Mothers, Mentors and Muses

Mothers, Mentors and Muses is the Women’s Center's signature event that recognizes Kent State University faculty or staff who have made a significant difference in the life of a student or colleague. More than 450 individuals across the university have received this honor. 

This award is intended to honor faculty or staff of Kent State (with five or more years of service) who have served in any of three roles:

• Mother – one who has helped “birth” ideas, thoughts and academic endeavors in others, or who serves as a nurturing individual to others.
• Mentor – one who serves as a trusted counselor, colleague and/or role model.
• Muse – one who inspires creativity and artistic/academic passion in others

Mothers, Mentors and Muses Class of 2020

Jamie Aiken, Housing Clerk, Residence Services
Jennifer Arnold, Executive Director, Advancement Events
Karen Baker, Special Assistant, College of Public Health
Melissa Bauer, Online Learning Librarian and Associate Professor, University Libraries, Stark Campus
Cherie Brokar, Director, Library, Tuscarawas Campus
Courtney Brown, Associate Professor, School of Theatre and Dance
Tammy Christopher, Administrative Assistant, Foundation, Leadership and Administration
Dr. Valerie Cubon-Bell, Associate Professor, Chemistry
Louise Ditchey, Academic Program Director, Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship
Joanne Fenn, Associate Professor, The Kent State University Museum
Rae Ann Franks, Senior Secretary, Stark Campus
Nzinga Hart, Academic Program Coordinator, College of Communication and Information
Jennifer Hebebrand, Project Director, Academic Affairs, Provost's Office
Natalie Jean Huya, Associate Lecturer, Theatre and Program Director, Ashtabula Rising Scholars, Theatre, Ashtabula Campus
Tracee Jackson, Assistant to an Executive Officer, Provost's Office
Ann James, Lecturer, College of Nursing
Jennifer Johnstone, Assistant Professor, Ethnomusicology
Nicole Kotlan, Director, Exploratory Advising Center
Pamela LaFleur, Assistant Director, Student Financial Aid Office
Lori Lee, Senior Special Assistant, Ashtabula Campus
AJ Leu, CCI Diversity and Career Development Director, College of Communication and Information
Jian Li, Associate Professor, School of Foundations, Leadership and Administration
Dawn Lipscomb, Administrative Clerk, Admissions Office
Ashley Lyons, Doctoral Candidate - Early Intervention
Erika Marino, Matching Gift and Pledge Coordinator, Kent State University Foundation
Marianne Martens, Associate Professor, School of Information
Kim Ólafsson , Administrative Clerk, Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship
Erica Pelz, Facilities Mechanical Systems Specialist for Laboratories, University Facilities Management
Beverly Petersen-Fitts, Faculty, School of Theatre and Dance
Kel Reed, Career Advisor, CBA - Career Services Office
Megan Rodgers, Lab Assistant/Biology, East Liverpool Campus
Kelly Schobinger, Special Assistant, School of Communication Studies
Almut Schoeder, Associate Professor, Physics Department
Irene Skleres, Senior Advisor I, Ashtabula Campus
Jeanne Ruscoe Smith, Writing Commons Director, English
Gyongyike (Gingy) Stypa, Administrative Assistant to the Dean, College of Nursing
Rebecca Urycki, Senior Secretary, College of Arts and Sciences
Emily Vincent, Director, University Media Relations
Denise L. Walden, Emergency Services Dispatcher, Police Department
Cathy Walsh, Manager, Compliance & Communication, Office of Continuing and Distance Education
Jasmina D. Waters, Program Director, Upward Bound Classic Academy
Dr. Nicole L. Willey, Professor of English, Mentor Program Coordinator, Kent State Tuscarawas
Misty Williamson, Director, Advancement Operations, SAVP
Sue Yoder, Assistant Professor, School of Fashion Design and Merchandising

Information/Questions

If you have any questions or need more information please contact the Women's Center at (330) 672-9230 or wc@kent.edu.