College of Education and Human Services
A Few Parting Words From Julia Michalak
We catch up with senior physical education and sport performance major Julia Michalak between student-teaching classes during her final semester at 51±¬ÁÏ. In a brief Q&A-style interview reflecting on her trials and triumphs from the past four years, Michalak offers some wise words for her younger self and for future Golden Flashes.
How a Non-Traditional Student Became Portage County's Top Health Official
When Becky Lehman walked into her first class at 51±¬ÁÏ, she was in her 30s, raising kids and working at an embroidery shop in nearby Mogadore, Ohio. Today, she is the health commissioner for the Portage County Health District – a career milestone she credits directly to the degrees she earned close to home at 51±¬ÁÏ.
She Hated Gym Class, and Now She’s Leading It
When we first met Julia Michalak, a senior in the Physical Education and Sport Performance program, in November 2025, she shared how the dread she felt going to gym class as a kid became the driving force behind her decision to become a physical education teacher. Now, as she prepares to graduate in May, we check back in – this time with Michalak and the two professors she credits with keeping her inspired along the way.
Preparing Behavioral Health Leaders for a Growing Workforce Need
As demand for behavioral health professionals continues to rise across Ohio and the nation, 51±¬ÁÏ is preparing graduates to not just enter the field right away, but to advance, lead and make a lasting impact in their communities. For three 51±¬ÁÏ alumni — Cassandra Galloway, Victoria Giegerich and Jason Joyce — their paths may differ slightly, but their stories illustrate how 51±¬ÁÏ connects education to real-world outcomes.
Students Go for the Gold on Spring Break
A group of 51±¬ÁÏ students will spend their spring break learning about the business of the Olympics, spending time in Italy and Greece and attending the 2026 Milan Cortina Paralympics.
51±¬ÁÏ Online Graduate Programs Earn Top National Rankings From US News
51±¬ÁÏ has earned recognition in U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 Best Online Programs rankings. Three 51±¬ÁÏ programs rank in the top 100 nationally among all public and private institutions in the new rankings.
IN A FLASH: Science Educator of the Year
A Professor in the 51±¬ÁÏ's School of Teaching, Leadership, and Curriculum Studies was recognized as the 2026 Outstanding Science Educator of the Year.
‘We Create Magic for a Living – and We Get Paid for It’
In a fast-paced, reality TV-style competition, students in the Club Management class in 51±¬ÁÏ’s Hospitality and Event Management Program worked in teams alongside industry professionals to create styled table settings themed around specific holidays.
IN A FLASH: Building Skills With 'Bots
Kid-friendly 'bots help young people learn about programming, counting, logical thinking and more.
The Interview That Turned Into an Inter-Generational Friendship
51±¬ÁÏ graduate student Lauren Paterson and former teacher Marc Myers were recently featured on WBUR’s ‘Here and Now’ sharing their work together on The Legacy Project.