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Dear Friends,
As we close another academic year at the Levin College of Public Affairs and Education, I’m proud to reflect on a season of growth, resilience, and shared purpose.
This year, we celebrated nearly 500 graduates (undergraduate and graduate), each one exemplifying a deep commitment to public impact, social innovation, and systems-level change. Their achievements reflect the mission we live every day at Levin: preparing leaders and changemakers to meet the challenges of tomorrow.
Throughout the year, we’ve brought together students, scholars, and community leaders to engage with pressing issues. From digital storytelling to urban policy and equity in education to public finance: these moments of connection and collaboration have defined our progress and strengthened our collective impact.
You’ll find highlights from this impactful year in this issue of Levin Leads. I’m grateful for your continued support as alumni, partners, and friends, and look forward to what we’ll build together next.
Warmly,
| | Launching Leaders: Spring 2025 Graduates Shine | | |
Levin College proudly celebrates the accomplishments of our Spring 2025 graduates, each embodying our mission of public service, leadership, and academic excellence. At the forefront is Justin Samsa, our Spring 2025 Valedictorian.
A double major in History and Public Management, Justin made the most of every opportunity at Cleveland State University. Graduating with a 3.94 GPA, he stood out for his extensive campus involvement and commitment to community and public service. From his first semester, he sought ways to lead and give back, taking on leadership roles and supporting peers through meaningful campus work.
His impact extended beyond campus governance. As a Democracy Fellow and America Reads tutor in CSU’s Office of Civic Engagement, Justin promoted civic awareness and literacy in the community.
A recipient of the U.S. Navy’s highly competitive Baccalaureate Degree Completion Program (BDCP), Justin combined his education with a dedication to national service. Following graduation, he will attend Officer Candidate School to begin his career as a commissioned officer in the United States Navy.
“Thanks to my diligence and the opportunities provided to me by this institution, I have the honor of graduating with two degrees in only three years,” Justin shared. “Only at CSU would this have been possible. Cleveland State has given me the opportunity of a lifetime.”
Justin’s journey reflects the core values of Levin College: service, leadership, and resilience. We are proud to recognize him and the entire Spring 2025 Class as they move forward to make an impact, drive change, and lead with purpose.
| | | Honoring 45 Years of Service: Dr. Richard Perloff | | On May 2, Cleveland State University’s Human Resources Department recognized faculty and staff for their years of service. A special video tribute was presented in honor of Professor Richard Perloff, School of Communication, Levin College of Public Affairs and Education, celebrating his 45 years of extraordinary scholarship, teaching, and impact. We are proud of Dr. Perloff’s deep commitment to student success, academic excellence, and meaningful contributions to the broader public conversation. | | Year in Review: Levin Stories and Highlights | | Levin College Ranked #1 in Ohio for Urban Policy and Local Government Management | The Levin College of Public Affairs and Education continues to hold national recognition in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report Best Graduate School rankings. Levin is ranked number one in Ohio for both urban policy and local government management, and ranks fourth and twelfth nationally in those areas, respectively. These distinctions highlight the College’s leadership in research, public policy, and preparing the next generation of public service professionals. | | In partnership with community organizations like the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland and the Ohio Poverty Law Center, Dr. Brian Mikelbank’s research helped shape Ohio House Bill 29, which ended debt-based driver’s license suspensions. Their work showed how suspensions limited mobility and job access, leading to a policy change that will improve opportunities for Ohioians. At Levin, applied research drives the work of faculty and students, empowering them to create meaningful change and improve communities. | | A Capstone Experience in Digital Storytelling and Civic Engagement | This year, digital content capstone students partnered with the City of Cleveland to create media that supports real community priorities, including raising awareness for the city's Climate Action Plan. Through video storytelling and social media campaigns, students applied their creative and technical skills to projects with tangible public impact. The collaboration offered a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience with public-sector clients, while learning about and making a meaningful difference right here in Cleveland. | | RISE Program Creates Inclusive Space on Campus at CSU | Ella Conway and Jamie Whitford are quite the team! They began collaborating this spring in Levin’s School of Education and Counseling, quickly forming a strong partnership that has supported their academic and personal growth. Through the RISE (Reach, Inspire, Support, Empower) program, Jamie has developed valuable skills and experiences while enriching the CSU community. In turn, Ella, a special education major and student assistant, gains firsthand insight into inclusive education, shaping her development as a compassionate future educator. | | Norman Krumholz Speaker Series on the Future of Urban Planning | The 2024 Norman Krumholz Speaker Series marked the 50th anniversary of the 1974 Cleveland Policy Plan, the nation’s first municipal equity plan. Featuring keynote speaker Dr. June Manning Thomas and local leaders, the event honored Krumholz’s legacy and reaffirmed Levin College’s commitment to advancing urban policy rooted in equity and community well-being. | | Sociology Students Spark Climate Conversations at Lakewood Library | From April 7 through June 9, Dr. Mike Skladany and CSU sociology students Camden Lockner, Kamyra Plicka, and Kayleigh Conners are leading a book club at Lakewood Public Library, exploring All We Can Save, a powerful collection by women climate leaders that brings heart, hope, and justice to the climate conversation. | | Levin in the News: Recent Media Highlights | | | | |
