Dr. Mandy Cenker

Dr. Mandy Cenker

Outreach Program Director
Office of Professional Development and Outreach, College of Education, Health and Human Services, Kent State University

Mandy Cenker is the Outreach Program Director for the College of Education, Health and Human Services’ Office of Professional Development and Outreach. She earned a Ph.D. in Educational Administration at Kent State University in 2016. She received her master’s degree in special education from Malone University and a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Kent State. Mandy’s experience includes special education, curriculum development, assessment, and professional development for teachers/administrators. As a former intervention specialist, she is interested in the transition of students with disabilities to higher education, in addition to assessment in higher education, P-20 curriculum development, and professional development implementation.

More from Dr. Cenker
With everything going on in the world, the ability to bounce back from setbacks and adapt to challenges is more important than ever. The good news for you is that we now know resilience is not just a personality trait reserved for a select few; it’s a skill that anyone can cultivate. In this post, we’ll explore how developing resilience can transform the way you navigate both personal and professional challenges and enhance your resilient leadership attributes and how the Rise & Thrive: Leading with Resilience workshop from Kent State University can equip you with the tools you need to thrive.
For teachers, the rise of AI presents an exciting opportunity to enhance teaching, streamline tasks, and personalize learning for students. But how can educators effectively integrate AI into their classrooms while maintaining the human connection at the heart of teaching? Dr. Julee Henry, instructor of Kent State’s AI for Educators workshop, emphasizes the urgency of preparing educators for the AI-driven future: “As educators, we must intentionally engage with AI to harness its potential responsibly. Our students are already using this technology, often without guidance. It’s critical for teachers and administrators to understand AI’s implications now to guide students toward ethical and effective use while also enhancing classroom learning.”
The Computer Science Endorsement Program at Kent State University is proud to announce the continuation of a vital funding initiative through the generous support of the Ohio Department of Higher Education. The program has been awarded a $1,121,951 grant for the “Choose Ohio First CS Scholarships: Building High-Demand 21st-Century Workforce Development in Big Data, Cybersecurity & Privacy, AI, Smart Systems and Devices, and other cutting-edge Computer Science fields” for 2025–2029.
At Kent State University, our faculty members are the heart of our academic excellence, and Dr. Marian Maxfield exemplifies this every day. Teaching 100% online workshops in the College of Education, Health, and Human Services, Dr. Maxfield has been named an EHHS MVP—an honor awarded by student nomination. This recognition highlights her unwavering dedication to creating engaging, high-quality online learning experiences that inspire and empower her students.
As an educator, you know the importance of finding effective ways to deepen your professional learning and understanding. In an age where information is abundant and technological distractions are ever-present, one time-tested method for professional development is to engage with a book study. Whether you do book studies individually, in groups, online, or in person, this type of learning can yield benefits far beyond mere reading.
Whether you are a current student, an in-service educator, or a community member looking to engage in continuous learning and professional development, online workshops offer an invaluable opportunity to enhance your skills, explore teaching strategies, or learn a new technology—all from the comfort of your home.
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