Latest news with #OhioStateMarion
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Ohio State Marion professor's innovative teaching earns top honor
Dr. Nikole Patson, a psychology professor at Ohio State University at Marion, has been awarded the 2025 Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching. The award, established in the 1959-60 academic year, is one of the university's most prestigious teaching honors, according to an announcement. University senior leadership surprised Patson with the news during her 11 a.m. class March 31. "I think if you've read my materials, you know how much my students matter to me," Patson said. "Being honored in this way means a great deal.' Jennifer Schlueter, dean and director of Ohio State Marion, said the award is a profound honor for both Patson and the entire psychology department. 'This award reflects the extraordinary dedication she brings to her students, her innovative teaching methods, and her leadership in fostering curiosity and creativity in the classroom,' Schlueter said in the announcement. 'It also reaffirms our campus's strong commitment to academic excellence, student-centered learning, and the kind of faculty engagement that transforms lives. We are thrilled to see her work celebrated at the university level." Patson's teaching style is characterized by her innovative approach to classroom instruction, according to Tracy Tylka, a professor of psychology at Ohio State Marion. 'She is committed to training students to think like scientists, understanding that while many may not pursue research careers, they must be equipped to critically assess scientific information in their daily lives,' Tylka said. Patson's assignments often mirror real-world applications, encouraging students to compare popular press articles with journal articles to evaluate scientific claims. Patson also is involved in various activities beyond teaching, including advising, career counseling and mentoring undergraduate student researchers. She coordinates the student survey research pool in Marion and serves as the principal investigator for Ohio State's Research Experiences for Undergraduates Grant from the National Science Foundation, according to an announcement. In the Marion community, Patson is a board member for Let's Read 20, a literacy initiative that encourages parents to read to or with their children for at least 20 minutes daily. The Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching includes a $5,000 honorarium and a $1,200 increase to the recipient's base salary. Winners are inducted into Ohio State's Academy of Teaching. Annually, a maximum of 10 faculty members are selected for the award in recognition of teaching excellence. Full-time Ohio State faculty members on all campuses with the rank of instructor through full professor in the clinical or tenure track who, in the past three years, have taught undergraduate and/or graduate/professional students are eligible for this award, according to an announcement. This story was created by Jane Imbody, jimbody@ with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at or share your thoughts at with our News Automation and AI team. This article originally appeared on Marion Star: Dr. Nikole Patson receives Ohio State's distinguished teaching award
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Ohio State Marion's collaboration with local club wins excellence award
Ohio State Marion Associate Professor of History Margaret Sumner and the Marion Women's Club & Home have been recognized for their efforts with a 2025 Programs of Excellence in Engaged Scholarship award from The Ohio State University Office of Outreach and Engagement in Academic Affairs. The certification process aims to identify and certify projects annually that demonstrate excellence in community-engaged scholarship, according to an announcement. "Our partnership with Margaret and Ohio State Marion students is a win-win for everyone," said Valerie Wigton, president of the Marion Women's Club & Home. "It's empowering for students as it provides an opportunity to discover real-life experiences of local club women who literally helped 'build' our community." Sumner has taught a course on the history of American women's civic activism for several years in partnership with the club, according to John Maharry, acting dean and director of Ohio State Marion. Each spring, students explore the club's extensive records and discover stories about the many ways members have supported Marion since 1895. 'In fact, Margaret has been instrumental in developing the carriage house behind the home into a Women's History Resource Center that will have its grand opening this fall,' Maharry said. 'Just last week, the club raised $13,700 specifically for furnishings in the new Women's History Resource Center, which will house the Club's archives, believed to be one of the most comprehensive sets of historical records of any women's club in the United States.' The collaboration between Ohio State Marion and the Marion Women's Club & Home has been ongoing for several years, with students gaining valuable insights into the influence of local women on various aspects of society, from healthcare and social welfare to education and literacy. 'We believe it will empower and inspire them as future leaders,' Wigton said. Ohio State Marion graduate Keily Cunningham, who went on to obtain her master's degree in library and information science, now serves as the club's part-time archivist. "We are honored to have been chosen as a Program of Excellence by Ohio State," Wigton said. "We have been working hard over the last 10 years to rebuild our club, and Professor Sumner, now on our board of directors, has been a huge part of that effort. Collaborating with community partners is a win-win for everyone involved." This story was created by Jane Imbody, jimbody@ with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at or share your thoughts at with our News Automation and AI team. This article originally appeared on Marion Star: Ohio State Marion, Women's Club earn excellence award
