Sheila Johnson
We are so pleased that Sheila Johnson joined us back in May as Administrative Clerk of the Department’s Psychological Clinic. Sheila is herself a former Flash, and previously worked in KSU’s Division of People, Culture, and Belonging. Sheila feels like Kent State offers “endless opportunities,” including the chance to further her own education. She appreciates the Clinic environment, particularly working with Clinic Director, Dr. Alanna Updegraff and all the graduate students in training. She was particularly excited to join our Psychological Clinic because she is “a people-person” with “a passion to help people become their best self.” In her personal life, Sheila describes herself as the family matriarch, being a mother of three (Paul, Nicholas, and Marcus) and a grandmother to four (Paul Jr, Payden, Noelle, and Elijah). Her family has frequent gatherings, and she loves cooking and decorating a space for celebrations. She has also created a series of cooking videos for her family, Up in Sheila's Kitchen! She enjoys travel and sightseeing. Sheila adds that she is “all about positivity and good energy” and we can certainly see that in her everyday interactions! Welcome, Sheila!
Işik Webster
Next on our list of new faces in the Department is Işik Webster, who joined the Department in August as our new Senior Secretary. Having recently moved to Kent from Ankara, Turkey, Işik previously worked as an Office Assistant at the Council of Europe, an international human rights organization, and also as an ESL instructor which is how she connected with her husband, Bailey. Bailey works in the Department of Modern Languages, making them our Department’s newest couple! Işik reports she is settling into her new brownstone in Kent with husband and cat, Bootsie. As an outdoor enthusiast, Işik is particularly excited for the many opportunities in northeast Ohio to walk, hike, and even go camping. She is looking forward to experiencing our beautiful autumn trees as the colors change, as well as the cozy holiday season in Kent. In her spare time, her many hobbies include reading, crocheting, yoga, playing tennis, and silversmithing. Here’s hoping she finds ways to continue all of these passions in Kent -- we are especially looking forward to seeing some of the results of her silversmithing. Welcome, Işik!
Morgan Thompson, PhD
Last but certainly not least, we are pleased to introduce Assistant Professor Morgan Thompson, our newest Psychological Sciences faculty member! Dr. Thompson comes to KSU as part of our Social Health area and will also contribute as faculty for our Quantitative Minor. She completed a postdoctoral fellowship through Auburn University/Human Development and Family Science. Prior to that, she completed a Master’s degree and PhD in Developmental Psychology at the University of Rochester, and she also holds a master’s degrees in Experimental Psychology from the College of William & Mary. Dr. Thompson’s research explores how family relationships and interactions shape children’s and adolescents’ development. At KSU, she will direct the SPROUT lab, which will study how young people cope with and adapt to stressful experiences within their families, with a particular focus on their emotional and behavioral development and sleep. Dr. Thompson will be teaching in the classroom, as well, with Social and Personality Development on the roster this academic year. In her free time, Dr. Thomson enjoys crocheting, running and spinning, hiking, paddleboarding and kayaking, and hanging out with her cat, Rosie. Welcome Dr. Thompson!
