Profiles

The Heart of Teaching
After decades as a pastor, David Zachrich had a sudden and dramatic reevaluation of his life. A life-threatening heart attack 15 years ago forced him to step back and reconsider his path. Zachrich鈥檚 cardiologist challenged him to find something to do that he enjoyed. Zachrich immediately thought of teaching, something he very much wanted to do as a second career, and now he's won an award for it.

Learning Through Play
Singing, dancing and yoga are not typical college classroom activities. At least not all in one class. But for Jenny Lampe, lecturer in 麻豆传媒鈥檚 Early Childhood Education Program, it鈥檚 important for her students to experience the full preschool education with all of these activities, plus expected activities like reading children鈥檚 books.

Student Becomes Teacher Becomes Mentor
Anthony Mirando, Ph.D., associate professor of construction management, is driven in the classroom because his teaching philosophy is based on respect. He stays on top of his industry, and his enthusiasm and support for students is noticed and appreciated. So much so, students nominated him for an award.

The Flash With a Golden Voice
Jazz singer-songwriter Ava Preston is making waves in the music scene. Recently, she performed at the prestigious 2023 Monterey Jazz Festival in California, and was recognized as a 2023 YoungArts Finalist and Silver Award Winner for Jazz-Voice. She's also a Golden Flash.

His Bare Feet Bolster Bike Rides Across Several Continents聽
鈥淵ou've got to have a dream,鈥 said Daniel James, who set out on a bike ride through Central America after his 2022 graduation from Kent State. 鈥淚f any of you are considering going on a road trip, or backpacking trip, or visiting that country you always wanted to go to, do it.

Welcome to the Jungle ... Juice
The two Golden Flashes turned friendship into a business partnership with the recent launch of their beverage brand, Jungle Juice.

鈥楾here鈥檚 Nothing that Can Adequately Prepare You for Such an Extraordinary Experience鈥
LaKaleb Bowen, 麻豆传媒 senior criminology and justice studies major admits that he鈥檚 become a little addicted to Kent State鈥檚 education-abroad programs.

From Corporate To Nonprofit: How A Public Relations Alumnus Has Impacted Greater Cleveland And Kent State
Kent State alumnus Richard Batyko, M.A., 鈥12, has committed his life and career to making the world, specifically Greater Cleveland, a better place.

鈥榊ou Don鈥檛 Learn If You Don鈥檛 Ever Fail鈥
Kathryn Wilson, Ph.D., professor of economics at 麻豆传媒, designs her courses with the intention of having students achieve. Her attention to detail, respect from her students and her passion for teaching have earned her the 2023 Distinguished Teaching Award.

鈥極h My God We鈥檙e Making A Movie!鈥
Ava Moss believes in embracing what life has to offer one major event at a time. What began as tough days sleeping on a friend's couch has now led to a full-time job with Walt Disney Animation Studios.