Employees recognized through Excellence Awards

The Strategic Ohio Council for Higher Education has recognized three Clark State College employees with regional Excellence Awards.

Clark State’s recipients include Dan Ayars, director of facilities, operations and maintenance, who received the Staff Excellence Award; Robin Littell, project director of Aspire, who received the Campus Impact Award; and Emily Samples, DNP, assistant professor of nursing, who received the Faculty Excellence Award.

Ayars received the Staff Excellence Award for his leadership in maintaining and enhancing Clark State’s four campus locations while overseeing facility operations and construction projects.

As director of facilities, operations and maintenance, Ayars oversees the daily operations that keep campuses functioning while managing renovation projects in collaboration with stakeholders.

“Dan demonstrates exceptional leadership in maintaining and enhancing Clark State’s campus environment,” said Doug Schantz, executive vice president for finance, facilities and operations. “His commitment to quality, efficiency and long-term planning directly supports student success and institutional growth.”

Littell received the Campus Impact Award for her work expanding support services and building community among students.

As project director of Aspire, Clark State’s adult education program, Littell has expanded services and strengthened partnerships to ensure students understand available resources and feel supported throughout their educational journeys.  The Aspire program includes English for Speakers of Other Languages instruction, high school equivalency preparation and workforce readiness training.

“Clark State remains committed to maintaining a welcoming and supportive learning environment for all students, including first-generation students ,” said Dawayne Kirkman, Ph.D., senior vice president for student affairs, enrollment and regional locations. “Efforts to build trust, reduce barriers and strengthen student engagement remain essential to student success, and no one exemplifies that work better than Robin.”

Samples received the Faculty Excellence Award for her student-centered teaching and commitment to preparing nursing students for professional practice during one of the most critical points in their education — the transition from classroom learning to professional nursing practice. Through case-based learning, structured clinical experiences and targeted preparation for licensing exams, she works to prepare students for successful transitions into professional nursing practice. Her collaborative approach with faculty, clinical partners and student support services has helped create learning environments focused on readiness, confidence and student success.

“These awards reflect the dedication and commitment our employees bring to students every day,” said Jo Alice Blondin, Ph.D., president of Clark State College. “Dan, Robin and Emily represent the work happening across our campuses to support student success and strengthen our communities.”