While John Carroll University is known for its quality education and high rankings around the nation, the university is often recognized for its constant acknowledgement of award-winning students, faculty and staff.
On Nov. 18, a campus-wide email from College of Health (COH) Dean Melissa Cole was sent about two new awards that were established by Mark Kadzielski ’68, who is a longtime supporter of Jesuit education and a distinguished health attorney. One will recognize a faculty member for their excellence in teaching. Another will reward a senior nursing student for their outstanding achievements.
“We are deeply grateful to Mark for this generous contribution, which reflects his deep commitment to Jesuit education and highlights the strength and spirit of the College of Health,” Cole said in a statement on Nov. 18.
“I wanted to recognize the importance of education in providing a foundation for the achievement of excellence in healthcare,” Kadzielski said in another statement. “Dr. Cole and her staff have made significant strides in a short period of time through staffing, building academic programming and increasing enrollment. It is fitting that the College of Health will join the other JCU colleges with this inaugural faculty and student award.”
“I’m really excited about this because it shows that our work with students truly matters and we’re investing in the next generation of healthcare leaders,” said Nicholette Leanza, who is a licensed professional clinical counselor and professor from the Department of Counseling.
Melissa Smith, another professor from the Department of Counseling, said these awards are a step in the right direction for the COH. She is a licensed substance abuse treatment practitioner, licensed professional clinical counselor and national certified counselor. “Teaching and learning take a mix of effort, patience and heart,” Smith told The Carroll News. “It is important to recognize the people who support students along the way and students who put in the work to be identified as ‘outstanding.’”
The Teaching Excellence Award emphasizes the importance of high-quality teaching, mentorship and leadership. The Distinguished Nursing Student Award acknowledges the value of academic strength, clinical proficiency, professionalism and service to others.
“For faculty, it validates all the dedication we pour into our students and pushes us to keep utilizing creative teaching methods,” Leanza said. “For students, it shows them that we see their hard work and growth and that it doesn’t go unnoticed.”
“I think the awards will encourage both students and faculty to continue to strive for more,” Smith said. “Faculty receive encouragement for the time and heart they put into their work. Students see examples of what it looks like to grow, lead and genuinely care for others. Recognition can build momentum for everyone. It’s a win-win.”
Since the COH is rapidly growing, these awards will help with building pride, establishing a shared identity and further showing what is valued as a community. A goal is to continue honoring faculty and students for their excellence each year, as well as create more awards for all COH programs.
“As the endowment grows, the awards will continue to shape our culture and reinforce the standards of excellence that guide our work,” Cole said. “Our goal is to ensure that every discipline within the college has the opportunity to recognize its outstanding students and celebrate the achievements that define their future professions.”
Smith believes the recognitions fit the COH’s mission and values since there is a consistent development of a community that focuses on personal growth, curiosity and service.
“We are committed to bringing mental and physical health together across the curriculum and preparing students to navigate a fast-changing world,” Smith said. “When we celebrate people who bring those values to life, it helps the whole place feel more grounded in what matters.”
These awards will be presented during the COH’s second annual Health Professions Summit in April 2026, which is a conference that centers around health profession topics. The event will have a keynote, panel discussion, breakout sessions and reception.
“In line with our Jesuit values, the Summit allows JCU to serve the community through creating dialogue about the health professions,” said Tara Jenner-Donaldson, who is the director of the COH’s pre-health professions program and post-baccalaureate pre-medicine program. “The event also showcases the new College of Health and robust pre-health professions program at JCU. We cannot name our keynote and topic for 2026 yet but will be able to by winter break.”
Leanza hopes these awards will eventually include adjunct faculty since their contributions involve bringing passion to their teaching, which therefore plays a role in students’ success.
“These awards are all about forming compassionate, ethical healthcare professionals, not just teaching information,” Leanza said. “They really capture our mission of preparing people who will lead with both skill and heart in an ever-changing healthcare field.”
“[These awards] remind us that the good work happening here comes from many people supporting one another,” Smith said. “They also point us back to the bigger picture. Our college grows stronger when we support each other and stay committed to learning and growth.”
