2020 Recipients

Academic Laboratory Manager

Kent State Tuscarawas

Heather Aubihl has been a shining example of outstanding service in support of student academics and faculty this past academic year. When the campuses closed spring semester to slow the spread of COVID-19, Aubihl took models, microscopes and prepared slides home in anticipation of faculty and student needs. She was prepared to provide any digital imaging that would be crucial for student success while the campus was inaccessible. Aubihl reminded faculty throughout the closure that she was available if they needed anything from the labs.  When the campus Basic Microbiology lab needed to be delivered remotely for summer, she worked for two weeks making media and preparing home laboratory kits including a microscope, miniature digital camera and all the media that would be used in an accelerated course for the summer. This was no small feat. Every student who returned the kit reported that they had a great experience. The success of the summer Basic Microbiology lab was directly related to Aubihl’s initiative and organization.

When the campus prepared to open the buildings in summer 2020 for staff and administrators, Aubihl was one of the first choices to serve on the Tuscarawas campus reopening committee. As Academic Laboratory Manager, her understanding of safety protocols helped the committee decide on the protocols and resources necessary to keep the buildings safe for returning personnel. In addition, she helped order, stock and plan for the return of the limited number of students for a trial, in person summer session. As an alumnus of Kent State, earning associate and bachelor degrees and an MBA, Aubihl has shown engagement that inspires positive change, models collaboration and has demonstrated kindness and purpose in dealing with students, staff, administrators and faculty.

Chemical Health and Safety Coordinator, College of Arts and Sciences

Kent Campus

In her role as Chemical Health and Safety Coordinator, Kara Barnett has transformed the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry into a university role model for safety practices and procedures. Barnett’s work has significantly reduced safety related injuries and hazards to faculty, staff and students.

Barnett was responsible for the Department conforming with national standards so that all faculty, staff and students adhere to proper PPE protocols in laboratory situations, which includes wearing protective eyewear, laboratory coats and gloves, protocols that were not common before Barnett arrived at Kent State in 2017. Barnett was instrumental in developing the department’s Chemical Hygiene Plan that has been implemented in the chemistry laboratories at all university campuses.

Most recently, during the COVID-19 surge in spring 2020, Barnett spearheaded a PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) donation program to local health care first responders at hospitals, health centers and county agencies. Due to her efforts, Kent State contributed over 40,000 pairs of gloves, 1,700 surgical masks, 166 N95 masks, 19 face shields and two ventilators along with disposable lab coats, antiseptics and shoe covers to local healthcare agencies.

Senior Global Programs Advisor Academic Affairs, Office of Global Education

Kent Campus

Leslie Bowser had to make a rapid pivot in the spring of 2020 as she oversaw Kent State’s American Academy program with Pontifical Catholic University of Parana, Brazil. Through the unique program, students begin their university careers at Kent State’s partner university in Brazil, earning Kent State associate degrees there and finishing bachelor degrees here at Kent State.

The first cohort of students were set to graduate with their associate degrees in summer 2020 and transition to the Kent campus in the fall when the COVID-19 pandemic struck and the plan for students to travel from Brazil to Kent fell apart. Bowser worked tirelessly to find alternatives for students and to keep them on their paths to success, both in Brazil and in their transitions to Kent. Leslie found ways to help Kent State faculty who were teaching courses to reconfigure plans and work out options to traveling to Brazil. Of the fifteen students who began the program in 2018, fourteen graduated and were celebrated in a commencement ceremony held in a hybrid in-person/livestream event on September 25, 2020. The pandemic may have thrown a wrench in the plans, but it will not derail the program nor the students, thanks to Bowser’s commitment to the students and to Kent State.

Assistant Director of Academic Advising Stark campus
Academic Advising

Kent State Stark

Laurie Camp leads a small but mighty team of academic advisors by maintaining an enthusiastic atmosphere and a  "can do" attitude even as her team was being reduced in size.   Due to her excellent and congenial rapport with the Stark campus faculty, she recruited faculty advisors to fill in the appointments needed to facilitate not only incoming freshman, but continuing students. Camp’s leadership ensured the students thrived.  

When the advising squad grew, Camp exhibited dedication and patience as she trained her staff, continually responding to questions regarding complicated student scenarios. Then COVID-19 disrupted everything and the word  “pivot" became a tongue in cheek rallying cry as faculty and staff alike quickly transitioned to a remote, online platform. It was impressive how Camp took the initiative to provide "walk-in advising" opportunities remotely. She led her advisors by navigating a new platform in Blackboard Collaborate, which was quite a learning curve for her team. It was a success and another triumph over unprecedented setbacks. Camp is an asset to Kent State and a true leader for her advisors.

Director
Education Abroad, Office of Global Education

Kent Campus

At the outbreak of COVID-19, Amber Cruxton, director of Education Abroad in the Office of Global Education, worked around the clock in the repatriation process of the Kent State University students from the Florence campus and all other locations around the world last February. She worked almost around the clock for an entire week coordinating the arrangements with the Florence students and staff, while communicating with the families and the travel agent. Cruxton did an outstanding job in bringing back safely all the students and in arranging for their re-entry into the United States. After the return of the students she worked very closely with all their respective colleges to make sure that they would complete their academic semester.

Director 
Student Multicultural Center, Division of Student Affairs

Kent Campus

Michael Daniels, director of the Student Multicultural Center (SMC), has been a consistent advocate, collaborator and innovator at Kent State during his tenure at the university. Prior to assuming the role as director, Daniels served as both the program coordinator and the assistant director in the SMC. Daniels has a special knack for developing sincere and caring relationships with the students who come through the SMC by providing engaging and meaningful opportunities for connection, education, comfort, and growth.

In addition to mentoring individuals, Daniels facilitates programs and initiatives that are important in supporting a sense of belong for underrepresented (Black, African American, Latinx, and Native American) students at Kent State such as Kupita Transiciones (K/T), Karamu, Soup & Substance, Male Empowerment Network and Sister Circle to name a few.

Because of the pandemic, Daniels had to pivot to alter the manner in which many of these initiatives operate. Last year, he created the first ever virtual Karamu and this year he launched a hybrid (in-person and digital) K/T. Both efforts took immense creativity, planning, organization and collaboration to successfully pull off. He also started using social media in creative ways to engage students and boost their voices when our traditional avenues for that are currently unavailable. Daniels accomplishes all of this with limited personnel in the SMC, during a global pandemic and a time where there is heightened visibility of anti-black racism in the United States. Daniels’ caring nature is not reserved solely for students. He stresses the importance of family. Anyone who has the opportunity to talk, work, or engage with Daniels can feel that. He helps make Kent State a home.

Interim Housekeeping Manager
University Facilities Management, Residence Services unit

Kent Campus

Darrell DeLoach began serving as the Interim Housekeeping Manager for University Facilities Management (UFM) Residence Services unit just as the magnitude of the COVID-19 pandemic hit Kent State University. The Residence Services unit is critical in the disinfection of the COVID-19 virus in the 26 buildings that house Kent State students and reduction in the risk of transmission.

DeLoach has worked countless hours and has been invaluable in coordination and preparation of the university’s quarantine and isolation rooms and buildings, the disinfection of common spaces and restrooms and the overall cleanliness/disinfection of Residence Services. He has  been most effective in the response to an active Covid-19 scenario, where his team has had to suit up in Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR), HEPA filtration and non-permeable Tyvek suits to disinfect areas that have active Covid-19. The teams use high tech electrostatic foggers to kill the virus within 2 minutes. This process is important to maintain operational readiness in the critical arenas of the university. DeLoach is a key leader in Kent State’s response to Covid-19 and for the safety of faculty, staff and students.

Director
Academic Diversity Outreach, College of Education, Health and Human Services

Kent Campus

Daniel Diaz Nilsson has firmly established a record that resonates “Students First” and advances the university’s reach to populations traditionally underserved, engages community partners in ways that improve their lives and opportunities and proactively works to build and ensure a campus climate of inclusion. Nilsson created and runs the BRIDGES program for EHHS, which supports first-generation college students of historically underrepresented groups and includes a 5-week residential component in the summer for students. Academic coaching, mentoring, social justice, and anti-racism work infuse every facet of Nilsson’s work, including at more than 750 high schools. He has forged partnerships with Akron Public Schools, the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, Kent City Schools (and many others) to build and maintain pipeline initiatives for high school students from underrepresented and first-generation backgrounds. 

One of the highlights of Nilsson’s accomplishments at Kent State, includes co-chairing the 2019 Ohio Latino Education Summit, which was the largest in the state and attended by more than 500 participants, of which 115 were high schoolers. Partnering with the Ohio Department of Education, Ohio Latino Affairs Commission, and various regional community colleges, the theme of the summit was Inspiring ReSilience: Equity, Partnerships and Quality Schools. His accomplishments have not gone unnoticed in the larger community, having earned him the prestigious Inspiring Programs in STEM Award for 2020 by INSIGHT into Diversity Magazine.

Public Safety Manager
College of Applied and Technical Studies

Kent State Geauga,Twinsburg Regional Academic Center

Ron Dixon always maintains a secure and safe work environment, which is a priority at Kent State University. When the COVID pandemic hit the Kent State community, Dixon was actively engaged in infection control and safety at the Geauga campus, while maintaining a positive learning environment for all students and faculty. Dixon is very passionate about teaching safety classes such as A.L.I.C.E. training for all faculty, staff and students. He keeps up with continuing education practices to maintain current standards for all classes he teaches. On a daily basis Dixon addresses students in the hallway, checks their well-being and inquires if resources are needed. He offers them help with a smile and a genuine voice. Dixon pays close attention to detail and assists students with recovering items they may have lost or left on previous visits. 

Dixon’s core values, integrity, personal ethics, work ethics and his respect for others has earned him the respect of faculty, staff and students. His collaboration with staff and faculty is outstanding. Dixon strives to create positive changes, is open to new ideas and respects others’ point of view. He is very sensitive to the diversity of all cultures and the values of others. Dixon puts students first and is the epitome of "Flashes Taking Care of Flashes" by always demonstrating kindness and respect in all he does.

Administrative Secretary
Department of Sociology and criminology, College of Arts and Sciences

Kent Campus

Lisa Douvikas demonstrates outstanding achievements, service, leadership, and dedication to Kent State by going above and beyond the call of duty. For example, she helped organize the construction of the department’s virtual reality lab, which advances the ability to conduct cutting edge social psychology research. Douvikas’ support of faculty research enables the department to produce high quality research, which attracts top graduate students. And graduate assistants who need help obtaining their compensation, they can count on Douvikas to diligently organize their paperwork to ensure they receive their compensation.She never lets graduate assistants paperwork fall through the cracks.

Faculty can count on Douvikas to help them enhance their instruction. Once Douvikas ordered and assembled a white board for a conference room that was used to teach a graduate class without being asked to. She even ordered new dry erase markers as well. The instructor would not have been able to teach the course effectively without Douvikas’ help. She helps advance the priorities of global competitiveness and a distinctive Kent State through her support of faculty research. Douvikas organizes and manages faculty start-up funds, which were used for two national survey projects and helped organize contracts to distribute faculty surveys. Her assistance led to publications in an international journal and presentations at a national conference. Douvikas demonstrates the core Kent State values of respect, kindness and purpose in all she does.

Business Manager
Psychological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences

Kent Campus

Sharon Franek displays exceptional performance in living Kent State’s core values and embodied the "Flashes Take Care of Flashes" philosophy. On a daily basis Franek supports the strategic roadmap priority of organizational stewardship by constantly looking for ways to increase operational efficiencies. She is critical for the success of the department of Psychological Sciences. She is the go-to person in the office for any question (whether the topic is under her purview or not). She is available at any time, and during COVID has somehow become faster to respond to requests. Franek is critical for the success of the department of  Psychological Sciences, 

Psychological Sciences is a very active grant-seeking and receiving department and Franek facilitates, organizes and contributes to these efforts. Keeping  the Psychology faculty compliant, managing 20 different ways that faculty process subject payments and serving myriad other functions in the department are just a few ways that she supports not just Psychology but the University as a whole. It is also not an exaggeration that, when faced with budgetary or financial questions in RASP, Sharon is the one who is called and she is willing to drop everything to help.

Emergency Services Dispatcher
Business and Administration

Kent Campus

As an Emergency Services Dispatcher with Police Services, Mallory Grafton lives in an environment of alternating calm and crisis, with a few mundane or routine calls punctuated by an emergency. Dispatchers receives calls, prioritizes them and determines what services are required and dispatches resources to address each distinctive incident. 

Two incidents that occurred this past year exemplify the professional services that Grafton  consistently provides to the community. In February, she received a call from a distraught man whose friend was having a medical emergency that required CPR. The man’s emotional state made it difficult to obtain critical information and then segue into instructions for medical assistance that would be critical for the victim’s survival. Grafton was able to calm the person, and redirect them into providing intermediary care, with the assistance of another person who was present, that led to a successful call and the timely arrival of first responders. In another incident Grafton received a call from a man having a panic attack who was contemplating suicide. The man was in an apartment building off campus, but the 911 cell phone could not provide exact location information. Grafton talked to the man for 40 minutes, and her calm, caring, and empathetic approach was successful in getting him to provide his location and talking him away from the balcony on the upper floor where he contemplated jumping. The Kent Police arrived, and he was transported for mental health assistance. Grafton performs her duties with calm, composure, and grace, providing critical services to Kent State and the extended community. 

Coordinator, Videography
University Relations

Kent Campus

The work Jon Jivan put forth to create the virtual May 4 50th commemoration video is an excellent example of the quality and creativity he brings to Kent State. The virtual 50th commemoration was derived out of necessity due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The content that was originally planned for the May 4 50th commemoration had to be completely re-imagined.  Within just a few weeks, Jivan had to take videos, photos and music from various sources and combined it all to make a compassionate, honest and heartfelt remembrance of the tragic events of May 4,1970. Jivan combined a wide variety of materials, from low quality cellphone videos to high quality studio performances, as well as arranged and filmed new video interviews into an amazing virtual commemoration. 

Jivan worked closely with the May 4 committee to figure out ways to produce the video within the constraints he was under. He spent countless hours selecting clips from what was contributed and edited them into a seamless, well-crafted story. Throughout the process, he worked tirelessly to meet each deadline and review without delay. The final piece was beautiful, thoughtful and honored the four students lost, as well as their families, those who were wounded and those who were there that day. Jivan’s video was viewed by well over 20,000 with the initial release of the video.

Assistant Director
Student Success Programs, University College

Kent Campus

Maghan Larkins truly embodies the university priority of a student first focus and the core value of engagement that inspires positive change. She has worked at Kent State in a professional capacity for the past five years as an academic advisor and now, as an assistant director in Student Success Programs specifically with the Destination Kent State (DKS) New Student Orientation program.

Larkins “Student First” focus was put on full display due to how COVID-19 changed all normal University operations. She took a lead role in writing all of the content that went into the DKS Mobile app, website and corresponding publications. Not only did she write content, but she also developed an entire virtual new student engagement plan. The engagement provided live events, movie nights, game nights and virtual friending activities. In addition, Larkins volunteered to lead weekend and evening engagement events for students twice a week from May through August. Larkins continually does whatever she can to ensure that Kent State’s new students are informed, feel connected to each other and the university.

Executive Director
Office of Global Education

Kent Campus

Sara Malcolm participated in the repatriation process of the Kent State students from the Florence campus and all other locations around the world at the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic last February. She worked around the clock for a week coordinating the arrangements with the Florence students and staff, while communicating with the families and the travel agent. She did an outstanding job in bringing back safely all the students and in arranging for their re-entry into the United States. After the return of the students, Malcolm worked closely with all their respective colleges to make sure that they would complete their academic semester.

Facilities Mechanical Systems Specialist
University Facilities Management

Kent Campus

When Erica Pelz, a Facilities Mechanical Systems Specialist for Laboratories, discovered there were safety issues with fume hoods in university laboratories, she jumped into action. Pelz, who is responsible for a wide range of mechanical facilities, was conducting hood velocity measurements in April when she found out that nearly all of the fume hoods were pulling at significantly lower than acceptable face velocity.  As a result, use of these hoods was immediately suspended, shutting down all research activity. The labs had been shut down from mid-March until August because of the pandemic, which gave Pelz the opportunity to almost single-handedly do all of the necessary repairs.

The repairs required designing and ordering custom parts from vendors and installing them in the ventilation system by an onerous and dangerous process, which required Pelz to wear a moon suit with an external air supply. Pelz had to physically climb into the hood, to disassemble and remove the defective parts, carefully clean everything, install new custom parts and then reassemble everything for at least eight different hoods. If Pelz had not personally committed to solving these problems, they may not have been fixed. Faculty and students have her to thank for her dedication and persistence.

Instructional Designer Ashtabula Campus

Kent State Ashtabula

In the pre-pandemic world, Russ Porter had ongoing dedication and overwhelming positive impact on the campus community. In the post-pandemic world, Porter has demonstrated extraordinary leadership and tireless efforts to support faculty and students and to ensure academic continuity through unprecedented times. Likely some instructors would not have been able to continue teaching after March without Porter’s intervention. He single-handedly enabled many instructors to bridge technology deficiencies to keep on teaching so students could keep on learning. From the arts to the sciences and from healthcare to the humanities, Porter as a department of one, supports the instructional design needs of a diverse array of Ashtabula campus faculty and courses -- over 100 instructors each semester in over 50 distinct disciplines. In addition to design expertise, he provides technology support and IT troubleshooting, which is not typically part of a designer‚ position. For Porter, no instructional question or technology concern is either too trivial or too great.

Once COVID arrived, Porter worked tirelessly for countless hours to ensure all faculty were supported. He provided templates, training (often one on one), advice, and guidance at all hours and on weekends. Some of the biggest challenges involved guiding instructors with limited IT skills to ensure their courses and students did not get left behind. Porter’s continuous leadership, support and dedication to Kent State, its students and faculty, is excellence in action.

Exec. Director, Information Technology
Ed Tech Support and Service Management

Kent Campus

Last spring, Jim Raber faced a major challenge - to  ensure a sound transition from face-to-face instruction to remote. As the leader of the division’s efforts relating to educational technology, research technology and end user support, Raber and his team immediately thought about the experience and the impending needs of the Kent State students, faculty and staff in remote settings and established additional training, documentation and support. The team also pivoted from call only phone support, to call and 'chat'. In doing so, Raber’s team trained 20 volunteers and continued to retain student employees in support of the transition.

Raber advocated for increased bandwidth and capacity for the division’s learning technologies. He was a key member of the transition team for the university and continues to be a key advocate for student and faculty experience in a hybrid environment. While this is a 2019-20 nomination, Jim's continues to lead in the above areas and in ways unmentioned. His leadership and engagement was exactly what the university needed and as a result, the team was able to meet the call to action. Raber did all this while completing his PhD defense!!! Raber knows how to handle pressure with grace