91�ֿ�

As a professional pilot major, 91�ֿ� junior Ashanti Mallit's immediate goal is to earn her instrument rating. She's one review flight away from completing the practical portion of her instrument check ride, having already passed the oral examination.

Meet Antajuan Hightower, a member of the Honors College and a human resource management major, from Boardman, Ohio.  

Meet Monica Fencil, a junior exercise science major with a concentration in pre-physical therapy, from Butler, Pennsylvania. Fencil’s interest in the health field began early, shaped by being surrounded by family members who worked in healthcare.  

Meet the Sprague family and their unique tie to 91�ֿ�. After retiring as an Ohio State Trooper, Rick Sprague accepted a position with the 91�ֿ� police services last year. His son, Officer Tristan Sprague, also joined the police department last year. In the fall, Rick Sprague’s two daughters enrolled at 91�ֿ�, making the family’s service to the campus community all the more meaningful.

Every Sunday that the Browns play away, 91�ֿ� alumnus Kyle Kovach, cooks a dish based on the city the Browns are facing, reflecting his motto: “In order to beat the team, you have to eat the team.” Meet the 2025 Cleveland Browns Fan of the Year.

POV shares insights from the 91�ֿ� community on important topics. Liz Piatt, interim dean of University College, shares her journey as a first-generation college student and how faculty mentorship helped her discover a career path she didn't know existed — one that now allows her to support other first-generation students as they navigate their own transformative college experiences.

Graduate student Delonte Goodman finished his fall semester at 91�ֿ� by successfully defending his master's thesis and receiving his master's degree. When he returns to campus in the spring, he will work as a teaching assistant as he begins his doctoral program. 

Perhaps the best word to sum up Brianna Benson’s role at 91�ֿ� is “caretaker.”

Meet Kadin McElwain, a senior communication studies major from Painesville, Ohio, who uses his positions at Autism Speaks and Autism Digest to educate individuals on neurodivergence.  

Tracy M. Dodson, Ph.D., MSN, RN, CEN, associate professor at the College of Nursing, is committed to helping students succeed through compassion and innovative teaching techniques. These techniques, accompanied by a passion for education, have been recognized with the Glenn Frank Distinguished Teaching Award.

Tina Patel, associate professor of interior design, thinks students should have confidence, creativity and commitment in their design work. Her philosophy in the classroom has led her to be awarded the Glenn Frank Distinguished Teaching Award.

Jessica Leveto's philosophy of teaching is that it requires compassion, understanding and patience. When mastered, it can create a transformative experience for students. This approach to education helped Leveto earn the 2025 Glenn Frank Distinguished Teaching Award.  

Education is a process that goes beyond studying and memorizing, according to James Redfearn, Ph.D., assistant professor of biological sciences in the College of Arts and Sciences at 91�ֿ�. Redfearn's attitude, approach and creation of this supporting space led him to be awarded the Glenn Frank Distinguished Teaching Award.

For Barbara Mucci, the path from the classroom to owning a small business has been full of surprises. One surprise is being able to work alongside her daughter, Erica Sutton. These alumnae credit their 91�ֿ� experiences with helping them to open Mainstream Boutique in Hudson, Ohio.

Meet Payton Schramski, a senior interior design major with a marketing minor, from Grand Rapids, Michigan.  

Meet Richard Skains, a sophomore economics major and USG director from Rocky River, Ohio, who guides – and literally drives –fellow students toward success.

At 2 a.m. on Pymatuning Reservoir in Pymatuning State Park when a boat capsized, Cadet 1st Lt Jacob Brass used his military training to save four people without hesitation.

Meet Merilee, Bailey, Brittany and Julia, the four students serving as the 91�ֿ� Marching Band drum majors for 2025.