The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
KSU Geauga Advisory Board adds three new members
Trio represents healthcare, education, business
Advisory board members are advocates, advisors and connectors who work closely with Angela Spalsbury, dean and chief administrative officer, as a resource for Kent State Geauga to generate stronger connections with the community, the release stated.
Three new members have been appointed to the Kent State Geauga Advisory Board.
Working as community liaisons from local public education, healthcare and business sectors, Cardinal Local Schools Superintendent Bill Kermavner, University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center Chief Nursing Officer Julie Szitas, and Preston Superstore’s Marketing and Customer Relations Specialist Jackie Preston Franck bring valuable new insight and input, according to a news release.
They join a 17-member board whose members have rotating threeyear terms. Advisory board members are advocates, advisors and connectors who work closely with Angela Spalsbury, dean and chief administrative officer, as a resource for Kent State Geauga to generate stronger connections with the community, the release stated.
Kermavner said he is excited to now be in a position to build upon an existing relationship Cardinal Schools already has with Kent State Geauga. A mentorship program has been developed between the students, as well as student-teaching field experiences for education majors at Cardinal.
“With Middlefield being just five miles down the road from Kent State Geauga, I wanted to make sure we had a good partnership with Kent State,” Kermavner said in the release. “Considering our close proximity, we want to encourage even greater engagement and more educational opportunities for our kids, building upon the natural connection we already enjoy.
“My major goal is academic achievement, giving back to Cardinal and public education, encouraging lifelong learning within our community.”
Szitas said that this is her first experience serving on a board “but I am very excited to join Kent State Geauga’s Advisory Board and contribute to the organization’s mission and vision.”
“My goal is to be an ambassador for Kent State Geauga within the community and to be a meaningful contributory component,” she said in the release. “As
a registered nurse, healthcare executive and Kent State Ashtabula graduate, I am hoping that my background and experience can provide additional guidance and impact for the organization that will ultimately enhance the quality of care our community receives.”
Franck also currently serves on the Notre Dame Schools Board.
“My objective in this role is to use my gifts and talents to help Kent State Geauga in any way possible,” she said in the release. “I have years of experience in marketing and advertising and look forward to sharing my knowledge in those areas to help Kent State Geauga reach new audiences and grow this wonderful university right here in our community.”
The Kent State Geauga Advisory Board seeks to fulfill its mission of transforming lives and communities through the power of discovery, learning, and creative expression in an inclusive environment.