Celebrating the Class of 2026 Glenn College Graduates

Maham Ali, right, celebrates her PhD in Public Policy and Management with Associate Professor Megan LePere-Schloop, director of graduate/professional studies (left), and Acting Dean Stephanie Moulton.

This year, a total of 65 students graduated from undergraduate-level programs including 14 who earned a Bachelor of Science in Public Policy Analysis, and 51 who earned a Bachelor of Arts in Public Management, Leadership and Policy. For graduate degrees, a total of 62 students completed graduate-level programs: 25 with a Master of Public Administration and Leadership, one with a Master of Arts in Public Policy and Management, 35 with a Master of Public Administration and one with a PhD in Public Policy and Management. Additionally, five students graduated from certificate programs.

The awards and recognitions were presented to the following:

• Mary K. Marvel Outstanding Graduate Teaching Award: Assistant Professor Ashley Orr, honored for exceptional teaching, dedicated mentorship and lasting contributions to graduate student learning and professional growth.
• Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Award: Professor Jill Clark, recognized by students for the welcoming environment she creates through clear instruction and feedback, engaging course content and an energetic approach that translates into a genuine passion for teaching.

• Robert W. Backoff Research Award: PhD student Teagan Reasch, for her outstanding research “Beliefs as Barriers: Interest in Adopting Battery Electric Vehicles Depends on Perceptions and Contexts” 
• Doug N. Jones Research Award: Doctoral candidate Yiseon Choi, for “Experimental Approach to Resource Allocation in Multi-Level Emergency Supply Chains”
• Outstanding Graduate Capstone Award – Individual: Khalid Bhuiyan, for his paper “State-Level Representations of Artificial Intelligence: Analyzing How Agencies Frame Opportunities, Risks, And Governance Considerations in Strategic and Policy Documents” 
• Outstanding Undergraduate Paper Award: Cordelia Van der Veer, for her paper “Who Sues and Why: Environmental Nonprofits and Litigation”

• Mary E. Katchmar Outstanding Service Award: Abigail Lawlor, honored for her selfless service and dedication to supporting others.
• Exemplary Community Service Award: Kathrina Noma, recognized for impactful volunteer work benefiting the broader community.

• Outstanding Public Service Award: Michelle Crandall, chief member services officer of the International City/County Management Association, honored for her leadership and commitment to community and her lasting impact on local government in Ohio. Read more about Crandall’s award and her dedication to shaping Ohio communities and the future of public management.

Closing the event, Acting Dean Stephanie Moulton told graduates: “As you walk away from this place, you are leaving with more than a diploma, more than skills (that will get you a job), more than lifelong friendships and a community of alumni that will be here for you wherever you go. You are leaving with a public service mindset. Nurture this mindset. Continue to cultivate it. Don’t lose sight of the greater good.”

Congratulations to the John Glenn College of Public Affairs Class of 2026! We are so excited to see the impact you have on the world.

Sahana Karthik is the student communications assistant at the Glenn College. She is double majoring in marketing and public policy analysis.