Professor Ashley Felix, staff member Todd Thobe honored at virtual staff retreat
From left: Ashley Felix, Todd Thobe
2020 Excellence in Teaching: Ashley Felix
Ashley Felix, associate professor in the Division of Epidemiology and at the College of Nursing, was honored with the college’s annual Excellence in Teaching Award.
Felix, an expert in cancer epidemiology, racial disparities and women’s health, was recognized for the consistently outstanding feedback she receives from students and for her perpetual willingness to go above and beyond to mentor students both in and out of the classroom.
“I had the pleasure of taking PUBHEPI 6441, Women’s Health, (with Felix) and consider it to be one of the most interesting and engaging classes I have taken since beginning my PhD work,” wrote former student Ronald Inglehart, who added that Felix’s encouragement led him to build upon a research paper written for the course to submit it for publication. “Dr. Felix has made herself available as a resource and a mentor to students beyond the limits of a class.”
Former student and current PhD advisee Elyse Llamocca also supported awarding Felix this year.
“Her passion and dedication to mentoring and teaching are evident in each interaction that I have with her and have been demonstrated in her interactions with her other students, as well,” Llamocca wrote.
Felix received a bachelor’s from John Hopkins University, an MPH in epidemiology from the University of Michigan and a PhD in epidemiology from the University of Pittsburgh. She joined Ohio State in 2015.
“It is clear that she puts a lot of time and thought into her classes,” wrote Felix’s colleague and fellow epidemiology faculty member Amy Ferketich, who commended Felix for bringing a positive presence to the classroom and finding thought-provoking and effective methods to encourage discussion.
Felix joins 18 past recipients chosen for this honor for their exemplary performance in the teaching mission of the college.
2020 Employee of the Year: Todd Thobe
Todd Thobe, assistant director of marketing, recruitment and admissions in the Office of Academic Programs and Student Services (OAPSS), was named the college’s 2020 Employee of the Year.
College leadership recognized Thobe for the personalized guidance and warmth he offers public health applicants and students, his commitment to increase graduate program competitiveness and his dedication to his colleagues and the college community.
“Todd’s excellent interpersonal skills make him a great representative of the college and an even better recruiter for the graduate programs,” wrote Thobe’s team at OAPSS. “Although his position sometimes requires a focus on numbers, Todd makes sure that every applicant and student receives his personal touch that connects them to the College of Public Health and the university community.”
“He leads by example,” said OAPSS Director Kynthia Droesch. “He is a positive influence on staff and he is the OAPSS unofficial coach.”
In addition to volunteer work at the university and in the community, Thobe serves on the college’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusive Excellence Committee, through which he’s been an active advocate for increasing diversity among students, staff and faculty.
“It is clear that Mr. Thobe possesses the demeanor, cultural sensitivity, ethical constitution and commitment for continuing to be transformational in his current capacity in the College of Public Health,” wrote Darryl Hood, associate professor of environmental health sciences and co-chair of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusive Excellence Committee.
Thobe joins 16 past recipients chosen for this honor as a result of his continued dedication to supporting students, faculty, staff and the greater public health community.
