College of Engineering Faculty Member, Student Earn Statewide Recognition

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The University of Toledo’s reputation as a hotbed for engineering leaders and problem solvers just got a boost from industry peers around the state.

A faculty member and student from the College of Engineering have been honored by the Ohio Society of Professional Engineers (OSPE) and were formally acknowledged during the organization’s virtual All-Ohio Engineering Conference June 11-13.

Dr. Nick Kissoff received the 2019 Outstanding Engineering Educator Award. Kissoff retired following the spring 2020 semester after 20 years as an associate professor in UToledo’s Engineering Technology Department. He is also a three-time graduate of the University, earning a bachelor of science in civil engineering in 1980; a master of science in civil engineering in 1983; and a doctorate in engineering systems in 1988.

“Since this was my last year in teaching, the award is a great culmination to my career. I’ve received so many letters of thanks from graduates that it has now given me pause to see how valuable my interaction with students has been over the last two decades,” said Kissoff.

“I worked following the motto that, ‘You’re either all in, or you aren’t in at all.’ I committed to be the best I could at teaching.”

Jennifer Abney received the OSPE’s Outstanding Engineering Student Award for 2019. Abney, a fourth-year student expecting to graduate in fall 2020 with a bachelor of science in electrical engineering technology, sees a range of career opportunities in the field.

“Personally, this award is meaningful because it feels like another piece of proof for myself that I can do this. As I’ve gone through the program and a couple of co-ops, I’ve enjoyed pretty much everything I’ve learned,” said Abney. “Ultimately, wherever I work, I hope that I learn as much as possible and that I can be a valuable employee.”

The Toledo Society of Professional Engineers, where Abney is president of UToledo’s student chapter, also won the OSPE award for having the best Engineers Week celebration in 2019. Events including Introduce a Girl to Engineering, led by the Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Community Engagement at the College of Engineering, played a key role in the award.

“We’re very proud of Nick, Jennifer and our programs at the college,” said Michael Toole, dean of UToledo’s College of Engineering. “This recognition from the OSPE is a celebration of how we continue to lay the foundation for the future of our profession.”