Office of the Provost

Linda Beall

Linda Beall
Senior Lecturer, Department of Engineering Technology
College of Engineering

• Established a record as an outstanding, dedicated educator and mentor.
• Holds a B.A. in Liberal Arts from Sarah Lawrence College, Master of Fine Arts from the Pratt Institute, and Master of Architecture from Southern California Institute of Architecture.
• Joined The University of Toledo as an instructor in 2000, followed by positions as a Visiting Assistant Professor (2007-2008), a Lecturer (2008-2011), an Associate Lecturer (2011-2017), and promoted to Senior Lecturer in 2017.
• Serves as Board Member for the Toledo Design Center and Engaged Studio Member of the Toledo Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, and as designer for 13 local and regional projects since 2002 and as a consultant, expert witness, and designer for local and national architectural firms.
• Serves as Interim Chair of Department of Engineering Technology (2016-2019).
• Served as professional mentor for teams from local high schools and institutes and as an invited juror for Bowling Green University's architectural design studio for 15 years.
• Received consistently positive student teaching evaluations that demonstrate success in translating her extensive professional experience to the classroom; including learning groups, laboratory-intensive training, and team-building, as well as reports on the impact of her teaching on students' lives.
• Developed new, unique courses; facilitated student success; and provided continuing education service to returning students and to the community.
• Engaged in professional development opportunities and presented at local and regional venues.
• Beall was appointed a Distinguished University Lecturer in 2019.

dr. jill Bornak

Dr. Jillian Bornak
Associate Lecturer, Department of Physics & Astronomy
College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics

• Established record as an outstanding and dedicated educator 
• Holds a B.A. in Physics from Syracuse University, and both an M.S. and Ph.D. in Astronomy from New Mexico State University
• Joined The University of Toledo as an Associate Lecturer in 2013
• Received The University of Toledo Shining Star Award in February 2015 for dedication and commitment to improve the student experience
• Awarded The University of Toledo Outstanding Teaching Award in 2017
• Consistently uses innovative and experiential teaching strategies to engage students
• Published peer review articles and presented work at numerous venues
• Served on organizing committee for UToledo’s hosting of the 2018 American Physical Science – Ohio Section Conference for Undergraduate Women in Physics (CUWiP)
• Receives consistently high teaching evaluations in all her courses, including the large lectures.  One student remarked: “Speechless. She is an amazing instructor. I highly advise and recommend making this class mandatory, for it is that great with how she teaches it. A very great teacher who makes the course understandable.” Another student wrote, “I love the professor; she motivates students to stay in track and uses lots of methods to help us learn.”
• Bornak was appointed a Distinguished University Lecturer in 2022.

 Dr. Todd Crail

Dr. Todd Crail

Associate Lecturer, Department of Environmental Sciences 
College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics

• Established record as an outstanding and dedicated educator
• Holds a B.A. in Biology from Bluffton University, a M.S. in Biology, and a Ph.D. in Biology from The University of Toledo
• Joined The University of Toledo as an Instructor in 2012, followed by the positions of Lecturer (2012-2015), and Associate Lecturer (2015-present)
• Previously was awarded the Edith Rathbun Service Award and UToledo Teaching Award
• Consistently uses innovative and experiential teaching strategies to engage students
• Has published numerous peer reviewed scholarly articles
• Presented work at local, state, and national venues
• Provides learning opportunities for students in the UToledo Honors program, in the greenhouse, rain and native gardens at UToledo, and in community gardens around the city, Toledo Metroparks and nature preserves in the region
• Receives consistently high teaching evaluations in all his courses, even the large lectures. One student remarked, "I learned more in this course than I have in all of the other courses I have taken at UToledo combined. Todd found a way to teach us all the actual material we needed to know while teaching us life lessons and how to be better people, while finding ways to take better care of our environment. The knowledge I have gained from this course will stay with me through the rest of my life. I really can't say enough good things about this course"

Katharine Fisher

Katharine Fisher
Senior Lecturer, Department of Mathematics and Statistics College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics 

• Established record as an outstanding and dedicated educator. 
• Holds a B.S. in Mathematics from Queen's University in Ontario, Canada and an M.S in Mathematics from the University of Calgary in Alberta, Canada.
• Joined The University of Toledo as an Instructor in 2004, followed by the positions of Lecturer (2005-2008), Associate Lecturer (2008-2014), and Senior Lecturer (2014-present).
• Received the College of Natural Science and Mathematics Excellence in Teaching Award in 2016.
• Co-authored the textbook Interactive Applied Calculus (January 2020).
• Engaged in professional development opportunities and presented at local, state and national venues.
• Served as a course coordinator for several courses in her discipline.
• Served as a mentor and supervisor for teaching assistants.
• Used innovative ways for teaching synchronous online live streamed classes.
• Served as one of the program coordinators for Summer Math Camp.
• Received consistently positive student teaching evaluations that demonstrate student success and excellence in teaching.  One student commented on her teaching:   “Loved her!!  She was my most favorite teacher by far.”  Another student commented: “Amazing professor, she made hard topics easy to understand.”

 Jacalyn Flom

Jacalyn Flom
Senior Lecturer, Department of Management
John B. and Lillian E. Neff College of Business and Innovation

• Passionate and experienced teacher in the field of business
• Holds a B.B.A. and a M.B.A. from The University of Toledo
• Joined The University of Toledo in 2001 as a Visiting Instructor, promoted to Associate Lecturer in 2009 and Senior Lecturer in 2013
• Strong record of teaching and student-centeredness. From her teaching philosophy she notes, “I believe that each student can achieve, and I work to develop an environment for success and social belongingness. I do not ask if there are any questions. Instead, I ask if I can explain something again from a different perspective.”
• Served as professional reviewer in her discipline
• Awarded Outstanding Visiting Instructor Award in 2003 and 2008
• Recipient of “Student Shout Outs” in 2020 and 2021 for teaching excellence
• Actively involved in service at the department, college, and university levels
• Authored several peer reviewed articles
• Several of her students commented on her teaching: “I think that the instructor did an excellent job this semester in having patience with students and conducting herself professionally. It was very important to me that I felt important to her and I did.” Another student said, “She explained things very thoroughly and made sure to over explain the most difficult parts. She took the time to make sure we understood things. Great professor. She makes this class fun and informative.”
• Flom was appointed a Distinguished University Lecturer in 2022.

Joseph Hara, Th.D.
Department of World Languages and Cultures 
College of Arts and Letters

Dr. Joseph Hara has taught at The University of Toledo since 1987, first as a Japanese instructor and then as a lecturer. He is currently a Senior Lecturer in the Japanese Program in the Department of World Languages and Cultures in the College of Arts and Letters, as well as Director of the Japanese Program. Singlehandedly, Dr. Hara developed a minor degree program in Japanese, now the second highest enrolled Japanese program in the state of Ohio, following The Ohio State University. One of his nominators notes that the "quality of students in the Japanese program is met with quality, proven again recently when two UT students placed 1st and 2nd in the state speech contest."Dr. Hara is legendary in the College of Arts and Letters for teaching far more classes each semester than he is contracted to do and offering a significant number of independent studies to ensure that his students complete their course work and their minor degree programs, as well as teaching, advising, and mentoring students in the Asian Studies Program. He is also well known for taking students to Japan each summer for study abroad cultural and language immersion, as well as developing exchange programs with Japanese universities, including Aichi University. His teaching philosophy attests to his commitment: "The Japanese word 'Education'—is the base of my teaching philosophy. This particular word is comprised of two characters: passing knowledge to others and helping them to grow." Dr. Hara received the University Outstanding Teaching Award in 2002. He also serves as liaison for the Japanese Consulate in Detroit and as the President of the Japanese-American Association, and he has received thirteen annual grants from the Japanese government to support the Japanese School of Toledo, which he founded. Hara was appointed a Distinguished University Lecturer in 2017.

Teresa Keefe

Teresa Keefe
Department of Information, Operations and Technology Management
College of Business and Innovation

Teresa Keefe is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Information Operations and Technology Management in the College of Business and Innovation. Ms Keefe has been teaching at U.T. since 2004, continuously developing new and innovative courses, incorporating new technologies, and providing active learning experiences for her students, including flipped classes and service learning, all contributing to student retention and graduation rates. One of her nominators also comments on the work she has done in building and updating undergraduate programs in information systems, including adding two minors. She is also faculty adviser to the Association for Information Technology Professionals and tirelessly mentors students, including those preparing for internships and for the Ball State Information Systems Case Competition, where they have received at least one prize every year.  In addition to her enviable teaching evaluations, the many nominators, recommenders, and endorsers for this award give her high praise and, and former students, now U.T. graduates working professionally, explain the impact she has had on their lives. Keefe has served on many departmental, college, and university committees and panels, including accreditation, diversity, and faculty development, as well as working in the community, for example, serving on the Board of Directors of the Community Credit Counseling Services and as an unpaid consultant to Owens-Illinois, working with their IT training and development manager and project management office in a variety of roles, including team member for a number of Lean Six Sigma Greenbelt Projects. Keefe was appointed a Distinguished University Lecturer in 2017.

Dr. Jeanne M. Kusina

Dr. Jeanne M. Kusina
Associate Lecturer, Department of Women’s and Gender Studies
College of Arts and Letters 

• Specialization in Ethics, Gender and Personal Identity.                                   
• Holds a B.S. (double major) in Business Administration and Human Resource Management from Lourdes College (1993), an M.B.A. in Management from Tiffin University (1995), an M.A. in Philosophy from The University of Toledo (2004), and a Ph.D. in Applied Philosophy from Bowling Green State University (2014).
• Joined The University of Toledo as an Instructor (2009-2011), Visiting Instructor (2011-2014), Visiting Assistant Professor (2014-2015), Assistant Lecturer (2015-2018) and is currently an Associate Lecturer (2018-present).
• Actively engaged in scholarship with numerous peer-reviewed and invited publications.
• Engaged in professional development opportunities and has presented at local, state and national venues.
• Recognized as a UToledo Diversity Champion (2014).
• Recipient of the Innovations in Teaching Award: Exploring Writing Across the Curriculum (competitive, University-wide).  Internal grant awarded to investigate the impact of Writing-Intensive WAC courses (2018).
• Actively involved in the advisement and mentoring of graduate students.
• Strong record of teaching and student-centeredness.  Several of Dr. Kusina’s students commented on her teaching:  “Great class and instruction. Learned lots and will definitely look at the world differently after this.” Another student commented: “My love for this class was solely due to Dr. Kusina and her passion for not only the topic but for the passion and care she held for her students.” 

Dr. Susanne Nonekowski

Dr. Susanne Nonekowski
College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Department of Medicinal and Biological Chemistry

Dr. Nonekowski has held a variety of teaching positions at the University of Toledo since 2001 and is currently an Associate Lecturer in the Department of Medicinal and Biological Chemistry in the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, teaching courses in four different degree programs. As one of her nominators notes, Dr. Nonekowski is "often the earliest adopter of active learning methods such as 'clickers' and Blackboard chat rooms," adding that she "has embraced assessment," winning an Assessment Award in the College in 2014 and mentoring other faculty who are incorporating assessment in their courses. She also received an Innovations in Teaching Award in 2015 to add active learning in one of her courses, and she was nominated for a University Outstanding Teaching Award in 2010.  Dr. Nonekowski's stellar teaching evaluations include multiple versions of student comments such as "Dr. Nonekowski is an amazing teacher"; "By far she was the best instructor I ever had";  "She lectured with enthusiasm"; "It is clear that the instructor really knows her stuff and her passion and understanding for the material had a great impact on my learning"; and "As usual, Dr. N knocked it out of the park as a teacher." Her many letters of support from alumni confirm and add to these accolades. In addition, Dr. Nonekowski has participated in numerous faculty development opportunities, served on many departmental, college and university committees, and actively engaged with the community, for example, receiving the Order of the Spark Award from the Boy Scouts of American, Eastern Shores Council, in 2016. She also served the President of the Northwest Ohio Chapter of the Association of Women in Science in 2016-2017.  Nonekowski was appointed a Distinguished University Lecturer in 2017.

Amy O’Donnell 
College of Business and Innovation
Department of Management

Amy O’Donnell is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Management in the College of Business and Innovation. She joined The University of Toledo as a Lecturer in 2004 and was promoted to Senior Lecturer in 2015. Her extraordinary commitment to students has been rewarded with teaching evaluations that are among the very best in the College, and she received a University of Toledo Shining Star Award in 2015, a Student Impact Award in 2012, and a College of Business and Innovation award as an outstanding lecturer in 2007 and 2013. She has developed new courses and programs, facilitated student success initiatives, supported the Business Career Programs Office, and served as faculty adviser to the UT Chapter of the Alpha Kappa Psi Business Fraternity. In addition, she has established an exemplary record of campus, community, and professional contributions, including holding leadership roles, and she has actively engaged in professional development, presenting at 19 regional conferences. One of her students noted that “Amy O’Donnell has changed my life and the life of almost every kid in our college because of the things she does both in and out of the classroom with her students. She is the most engaged professor you’ll ever meet and she will impact your life for life! Just ask any student in this college you will hear the same thing!” O’Donnell was appointed a Distinguished University Lecturer in 2018.   

Martin Ohlinger
Clinical Associate Professor/Lecturer of Pharmacy Practice
College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

• Established a record as an outstanding, engaged educator, preceptor, and mentor.
• Holds a B.S. in Biology from the College of William and Mary in Virginia, a B.S. in Pharmacy from the Commonwealth University/Medical College of Virginia, and Doctor of Pharmacy from Commonwealth University/Medical College of Virginia; also a licensed pharmacist.
• Joined The University of Toledo as Visiting Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice in 2000 and has been a Clinical Associate Professor/Lecturer of Pharmacy Practice since 2007.
• Inducted as a Fellow of the American College of Critical Care Medicine (2013) and into the Phi Lambda Sigma Pharmacy Leadership Society (2017) and Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society (2015); received Exemplary Preceptor Award, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (2015, 2016); 9 Society of Critical Care Medicine Presidential Citations; and the Student Society of Health-Systems Pharmacy Faculty Adviser award.
• Serves as Residency Program Director, PGY2 Critical Care Pharmacy Residency; Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Surgical Critical Care, UTMC; and Honors Program Director for the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
• Received consistently high scores on student teaching evaluations that attest to the success of his experiential learning, "bedside to classroom" approach, bringing real cases to students, and demonstrating his impact on students' lives.
• Developed and revised multiple courses, co-founded Critical Care Residency, and serves as a member of the Interprofessional Education Program (IPE) core faculty group.
• Established exemplary record of campus, community, and professional contributions and engagement, including leadership roles, and influenced care for critically ill patients and developed leaders locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally.
• Engaged in professional development, including publication of peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters and engaged in numerous professional presentations. 
• Ohlingher was appointed a Distinguished University Lecturer in 2019.

 Heather Robbins

Heather Robbins, Senior Lecturer, School of Exercise & Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Health and Human Services 

• Experienced educator dedicated to the continuous improvement of her teaching
• Holds a B.S. in Biological Sciences and Education from Defiance College, and an M.S. in Biological Sciences from Bowling Green State University
• Joined The University of Toledo as a Lecturer in 2007 
• According to her philosophy of teaching she states, “I believe the purpose of education is to nurture within all students the ability to think, to question, to analyze, and to transform what can be. In this way, students find personal meaning and value in the material they are learning, which in turn, empowers them to embrace their future, where they feel confident and valued in society.”
• Equity Champion Leader for program to increase student retention and belonging
• Received the UToledo Outstanding Teaching Award in 2011
• Member of the Research Fellows Community of Practice
• Actively engaged in service across the university, college, and department
• Published peer reviewed research and has presented in numerous venues
• Consistently receives excellent teaching evaluations from her students. One of her students said: “I thought Heather Robbins was AMAZING! She knew the material very well, spoke in a manner that I could understand, and was very animated which made learning A&P2 so much more interesting and fun. I really learned the material well from her and did much better than I thought I would.” Another student shared, “Professor Robbins went above and beyond compared to other professors at the university. You are very lucky to have her in your department. Despite it being a "lecture" course, Professor Robbins incorporated various activities and assignments into the class which demonstrates her willingness to do what's in the best interest of her students, though adding to her workload.”
•  Robbins was appointed a Distinguished University Lecturer in 2022.

Dr. Nilgun Sezginis

Dr. Nilgun Sezginis, Senior Lecturer, School of Population Health, College of Health and Human Services 

• Holds a B.S. in Healthcare Management from Franklin University, an M.P.H in Administration from The University of Toledo and Bowling Green State University, and a Ph.D. in Health Education from The University of Toledo
• Joined The University of Toledo as a Lecturer in 2011
• As stated in her philosophy of teaching, “As an instructor, I do my best to maintain a high level of subject matter knowledge and ensure that the course content is current, accurate, and appropriate to course objectives for a student’s program of studies. One of my goals is to foster critical-thinking skills by providing students with appropriate learning tools while facilitating the best learning environment. This enables students to gain knowledge and confidence pertinent to their area of study.”
• The University of Toledo, College of Health Sciences Dean’s Award for Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching awarded in 2014
• Received The University of Toledo’s, Ella Fridman Award in 2020 for online instructors who are dedicated to quality and student engagement
• Received the Ohio Health Information Management Association (OHIMA) Professional Achievement Award in 2021
• Dr. Sezginis consistently receives outstanding teaching evaluations. One student wrote: “I especially want to thank my instructor, Nilgun Sezginis, for her tireless support, understanding, and unfailing encouragement to do my best even when I was struggling to keep up with my personal and work commitments throughout the program. I felt she cared about me as a student and a professional in the HIM field. Thank you”. Another student remarked, “I think the case studies in the assignments are really helpful to apply the information from the class and program to real work situations. It makes it easier to understand how this knowledge will be needed in our future careers other than just seeing job postings for coder, reimbursement specialist, etc., and not knowing what the job is really like.”
• Sezginis  was appointed a Distinguished University Lecturer in 2022.

Dr. Suzanne Smith

Dr. Suzanne Smith, Senior Lecturer, Department of English Language and Literature, College of Arts and Letters

• Passionate teacher of English and skilled writing tutor
• Holds a B.A. in English from SUNY College at Brockport, an M.A. in English, and a Ph.D. in in English from The University of Toledo
• Joined The University of Toledo in 1989. Promoted to Associate Lecturer in 2007 and Senior Lecturer in 2013
• Served as faculty writing consultant in the Writing Center
• Served as the Interim Director for the English as a Second Language (ESL) Program
• Active in University service and currently serves on the Faculty Senate Executive Committee
• Regularly attends professional development opportunities to enhance her teaching
• Strong mentor for teaching assistants and tutors
• Presented at the International Writing Centers Association conference, one of the most prestigious conferences in the field of writing studies, the East Coast Writing Centers Association, and the International Writing Centers Association Collaborate conference
• Strong record of teaching and student-centeredness. Several of Dr. Smith's students commented on her teaching: "Professor Smith was great! Challenging but willing to help. I wouldn't have passed without her patience and help." Another student said, "Ms. Smith allowed me to see a side of writing I never really noticed. I thought that by the end of the semester I would withdraw, but even though I struggled I'm glad I continued." 

Nancy Snow
Senior Lecturer, Department of Accounting, John B. and Lillian E. Neff College of Business and Innovation

• Experienced educator dedicated to the continuous improvement of her teaching
• Joined The University of Toledo as a Lecturer in 2002. Promoted to Associate Lecturer in 2007 and Senior Lecturer in 2013
• B.A. in Accounting and M.S. in Accounting from The University of Toledo
• Received Outstanding Non-Tenure Track Teaching Award, UToledo College of Business and Innovation
• Employs active learning strategies in the classroom for reinforcement and retention of learning objective
• Named UToledo Diversity Ambassador
• Actively engaged in service across the University, College and Department
• Named a Subject Matter Expert for developing educational materials for McGraw Hill Publishers
• Skilled and effective in teaching large course sections of up to 300 students
• Selected as an Equity Champion for Introductory Financial Accounting class
• Consistently receives excellent teaching evaluations from her students. One of her students said: "This was one of the best college courses I have ever had. This was the first time I had Nancy Snow and I can't say enough good things about her teaching methods. I found that her method of approach was very effective and valuable" 

Dr. Caren Steinmiller

Dr. Caren Steinmiller
Associate Lecturer, Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics
College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

•  Experienced educator, mentor, advisor and researcher.
• Completed four Post-Doctoral Fellowships as part of her training.
• Earned a B.A. in Biology from The University of Toledo (1993), an M.S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmacology (1995), and a Ph.D. in Cellular and Clinical Neurobiology (2001).
• Joined The University of Toledo as a Visiting Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmacology (2008-2011) and has served as a Lecturer (2011-2014), and an Associate Lecturer (2014).
• Actively involved with her professional organizations.
• Received the “Outstanding Faculty Member Award” from the Student National Pharmaceutical Association (2015-2016).
• Demonstrated leadership in the UToledo/Community Partners Opioid Task Force.
• Engaged in numerous research studies, including clinical studies that have resulted in peer reviewed publications.
• Strong record of effective teaching and student success initiatives, including large lectures. One student commented:  “Dr. Steinmiller is an excellent teacher and seems very knowledgeable about her topics.” Another student remarked:  “Best pharmacology professor I have ever had.”

 Sherry Tripepi

Sherry Tripepi
Associate Lecturer, School of Social Justice
College of Health and Human Services

Sherry Tripepi joined the University of Toledo as a clinical social worker in the Counseling Center in 1997 and served in that capacity for 10 ten years before her appointment as a visiting assistant professor in 2007 and as a Lecturer in 2010 in the Social Work Program in the College of Health and Human Services. She was promoted to Associate Lecturer in 2013. She has had a direct impact on the lives and careers of students, both in the classroom and in internships—and beyond graduation, including weekly supervision groups for Master of Social Work graduates, enabling over 20 to achieve advanced licensure. Notably, she has also developed a course on social work practice with the LGBTQA population, serves on the UT LGBTQA Advisory Board, and has been instrumental in developing and implementing campus-wide training programs, such as the Safe Place Program at UT.Her tireless commitment also extends to her profession and to the community, including the Safe-Schools Anti-Bullying program at area schools, the Buckeye Region Anti-Violence Organization, Equality Toledo, and the Lucas County Suicide Prevention Coalition, among many others. For her dedication and excellence, she has not only received excellent student evaluations, but also a number of awards, for example, the Robert Brundage Award, the Equality Award, the NWSA Ohio Chapter Outstanding Service Award, the Lavender Triangle Mary Reiff Woman of the Year, and the UT Division of Student Life Outstanding Service to Students.

Sibylle Weck-Schwarz
Senior Lecturer, Department of Mathematics and Statistics
College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics

• Established a record as an experienced, student-centered educator and mentor.
• Holds a Diploma in Mathematics and Ph.D. in Mathematics from the University of Hannover (Leibniz-Universität), Germany.
• Joined The University of Toledo as a Visiting Assistant Professor of Mathematics in 1989 and appointed as an Instructor (1996- 1999), Lecturer (2004-2007) and Associate Lecturer (2007-2013) and promoted to Senior Lecturer in 2013.
• Received College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics Award for Excellence in Teaching (2014-15) and nominated for The University of Toledo’s Outstanding Teacher Award, 2013.
• Serves as Assistant Director of the Math Learning and Resource Center (2005-present) and previously served as a Professional Tutor in the Learning Enhancement Center (2002-2003).
• Received consistently high scores on student teaching evaluations, among the best in the department, and student comments that demonstrate her pedagogical effectiveness, her engagement and innovative strategies, and her impact on their lives.
• Developed courses, played a leading role in the department in enhancing teaching with technology, collaborated on the design of the College Algebra Camp and the Trigonometry Summer Camp, co-directed the summer camp, designed Maple and GeoGebra animations for classes, designed and programmed algorithmically generated online homework questions and feedback, and facilitated the departmental proseminar on teaching college mathematics.
• Developed and led the Proseminar series for graduate students, providing them with professional development and mentoring in teaching strategies and techniques.
• Provided service to the department, college, and university, including the College Council and the Faculty Senate.
• Engaged in professional development, including refereed publications and numerous professional presentations at local, regional, national, and international venues.
• Weck-Schwarz was appointed a Distinguished University Lecturer in 2019.

Sara Yaklin
Senior Lecturer, Department of English
College of Arts and Letters

Sara Yaklin joined the University of Toledo in 2001 as a Lecturer in the Department of English in the College of Arts and Letters and was promoted to Senior Lecturer in 2009. Her dedicated contributions to student success are extensive. For example, in addition to her leadership in developing on-line composition courses, she was one of two faculty members selected to teach in the Multicultural Emerging Scholars Summer Bridge Program and has actively contributed to its design, assessment, and success. She also received an Innovations in Teaching Award for a community-partner pilot program, and, in 2015, with her colleague, conceived of, developed, and now co-directs the innovative Composition Institute for Teaching Excellence (CITE), focused on evidence-based teaching practices for first-year composition students that has improved instruction, developed opportunities for writing teachers, and contributed to course completion. She continues to mentor new graduate teaching assistants and to participate in events designed to support and celebrate student success, such as the Common Read Program and the Shapiro Endowment awards and scholarships for student writing. Ms. Yaklin has also presented at the Multicultural Orientation and Resources for Excellence (MORE) Institute, serves as a professional writing consultant at UT and Owens Community College, and provides local consulting services. Notably, her student evaluations score in the "A" range on every question on an A-E scale. Yaklin was appointed a Distinguished University Lecturer in 2018.