Lafayette (Lafe) Tolliver, '71
"Lafayette (Lafe) Tolliver, '71, Toledo, OH, has recently published his first book ""Interviews from Hell.""
This debut novel allowed Barbara to combine her interest in creative writing with experiences she had gleaned from years as an educator.
""Cemetery Ridge"" is available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kindle and local bookstores. "
Laura Henton, '11
Laura Henton, '11, Martinsburg, WV, graduated from Shepherd University with a Doctor of Nursing Practice in the family nurse practitioner track (2023) and, most recently, a post-doctoral PMHNP (psych/mental health nurse practitioner) certificate (2025).
Thomas Dietz, '72
"Thomas Dietz, '72, Grand Isle, VT, had ""Decisions for Sustainability"" published by Cambridge University Press, which won the Gerald R. Young Book Award from the Society for Human Ecology.Thomas was also inducted into the U.S. National Academy of Sciences in 2024.
Linda Fifer, '74, M.A. '75
"Linda Fifer, Hamilton, MT, '74, M.A. '75, recently released her newest book "Winter's Turn," about a woman who is stalked and negotiates her life through the legal system. This novel received the 2025 Readers' Favorite Silver 5-Star Book Award.
Another one of Linda's novels, "Finding the Grain," is a Literary Titan Gold Book Award winner from 2024.
You can find Linda's novels at AtmospherePress.com or Amazon.com."
Michael Gunter, Ph.D. '72
"Michael Gunter, Ph.D. '72, Cookeville, TN, has been a professor of political science at Tennessee Tech University for more than 50 years. He has published more than 24 peer-reviewed books and 200+ peer-reviewed scholarly book chapters or journal articles on subjects including Kurds, Armenians, Turkey, Syria, the United Nations and terrorism, among others. He is the recipient of Tennessee Tech University's Outstanding Research Award and Teaching Award. He has also taught for the U.S.
Matt Riehl, '06
Matt Riehl, '06, Stow, OH, was inducted into the Association of Ohio Commodores by the governor and the Board of Trustees. It is Ohio's most distinguished honor. The organization was founded by Governor Rhodes in 1966, and it exists to assist the governor and lieutenant governor in promoting economic development and job creation in Ohio. Matt is the vice president of Stow City Council, and this honor recognizes his business accomplishment, acumen and leadership.
Barbara Johnstone, '66
"Barbara Johnstone, '66, Grove City, OH, has recently published her debut novel ""Cemetery Ridge"" through Proving Press, an imprint of The Columbus Publishing Lab. The novel is a realistic fiction mystery targeted to upper middle grades but enjoyable for all ages. Centered around an old, eerie graveyard, the novel pulls the reader into the intrigue of a twisted thriller. The cover of ""Cemetery Ridge"" is an original watercolor by artist Robert L. Boyles.
Jack Bernhardt, '71
Jack Bernhardt, '71, Hillsborough, NC, is a retired professor of anthropology and archaeology. He is also a journalist specializing in the culture and music of the American South. His ethnography, "Blue Grass: The Music Ministry of Jerry and Tammy Sullivan," is available from University Press of Mississippi. He wrote about bluegrass, gospel and country music for more than 30 years for Raleigh, North Carolina's The News and Observer.
Brandy (Ricketson) Anderson, '08
Brandy (Ricketson) Anderson, '08, Palm Coast, FL, was named as one of the Top 5 State Finalists for Teacher of the Year for Florida in May. She was named Teacher of the Year for her school, Indian Trails Middle School, in October 2024 and for Flagler County in January 2025.
Join the Kent State Ashtabula community for Campus Kleanup on Thursday, October 2, 2025 starting at 9 a.m. and be part of a team effort to refresh and beautify our campus! This event is a great opportunity for students, faculty and staff to come together, roll up their sleeves and show pride in the place we all call home.We’ll kick off the day at the Mahan Reading Court outside the Stocker Hall Commons, where volunteers will help pull weeds, wash lower windows, paint tables and chairs, and spruce up this popular gathering spot. From there, teams will spread out to tackle other areas of campus,...