Ellie Koewler ’15
Senior anthropology student Hannah Vaughn won the Outstanding Learning Community Leader award for her work Fall Semester 2014.
Hannah Vaughn and Dr. Nancy Tatarek at The Learning Community Programs Banquet.
The award recognized Hannah’s “above and beyond performance week in and week out,” according to Dr. Nancy Tatarek, Professor of Anthropology. Tatarek is the Anthropology Learning Community Instructor and nominated Vaughn for the award. In Fall 2014, there were more than 200 Learning Communities, generating nearly 30 nominees. Vaughn was among four students to earn the award.
Ohio University Learning Communities are groups of students who take a common set of courses together or share a common academic experience. First-year participants are introduced to the university’s academic and co-curricular resources and informed about the university expectations for students as they build relationships and learn together outside of the classroom.
Learning Community Leaders are responsible for supporting students in transitioning to Ohio University through meetings and programming out-of-class activities; 2014-15 marked the third year of an Anthropology-major focused Learning Community, as well as the largest Anthropology class size, with 16 first-year students.
The 2014 Awards description outlined the importance of successful leaders: “Positive peer influence has the greatest impact on a student’s success in higher education so LCLs are assigned to each Learning Community to enhance the quality of our students’ experience at Ohio University.”
Vaughn said she was surprised to receive the award among so many other great Learning Community Leaders: “I couldn’t have done it without the support and mentorship from GA Diana Barrett and Dr. Tatarek.”
As a leader, Vaughn had to be a role model and guide through a variety of academic, professional and personal spheres: “Seeing my students’ difficulties and how I could help made me realize the importance of Learning Communities and peer mentorships.”
The Learning Community Programs Banquet was held on Jan. 25 in Baker Center Ballroom. Nearly 100 guests attended to honor Outstanding Learning Community, Outstanding Learning Community Leader, Outstanding Learning Community Instructor, and Outstanding Learning Community Partner recipients.
Current OHIO students who are interested in applying for Learning Community Peer Leader positions are encouraged to apply.
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