New Featured Educator of the Month

November Featured Educators

Congratulations to the 2025 Glenn Frank Distinguished Teaching Award Recipients

Tracy Dodson, Ph.D., MSN, RN, CEN, Associate Professor, Nursing, Kent Campus
Tracy M. Dodson, Ph.D., MSN, RN, CEN, is an associate professor in the College of Nursing on the Kent Campus, where she coordinates “Professional Issues and Evidence-based Practice” and “Nursing of Adults Across the Lifespan.” A Certified Emergency Nurse with more than a decade of clinical and teaching experience, Dodson blends innovation, empathy and evidence-based practice to prepare compassionate, competent nurses. She designs creative tools, including simulation rubrics and AI-generated case studies, to bridge theory and practice. Her award-winning teaching - honored with multiple Platinum Teaching Awards and the Daisy Faculty Award - emphasizes active learning, technological innovation and mentorship.

Jessica Leveto, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Sociology, Ashtabula Campus
Jessica A. Leveto, Ph.D. is an associate professor of sociology at Kent State University at Ashtabula. A scholar of social psychology, identity and emotions, her teaching centers on relational trust, belonging and transformative learning. Leveto has been recognized with multiple awards for innovation and equity in education and serves on the editorial board of Teaching Sociology. Her research and public scholarship focus on supporting parenting students, fostering inclusive learning environments and advancing pedagogies of care. Through her teaching, mentorship and community leadership, she empowers students to transform challenge into purpose and connection into lasting impact.

Tina Patel, MA, MFA, Associate Professor, Interior Design, Kent Campus
Tina Patel, MA, MFA, is an associate professor of interior design in the College of Architecture and Environmental Design on the Kent Campus. Her teaching, research and scholarship focus on empathetic, participatory and socially engaged design that advances equity, inclusion and well-being. With professional experience in global design firms and extensive community-based collaborations, Patel bridges research, practice and pedagogy. Her studios address issues such as neurodiversity, social justice and sensory well-being, empowering students to use design as a catalyst for change. A certified NCIDQ and LEED Green Associate, she integrates empathy, critical inquiry and activism into design education and professional practice.

James Redfearn, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Biological Sciences, Kent Campus
James Redfearn, Ph.D., is an associate professor of biological sciences in the College of Arts and Sciences on the Kent Campus, where he teaches anatomy, physiology, microbiology and cell biology. With a Ph.D. in physiology, his teaching emphasizes active learning, metacognition and belonging to improve student engagement and performance. Drawing from his research in cellular physiology and experience in biosafety and public health, Redfearn designs evidence-based, technology-integrated learning environments. His approach blends concept mapping and formative assessment to help students build confidence, think critically and connect biological concepts to clinical applications. He is committed to fostering inclusive, student-centered learning in the life sciences.

Congratulations to the 2025 Glenn Frank Distinguished Teaching Award Finalists

Hayley Arnold, Ph.D.

Samantha Bonaduce, DNP, RN, CNE

Jean Engohang-Ndong, Ph.D.

Matthew Holm, DMA

Susan Kunkle, Ph.D.

James Winter, MFA