A sense of belonging is vital to the college experience. When you feel welcomed, accepted, and appreciated, you can explore your full potential without hesitation.
Mahli Xuan Mechenbier, a senior lecturer in the Department of English at Kent State Geauga and Twinsburg Academic Center (TAC), is one of those exceptional faculty members who makes her students feel welcome—even celebrated—at this regional campus.
In recognition of her enthusiastic support, she was presented the Kent State Faculty/Staff Award for creating a better campus environment for LGBTQ+-identified people during Kent State University’s 2023 Lavender Graduation (LavGrad) ceremony in May, where more than 70 graduates celebrated with an audience of around 350 people.
Professor Mechenbier was honored for her work with the LGBTQ+ Center Action Team (LSAC), the Rainbow Run, Lavender Graduation and other events, as a “loving, inspirational and immensely supportive, loud and proud supporter.”
Kent State LGBTQ+ Center Director Ken Ditlevson was among several who nominated Prof. Mechenbier for this award, saying, “She consistently goes above and beyond for her students, which is truly appreciated.”
His nomination submission detailed, “Mahli consistently assists the LGBTQ+ Center, including serving on LSAC for the last 3+ years, bringing candy/treats for the Center interns, recruiting/organizing donations for dozens of students to attend the Rainbow Run from our regional campuses, volunteering at the Battle for the Wagon Heel and Lavender Graduation annually, and so much more. Mahli also is well known for bringing her cat to events like the Rainbow Run. Mahli is respected by her students and co-workers and is seen as a leader that is caring and dedicated to inclusion.”
A 2022 graduate who also nominated Prof. Mechenbier for this award shared, “I was so nervous to walk across the stage, but the love she has for others made my nervousness melt away. Now, collaborating with Mahli on LSAC, I become more inspired every time we meet.”
Katie Matisse, KSU’s Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, also expressed her gratitude for Prof. Mechenbier’s involvement in supporting the LGBTQ+ community— especially those at the Geauga and Twinsburg Academic Center.
“Mahli Mechenbier has been instrumental in building, supporting, and creating space for the LGBTQ+ community at Kent State. She is an active advocate and partner throughout the university system. She cares about the inclusion of students, faculty, and staff and works towards making everyone know that they belong here.
“Every Lavender Graduation, I feel like I hear at least one student talk about how important she’s been to their experience here. On top of all that, Mahli is incredibly kind and brings a great energy to a space. Being in a room with her is wonderful and I’m glad every time it happens. I’m truly grateful that I know Mahli and get to be in community with her. She is so deserving of this award.”
In response to receiving this recognition, Prof. Mechenbier says, “It was humbling for me to accept this honor because so many KSU faculty and staff are dedicated, focused, and committed to diversity, inclusion, and acceptance. When I look back at the list of individuals who have won this award (such as Erica Pelz and Morgan Woodin), all recipients are genuine advocates and colleagues who fight to make a difference in the lives of our students.“
She enjoys collaborating with faculty, staff, and students in events promoting diversity and acceptance. “In particular, I want to make sure regional students know that they can—and should—participate in events sponsored by the LGBTQ+ Center. Students are more likely to become involved if they know one of their faculty members will be present at a social event, so it is important to me that Geauga and Twinsburg faculty are present for our LGBTQ+ students.”
Prof. Mechenbier teaches Introduction to LGBT Literature, as well as Technical Writing, Business & Professional Writing, Understanding Criminal Law through Fiction, Argumentative
Prose Writing, College Writing I & II, and Introduction to College Writing. Demonstrating authenticity and openness, she shares personal stories in class, especially about her wartime adoption from Vietnam.
“My students respond with that same kind of honesty,” Prof Mechenbier says. “Students are often afraid of being judged through their writing, and providing an open and welcoming classroom space permits all students to connect.“
Prof. Mechenbier encourages everyone to find common ground with others from diverse points of view. “Remember that each individual is coming into college from various religious, political, and social backgrounds, but regardless of those differences, everyone chose to be at Kent State and wants to succeed as a student. Do not be quick to assess or to assume: All people have things to learn from others which can make them better citizens and more welcoming communicators.
“Regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, race, or ethnicity, students should feel like they belong at Kent State. Everyone is welcome.”