Kent State University at Salem recently recognized two employees for exemplary teaching and service to the campus for the 2020-2021 academic year.
Krista Hawkins was named outstanding faculty member and Deborah Hoopes was recognized as the outstanding staff member.
Each was selected based on nominations from students, staff and faculty members of the Salem Campus.
Hawkins is a registered nurse and a lecturer in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program on the Salem Campus, where she has taught fulltime for four years. She earned her BSN from Kent State University in 2012 and her MSN-Education in 2017.
Hawkins teaches sophomore level foundations of physical assessment and communication in nursing, as well as clinicals for sophomore foundations and nursing of adults for junior students. She also serves as the coordinator for the skills/simulation lab on the Salem Campus.
A 1989 graduate of United Local High School, Hawkins first worked as a bookkeeper for Snyder Equipment and as a stay-at-home mom while her children were young. After earning her nursing degree, she worked as a registered nurse at Northside Medical Center in Youngstown and for one year as an adjunct instructor for the Salem Campus BSN program.
Hawkins has served the last 10 years as the program director and camp nurse for the Sandy Beaver District Cub Scout Day Camp. She lives in Hanoverton with her husband, Michael, and their three sons, Andrew, Shawn and Joshua.
“To earn a college education has been a dream and a goal for as long as I can remember, but I never imagined I would be the instructor!” Hawkins said, noting that she enjoys the challenge of working with adult students who also navigate family and life responsibilities outside of school.
“I know what achievement feels like because it was my path, too,” she said. “It’s difficult, but it can be done well with the right support. I’m glad that I am now in the position to help guide others.
“Working in higher ed also allows ample opportunity for personal growth; the chance to meet new people, to have new experiences and to explore new ideas which, ultimately, come back to enrich my own community.”
Hawkins added that teaching on the Salem Campus is especially meaningful because she can learn from the individual expertise of her colleagues across various disciplines and collaborate on projects.
“Having a close relationship with my students and following up on their success after graduation is also one of the perks of teaching here,” she continued. “I often think, as I drive into the parking lot at Kent State Salem, about all of the interesting ideas, discussions and plans that take place inside this building and how they are all helping to make the world a better place. It feels good to be part of that!”
Hoopes has 13 years of service as a custodian with Kent State University’s maintenance and grounds department. Her first four years were spent on the Kent Campus and the last nine years have been on the Salem Campus.
While a bit reluctant to talk about herself, Hoopes is known on campus for her hard work and dedication to Kent. She always takes the initiative to do what needs done and takes great pride in making the campus shine.
“I am honored to have been chosen for this award,” she said. “I am very blessed to have the opportunity to work at Kent State Salem, where I have the pleasure of meeting new students and working with faculty. I enjoy being able to help people and providing a safe environment for everyone. Thank you Kent State University Salem Campus!”
Cutline A: Receiving awards for outstanding service on the Salem Campus are (from right) Krista Hawkins and Deb Hoopes.
Cutline B: Krista Hawkins, MSN-Ed, RN
Cutline C: Deb Hoopes