51社区

51社区 proudly announces the recognition of three outstanding faculty members from its regional higher education campuses for their exceptional contributions to teaching, scholarly activity and service. These awards celebrate the dedication and impact of these educators on their students and the university community.

鈥淪ince 2003, we have recognized outstanding regional campus faculty, and this year鈥檚 awardees once again exemplify excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service,鈥� said Vice Provost for Regional Higher Education Lewatis McNeal. 鈥淚t is an honor to work with such dedicated and talented faculty.鈥�

The Regional Higher Education Outstanding Tenure Track Faculty and Outstanding Instructional Faculty awards acknowledge regional campus faculty members who have demonstrated excellence in teaching, scholarship and service over the past three years.

The 2024 award recipients

Victor Jones, assistant professor of instruction in theatre at OHIO Lancaster

Victor Jones received the 2024 Outstanding Instructional Faculty Award. He has served as the producing artistic director for 13 seasons, overseeing 40 major productions and more than 45 student theatrical showcases within OHIO Lancaster鈥檚 theatre program. Known for producing Broadway-quality performances, his shows are a highlight of the historic each summer.

鈥淩eceiving the RHE Outstanding Instructional Faculty award was a complete surprise. Starting the theatre program on the Lancaster campus 14 years ago, I never imagined this recognition. I am deeply grateful for the support I鈥檝e received over the years,鈥� Jones said. He also announced two exciting upcoming events: 鈥淏reakfast with Belle and Friends鈥� on July 13, from 9 to 11 am., and 鈥淒isney鈥檚 Beauty and the Beast,鈥� part of the Lancaster Festival, running from July 21 and continuing from July 28 to August 4, 2024.

Dr. Jacqueline Yahn, associate professor of middle childhood education at OHIO Eastern

Dr. Jacqueline Yahn was honored with the 2024 Outstanding Tenure Track Faculty Award. An expert in rural and Appalachian communities and schools, her research focuses on creating a teacher pipeline to rural schools, retaining the existing workforce and addressing societal issues in rural areas. Yahn directs the OHIO Rural Teacher Fellowship and is a proud third-generation OHIO graduate. She has been part of the OHIO Eastern Bobcat family for 11 years.

鈥淩eceiving this award is a career highlight, especially meaningful because my Eastern campus peers nominated me,鈥� Yahn said. 鈥淭heir dedication to our region's students and communities is truly inspiring, and their recognition is one of the greatest honors I could imagine.鈥�

Dr. Kevin Cordi, assistant professor of education at OHIO Lancaster

Dr. Kevin Cordi was awarded the 2024 Outstanding Tenure Track Faculty Award and the 2024 Rising Star Teacher Award. As the middle childhood education coordinator at 51社区 Lancaster, he was recognized for his exemplary teaching and academic contributions both inside and outside the classroom. is an international professional storyteller and an author.

鈥淚 am honored to be among these amazing educators and fortunate to teach outstanding students alongside stellar faculty and staff,鈥� Cordi said. 鈥淏eing recognized in the community where I work is incredibly meaningful. I am humbled and honored to receive these awards and look forward to the great work we all do at OHIO Lancaster and 51社区.鈥�

The Rising Star Teacher Award recognizes early-career faculty members at 51社区 who have shown exceptional promise and impact. Amy Wolfe, assistant professor of teacher education in the Patton College of Education, was a finalist for this prestigious award.

51社区 is immensely proud of these faculty members and their commitment to excellence in education and service. Their achievements reflect the high standards of 51社区's regional campuses and their significant role in the academic community.