alumni awards
College of Aeronautics and Engineering
The College of Aeronautics and Engineering (CAE) is proud to recognize outstanding, notable, and accomplished alumni and friends of CAE. The recipients of Alumni Awards, except where noted, are degree holders of an undergraduate or graduate program in the college.
Deadline to submit nominations: April 30, 2021. The award recipients will be recognized at the CAE virtual graduation celebration on May 14, 2021.
Please visit CAE Alumni Awards website for more information.
College of Aeronautics and Engineering
The College of Aeronautics and Engineering (CAE) is proud to recognize outstanding, notable and accomplished alumni and friends of CAE. The recipients of Alumni Awards, except where noted, are degree holders of an undergraduate or graduate program in the college.
Nomination Deadline: June 30, 2022.
The award recipients will be recognized at the College of Aeronautics and Engineering Alumni and Friends Award Reception on September 9, 2022.
Submitting a Nomination
You may submit multiple nominations for each category. Please be prepared to provide the following information for a nominee:
- Current place of employment;
- Email address;
- Composition of approximately 250- 500 words explaining why your nominee should receive this award;
- A photo of nominee.
deadline
June 30, 2022
Nomination Kit
Click here to download the Alumni and Friends Awards - Nomination Kit
Nomination Submission
CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR NOMINATION
AWARD CATEGORIES
Distinguished Alumni Award
The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes an alumnus or alumna who has made distinguished and outstanding contributions to his or her profession or field of interest over the course of 25 or more years.
This award recipient has brought benefit to their community and honor to the College of Aeronautics and Engineering by embodying the values and spirit of what the college stands for.
This award is the highest honor bestowed by the college.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a graduate of the College of Aeronautics and Engineering or an alumnus of one of the predecessor programs.
- Must have achieved broad recognition for extraordinary creativity, advancement of knowledge or technology, performance or the advancement of mankind through application of their College of Aeronautics and Engineering education.
- Must have demonstrated exemplary service to the college.
Professional Achievement Award
The Professional Achievement Award recognizes an outstanding alumnus or alumna of the College of Aeronautics and Engineering who has achieved exceptional accomplishment in their career and has brought distinction to themself and the college through the benefits of vocation and leadership in their professional community.
The winner of this award will have been recognized at the regional or national level for accomplishments.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a graduate of the College of Aeronautics and Engineering or an alumnus of one of the predecessor programs.
- Exemplary professional or career achievement rooted in the College of Aeronautics and Engineering education.
Young Alumni Award
The Young Alumni Award recognizes an outstanding alumnus of the College of Aeronautics and Engineering who is 35 years old or younger.
This award is given to an alumnus who has demonstrated excellence in their professional field and/or has demonstrated service to their community, the public or humanity, embodying the values, spirit and pride of Kent State University and the College of Aeronautics and Engineering.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a graduate of the College of Aeronautics and Engineering or an alumnus of one of the predecessor programs.
- Must be 35 years old or younger as of Dec. 31 of year nominated.
- Exemplary professional achievement and/or demonstrated service on a local or national scale, rooted in the College of Aeronautics and Engineering education.
Distinguished Contributor Award
The Distinguished Contributor Award recognizes an outstanding contributor or partner who has consistently provided financial support for the College and or its programs.
This award recipient has created a lifetime legacy through their commitment to the College of Aeronautics and Engineering.
This award recognizes significant service to the college by any alumnus, staff member, faculty, or friend of the university who has given their time, expertise or leadership generously, thereby ensuring the prolonged welfare of the institution for future generations.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a graduate, staff member, advisory council member, faculty, or friend of the College of Aeronautics and Engineering or one of the predecessor programs.
- Must exemplify service to the CAE community.
- Must have invested time or treasure in the College of Aeronautics and Engineering scholarships, programs, or projects.
Outstanding Faculty Award
Nominations accepted; recipient selected by Dean of the College of Aeronautics and Engineering.
The Outstanding Faculty Award recognizes outstanding contributions in a specialty area.
The award recipient will be selected for significant contributions in the field of basic or applied research, creative production, or other scholarly achievements.
They will have achieved recognition among colleagues in the discipline for productive research or creative work; will have made a concerted effort toward the advancement of his or her scholarly discipline; possess the highest ideals of scholarship; seeks intellectual and professional growth, as a member of a specialized discipline and as a participant in the academic affairs of College of Aeronautics and Engineering.
They demonstrate an interest in fostering the intellectual growth of students, stimulate and promote student scholarship, and is active in professional associations.
This award recipient contributes to the institutional welfare of the College of Aeronautics and Engineering.
Eligibility Criteria
- Nominees for this award hold a regular appointment in the College of Aeronautics and Engineering at the rank of instructor or higher.
- Faculty members awarded in a given year are not eligible for selection in the same category for a 3-year period.
Outstanding Staff Award
Nominations accepted; recipient selected by Dean of the College of Aeronautics and Engineering.
The Outstanding Staff Award recognizes outstanding contributions in advancing the vision, mission, and core values of the College of Aeronautics and Engineering.
The award recipient exhibits excellence in their performance and is an outstanding contributor to the college community.
They create and disseminate knowledge in a friendly and supportive atmosphere for the benefit and welfare of all people, exhibit exceptional work performance, regularly participate in college events, and are helpful to colleagues.
This recipient is a proven leader.
Eligibility Criteria
- Nominees for this award have worked full-time for the College of Aeronautics and Engineering for a minimum of two years.
- Staff members awarded in a given year are not eligible for selection in the same category for a 3-year period.
Van Deusen Award Recipient
The Van Deusen Award is presented to an individual who is an alumnus or friend of the College of Aeronautics and Engineering.
They have made a significant contribution to the college and its programs in the form of financial investment, time serving on a committee, or service as a member of the College of Aeronautics and Engineering Advisory Council.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must have invested time or treasure in the College of Aeronautics and Engineering scholarships, programs, or projects.
- Must be a graduate or established friend of the College of Aeronautics and Engineering or an alumnus of one of the predecessor programs.
Corporate Hall of Fame Award
The Corporate Hall of Fame Award is presented to a company or organization that has supported the College of Aeronautics and Engineering by providing funding for new technology, capital projects and college expansion, and student scholarship.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must have funding to the College of Aeronautics and Engineering in the past 18 months.
Seven Golden Flashes to be honored during Homecoming weekend for their professional and civic contributions and dedication to the university
Kent State University is known as a thought leader in research, innovation and academics, preparing graduates to leave the university and push boundaries in their professions and communities. The university recognizes alumni who, through leadership, character and hard work, are making a difference in the world. Sponsored by the Kent State Alumni Association, the Alumni Awards are the university’s highest alumni honors. Recipients are selected based on their exceptional professional and civic contributions and for their outstanding support of the university.
“For nearly 65 years, the Kent State Alumni Association has recognized the university’s most distinguished alumni in this way,” said Barbara Smith, a 1984 Kent State graduate who serves as president of the Kent State Alumni Association’s National Board of Directors. “The Alumni Award nominations we receive tell compelling stories of incredible accomplishments and astounding generosity. This class of award recipients truly encompasses what it means to be a Golden Flash, and each one is so deserving of this honor.”
The 2022 Alumni Award recipients include six alumni and one student who will be honored in the following categories:
Raj Aggarwal of Chesterland, Ohio, is the 2022 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient. The Distinguished Alumni Award honors a Kent State graduate who has made outstanding contributions in their chosen profession, demonstrating extraordinary service to Kent State as well as their community, state and nation. Aggarwal is an acclaimed scholar and business leader. He has been a consultant to the United Nations, World Bank and several Fortune 100 companies and nonprofits. He received a Master of Business Administration in 1970 and Doctor of Business Administration in 1975, both from Kent State, and a mechanical engineering degree from the Indian Institute of Technology.
Kathryn M. Tschiegg of Orrville, Ohio, was named the 2022 Distinguished Citizen Award recipient. This award recognizes individuals who have unselfishly and generously contributed their time and talents for the enrichment of others and betterment of their community. A registered nurse, Tschiegg is the founder and executive director of Central American Medical Outreach (CAMO), a nondenominational, Christian-based, humanitarian organization that brings medical services, education and community development to Central America. Tschiegg graduated from Kent State University at Stark with a Bachelor of Business Administration in 1992.
Gary P. Jacobson, Ph.D., of Brentwood, Tennessee, is a 2022 Professional Achievement Award recipient. The Professional Achievement Award pays tribute to the superior achievements of alumni in their chosen field. This award showcases a record of significant professional achievements, complemented by a history of outstanding contributions. Jacobson is a professor in the Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and has spent more than 40 years making a difference for people facing issues with their hearing and balance. He received a Doctor of Philosophy in audiology from Kent State in 1978. He also has a bachelor’s degree from California State University, Fullerton, and a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.
Robert C. Lape of Olmsted Township, Ohio, was also named as a 2022 Professional Achievement Award recipient. He has had a career of excellence in performance and leadership spanning 70 years. Lape met his professional destiny when working for the WKSU radio station and earning his undergraduate degree in radio speech and journalism. His career was filled with incredible experiences and well-deserved recognition in both radio and television. He was awarded a Bachelor of Science from Kent State in 1955.
Howard Ruffner of Pasadena, California, was named the 2022 Kent State Advocacy Award recipient. The advocacy award honors graduates who have contributed significant time and talent to Kent State on a consistent basis, bringing favorable attention to the university. Ruffner was a sophomore broadcast journalism major when he witnessed a watershed moment in American history, the Kent State shootings on May 4, 1970. He has dedicated much of his life to educating others about the shootings through his photography. He earned a Bachelor of Science from Kent State in 1971.
Brenna Parker of Washington, D.C., is the 2022 Outstanding New Professional Award Recipient. This award honors the achievements of recent graduates who show great potential in their profession and a commitment to their community. Parker oversees all digital strategy, content and partnerships for Vice President Kamala Harris. Parker has also executed campaigns for organizations such as Civic Nation, ACRONYM, When We All Vote, Reach Higher, Apple and YouTube. Parker received a Bachelor of Science from Kent State in 2017.
Hannah Balash of Boardman, Ohio, was named the 2022 Golden Flash Award recipient. The Golden Flash Award is presented to a current student who promotes Kent State spirit, pride and tradition. Balash is a leader on campus and involved in several student organizations. Last summer, she worked in Washington, D.C., as a legislative intern for the office of U.S. Rep. Bill Johnson, who serves eastern and southeastern Ohio. Balash received an Associate of Arts from Kent State Stark in 2021 and is on track to earn a bachelor’s degree in December 2022. She is also dually enrolled in a Kent State graduate program to receive a master’s degree in economics.
A special reception honoring the seven award recipients will be held at the Kent State University Hotel and Conference Center on Friday, Sept. 30.
For more information about each of this year’s Alumni Award recipients, visit www.kent.edu/alumniawards.
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Media Contacts:
Melanie Secre, msecre1@kent.edu, 330-672-8057
Leigh Greenfelder, lgreenfe@kent.edu, 330-672-7108
Seven alumni and one student receive prestigious honors
Each year, hundreds of nominations are submitted to Kent State University, showcasing some of the best and brightest alumni and students who excel in their fields and communities. This year, seven alumni and one student will be honored as 2021 Alumni Awards recipients. Recipients are chosen based on their exceptional contributions to their profession, communities and to Kent State. Sponsored by the Kent State Alumni Association, the Alumni Awards are the university’s most prestigious honors given to alumni.
“The nominations we received were truly impressive and represented the diversity and success of our graduates,” said Barbara Smith, a 1984 Kent State graduate who serves as president of the Kent State Alumni Association’s National Board of Directors. “These eight award recipients epitomize the Golden Flashes spirit, and each one has made a profound impact at Kent State and in their communities.”
The following seven alumni and one student are being recognized in six award categories:
Beverley Laubert, state long-term care ombudsman at the Ohio Department of Aging, has been awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award. Laubert graduated from Kent State in 1984 with a bachelor’s degree in gerontology. The Distinguished Alumni Award honors a Kent State graduate who has made outstanding contributions in their chosen profession, demonstrating extraordinary service to Kent State as well as their community, state and nation.
James Luther Raper, CRNP, Ph.D., J.D., director of the 1917 Clinic at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, has been awarded the Distinguished Citizen Award. Raper graduated in 1979 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The Distinguished Citizen Award honors a Kent State graduate who demonstrates extraordinary service to the public. This award recognizes individuals who have unselfishly and generously contributed their time and talents for the enrichment of others and betterment of their community.
Retired Col. David H. Carstens, U.S. counterintelligence special agent, veteran Army colonel and military intelligence officer, has been awarded the Professional Achievement Award. Carstens graduated from Kent State in 1988, earning a Bachelor of Arts in political science. The Professional Achievement Award pays tribute to the superior achievements of alumni in their chosen profession. This award showcases a record of distinguished career achievements, complemented by a history of outstanding contributions.
Richard E. Breedon, Ph.D., experimental high energy particle physicist, has also been awarded the Professional Achievement Award. Breedon graduated from Kent State in 1977 with a Bachelor of Science in physics.
Michael John Gallagher II, a vibrant, creative and kind young individual, has been posthumously awarded the Kent State Advocacy Award. Gallagher graduated from Kent State in 2019 with a Bachelor of Arts in communications with a concentration in global communications studies. The Kent State Advocacy Award honors Kent State graduates who have contributed significant time and talent to Kent State on a consistent basis, bringing favorable attention to the university.
Robert E. Ross, financial services industry professional and member of the Kent State University Foundation Board, has also been awarded the Kent State Advocacy Award. Ross graduated from Kent State in 1970 with a Bachelor of Business Administration.
Gordon Stumpo, technical designer and patternmaker for Proper Cloth in New York, has been awarded the Outstanding New Professional Award. Stumpo received his Master of Arts in fashion design from Kent State in 2016. The Outstanding New Professional Award honors a recent Kent State graduate who shows outstanding achievement in their chosen profession and their community. This award spotlights future leaders who show continued dedication to their community, profession and the university.
Tiarra Monae’ Reddick, a newly graduated Kent State fashion merchandising and marketing student, has been awarded the Golden Flash Award. She received a Bachelor of Science in fashion merchandising from Kent State in August 2021. The Golden Flash Award honors a Kent State student who promotes Kent State spirit, pride and tradition.
A special reception honoring the award recipients will be held at the Kent State University Hotel and Conference Center on Sept. 30.
For more information on each of this year’s recipients, visit www.kent.edu/alumniawards.
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Media Contact:
Melanie Secre, msecre1@kent.edu, 330-672-8057
Kent State University is proud to announce its 2020 Alumni Award recipients. Recipients are chosen based on their exceptional contributions in their chosen profession, in their communities and at Kent State. Sponsored by the alumni association, the Alumni Awards are the university’s most prestigious honors given to alumni.
“We were once again delighted with the overwhelming number of outstanding nominations we received for this year’s awards,” said Meg May, president of Kent State’s National Alumni Board of Directors. “These nominations remind us of the diversity and success of our graduates and shine a brilliant light on the impact they have in their professions, their communities and around the globe.”
The following six alumni and one student are being recognized in each of the six categories:
Annalisa Stubbs Williams, municipal court judge and resident of Akron, Ohio, has been awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award. Williams, who was part of Kent State’s Upward Bound Program, graduated from Kent State in 1977 with a Bachelor of Arts in political science. The Distinguished Alumni Award honors a Kent State graduate who has made outstanding contributions in their chosen profession, demonstrating extraordinary service to Kent State as well as their community, state and nation.
Nicholas E. Phillips, attorney and retired colonel with the U.S. Air Force/JAG and resident of North Royalton, Ohio, has been awarded the Distinguished Citizen Award. Phillips graduated from Kent State in 1970, earning a Bachelor of Arts in political science. The Distinguished Citizen Award honors a Kent State graduate who has accomplished extraordinary service to the public through a nonprofit organization or exceptional community service. This award recognizes individuals who have unselfishly and generously contributed their time and talents for the enrichment of others and the betterment of their community.
Timothy F. Feltes, M.D., former pediatric professor and senior vice chair at the Ohio State University and Nationwide Children’s Hospital, and resident of Columbus, Ohio, has been awarded the Professional Achievement Award. Feltes graduated from Kent State in 1977 with a Bachelor of Science in zoology/pre-med.
Terese Volk Tuohey, Ph.D., Associate Professor Emerita of Music Education at Wayne State University, and resident of Detroit, Michigan, has also been awarded the Professional Achievement Award. She graduated from Kent State in 1993 with a doctorate in music education. The Professional Achievement Award pays tribute to the superior achievements of alumni in their chosen profession. This award showcases a record of distinguished career achievements, complemented by a history of outstanding contributions.
Stephanie Sweany, assistant director of the Stark County Hunger Task Force and resident of Canton, Ohio, has been awarded the Kent State Advocacy Award. Sweany graduated from Kent State in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science in human development and family studies. The Kent State Advocacy Award honors Kent State graduates who have contributed significant time and talent to Kent State or the alumni association on a consistent basis, bringing favorable attention to the university.
Justin Rudy Gleason, director of operations of DS Architecture and a resident of Lakewood, Ohio, has been awarded the Outstanding New Professional Award. Gleason earned three degrees from Kent State: a Bachelor of Science in architecture in 2016, a Master of Architecture in 2018 and a Master of Business Administration in 2018. The Outstanding New Professional Award honors a recent Kent State graduate who shows outstanding achievement in their chosen profession and in their community. This award spotlights future leaders among Kent State alumni who show continued dedication to their community, profession and the university.
Kayla Marker, a current Kent State student with a double major in psychology and criminology with a concentration in criminology and deviance, and a minor in forensic anthropology, has been awarded the Golden Flash Award. Marker, whose hometown is Palmyra, New York, is on track to graduate in spring 2021. The Golden Flash Award honors a Kent State student who promotes Kent State spirit, pride and tradition.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, there will not be an in-person ceremony this year. However, all award recipients will be honored through special university communications and will be mailed their awards.
For more information on each of this year’s recipients, visit www.kent.edu/alumni/alumni-awards.
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Media Contacts:
Melanie Secre, msecre1@kent.edu, 330-672-5368
Emily Vincent, evincen2@kent.edu, 330-672-8595
Honors College
Lou Raffis, a 1981 graduate of Kent State University’s Honors College, was recently announced as the recipient
of the 2020 Distinguished Honors Alumni Award. He recalls his time at
Raffis adds that he learned at Kent State that “when you graduate from college, your work does not end, it is really just beginning,” by which he means that a college education conveys “the responsibility to give back to the community” to its recipient. “I firmly believe that we are blessed with the ability to better see the unfairness, the inequality, and we are more likely in positions in our community where we can address them,” he says. Raffis believes that, while it may be difficult, it is possible to find a balance between their personal life and service to the community that allows a person to have a well-rounded and fulfilling life, as many individuals whom he knows throughout Northeast Ohio have done. Raffis says that his education through the Honors College fueled his sense of curiosity and has given him “both the willingness and the capability to explore worlds outside of [his] comfort zone.” He is involved in a number of community efforts, including his condominium association, the Garfield Heights Coin Club as president, and Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America as the Cleveland events coordinator.
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PHOTO CAPTION 1:
Photo of Lou Raffis, 1981 Honors College graduate of Kent State and 2020 Distinguish Honors Alumni Award recipient.
Media Contact:
Stephanie Moskal, smoskal@kent.edu, (330) 672-2312
Elena Neoh, a human resource management major with a creative writing minor, has been announced as the recipient of the 2019 Golden Flash Award. According to the website for the Kent State Alumni Association, which sponsors the award, the Golden Flash Award recognizes a student who “promotes Kent State University spirit, pride, and tradition,” is involved in campus activities, and who serves as a positive role model for other students. Elena, a member of the Honors College, embodies such a student: she is an editor for Brainchild, a managing editor for UHURU, and a content writer for the division of Information Technology.
Elena says that her favorite aspects of the Kent State community are the people and the culture. She enjoys learning about people’s “idiosyncrasies” and seeing how even people within the same culture can be very different from one another. Elena, who is originally from Malaysia, has studied abroad twice throughout her undergraduate career at Kent State, first through the Honors College’s Freshmen in Florence program and again, during the Spring 2019 semester, when she studied in Sydney, Australia at the University of Technology. Elena says that some of the most important knowledge she has gained from studying abroad is how to adapt to different situations, in addition to learning about different cultures. She recalls a principle that she first heard during one of her study abroad programs and that she has remembered since: “nothing’s wrong, nothing’s right, it’s just different.” When asked about advice she would give to students who plan to study abroad, Elena says, “I think being open-minded is one of the most important parts.”
For students who want to get more involved with organizations at Kent State but may not be sure how, Elena suggests that students look through the list of student organizations and find one that fits what they’re most passionate about. Once you find an organization that you like and start making connections, Elena says, “you’ll find your way eventually.” If students are too shy to go to a meeting on their own, she recommends asking a friend to go as well or talking to an advisor who can suggest ways to get involved.
When asked if there was anyone she would like to thank related to receiving the award, Elena responded, “Too many,” with a laugh. “If my dad is reading this, I am thanking my dad,” she says. She also credits her friends as being a “very great and supportive group” for her, as she still gets nervous when she tries new things that are out of her comfort zone. She also thanks faculty members who have guided her throughout her career, especially through application processes.
One of the most advantageous aspects of being an honors student for Elena was being able to participate in the Freshmen in Florence program, which she says was such a great place from which to start, as it was from “where you embark on your journey as a college student altogether” for the students involved. She says that experience shaped much of her perspective and her friendships as well. Another advantage of studying abroad was that she could receive honors credit for it, which she says is something that interested students should definitely look into. Following her experiences abroad, Elena was happy to know that she had a place and people to which she could return. Of Kent State, she says, “it’s just a great community.”
Kent Campus
The Kent State University Alumni Association is seeking nominations for the Alumni Awards. These awards recognize graduates who, through leadership, character and hard work, have made exceptional contributions in their chosen field, in their communities and at Kent State.
“The alumni association is proud to recognize notable, accomplished graduates,” said Lori Randorf, assistant vice president of alumni relations at Kent State. “These awards shine a light on graduates who have attained distinguished career success and have performed outstanding service to their community, Kent State University or both.”
Five alumni awards will be granted along with one student award. Individuals can choose to nominate themselves or others.
“We encourage everyone to nominate Golden Flashes they feel are deserving of recognition,” Ms. Randorf said. “We are looking for alumni whose achievements represent Kent State’s spirit, character and tradition of excellence.”
Nominations will be accepted until Dec. 31. Award recipients will be notified the following spring and recognized at the Alumni Awards Ceremony held in the fall of 2018.
For award criteria or to submit a nomination, visit www.ksualumni.org/alumniawards.
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Media Contacts:
Laura De’Armond-Szucs, ldearmo@kent.edu, 330-672-5368
Emily Vincent, evincen2@kent.edu, 330-672-8595
School of Communication Studies
2017 Honorees
Centennial Award
Carol Wilder, Ph.D., '74 - Wilder is a writer, teacher and filmmaker based in New York City and Long Island. She is professor of Media Studies at The New School, where from 1995-2007 she was Associate Dean and Chair of Media Studies and Film. In 2007-2008 Wilder was a Fulbright Senior Scholar at Hanoi University, where she built a Media Lab and lectured throughout Vietnam on media education for the 21st century. In 2011 she returned to Hanoi as a Fulbright Senior Specialist, her ninth visit to Vietnam, and in 2013 published Crossing the Street in Hanoi: Teaching and Learning About Vietnam (Intellect/University of Chicago Press).
Wilder has written many articles and book chapters on media theory and criticism, politics and the media, and the Vietnam/American war. Her 16mm film Puttin' on the Dog screened at venues including the National Arts Club, Woods Hole Film Festival, and the International Dog Film Festival in New York and Los Angeles. Along with the late John Weakland, she received the National Communication Association Golden Anniversary Book Award for Rigor & Imagination: Essays from the Legacy of Gregory Bateson (Praeger 1982).
She has taught at Kent State University, Oberlin College and Emerson College. From 1975-1995 she was on the Communication Studies faculty at San Francisco State University, where she is professor emerita. Wilder received a Bachelor of Science in English, a Master of Arts in speech and theatre from Miami University and a Ph.D. in rhetoric and communication from Kent State.
Distinguished Alumni Award
Scott A. Myers, Ph.D., '95 - Scott A. Myers, Ph.D., ’95, is a professor and Peggy Rardin McConnell Endowed Chair of Communication Studies in the Department of Communication Studies and a faculty associate in the Center for Women’s and Gender Studies at West Virginia University (WVU). Previously, Myers has taught at Creighton University, McNeese State University, Kent State University, Buena Vista University and Illinois State University.
As an instructional communication researcher, Myers’s research focuses primarily on the role communication plays in the instructor-student relationship, both in and out of the classroom, using experimental, survey and content analytic research methods. His current research projects focus on identifying the specific communication behaviors that contribute to teaching effectiveness from both the student and the instructor perspectives.
Myers also is a family communication researcher, with a focus on how adult siblings maintain their relationships. He currently is working on a series of projects exploring how shared family identify affects the sibling relational maintenance process.
At WVU, Myers was recognized by the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences as a Woodburn Professor from 2005-2007 and as an Outstanding Teacher in 2010. He is a past president of the Central States Communication Association, where he also served as the executive director from 2004-2006, and is a past editor of Communication Teacher. He is the director of the Educational Policies board of the National Communication Association.
Myers earned his Ph.D. in communication studies from Kent State University. He holds a Master of Arts in educational leadership studies from West Virginia University, a Master of Arts in communication from Illinois State University, and Bachelor of Arts’ degrees in both English and public relations from Illinois State University.
Outstanding Young Professional Award
JaRel Clay, '11 - Clay is the digital content manager at the Center for a New American Security (CNAS) in Washington, D.C. Joining CNAS in August 2013, Clay develops and implements CNAS’ digital communication strategy, manages the Center’s email marketing efforts, designs graphics for online promotion, and produces CNAS’ podcasts and expert video interviews. He has also supported the Center’s media relations efforts, securing placements in The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Foreign Policy, Reuters, Mashable, Bloomberg, Defense News, C-SPAN, CNN, MSNBC and NPR.
Prior to joining CNAS, Clay served for the public affairs practice at Edelman, the world’s largest independent public relations agency. He supported public affairs initiatives for Edelman’s energy, automotive and natural resources clients. Clay worked to build strategic partnerships and strengthen his clients’ traditional and online media presence. His op-ed placements often focused on national security and energy policy issues, appearing in The Washington Post, Washington Times, and regional outlets.
Clay holds a master’s degree in public relations and corporate communications from Georgetown University and a bachelor’s degree in communication studies from Kent State University.
Arianne Gasser, '11 - Gasser is a research associate at executive search firm O’Neill Consulting of Philadelphia, Penn. At O’Neill, Gasser supports the recruiting of strategic executive hires by crafting position specifications, formulating source and target lists, and developing a highly qualified slate of candidates to exceed the needs of our clients’ search engagements.
Prior to her current position, Gasser was director of research at N2Growth, a global leadership consultancy where she helped organizations be more purposeful and effective with internal communication.
While a research associate for CRA Inc., an internal communication consulting firm, Gasser supported client projects that involved change communication, employee engagement and corporate culture for their Fortune 100 clients.
While completing her master’s degree in strategic communication at Villanova University, she worked as a graduate assistant for the Center for Multicultural Affairs and the Communication Department. She conducted primary and secondary research on institutional diversity and intergroup relations and helped evaluate Villanova’s Strategic Plan for Diversity.
Gasser is an adjunct professor at Villanova University, teaching Business and Professional Communication; Interviewing; and Negotiation and Dialogue. She also gives workshops and speeches to students on the importance of professional development.
Past Award Recipients
Centennial Award
- 2010: Alan and Rebecca Rubin
- 2011: Richard O. Warther, '79
- 2012: Dominic A. Infante, M.A. '69, Ph.D. '71
- 2013: Gerry Sargent, M.A. '72
- 2014: Kim S. Phipps, Ph.D. '85
- 2015: Jerry D. Feezel
- 2016: Elizabeth M. Perse, Ph.D., '87
Distinguished Alumni Award
- 2010: Elizabeth Graham, Ph.D. '87
- 2011: Andrew Rancer, '79
- 2012: Deborah Easton-Bentley, '80, M.A. '83
- 2013: Carole Barbato, '71, M.A. '75, Ph.D. '94
- 2014: Louise Gissendaner, '81
- 2015: Robin Clair, Ph.D. '90
- 2016: Michael R. Lisman, '76
Young Professional Award
- 2010: Vin Karnik, '02
- 2011: not awarded
- 2012: Adam Earnheardt, Ph.D. '07
- 2013: Erin Clemons, '08
- 2014: Katie Ramunni, '08
- 2015: Anthony Limperos, '04, M.A. '06
- 2016: Megan E. Vogias, '06
School of Communication Studies
Each year, the School of Communication Studies recognizes outstanding individuals who contribute to the field of communication and demonstrate success in their chosen career fields. The Alumni Awards & Reception originated with the university's centennial in 2010. Through a nomination process, individuals are selected for the following award categories:
Centennial Award
The highest honor given by the School of Communication Studies, this award honors an individual associated with the school who is nationally or internationally recognized for contributions to his or her profession that relate to the field of communication.
Distinguished Alumni Award
This award honors a graduate from the School of Communication Studies with more than 15 years of professional experience who has made significant contributions to the field of communication and demonstrated success in his or her chosen career.
Outstanding Young Professional Award
This award honors a graduate from the School of Communication Studies with five to 15 years of professional experience who has demonstrated success in his or her chosen career.
Learn more about current and past award recipients.
Nominations are now being accepted for next year's Alumni Awards & Reception and are due by Dec. 31.