Featured Faculty spotlights EHHS professors who share their background, experiences, interests, and advice for students.
Kathy Bergh joined the faculty of Kent State University in 2000 as an adjunct faculty member. She currently serves as a Non-Tenure Track Senior Lecturer and Program Director for the minor in Nonprofit Studies. Since 2016, Kathy has worked with a committee of students to organize and present events in the ongoing Nonprofit Spotlight Speaker Series. She is a member of the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR), The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and the Ohio Association of Nonprofit Organizations (OANO). Kathy was previously employed as Director of Marketing at Rockynol Retirement Community in Akron, Ohio.
Q: What subject(s) do you teach?
Human Development and Family Science, Gerontology and Nonprofit Studies
Q: What inspired you to follow your chosen path of study?
I enjoy helping people and wanted a career where I could make a living while making a difference.
Q: What's one of your favorite memories from your student days?
When I was in college, I was in a sorority and I enjoyed the friendships I made and the opportunities that membership provided.
Q: What do you think every student should experience in college?
I think that students should experience giving back to their university and local community. Whether it be through donating to the America Red Cross Blood Drive, volunteering with a local nonprofit or becoming involved on campus through the Center for Student Involvement, I believe that this type of activity is essential.
Q: What academic or career advice would you give to students?
I believe that it is important for students to meet with the instructors of their classes. I encourage students to utilize office and/or “drop-in” hours, whether that be in-person, via a virtual synchronous platform or by a phone call.
Q: What do you enjoy most about teaching?
I love realizing that a student has had their eyes opened about the material we are covering. Sometimes it is evident that a student has had an “aha” moment and to be a part of that is very gratifying.
Q: How do you contribute to student success?
I try to contribute to student success by letting students know that I care about them. I do this by attempting to know the name of each student and a little bit about them. I also let students know that they are welcome to reach out to me with any questions, concerns, etc.
Q: What would students be surprised to learn about you?
Students may be surprised to know that I enjoy singing.
Q: What is the best and most challenging thing about being a teacher?
There are many “best” parts about being a teacher. I love meeting new students as well as keeping in touch with students from previous years. I appreciate the collegiality of working with faculty, staff and administration from across our eight - campus system. Furthermore, I am beyond grateful for the involvement I get to have with the community, whether that be at the local, state or national level. A challenging part of being a teacher would be the times that I have attempted to work with students who were struggling, and yet not ready to accept the assistance I attempted to give.
Q: How do you show your school spirit?
I often wear the school colors on Fridays! In addition to that, I am a big proponent of Kent State University. I often tell students that an education from Kent State University is to be cherished.