Faculty
Get to know the supportive YSU faculty who will prepare you for excellence.
Education
Dr. Chris Basich Part-Time Faculty Member
"I first started teaching because I loved seeing the light bulb go on for students when they learned something new. I continue to teach because I want to keep that light bulb glowing bright for students as they progress through their academic journey."
Dr. Jane Beese Associate Professor
"Keep up with the readings and assignments and try not to fall behind. The fast-paced program allows you to immerse yourself in the content. Engage in conversation with your peers, invest time in the materials, and take away everything you can!"
Dr. M. Kathleen L. Cripe Associate Professor
"I want my students to walk away with fresh ideas for a new paradigm in education, gaining skills in using technology in authentic and engaging ways and transforming classrooms/schools and districts into learning communities where students become entrepreneurs of their own learning."
Dr. Lauren CumminsProfessor
"I want my students to walk away with new and fresh ideas for a new paradigm in education, gaining skill in using technology in authentic and engaging ways and transforming classrooms/schools and districts into learning communities where students become entrepreneurs of their own learning."
Dr. Pam Epler Assistant Professor
"I would expect my students to take away from my classes the skills and knowledge to work with any student who has a disability under IDEA."
Dr. Charles Howell Dean
"Manage time wisely. Make sure you set aside time not just for education but for professional responsibilities, family and yourself. In planning your coursework, work smart, communicate with professors and make sure you understand expectations."
Dr. Charles Jeffords Associate Professor
"This program is designed to prepare potential educational leaders for the rigors of modern-day school administration at the building or district level."
Dr. Mary E. La Vine Associate Professor
"Learn to lead and create classrooms, schools and community organizations where innovation, creativity and technology make learning environments engaging, supportive and transformational."
Dr. Melissa K. MlakarPart-Time Faculty
"Pursuing a higher degree allows you to stay abreast of current trends in education, develop your leadership style among your peers, and continue to grow and learn as an educator. Youngstown State's online degree program will allow you to do all of these things at your convenience and pace."
Dr. Kathleen Poe Faculty
"Be fully engaged in your learning. Be reflective in your thinking. Both actions will allow your formal education to meaningfully merge with your daily practices."
Dr. Christopher Rateno Part-Time Faculty
"Future and current school leaders will gain the knowledge and skills to understand and utilize data to identify school improvement needs and make informed decisions in making change."
Dr. Crystal RaticanAssociate Professor
"Education opens more doors; never be afraid to learn something new."
Dr. Gail Saunders-Smith Associate Professor
"Earning a degree is work. As with any job, the most successful people are prepared, on time, diligent, thinkers, innovative, and hard workers. Those traits will make you successful in earning this degree and prepare you for what is next in your career."
Dr. Chuck Vergon Professor
"YSU prides itself on the practice-relevance and academic rigor of its program and the combination of front-line practitioners and full-time faculty who staff it. Students who enjoy engagement, are diligent in what they undertake and realistic in the time they can devote to completing the program will be sure to benefit the most."
Nursing
Molly Roche Associate Professor of Nursing
"[A BSN] provides an expanded view of the nursing profession and the complete focus and role of the registered nurse to apply to patient care."
