and Exploratory Advising has been named to the “Top 100 Latinos ��Ƶ Must Know” list for 2023.

Marcia Moreno created the list as the founder of AmMore Consulting, LLC. She created the initiative in 2020 to help elevate the profile of the Hispanic/Latino/Latine/Latinx professional community of Greater ��Ƶ. Not only does it offer a platform for greater visibility, but it is designed with an intentional emphasis on shining a positive light on Latino professionals and the Latino community within Greater ��Ƶ.

“Receiving this honor is incredibly meaningful to me. It's a recognition of the values and principles that have guided my life and career—education, diversity, family, and community,” said Lebron. “This honor serves as a reminder of the importance of the work I do and the impact it has on the lives of others, along with reinforcing my commitment to advancing opportunities for women and promoting diversity and inclusion.”

Although Lebron has been employed at ��Ƶ for the past 11 years, she said her current role has not only played a pivotal role in shaping the growth of her journey but has been shaped thanks to a deep-seated passion for learning and a desire to make a positive impact on every student she comes across.

“Growing up as a first-generation Puerto Rican in ��Ƶ, Ohio, I was inspired by educators who believed in my potential and provided me with the support I needed to succeed,” she said. “This experience ignited my desire to enter the field of higher education, where I could help guide students on their academic journeys and offer them the same support and encouragement that I received.”

The guiding principle doesn’t end with giving them advice and sending them on their way; as Lebron says, one of the greatest joys of her position is witnessing the transformation that occurs in the lives of her students.

“I find joy in helping them set and achieve their educational goals [such as] seeing them overcome challenges, gain confidence, and thrive in their academic pursuits is truly rewarding,” said Lebron. “It's a privilege to be a part of their educational journeys and provide guidance as they navigate the complexities of higher education.”

At the core of AmMore’s mission is the drive to help Latino professionals grow, develop, and succeed in Northeast Ohio and beyond. Closer to home, Lebron credits ��Ƶ for providing her with a solid foundation and a wealth of opportunities to excel in her current role, but at the same time, acknowledging her time hasn’t been without challenges, all of which have enabled her to provide even more to her students.

“These experiences, whether positive or challenging, have played a significant role in reinforcing my dedication to championing equitable opportunities for all,” she said. “It's a reminder that growth often comes from navigating obstacles and learning from successes and shortcomings encountered along the way, a lesson I often share with my students.”

Lebron quickly points out those who have supported and inspired her along the way, expressing her gratitude to her family, mentors, colleagues, and community, culminating in receiving the honor.

“I also want to give a big thank you to Heike Heinrich; her unwavering belief in the importance of education, access, and student learning and development has made it possible for me to continue the important work here at ��Ƶ,” she said. “As I continue to pursue academic excellence and advocate for women's advancement, I look forward to making a positive impact on the lives of others and contributing to a more inclusive and equitable society, starting here at ��Ƶ.”

��Ƶ Hosts Special Olympics Unified Athlete Program

6003456 — Tue, 03 Oct 2023 18:15:17 +0000

Collaboration continues to create a unique partnership with an exciting day of fun

Following a successful basketball clinic in February, ��Ƶ's College of Health once again hosted athletes from the Special Olympics unified athlete program from around the region, allowing those in attendance to learn the game of lacrosse and other fun outdoor sports on September 26.

With ��Ƶ's Krenzler Field serving as the host, students participated in lacrosse, soccer, and other drills, such as testing their speed and even their vertical leap. The event was organized and run by ��Ƶ student athletes from different sports, including tennis, lacrosse, women's basketball, and softball. The one-of-a-kind experience was designed with many benefits in mind, the first being able to give back to the community that ��Ƶ "lives" in, according to Department of Health Sciences and Human Performance Chair Jodi DeMarco.

"With that, we also get to engage a population who often struggle to find exercise and athletic opportunities that are designed for them [and] show off our awesome students and campus to these groups, and our students have an opportunity to learn in a hands-on, engaged and meaningful way," she said. "For example, the planning group for this event was all students [and] we met weekly, and I posed questions about their day - about the event set up, the activities they wanted to schedule, [tasking] them with thinking bigger about it [and as a result], they got to take leadership roles, work on communication and problem solving and work together as a team all while doing something they love."

While there isn't a program associated with this collaboration between ��Ƶ and the Special Olympics unified athletes currently, according to DeMarco, a large number of ��Ƶ students are planning to pursue careers in health care, exercise and fitness, and health promotion. That got the wheels in motion when it came to thinking about how their future careers could come into play by getting more involved within community events now.

"We helped our ��Ƶ students participate in engaged learning, exposing them to careers in health, the community they may serve, and to one another while taking our students out into the community to provide health screenings and education," she said. "But the February event (with the Special Olympics unified athlete program) was the first one we hosted on campus; our Dean and the University administration have been incredibly supportive of this partnership. We continue to support the Special Olympics and their athletes at Unified events they host around the ��Ƶ area."

��Ƶ lacrosse coach Andy German was also on hand to help facilitate the activities and said the partnership between ��Ƶ and the Special Olympics is just that – special.

"The work that Jodi DeMarco has done over the years with Special Olympics and adaptive lacrosse, for us to be able to host today is amazing and to give these athletes a chance to come out and get some exercise and have some fun and laugh and smile is amazing," he said. "We are just really thankful for everyone involved and not just the lacrosse athletes that are here, but women's softball players, soccer players, and basketball, and it's just a great day for ��Ƶ State athletics and ��Ƶ State as a whole."

As German surveyed the scene, he took note of the excitement in the air and how the energy from the ��Ƶ students seemed to permeate each group as each student went through the different activities.

"You just hope [the ��Ƶ students] take away maybe one thing from their time [today], maybe it is their appreciation or if they just had a good day or it made them feel good helping somebody else get through ladders (a lacrosse drill) or kick a ball or learn how to throw a lacrosse ball," he said. "Whatever it was today, you just hope the ��Ƶ State student-athletes take away an appreciation for what they get to do on the day-to-day; they were able to laugh and have a smile and be outside, and it was just really a good day for everybody."

DeMarco said they are planning on having another basketball event this winter and are hopeful the relationship between ��Ƶ and the Special Olympics will continue to grow as time goes on.

"Today's program was the first lacrosse event that the Special Olympics has done, and we hope that this will help grow awareness of the sport," she said. "[More importantly], we hope this will allow us to continue to develop opportunities for kids to participate."

German added:

"If we can find more athletes that want to get involved from the Special Olympics perspective, we can grow, and it is something we can do in the fall and spring and use the resources we have here at ��Ƶ and the relationships we have just to give as many athletes as we can an opportunity," he said. "At the end of the day, that's what it's all about, an opportunity to come out and have some fun, smile, laugh, and leave here and not just have a good feeling about Special Olympics but have a good feeling about ��Ƶ State and I think that's the most important part."

Public Meeting Notice: October 5

6003571 — Mon, 02 Oct 2023 16:14:18 +0000

The Real Estate and Facilities Subcommittee of the ��Ƶ State University Board of Trustees will meet on Thursday, October 5, at 8:30 a.m. In accordance with legislation and the Bylaws of the ��Ƶ State University Board of Trustees, this meeting will be fully virtual and the public session will be available via livestream, which can be accessed here. The Subcommittee will recess into executive session to discuss real estate matters, including the purchase or sale of real property.

[Video] Poster Session Highlights Importance of Undergraduate Research

6003456 — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 16:30:35 +0000

Event gave students the chance to show off their research accomplishments

Video of 2023 Undergrad Research Poster Session Highlight Video

Students, faculty and staff came together for the 2023 installment of the Undergraduate Research Poster Session on September 21, the culmination of 3 months of intensive research by a little more than 50 students.

Supported by the Undergraduate Summer Research Award (USRA), its mission is to provide undergraduate students with a summer learning experience that involves intellectual inquiry and faculty mentoring, and to foster an engaged environment that promotes a culture of student involvement in research and scholarship.

According to Vice President for Research and Innovation Meredith Bond, the purpose of the poster session is to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate to their peers, faculty mentors and other students their summer research accomplishments.

“During the poster presentation, students learn how to summarize and “sell” the results of their work,” she said. “Students develop and hone presentation skills and learn how to make their research project understandable to the ‘lay public’; the poster session also attracts the attention of other students who, in turn, learn of the excellent research and scholarship opportunities at ��Ƶ and hopefully help retain our students at ��Ƶ.”

What’s more, the USRA program provides a unique experience for ��Ƶ students and helps students to make a decision to pursue a Master or PhD as a step towards a career, and to receive practical experience and improve their resume. In fact, over the past 10 years, just about 25% of USRA participants chose to on to pursue a graduate research degree.

“For many of these undergraduate students, the USRA program is their very first research experience, and for many it opened their eyes to the thrill of research,” said Bond. “The best way to understand research is to do it [and] by that analogy, students will not just be admiring a new car from the outside but getting in the driver’s seat and giving it a test drive – and our students were excited about the experience.”

Bond is also hoping this session can serve as a springboard for bigger and better things in the immediate future; she said she would like to be able to trumpet the students’ USRA experience to high school guidance counselors and to students seeking to attend ��Ƶ.

“We believe this USRA experience it is a pretty well-kept secret [and] and we are eager to swell numbers of students who participate each year, but that will require more “aggressive advertising,” she said.

Bond added:

“We are hoping to change that narrative in the immediate future.”

NEWLY FORMED BETH E. MOONEY CENTER FOR TRANSFORMATIVE LEADERSHIP AT CLEVELAND STATE UNIVERSITY LAUNCHES OCTOBER 2

6003571 — Tue, 26 Sep 2023 15:55:47 +0000

The Center – made possible by a generous gift from KeyBank – aims to be a national model for transformative leadership development in higher education

CLEVELAND, Ohio (September 25, 2023) — ��Ƶ State University will celebrate the opening of The Beth E. Mooney Center for Transformative Leadership at ��Ƶ State University on Monday, October 2, from 4 – 6 p.m. at ��Ƶ’s Julka Hall 110A (2485 Euclid Avenue). The mission of the newly formed university-wide Center is to develop lifelong learners across Northeast Ohio into leaders who transform the economic, civic and cultural life of the region.

“As an anchor research institution for the city of ��Ƶ, ��Ƶ has a responsibility to empower the next generation of leaders to collaborate, innovate and promote equity within our communities,” said ��Ƶ President Laura J. Bloomberg. “With this generous gift from KeyBank, we are confident that The Beth E. Mooney Center for Transformative Leadership at ��Ƶ State University will become a vital part of our institution and a national model in higher education for transformative leadership development.”

Beth E. Mooney, the Center’s namesake and the first woman in history to lead a top-20 U.S. bank as chairman and CEO of KeyCorp, will speak at the Center’s October 2 launch. She served as KeyCorp’s president and chief operating officer from 2010 to 2011, having worked her way up from her first position in 2006 as vice chair of Community Banking.

“Beth Mooney left an indelible impact on KeyBank, the communities we serve and all who are fortunate to know her,” said Chris Gorman, chairman and CEO of KeyCorp. “On behalf of the entire KeyBank team and in recognition of Beth’s lasting legacy, we are proud to invest in this Center that will develop and elevate generations of leaders to come.”

The Center is already working to infuse innovative transformative leadership competencies into ��Ƶ’s core curriculum. Plans call for the development of credit and non-credit bearing programs such as interdisciplinary courses on transformative leadership, as well as a Certificate in Transformative Leadership. The Center is also working toward extending its curricular offerings and providing customized continuing education to ��Ƶ’s alumni and off-campus partners.

The media are invited to attend the Center’s October 2 opening. For more information, contact ��Ƶ Executive Director of Communications Reena Arora-Sánchez at r.s.arora@csuohio.edu.

###

About ��Ƶ State University
Founded in 1964, ��Ƶ State University is a public research institution located in the heart of Northeast Ohio with 16,000-plus students, ten colleges and schools, and more than 175 academic programs. Find more information at csuohio.edu or contact pr@csuohio.edu.

Public Meeting Notice: EADC Board of Directors

6003571 — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 14:46:49 +0000

The Euclid Avenue Development Corporation (EADC) will have a Board of Directors meeting on Tuesday, December 5, at 11 a.m. at 2300 Euclid Avenue, Room AC 208, ��Ƶ, Ohio 44115. The meeting will also be available virtually via this link.

��Ƶ Alumna the Ohio recipient of prestigious national award

6003456 — Thu, 14 Sep 2023 16:02:42 +0000

The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History awarded each year

��Ƶ Alumna Marilyn Orseno (MA, 2014) has been named the 2023 Ohio recipient of the state winners of the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History National History Teacher of the Year.

As a bonus, she is also amongst the top 10 for the National History Teacher of the Year, announced later this fall.

Oresno teaches AP U.S. History and College Credit plus American National Government and is year number 7 at North Royalton High School. She was ecstatic when she discovered she was the award winner for Ohio this year.

“I am honored to win the award [and] I feel extremely lucky to be able to teach subjects that I believe are some of the most important classes students take in K-12 education,” she said. “I am also surrounded by talented and supportive educators and awesome students every day – so the award is really a bonus!”

As the award winner, Orseno received $1,000, a certificate recognizing her outstanding achievement, an archive of books and historical resources, and a ceremonial recognition.

To be considered, eligible teachers (three years or more) must first be nominated by a colleague, parent, or student. The committee then evaluates candidates based on the following factors:

A demonstrated commitment to teaching American history (including state and local)
Evidence of creativity and imagination in the classroom
Effective use of documents, artifacts, historic sites, oral histories, and other primary sources to engage students with American history
Consideration of these factors is based on the grade level taught to accommodate the teaching requirements of both generalist and specialist teachers

Oresno says one of her top priorities as a social studies educator is not only to engage with students but also to put themselves in the shoes of a historian, stressing the importance of critical and analytical skills in what appears to be a predominantly data-driven world.

“I design my lessons around the goal of helping students discover “history in action,” even though the subject is often misinterpreted as inactive,” she said. “To do this, I use prompts and scenarios where students conduct primary and secondary source analysis to peel back the many “layers” studied in history by looking at events from multiple points of view; it is really rewarding to observe students uncover the complexities of the stories that shape us and make connections to the present day.”

Orseno quickly pointed to her time as a graduate student in the ��Ƶ history department as invaluable, providing real-world experience and the skills necessary to be who she is in the classroom today.

“From 2013-14, I was able to contribute to the ��Ƶ Historical app with the Center for Public History + Digital Humanities, curate an exhibit at The Shaker Historical Society, dive into archival research, carefully analyze historical arguments, and develop an appreciation for the rich local history that surrounds us,” she said. “I take all of what I have learned in these experiences and hope to create a space where my high school students can sharpen their ability to research, analyze, and develop an appreciation of where they are and where they come from.”

Even though she has a successful teaching career, Orseno isn’t resting on her laurels. She was so fond of her time at ��Ƶ that she is now back for a second go-around, entering her second year in the Urban Educational doctoral program in Policy Studies. She hopes to research policy related to curriculum development in Social Studies education.

“I am so grateful for the amazing support and guidance from the professors in the doctoral program whose classrooms have created a space for people to advocate, challenge, and learn from each other,” she said. “I hope to create a similar atmosphere for my students in the classes I teach.”

Orseno credits the faculty at ��Ƶ for helping shape her into the educator she is today and for going the extra mile to ensure she was on the right path toward her eventual career.

“As a social studies teacher, I walk into the classroom with the experience of being trained as a historian by the best professors who are truly invested in the success of their students,” she said. “There are so many positive things I can say about my experience as a graduate student in the ��Ƶ State History Department [and] the incredible people and program on the 13th floor of Rhodes Tower offers so many avenues for students to apply the extremely transferrable skills a history degree provides.”

��Ƶ Launches New Division of Student Belonging and Success

6003571 — Thu, 14 Sep 2023 14:11:59 +0000

The wellbeing and academic success of ��Ƶ State University students are the institution's highest priorities. With that uppermost in mind, ��Ƶ is launching a new Division of Student Belonging and Success that will realign several existing programs and initiatives to create greater synergy among these efforts and contribute substantially to the ability of ��Ƶ students to thrive, no matter who they are, where they are from or where they are headed.

"Our new division is designed mainly around the growing body of research linking a college student’s sense of identity and belonging to their academic success and timely graduation," said ��Ƶ President Dr. Laura J. Bloomberg. "Specifically, there is mounting evidence, particularly post-pandemic, that a student’s sense of attachment to sub-groups of fellow students within a larger university is an essential prerequisite to academic success, effective professional skill attainment and development of personal and interpersonal agency as young adults."

This is particularly true — and perhaps particularly challenging — on a campus like ��Ƶ's where many students live on campus, and a larger group of students commutes to campus and often struggles to build connections with collegiate peers outside of their classes. Realigning critical programs under this new division will enable ��Ƶ to focus more effectively and efficiently on cohort-based support for all students.

The Division of Student Belonging and Success will include the following existing programs:

Campus Engagement
CARE Management
Career Development and Exploration
Community Standards and Advocacy
Counseling Center
Dean of Students Office
Disability and Testing Services
Graduation Success Coaching
Health and Wellness Services
Inclusion and Multicultural Engagement
LGBTQ+ Student Services
Lift Up Vikes! Resource Center and Food Pantry
LINK Program
Living Learning Communities
The Mareyjoyce Green Women's Center
The Pratt Center
Summer @ ��Ƶ
Sullivan-Deckard Scholarship Program
TRIO/SSS
Veteran and Military Success Center

The transition of some of these programs will take place over the next several weeks, and ��Ƶ expects the division to be fully operational by the end of October.

As of September 1, Dr. Tachelle Banks is serving as ��Ƶ's inaugural Vice President of Student Belonging and Success. Professor Banks is a dedicated long-time ��Ƶ academic and administrative leader who has recently served as a Presidential Faculty Fellow on the President’s Senior Leadership Team. Tachelle is a professor of Special Education and over many years has served ��Ƶ as Associate Chief Diversity Office, Chair of the Department of Teacher Education and Associate Dean of Faculty in the former College of Education and Human Services. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in African American Studies from Ohio University, her Master of Education from Kent State University and her Doctor of Philosophy in Special Education from Kent State University. Most importantly, Tachelle has demonstrated remarkable dedication to the wellbeing of our students and is uniquely well positioned to lead this new division.

��Ƶ will share additional details on the creation of this new division in the coming weeks. For now, please join us in celebrating Tachelle and our staff members who are coming together under the new banner of Student Belonging and Success!

Together, we will ensure that all ��Ƶ students have the opportunity to be healthy, connected and engaged in our campus community.

Together, we are ��Ƶ State University.

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33rd Annual Breakfast Remembered Life of Civil Rights Leader

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Dr. Stacey Diane Arañez Litam Recognized by Crain’s 40 Under 40

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"Vikings Give" Aims to Help Others During the Winter Months

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Dream becomes reality for lifelong writer

Major Grant to Facilitate High Research Activity on Contemporary Artificial Intelligence

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WIN awarded a $5,000 grant from the Ohio Department of Education

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Levin College of Public Affairs and Education Faculty Research Showcase Shines Bright

Annual event features broader group of faculty for first time

������Ƶ’s Midori Lebron Named as a “Top 100 Latinos ������Ƶ Must Know” for 2023

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Collaboration continues to create a unique partnership with an exciting day of fun

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Event gave students the chance to show off their research accomplishments Video of 2023 Undergrad Research Poster Session Highlight Video

NEWLY FORMED BETH E. MOONEY CENTER FOR TRANSFORMATIVE LEADERSHIP AT CLEVELAND STATE UNIVERSITY LAUNCHES OCTOBER 2

The Center – made possible by a generous gift from KeyBank – aims to be a national model for transformative leadership development in higher education

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