OHIO Learning Communities honors instructors, leaders, advocates

Ohio University Learning Communities Programs celebrated their Fall 2025 instructors, Learning Community leaders and advocates at the annual Learning Community Programs Awards, held virtually on Feb. 12.

Outstanding Learning Community Instructors

Outstanding Learning Community Instructor awards were presented to:

• Lina Elshrief, a Ph.D. student, teaching assistant and Scripps Howard Teaching Fellow in the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism.
• Suraiya Padiyath Abdullah, director for retention, persistence and graduation plans in the Allen Center.
• Sarah Riddlebarger, senior director of digital enablement in the Office of Information Technology.
• Ceci Rockwell, success advisor in the College of Health Sciences and Professions.

Outstanding Learning Community Leaders

The Outstanding Learning Community Leader awards were presented to:

• Kaylee Blom, an integrated language arts major.
• Macy Fletcher, a specialized studies major.
• Jack Hayes, a biological sciences - pre-physical therapy major.
• Mia Knowlton, a biological sciences major.

Additional awards

Dr. Molly Bukky, training coordinator and civil rights investigator, in the Office of Civil Rights Compliance received the award for Outstanding Learning Community Advocate. 

The award for Outstanding Learning Community was presented to the Journalism B Learning Community, led by Instructor Bill Clack, assistant professor of instruction in the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism, and Learning Community Leader Abby Waechter, a journalism-strategic communication major.

Ohio University Learning Communities Programs also expressed their appreciation to Dr. Donald Leo, executive vice president and provost, and Dr. Sarah Poggione, vice provost for academic affairs, for their support of Learning Communities. During the program, Leo and Poggione recognized all involved as well as the importance of this program in the successful transition of first-year students to Ohio.

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

Past Learning Community Award and Scholarship winners can be found on the Learning Communities Program website.

For more information on learning communities at Ohio University, contact learning.communities@ohio.edu or 740-593-1953.