Learning Community Leaders awarded for service to student community

Ohio University Learning Community Programs celebrated their fall 2022 instructors, Learning Community Leaders, and advocates at the annual Learning Community Programs Awards, held virtually on February 21. 

Outstanding Learning Community Instructor awards were presented to Alexandra Herron, Alexis Morales, Cody Pettit, and David Stott. 

The Outstanding Learning Community Leader awards were presented to Erin Chaplow, Grace Cobb, Julianne Gannon and Jess Mitchell.

Ann Brandon, associate director of Prevention and Education in Health Promotion also received an award for Outstanding Learning Community Advocate.  

The award for Outstanding Learning Community was presented to the Communication Studies ‘A’ Learning Community led by Instructor Jerry Miller and Learning Community Leader Ella Sparks.  

“Through the Learning Community Programs, we work to ensure that students will learn about who they are as individuals and that they interact with and learn from one another.  With the support of the colleges, instructors and LCLs, they share their time, energy and talent to make an impact on students’ lives,” Director of Learning Community Programs Barb Remsburg said.

Ohio University Executive Vice President and Provost Elizabeth Sayrs provided the opening remarks during the virtual event.

“We know that those positive first-year experiences are so critical to creating that sense of belonging,” Sayrs said thanking the learning community instructors and learning community leaders.

Dr. Dave Nguyen, Dean of University College, home of the First-Year and Student Transitions office, also showed his gratitude for all the leaders in his closing remarks.

“Wow and thank you -wow in the sense that this semester we ran the largest number of learning communities we have ever done before,” Nguyen added. 

Nominations for the Learning Community Awards were submitted by Ohio University faculty, staff, and students. The nominations were evaluated through a blind review process by a group of volunteer instructors and Learning Community Leaders. 

A learning community is a group of students who take a common set of courses together or share a common experience around their academics. Through participating in learning communities, Ohio University students develop a deeper understanding of the courses' subject matter while they build relationships and learn together outside of the classroom.   

For more information about learning communities at Ohio University, visit  ohio.edu/university-college/first-year-student-transitions/learning-communities or contact us at learning.communities@ohio.edu or 740-593-1953.