Julia M. Applegate
Senior Lecturer, Department of Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies
College of Arts and Sciences
With extensive experience in public health and LGBTQ+ advocacy, Julia M. Applegate’s teaching philosophy bridges theoretical knowledge with practical application, fostering a vibrant community-engaged learning environment that encourages students to apply their knowledge to real-life challenges. Recognized for her personalized approach and ability to foster collaborative opportunities, Applegate routinely goes above and beyond to support her students, providing resources and connections long after students have left her class. Whether in departmental courses or while teaching the university’s new General Education Bookends Launch Seminar, Applegate demonstrates her commitment to nurturing a deeper comprehension of the world and promoting personal growth.
Angela L. Collene
Senior Lecturer, Department of Human Sciences
College of Education and Human Ecology
Widely recognized for her commitment to cultivating an environment of intellectual curiosity and academic excellence, Angela L. Collene’s exceptional teaching methodology is underpinned by her ability to forge meaningful connections with students. Employing diverse technological tools and multimedia resources to craft engaging courses, Collene’s innovative approach ensures compelling content delivery. Recognizing individual learning styles, she tailors her teaching to accommodate diverse needs, ensuring accessibility by recording and sharing all discussions. A registered dietitian and nutritionist, Collene co-authored two highly regarded nutrition textbooks: Wardlaw’s Contemporary Nutrition: A Functional Approach and Wardlaw’s Contemporary Nutrition, widely adopted for introductory-level nutrition courses.
Dawn M. Starr
Senior Lecturer, Department of Philosophy
The Ohio State University at Lima
College of Arts and Sciences
Deeply committed to teaching excellence and creating an inclusive classroom environment where all students can succeed, Dawn M. Starr works with students to remove or minimize barriers and foster a sense of belonging. Furthering innovation, she completed the Michael V. Drake Institute for Teaching and Learning’s Teaching Support Program and designed two courses for the university’s new General Education program. After completing the Office of Diversity and Inclusion’s Inclusive Excellence Team Certification Program, she and colleagues developed the Inclusive Excellence Ambassadors (IEA) Program for underrepresented undergraduate students at Ohio State Lima. The IEA Program pairs students with local community and business leader mentors to identify career aspirations and develop skills to achieve their goals.
Amy M. Tibbals
Senior Lecturer, Department of English
The Ohio State University at Marion
College of Arts and Sciences
A firm believer in student-centered education and service-learning, Amy M. Tibbals is widely recognized for teaching the “Pay It Forward” sections of Second-Year Composition and Business and Professional Writing at Ohio State Marion. In the program, Tibbals’ students engage in experiential learning, refining their writing abilities by developing a grant request program for local nonprofit organizations seeking project funding. Tibbals continues to innovate by teaching Ohio State’s new General Education Launch Seminar. In 2013, she was awarded the Ohio State Marion Teaching Excellence Award for Associated Faculty and the Student Honors Society Griffin Society Teaching Award in 2015. In 2017, she was awarded the Marion County United Way Community Partner Award for her Pay It Forward project work.
