Dr. Jane Beese
Bio: Jane Beese, Ed.D. is currently a Professor and Program Coordinator for the Educational Administration and Leadership Programs at Youngstown State University. She has taught at YSU for the past twelve years. Before that appointment, she spent five years as an Instructor in the Educational Administration Programs at The University of Akron. Jane received her B.S, in Music Performance and History and Literature from The University of Akron and, her M.S. in Music Education from Case Western Reserve University. She obtained her Ed.D. in Educational Administration from The University of Akron. Jane’s expertise is organizational leadership, adult learning theory, and culturally responsive leadership. Jane has been a presenter at state, regional, national, and international conferences and has published academic books and articles related to economics of education, issues of social justice, and leadership. Prior to her Ed.D. work, Dr. Beese taught Music for 19 years and was an administrator for six years.
Dr. Lauren Cummins
Bio: Dr. Lauren Cummins currently serves as the coordinator for the Graduate Curriculum and Instruction Programs within the Department of Teacher Education and Leadership Studies at Youngstown State University. With an impressive tenure spanning over two decades in higher education, Dr. Cummins has contributed significantly to the field through her extensive research and publications. Her research work and publications primarily focus on developmentally appropriate practices, the scholarship of teaching and learning, the cultivation of online learning communities, and the emerging digital teaching and learning paradigm. A staunch advocate for effective teaching methodologies, Dr. Cummins has been at the forefront of adapting to the evolving landscape of 21st-century education. Her current enthusiasm lies in the seamless integration of Artificial Intelligence in both college-level and P-12 courses. This innovative approach aims not only to enhance educational outcomes but also to equip teachers and students with the necessary skills to thrive in their respective careers. In pursuit of this goal, Dr. Cummins was awarded a mini grant by her university to investigate the potential of ChatGPT across various graduate courses, an endeavor that is elaborated upon throughout this website. Throughout her career, Dr. Cummins has been the recipient of teaching awards, recognizing her commitment to excellence and her profound impact on the educational community including research professorship, being a Master Reviewer for QM, receiving the Distinguished Faculty Award in Teaching at YSU and the Ohio Board of Regents Faculty Innovator of the Year Award. Through her dedication to fostering an effective learning environment, combined with her pioneering efforts in integrating technology in education, she hopes to inspire both educators and students alike to become quality innovators of effective change.
Joel Gillespie
Bio: Joel Gillespie is a dedicated Graduate Student pursuing his Master's in Counseling at Youngstown State University. Holding a Bachelor of Music Degree in Music Performance with a specialization in recording (2018), Joel brings a unique blend of creativity and technical proficiency to his academic pursuits. Currently serving as a Worship Ministry Resident at a dynamic multi-campus church, Joel is honing his leadership skills by ministering to people through music and leveraging his growing expertise in counseling. Complementing his practical experiences, Joel is actively engaged in research as a graduate assistant in the Department of Teacher Education and Leadership Studies. His current focus lies in seeking innovative ways to enhance learning experiences for both educators and students alike. He hopes this website that he has developed will lead more people to lean into what artificial intelligence can do for them.