Profiles

Flash Focus: Renee Ellis
Meet Renee Ellis, a second-year double major in fashion design and fashion merchandising and member of the Honors College from Chicago, Illinois, who said her family influence has inspired her to look at fashion through a deeper lens.

‘Learning They Won’t Forget’
For Kelsen LaBerge, Ph.D., teaching at 91²Ö¿â is about more than equations. Since joining in 2018, she has dedicated herself to preparing future engineers with not only technical skills but also the resilience to face real-world challenges. The accomplishments and commitment of LaBerge, professor of engineering, have earned her the Outstanding Teaching Award.

Flash Focus: Maura Dougherty
Meet Maura Dougherty, a senior theatre studies major with a focus on performance from Pittsburgh. From acting in elementary and high school productions to working at a theatre for young audiences for five years, Dougherty has consistently pursued her passion for the performing arts.

91²Ö¿â Museum to Feature Exhibition of World-Renowned Alumna Artist
The work of a well-known Cleveland textile artist who earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from 91²Ö¿â will be on display at the 91²Ö¿â Museum beginning Jan. 24.

Student Success ‘My Greatest Joy’
Empathy, kindness and critical thinking are cornerstones of courses taught by Shannon Cielsa, Ph.D., who strives to foster a strong sense of community in her courses. Students have noticed and appreciated it, nominating her for the Outstanding Teaching Award.

The Economics of Keeping Students Engaged
Eric Johnson, Ph.D., associate professor of economics in the Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship, says the most rewarding part of the job is knowing that he has impacted his students in some way. And now they've honored this impact with the Distinguished Teaching Award.

Flash Focus: Jess Edmisten
Meet Jess Edmisten, a junior communication studies major with a minor in public relations from Medina, Ohio. When it came to deciding what to study, she felt it was a clear choice as the communication program offered immense flexibility. Just what she needed with her busy life.

First-Year Student Finds Her Path Through 91²Ö¿â’s Exploratory Program
When Alex Newnes arrived at 91²Ö¿â this fall, she wasn't sure what career path she wanted to pursue. But unlike many undecided students, Newnes saw this uncertainty not as a drawback, but as an opportunity – one that led her specifically to 91²Ö¿â's Exploratory program.

Presidential Hero Turns 100!
It’s not every day that someone gets to celebrate the 100th birthday of their hero, but for 91²Ö¿â graduate student Mason St. Clair it happened. On Oct. 1, he was in Plains, Georgia, attending the 100th birthday bash of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, and shared details of his experience with 91²Ö¿â Today. Carter, a Democrat who served one term from 1977-1981, is the only American president to live to age 100.

‘You May Never Know the Impact That You have’
“Teaching is one of those fields where you may never know the impact that you have,†said Lisa Borgerding, Ph.D., professor in the School of Teaching, Learning and Curriculum Studies at 91²Ö¿â. The lasting impact she has had on her students in preparing them for success in the workforce through hands-on learning experiences has resulted in her being recognized and honored with the Distinguished Teaching Award.