The Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction Selection Committee is pleased to announce that the winner of the 2026 award is A SEA OF LEMON TREES by MARÍA DOLORES ÁGUILA, published by Roaring Brook Press.Written in lyrical verse, A SEA OF LEMON TREES illuminates an often-overlooked chapter of American history through its compelling narrative and emotional depth. The novel demonstrates exceptional storytelling and historical authenticity, bringing the past vividly to life for young readers. Through poetic language and carefully crafted storytelling, Águila invites readers to engage deeply with...

Congratulations to Lisa Borgerding, Ph.D., Professor of Science Education in the School of Teaching, Learning and Curriculum Studies, was awarded the Association of Science Teacher Education 2026 ASTE Award for Outstanding Science Teacher Educator (Level 2) at the ASTE Conference in Chicago.Borderding has taught science teaching methods for over 20 years and is grateful for the hundreds of preservice science teachers with whom she has worked to share a love of science education. The Association for Science Teacher Education is a non-profit professional organization composed of over 500 me...

 William Elffers didn’t just attend Kent State University; he immersed himself in a campus environment that helped shape how he thinks, collaborates and leads.  Nearly a decade after earning his Bachelor of Business Administration in entrepreneurship with a minor in marketing in 2015, Elffers is now business development team lead at FIT Technologies, a Cleveland-based, employee-owned managed service provider. He’s been with FIT Technologies since 2022. Before that, Elffers used the skills he gained at Kent State in such roles around Northeast Ohio as sales and marketin...