Academics

Meet the Staff

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Elaine Cummings

I am a math tutor at the Learning Center. I enjoy seeing students make progress in their mathematical understanding, to be successful in their coursework, and to meet their goals. I enjoy traveling to visit out-of-state family members, watching sports, working with my plants, and doing math problems!

Favorite Quote: “What do we live for, if it is not to make life less difficult for each other?” –George Eliot

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Erin Curley

I like being able to help students. I know when I had my first writing class in college it was anything but easy. I can relate to the struggles that students are having and offer advice that will help them with the problems they are having. It is very rewarding. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I also like to read in my spare time and listen to music.

Favorite Quote: “We write to taste life twice, in the moment and in retrospect.” ― Anaïs Nin

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Elizabeth Durick

Writing an academic essay can be a challenging experience. As a writing tutor in the Learning Center, I offer guidance and encouragement to students throughout the process of developing college level writing skills. Being a part of the Learning Center allows me to collaborate with students, share creativity through conversation, and increase my understanding of education. As a student of Kent State Salem, I enjoy working in the Learning Center because it provides me with the opportunity to help other students, while strengthening the value of my own college experience, through peer interaction. Reading, writing,and education are important aspects of my life. I take pleasure in all forms of art, music, and literature. I also enjoy sharing my passion for art, and encouraging creative expression in my family, my community, and myself.

Favorite Quote of the Moment: "You Know you've read a good book when you turn the last page and feel a little as if you have lost a friend". - Paul Sweeney

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Justin Foy

I tutor accounting and basic algebra courses. I enjoy helping fellow students, and in my spare time I enjoy playing guitar.

Favorite Quote: : "...just because you have their attention doesn't mean you have their respect." - Dale Gribble, King of the Hill

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Nicole Gumino

I spend two days a week in the Learning Center helping fellow college students through their classes. I am a little bit of a switch hitter when it comes to tutoring. I am comfortable with all levels of College Writing, Pre-Algebra and ALEKS Math/Algebra through III. I also enjoy both Organic Chemistry and Chemistry along with all the Biological Sciences and predominately the Human Sciences. I greatly enjoy my time in the Learning Center. My favorite thing about tutoring is that moment of clarity when the student makes a connection with the material. I also love seeing their confidence increase as they progress through assignments and the semester.

I generally enjoy spending time at home with my family (I’m a home-body). I also love gardening and landscaping around my house and lake. I love the summer time and watching my kids play and laugh. One of my favorite hobbies is writing especially responses to essays and journals articles. I am a J.R.R Tolkien junkie (though I am a little out of practice). I’m partial to John Updike and I am a big Kate Chopin fan too. Even though I fancy the arts and humanities, I am actually in my last year of nursing school here at the Salem campus, and I hope to pursue an advanced practice degree in nursing. Eventually, I would love to teach at the collegiate level. One of my favorite quotes is, of course, a Tolkien quote. I feel it is appropriate for the challenges we face as college students.

Favorite Quote: “Little by little, one travels far.” - J.R.R. Tolkien

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Bonita Jenkins

I am the receptionist in The Learning Center. I do the scheduling of appointments, answer the phone and respond to the emails. I'm the friendly face you see when you walk into The Learning Center. I enjoy being part of helping students to succeed in their learning experience. I enjoy spending time with my family, especially my grandkids. I also enjoy being able to help people in their time of need.

Favorite Quote: This has been my favorite quote since I was 12 years old. Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

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Wendy Pfrenger

I coordinate the Learning Center and do my best to help our talented staff in any way I can. I also enjoy tutoring writing whenever I get the chance. Watching someone become a better academic writer is exciting to me, because it's not just about performing a task for a class in college - it's about becoming a better thinker, a more engaged participant in our society. When I'm not on campus I enjoy playing with my kids, battling the pests in my organic garden at home, and reading everything I can get my hands on.

Favorite Quote of the Moment: "Metamorphosis arouses the mind." - Richard Sennett

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Casey Yourex

I enjoy running and spending time with my family. I love artwork and classical music. I do volunteer work for the Way Station helping to raise money for the holidays and food/ clothing. I love being able to help people and tutoring is another enjoyable way to do that.

Favorite Quote: Even though I walk through the darkest valley,I will fear no evil,for you are with me; your rod and your staff,they comfort me. - Psalm 23:4