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Dear Colleagues and Friends,
As we close out this academic year, this moment feels different.
This spring, we celebrate the graduation of our first Bachelor of Science in Nursing cohort and our first Public Health major. These are meaningful firsts for our College, and they reflect the vision, commitment, and collective effort it has taken to bring these programs to life.
This year has also brought important validation of that work. Our nursing program successfully completed both the Ohio Board of Nursing site visit and the CCNE accreditation review with no compliance concerns or conditional findings. These outcomes affirm the strength of our curriculum and the intentional work happening across our faculty and staff.
We also had the opportunity to recognize excellence within our own community through the inaugural Mark A. Kadzielski ’68 Excellence in Teaching and Distinguished Nursing Awards. These moments remind us that what we are building is powered by people who are deeply committed to our students and to the future of healthcare.
And still, our focus remains forward.
Our graduates now step into the next phase of their journey, including preparing for their national licensure exam, carrying with them the preparation, compassion, and leadership that define this College of Health.
What stands out most is the momentum we have created together. Thank you for being part of it. We are just getting started.
With gratitude,
Melissa Cole, DNP, APRN, ANP-BC
Dean, College of Health
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Mark A. Kadzielski ’68 Excellence in Teaching Award
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We are proud to recognize Dr. Shawn Burton as the inaugural recipient of the Mark A. Kadzielski ’68 Excellence in Teaching Award.
This award honors faculty who exemplify a deep commitment to teaching, student engagement, and the development of future healthcare professionals. Dr. Burton was selected for his ability to create meaningful learning experiences that challenge, support, and inspire students both in and beyond the classroom.
Known for his thoughtful approach to teaching and his genuine investment in student success, Dr. Burton consistently fosters an environment where students feel seen, supported, and pushed to reach their full potential. His impact reflects the very best of teaching in the College of Health.
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Pictured left to right
Mark Kadzielski, Shawn Burton & Melissa Cole
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Upcoming Events
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Mark your calendars for these important College of Health summer events. Join us for engaging professional development, networking, and learning opportunities.
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Summer 2026
UH & JCU Health Scholars Program
We are excited to expand our partnership with University Hospitals through the Summer 2026 Health Scholars Program. What began as a single-day campus visit has grown into a four-week immersive experience for 25 high school scholars hosted on the John Carroll campus.
This summer, students will participate in hands-on clinical simulation in JCU's nursing, exercise physiology, and biomechanics labs, connect with healthcare professionals and mentors, and explore topics including community health, advocacy, and disease prevention.
The program will also feature a White Coat Ceremony and student capstone presentations. This collaboration combines UH's clinical expertise with JCU's academic resources to inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals.
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Summer 2026
UH Future Nurse Academy
High school students entering 11th or 12th grade are invited to explore nursing firsthand through the University Hospitals Future Nurse Academy. This two-week summer program helps students build skills, gain real-world insight into healthcare careers, and connect with mentors from University Hospitals and partner institutions.
John Carroll University is excited to host three sessions this summer, beginning June 16, July 7, and July 21.
UH Future Nurse Academy
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Summer 2026
Summer in the Heights
The College of Health is excited to continue our successful Summer in the Heights program with this year's theme, "Health for the Whole Person." Due to overwhelming interest from students across the region, the program has expanded to include two cohorts.
Led by a dedicated team of faculty, students will participate in hands-on experiences including CPR and first aid certification, nutrition and infection control labs, fitness assessments, and activities focused on resiliency and community health.
This expansion reflects the growing reputation of John Carroll University as a leader in whole-person wellness and healthcare education.
View Summer in the Heights Details
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Staff Council Excellence Awards
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The 10th Annual Staff Council Staff Excellence Awards recognize the professional contributions and service of the John Carroll University staff (non-exempt and exempt), and their integral role in promoting the University's mission of inspiring "individuals to excel in learning, leadership, and service in the region and the world."
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Archbishop John Carroll Award for Learning
Bryan Beigie
This award honors a staff member who enhances the educational pursuits of John Carroll University students, staff, and faculty through innovative programs and initiatives.
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New Staff Member of the Year
Rose Ioppolo
This award recognizes a staff member who has between one and three years of service to John Carroll University and had demonstrated the University's mission through their work.
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Department Updates
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News and accomplishments from across the College of Health.
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Counseling
Finding the Gift in the Glitch: Reflections from Dr. Melissa Smith's DISCOVER Talk
At this year's Discover Day, Dr. Melissa Smith, counselor, visiting professor, and AI Faculty Fellow, spoke about identity, technology, and what it means to stay human in an increasingly optimized world.
Rather than focusing only on AI's capabilities, she challenged the audience to consider what may be lost when efficiency becomes the goal. Drawing on her experience with neurodiversity and ADHD, she reframed "glitches" as meaningful moments, times when imperfection and uncertainty help shape our values, creativity, and identity.
She also emphasized the importance of reflection. In a world of instant responses, she noted that pause and thoughtfulness are especially important in mental health work. Without them, we risk producing what merely "sounds right" rather than what is authentic. She encouraged the community to use tools like AI as a starting point, not a replacement for original thinking. She said the responsibility remains with each of us to ensure that our voices, ideas, and perspectives remain our own.
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EMS
As we close out the 2025-2026 academic year, John Carroll University Emergency Medical Services is happy to announce that 18 students across the university, encompassing sophomores, juniors, and incoming freshmen have been accepted into the 2026 Summer Hybrid EMT-B course.
While our department continues to grow, we are also saying goodbye to our graduating seniors, who have served the department in a variety of roles; contributing to the growth and current state of JCU EMS. We wish them all the best as they continue their education in the medical field.
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Exercise Science | Physiology
As part of JCU's campus-wide well-being initiative, Whole Person Whole Life, Drs. Jackie Zera, Anna Simonson, and Carol Mack, along with students Shayna Evenchik, Lauren Powers, Julia Niehaus, Jake Corll, and David Miller, were recognized for their collaborative work in providing fitness assessments for local first responders. They were celebrated during a ceremony on April 17th and are seen here with Chief Robert Perko and members of the University Heights Fire Department.
Back row (left to right): University Heights Fire Department: Chris Calo, Mike Mickovic, Chief Bob Perko, Damon Picone, Jonny Thomas
Front row (left to right): Dr. Jackie Zera, Dr. Anna Simonson, Julia Niehaus 27’, Shayna Evenchik 24’ G26’, Dr. Carol Mack, Lauren Powers 27’
Student Research
Lauren Powers 27’ and Julia Niehaus 27’ presented their research, "Biomechanical Effects of Compensatory Movement Patterns Related to Fatigue and Injury History in Female Collegiate Soccer Players," at DISCOVER, and were recognized as a "Top Five" poster presentation!
Pictured left to right: Lauren Powers 27’ and Julia Niehaus 27’
Shayna Evenchik 24’ G26’ will present her research, "Association between VO2Max and CPAT performance in career firefighters," at the American College of Sports Medicine Annual Conference in Salt Lake City in May!
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Nursing
BSN Program Advances Following State Review
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program recently completed its Ohio Board of Nursing site visit with no compliance concerns or findings identified. Based on the review, the program anticipates approval by the Board this July to move from conditional to full approval status, including eligibility for the maximum five-year approval term.
This milestone reflects the strength of our curriculum, faculty, clinical partnerships, and leadership as we prepare to graduate our first BSN cohort and continue building a high-quality nursing program
Mark A. Kadzielski ’68 Distinguished Nursing Student Award
This inaugural award recognizes a senior pursuing a BSN degree who exemplifies academic excellence, clinical proficiency, leadership, service, professionalism, and strong character. We are proud to announce Kayla Trogu as the first recipient of this distinguished honor. The award was presented at the JCU Health Professions Summit on April 11th.
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Top Picture left to right: Dr. Dawn Boettcher, Dr. Shanna Botos, Kayla Trogu, Helen Tagliaferro, Dr. Mary Leas, Dr. Melissa Cole
Bottom Picture left to right: Dr. Mark A. Kadzielski, Kayla Trogu and Dr. Melissa Cole
Honoring the First BSN Cohort Through the Tradition of Pinning
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The Nursing Program will celebrate a historic milestone with its first BSN Pinning Ceremony on May 15th at St. Francis Chapel. This meaningful tradition honors graduating students as they prepare to enter the nursing profession.
The nursing pin, a long-standing symbol in the field, represents the knowledge, responsibility, and commitment each graduate carries into professional practice. It also reflects the JCU nursing community that will continue to support and accompany them on their journey as nurses.
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Nursing Students Practice Sterile Techniques and Surgical Prep in Hands-On Doctors Without Borders Experience
Participating in a Doctors Without Borders experience led by Dr. Jill Byrne, students in the course Engaging the Global Community Through Inter-professional Health Care Partnerships explored the logistical complexities of global health through hands-on practice. By gowning, gloving, and working with surgical instruments, they gained a deeper appreciation for the volume of sterile supplies required for even minor procedures. The experience also highlighted the challenges healthcare workers face in low-resource environments, where maintaining a sterile field depends as much on creativity and resilience as it does on available equipment.
Relay For Life Cancer Walk
John Carroll University community members came together on April 26th for the Relay For Life Cancer Walk. The event brought students, faculty, and staff together to support cancer survivors, honor those who have been lost, and raise funds for cancer research and patient care. We are proud of our nursing students and faculty for their commitment to making a difference and bringing hope to those affected by cancer.
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Pre-Health
Pre-Health Professions hosted our first annual celebration of pre-health graduates and awarded four scholarships. The recipients are:
Pictured left to right: Dr. Tara Jenner-Donaldson, Caitlin Lutz, Brittany Kincaid
The 2026 Klema Scholarship was awarded to Tiffany Talbott.
The 2026 James J. and Marie Kolenich Scholarship was awarded to Alivia Franklin.
The 2026 Kenneth and Joan Callahan Endowed Scholarship was awarded to Ryan Sand and Rosemary Murray.
We are grateful to the donors who make these scholarships possible.
The event celebrated the many accomplishments of our graduating students, from internships and new career opportunities to acceptance into health professions programs. Each senior in attendance received a certificate of achievement recognizing their engagement with the Pre-Health Professions program.
DISCOVER Poster Presentation Winners
During JCU's annual DISCOVER Day, students from the Survey of Health Professions course presented their work on the social determinants of health. They completed a geographic survey of Shaker Heights and Larchmere and were awarded one of five prizes for their poster presentation. Congratulations to Mehdi, Glendi, Alana, and Tiffany!
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Pictured left to right: Mehdi Ali, Tiffany Talbott, Glendi Brahimaj, and Alana Goldschmidt
2026 JCU Health Professions Summit Recap
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 2026 JCU Health Professions Summit on April 11th. It was an inspiring afternoon focused on public health and celebrating our College of Health faculty and student award recipients.
We extend our gratitude to keynote speaker Celina Cunanan, panelists Mark H. Adams, Megan Boyk, Mark A. Kadzielski, and Kate Tullio, along with moderator Erin E. Johnson, for sharing their expertise and perspectives. Special thanks also to our Pre-Health Professions students for helping make the event a success.
The Summit highlighted the importance of public health in addressing the social determinants of health and reinforced that the future of healthcare depends on collaboration, innovation, and improving health outcomes across entire communities.
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Public Health
Breaking Barriers: Celebrating Cassie Klein, Our First Public Health Graduate!
"Guided by Dr. Erin Johnson and Dr. Mike Martin, I declared Public Health as my major late in my junior year. Despite a 30-credit sprint to graduate this May, I quickly realized I was exactly where I belonged, with a renewed sense of purpose and motivation to drive change.
My interest in the field deepened through an internship at Neighborhood Family Practice in Cleveland, where I supported patient outreach efforts, helping address barriers to healthcare access and advance community wellness.
These experiences confirmed my path. I'm excited to share that I've accepted a seat in Kent State University's MPH in Epidemiology program for Fall 2027. I feel prepared to continue working to improve access to care and strengthen community health outcomes."
Congratulations, Cassie! We can't wait to see the impact you'll make in the field of Epidemiology.
Student Research
Mariam Al-Saffar '26, a junior Public Health major with minors in Sociology & Criminology and Leadership Development, presented her research at the Ohio Public Health Association Student Research Showcase during the Ohio Public Health Combined Conference in April 2026. Her project titled, "Maternal and Infant Health Outcomes Among Moms First Participants: A Community-Based Intervention Analysis in Cleveland Ohio."
"Through this work, I explore how addressing social determinants of health, such as access to care, transportation, and structural inequities, can significantly improve birth outcomes, particularly within Black communities. My research highlights the powerful role of localized, culturally responsive programs in reducing infant mortality, including findings that demonstrate a 0% infant mortality rate among Moms First participants. This project reflects both my academic interests in health equity and my long-term goal of pursuing a career in medicine that integrates clinical care with community-based public health advocacy."
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Senior Spotlight
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Senior Nursing Students:
Daylen Glaze, Logan Brown, and Nathaniel Hendrix
This spotlight celebrates three senior nursing students whose distinct paths, both in athletics and life experience, have led them to a shared purpose in patient care.
Daylen Glaze of Toledo, Ohio, a track and field athlete, was inspired by his father's career as a firefighter and paramedic, as well as the compassionate end-of-life care nurses provided to his grandfather.
Logan Brown of Avon, Ohio, a soccer athlete, credits his aunt and uncle—both nurses—for showing him the lasting difference caregivers can make through their work.
Nathaniel Hendrix of Columbus, Ohio, a football athlete, found his calling after losing his grandmother to cancer, motivating him to honor patients with dignity during life's most vulnerable moments.
While their journeys are unique, their experiences at John Carroll University brought them together through a shared interest in emergency nursing. During clinical rotations in an underserved community, each discovered a passion for fast-paced, high-impact care. That experience guided their decision to pursue practicums in emergency settings and now, all three are preparing to take the next step, beginning their careers as nurses in a metropolitan emergency department within a major Cleveland healthcare system.
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Pictured left to right: Dylan Glaze, Logan Brown, and Nathaneil Hendrix
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2026 Inaugural Nursing Cohort
Capstone Presentations
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Back row (left to right): Meredith Foxx, Daylen Glaze, Nathaniel Hendrix, Carlie Beatty, Brooke Kelly, Dru Dorn, Sarah Dailey, and Dr. Melissa Cole.
Front row (left to right): Logan Brown, Kayla Trogu, Mateja Raymond, Anna Spitzer, and Laney Karpowicz.
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The Student Health Center
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Summer Schedule
The Student Health Center (SCH) will close for the summer beginning June 1 and will reopen on August 3, 2026.
For medical emergencies, please call 911 or JCU Police at 216-397-1234. For non-urgent questions, please email studenthealthcenter@jcu.edu. Responses may be delayed during summer break.
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Mentor the Next Generation of Health Professionals
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Do you work in healthcare or a healthcare-related field and are interested in mentoring current JCU College of Health Students? Please complete the survey form below to express your interest in providing networking, shadowing, or research opportunities for our students!
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We Value Your Feedback!
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Help us make the College of Health newsletter a valuable resource by sharing your thoughts, suggestions, and stories. Let us know what topics interest you, how we can improve, or if you have an inspiring healthcare or education story to share.
Please send your input to coh@jcu.edu - we greatly appreciate your contributions!
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KEEP UP WITH US ON SOCIALS
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