Student Employee Awards Celebration Awardees and Finalists

A distinguished disrupter who has made an outsized impact on their community through work and service. Their knowledge, skills, and involvement ensure that Kent is at the forefront of pressing issues by elevating the student experience, inspiring impactful research efforts, or leading community-driven initiatives.

Awardee

Ethan Boyes - College of Aeronautics of Engineering

Ethan is highly deserving of the Change-Maker award for his exceptional leadership in assisting in the establishment and growth of the College of Aeronautics and Engineering’s Additive Manufacturing Lab (3D printing lab). As a Lab Assistant, Ethan has transformed the lab into a dynamic, well-organized learning environment that supports fellow students in their coursework, research, capstone projects, and professional certification. Through mentorship, training, and hands-on technical support, he has significantly advanced student success, including helping many earn the SME Additive Manufacturing Certification. Ethan’s support of outreach efforts, including teaching high school students during Upward Bound and summer camps, extends his impact beyond the university. Overall, his initiative, expertise, and dedication have made a lasting positive difference for students, faculty, and the broader community.

	Name	Department	Photo
Finalist	Alex Stephens	University Facilities Management, Service Center
Finalist	Anya Tazhiyeva	University Libraries
Finalist	Joao Donaton	Computer Science
Finalist	Leonardo Saadi Lopes	College of Aeronautics and Engineering

Demonstrate the awareness, attitude, knowledge, and skills required to equitably engage and include people from various cultures.

Awardee

Savon Brown - Division of People, Culture and Belonging

As a Front Desk Specialist and the first point of contact in Heer Hall, Savon consistently creates a warm, respectful, and inclusive environment. Through her professionalism, attentiveness, and cultural awareness, she ensures every visitor and employee feels valued, supported, and directed with care. She strengthens belonging not only through interpersonal interactions but also through her behind‑the‑scenes administrative work, ensuring clear communication, equitable access to employment opportunities, and efficient operations across multiple HR units. Her reliability, discretion, and strong organizational skills enhance trust in the Division of People, Culture and Belonging and contribute significantly to its culture of care. Overall, Savon embodies the Excellence in Culture & Belonging award’s core principles through both her exceptional service and her commitment to fostering a welcoming community.

	Name	Department	Photo
Finalist	Kayla Nagle	Accounting
Finalist	Monica Fencil	Recreation & Wellness Services
Finalist	Paul Corty	Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Finalist	Samaa Hediya	Office of Global Education

Knowing work environments differ greatly, this award is given to the individual who always brightens the day of others. They understand and demonstrate effective work habits, and act in the interest of the larger community and workplace.

Awardee

Ashley Zelina - Recreation and Wellness Services

Ashley embodies the Sunshine and Positivity Award through her infectious enthusiasm, genuine care for others, and positive encouragement that she brings to every aspect of her work in the Adventure Center. In her role as a Climbing Supervisor, she not only ensures the safety of patrons and quality of climbing programs and events but also builds an uplifting environment where staff and patrons feel welcome, supported, and inspired. Through creative initiatives, like staff challenges, and her authentic leadership in large-scale events, Ashley strengthens her team, empowers her peers, and fosters community at the Adventure Center. Whether she is training student staff, teaching climbing clinics, attending staff meetings, or supporting her peers, Ashley brings positive energy and professionalism to every interaction, and creates an environment where everyone is valued.

	Name	Department	Photo
Finalist	Jenna Fioritto	Division of Enrollment Management, Admissions
Finalist	Morgan Miller	Recreation and Wellness Services
Finalist	Savon Brown	Division of People, Culture and Belonging
Finalist	Sidnee Rice	Division of Student Life

Demonstrated a positive impact on others and an ability to recognize and capitalize on personal and team strengths to achieve organizational goals. These leaders can motivate, energize, and bring passion and connection into their work environment.

Awardee

McKenzie Yuhnke - College of Aeronautics and Engineering, School of Aeronautics

McKenzie exemplifies the Inspirational Leadership award through her long-standing service as a Lab Assistant in the Air Traffic Control Lab, where she guides and supports fellow students in a simulated environment. Her leadership fosters student confidence, collaboration, and a culture of growth, inspiring both her supervisor and peers. McKenzie’s initiatives, such as implementing new operational procedures and organizing study groups, have directly improved student performance and are being adopted by her supervisor for future classes. She consistently goes above and beyond her required duties by creating innovative learning tools, offering extra help to others, and sharing her own study materials to strengthen student understanding. McKenzie models fairness, respect, positivity, and professionalism, making her a trusted mentor and inspiring role model. She deeply deserves this award for her impact on the ATC Lab and student success.

	Name	Department	Photo
Finalist	Ana Hasselbusch	Center for Student Involvement
Finalist	Isabella DeToto	Recreation and Wellness Services
Finalist	James Markijohn	Division of Information Technology, Infrastructure Engineering
Finalist	Olivia Liggett	Recreation and Wellness Services

The university celebrates supervisors who go above and beyond the call of duty to engage and develop their student employees. They create a culture of engagement that includes supporting the development of team members and sending a strong, consistent message of respect, empathy, and trust.

Awardee

Stephanie Baker - University Housing

As a supervisor of student employee desk assistants in University Housing, Stephanie consistently goes above and beyond to develop her student employees’ skills, confidence, and professionalism. She creates a positive, inclusive, and team‑centered environment where student voices are valued, accomplishments are recognized, and growth is encouraged. Through trust, open communication, and meaningful leadership opportunities, she empowers her student employees to take responsibility and grow in their roles. Her mentorship is both personal and professional—she provides guidance, feedback, and support while fostering independence and confidence. Overall, she serves as a model supervisor whose leadership, empathy, and commitment make a lasting impact on her team.

	Name	Department	Photo
Finalist	Heather Shinsky	Kent Student Center Administration
Finalist	Jeanne Smith	Writing Commons
Finalist	Sydney Jordan	CARES Center
Finalist	Zachary Boggs	Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

The Flashes GROW Award recognizes a supervisor or department dedicated to preparing students for their careers through student employment. They engage students in high-impact conversations, that require reflection on their work, to help students articulate the knowledge and skills learned through work and make connections to academics and beyond.

Awardees

Disney Maxwell - Digital Enterprise Solutions

As a supervisor of student employees in Digital Enterprise Solutions, Disney creates meaningful learning experiences that prepare students for their future careers. Through weekly one‑on‑one meetings, group meetings, and structured Digital Leadership Academy (DLA) sessions, Disney provides frequent opportunities for students to showcase their work, reflect, and develop professionally. He fosters high‑impact reflective conversations with students, helping them articulate their design and development choices, project challenges, and what they have learned. Through these conversations, Disney guides students to connect workplace tasks to academic concepts and strengthens students’ ability to articulate how their knowledge and skills transfer across contexts. Disney's practices and support as a supervisor significantly contributes to student career readiness and growth as emerging professionals.

Academic Success Center

Supervisors of student employees in the Academic Success Center integrate career‑readiness and professional skill development into every aspect of student employment. They help student employees build and articulate transferable skills through leadership opportunities, trainings, structured conversations, and personalized check-ins. Academic Success Center supervisors consistently engage student employees in meaningful, reflective conversations that help them articulate the value of their work experience as tutors and coaches, and make clear connections between workplace learning, academics and long‑term career aspirations. Student employees consistently express appreciation for the department’s supportive, student‑centered environment, which shapes their confidence and success as student employees and professionals beyond the university.

	Name	Department	Photo
Finalist	Internal Audit Department	Internal Audit Department
Finalist	Irene Skleres	Academic Success Center, Kent State Ashtabula
Finalist	Recreation and Wellness Services	Recreation and Wellness Services