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Paull named coordinator of KSU Rural Scholars Program

SALEM — Dr. David Dees, dean and chief administrative officer for the Kent State Columbiana County campuses, announces that Dr. Jessica Paull is the newly appointed coordinator for the Rural Scholars Program on the Salem and East Liverpool campuses.

She assumes the responsibility for the program as an extension of her position as an assistant professor of sociology on the Salem Campus.

Paull earned three degrees in sociology from Kent State University. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2003; a Master of Arts degree in 2004; and her doctorate degree in 2013.

Paull has been an instructor for Kent State University for nearly 18 years, teaching a variety of sociology courses. She also served as a research assistant in the Kent State sociology department; as a supervisor in the Survey Research Lab at Kent State; and as the principle investigator on an interpersonal research project at Kent State.

In 2018, Paull served as the co-coordinator of research and development for the Mahoning Valley Family Center, studying family benefits of affordable and accessible family centers.

Most recently, Paull served as an assistant editor for Ink Media and Design in Mahoning County, where she created an interactive online curriculum for grades 3-8.

The Kent State Rural Scholars Program is designed to offer local first-generation college-bound students and their families the knowledge and social support needed to succeed at a university. The goal is for each student in the program to complete a post-secondary education with credentials necessary to succeed in his or her career.

Middle school and high school students are selected by their respective schools to participate based on their academic and leadership potential. Participating schools include Crestview Local, East Liverpool City Schools, Leetonia Exempted Village, Lisbon Village Exempted, Salem City Schools, Southern Local Schools, United Local Schools and Wellsville Local Schools.

The scholars participate in year-round activities that help them better understand the resources and opportunities that are available in nearby communities. Hands-on workshops and programming help them learn about careers in business, industry, manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture and technology, while other sessions provide intensive lessons in environmental sciences, health and physical science, leadership, communication and study skills.

The program also includes Kent State students who serve as mentors to the rural scholars. Each is also a first-generation college student from Columbiana County with a strong record of academic success and a desire to serve the community.

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