LEVIN LEADS
LEVIN LEADS
Mailing Address Cleveland
Jill A. Gordon, Ph.D. Dean and Professor
Contributing Writers/Editors Armond Budish
Kara Keating Copeland Contact Us
Please send alumni news, story ideas, death notices and other comments to levincollege@csuohio.edu.
Dear Levin Community,
It is with great excitement and pride that I welcome you to the inaugural issue of Levin Leads. This new multi-media publication celebrates the remarkable achievements, innovative initiatives, and vibrant spirit of the Levin College of Public Affairs and Education. Here, we highlight the exceptional work of our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and contributors who exemplify our commitment to public impact, an equitable society, and academic excellence.
Once again, in 2024, U.S. News & World Report recognizes Levin as a top graduate program in public affairs, including specialty rankings in urban policy (#4) and local government management (#12). This national recognition is a testament to our groundbreaking research, strong community partnerships, and inspiring stories of personal and professional growth.
More than ever, this era of rapid societal change calls for dedicated public servants, educators, and dynamic leaders. Our college is uniquely positioned to meet these challenges head-on, with programs that prepare our students to become agents of change in their communities and beyond.
This multi-media magazine is more than just a publication; it is a celebration of our collective influence over the past 48 years. Levin Leads is a platform to share our successes, learn from each other, and inspire the next generation of public impact leaders. I invite you to immerse yourself in the stories and updates within these pages and to take pride in being a part of the Levin College community.
Thank you for your continued support and dedication. Together, we will continue to lead with integrity, passion, and a steadfast commitment to public impact.
With gratitude,
Jill A. Gordon, Ph.D. DEAN & PROFESSOR
Levin College of Public Affairs and Education
Cleveland State University
LETTER from THE DEAN
LAURA BLOOMBERG
A visit to President Laura Bloomberg’s office reveals a lot about this university president’s broad vision and aspirations. Along with the expected wall of diplomas and awards, you will discover a thought-provoking print hanging above her desk. It is a picture of a woman in 1950’s attire purposely striding away from the viewer. When asked why that photo occupies such a place of prominence in her office, President Bloomberg is quick to reply that “it’s about following the women who went before us.” Women who paved the way for women in leadership. Quoting Madeline Albright, she shares, “There’s a special place in hell for women who don’t help other women.” And then added: “I’m inspired by her.” It’s a perfect symbol for President Bloomberg, herself a trailblazer, following in the footsteps of other trailblazers.
Her passion for and commitment to an inclusive approach shine through, guiding her career, leadership, and focus; establishing her as a trailblazer in public affairs and education – both PreK-12 and higher education. She conveys her focus by stating: “At the root .... is seeing and accepting people... I want to talk about how I am going to help you become part of this learning community, and how I am going to help this learning community learn from all of us together.”
Her dedication and focus began at an early age, growing up in the homogenous community of St. Cloud, Minnesota. “Things that really shaped me: my elementary school had special education programs for kids with severe disabilities. I noticed some teachers did a brilliant job of including kids.... in a respectful way... and others didn’t do that, and it bothered me. So, by third grade, I was volunteering in special ed classrooms... That framed how I thought about equity... I thought I wanted to be a special education teacher.” However, she taught special education for only one year. While finding her work with individual students fulfilling, she felt compelled to address the policies and systems that created societal barriers. Her voice tinges with disappointment as she recounts the story of taking her class to a local bank for a practical life lesson in personal finance. But instead of receiving kudos from her superiors for showing resourcefulness, she was criticized and written up because school policy prohibited a teacher from opening a bank account with students. Limitations such as this that worked against student success, frustrated her, and led her to shift her focus to educational policy.
President Bloomberg’s career has combined practice (special education teacher, and principal) and academic policy (faculty member, dean, and president). She describes herself as a “pracademic.” “I’m never fully comfortable as an academic only and I’m never fully comfortable as a practitioner only. As a practitioner I want to know: what are the policies?, what is impacting what I’m trying to do as a practitioner that should change? Everything about being a practitioner influences how I think about academic life, and everything about academic life influences how I think we should prepare practitioners.”
She readily offers examples: “We think about getting school buses to schools on time, but we don’t consider how the transit system impacts our students’ success. How are students who are living in the most low-income, potentially dangerous areas of the city affected by lighting?”
Connecting practice and policy, as is happening at the Levin College of Public Affairs and Education, fuels her enthusiasm for integrating education and public policy in a college setting. “We have traditionally prepared our K-12 teachers with a limited understanding of how the built environment impacts their students,” she explains. This integration is crucial for preparing future educators to address the broader societal issues affecting their students.
President Bloomberg wants CSU academics and higher education, in general, to escape the ivory tower and bring their valuable expertise to everyday practical experiences. “I think about my understanding of what happens outside of higher ed every single day. We have brilliant scholars in higher education, but they should also consider how people can apply what they create.” This approach is pivotal for advancing public affairs, society, and enhancing our communities.
That’s the kind of empathy and communication President Bloomberg desires to bring to the entire school. She exemplifies a “pracademic.”
Not only does President Bloomberg view herself as a pracademic, but she also aspires to be a humble learner, a term she used during her time as President of the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA) to describe someone who recognizes what they know and don’t know and is open to learn from others. “People in positions of authority can inadvertently isolate themselves. You can lose touch if you don’t humble yourself as a leader who learns,” says President Bloomberg. “We come with all of our fancy degrees and things that we know, but we also come with all of the things we don’t know, and we should be open to learning from others. Ultimately, it makes us better, not weaker, leaders.”
She successfully navigated numerous career transitions from a special education teacher to a school principal, then to a school board member, eventually becoming the first female dean of the Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota, and now President of Cleveland State University. Reflecting on her journey, she says, “Every day as an administrator, >
I miss being in the classroom, and every day I’m in the classroom, I miss the opportunity to influence a larger public affairs arena.”
Her advice to others? “The days of having one career path and one job are mostly gone. More and more, we will be following an interest and a passion more than a job title.” She believes there are multiple paths to reach one’s objectives. Her intention when starting her journey in third grade was not serving as a university president, yet she is now only the second female president of CSU in 60 years. Today, women remain significantly outnumbered in the ranks of college presidents nationally. “It’s not uncommon for me to enter a room of presidents where I am the only female, and it’s not uncommon in those settings for people to refer to each other as president or doctor, and then to me as Laura.” But she is comfortable following her own path, “as opposed to following some image that society has painted for all of us.”
She explains: “The words used to describe women who have strong opinions and share them forcefully are different than the words used to describe men.” She simply doesn’t let that deter her. Instead, she lets her actions do the talking.
President Bloomberg recognizes the strengths and responsibilities of serving at an urban institution. She praises the Levin College of Public Affairs and Education as a cornerstone of the university where students gain insight into the complexities confronting urban America and collaborate with faculty and community partners to identify contemporary solutions to society’s most entrenched challenges. “It’s all right outside our doors. We have a built-in learning lab. In less than 15 minutes, you can walk to a federal reserve bank, a great lake, one of the most extensive public parks systems in the country, public transit, great health care institutions, and everything else we learn about in urban affairs.”
As a pracademic, President Laura Bloomberg continues to shape public policy education by serving as a guest lecturer for graduate courses at the Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs, bridging academic theory with practical, real-world experience.
Cleveland State University President Laura Bloomberg accepts the gavel as Chair of NASPAA in 2020, a distinguished honor bestowed upon leaders in public service education.
President Laura Bloomberg and Dean Jill Gordon are leading the way at Cleveland State, inspiring the next generation of change-makers in public affairs and education. 6
LEVIN LEADS
CHAMPIONING URBAN POLICY and FAIR HOUSING
The adage “Practice what you preach” suggests that you should follow your own advice. However, Dr. Megan Hatch turns this saying on its head by preaching what she practices. As an associate professor in the Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs, her scholarship and teaching are deeply rooted in her extensive community engagement.
One key focus of her classroom work is conveying her scholarly knowledge and passion to open doors to fair housing. Like many traditional educators, Dr. Hatch uses articles and textbooks to ground students about the impacts of housing policies, fair housing laws, and the importance of advocacy. What sets her apart is that she brings real-life experiences into her classroom to demonstrate how informed citizens can translate policy into practice. For example, she spent years on the Board of Directors of Heights Community Congress, a fair housing group active for 50 years. As chair of their fair housing committee, she collaborated closely with housing champions and testified before the Cleveland Heights City Council on the unfair practices of source income discrimination. This resulted in the passing of the source of income anti-discrimination law. Recently, Dr. Hatch has partnered with the Fair Housing Center for Rights and Research and testified on the academic research on source of income discrimination and design principles for ensuring an effective anti-discrimination law for the Ohio Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights.
Her knowledge has inspired students to become champions of change and action.Tanesha Hunter (MPA, ’16) currently serves as the Director of Education and Outreach for the Fair Housing Center, where she educates the community, housing providers, landlords, and renters about their responsibilities and rights under fair housing laws. She credits Dr. Hatch’s guidance for inspiring her to become involved in fair housing advocacy. According to Hunter, Dr. Hatch’s encouragement and guidance impacted her career trajectory. “I would not have even become involved in this area if not for her encouragement and guidance .... I have become something of an expert on source of income protections thanks entirely to Dr. Hatch.”
Dr. Hatch exemplifies the principle of “preaching what she practices” through her work on equity and inclusion. “Historically, public administration curricula have been shaped by the white male perspective,” she notes. In response to this narrow viewpoint, Dr. Hatch questions how students can be expected to practice diversity if they are not exposed to diverse perspectives. “I take very seriously the design of my courses to make sure students are being exposed to … voices that often aren’t amplified.”
As scholar, educator, and a change agent, Dr. Hatch actively supports equity and inclusion within her work, community partnerships, and classes: “I want my students to feel included and to know that they have a voice not only in my classes but also in the field.” This reciprocal relationship between Dr. Hatch’s community engaged research and her teaching fosters a dynamic learning experience. “Anytime I’m on a call or at a meeting, there is always a Levin graduate or current student. That is really exciting because across the board, they are passionate about making differences in really impactful ways.” Dr. Hatch praises their involvement in nonprofits, government, and the private sector.
Dr. Hatch also encourages students to engage in Levin’s extensive mentorship and internship programs. “Students will totally unprompted say how much they gained from (those) programs.” The mentorship and internship programs also have additional benefits in the community, informing students that such opportunities are “a great way to get those incredible alumni back here [on campus], giving back in a way that they’re so generous to do.” Dr. Hatch’s alumni frequently return to speak to her classes, embodying the practice of preaching what they practice every day.
Dr. Hatch uniquely inspires her students to act by showing her passion and advocacy for urban policy and social equity, particularly in fair housing, resulting in a dynamic educational process that benefits the entire community.
MENTORING PROGRAM RECOGNIZED BY NASPAA AS NATIONAL MODEL
Recognized by the NASPAA in March 2024 as a national best practice, Levin College’s mentoring program was praised for “advancing a pipeline of public service professionals, emphasizing the inclusion of underrepresented groups in public affairs.” This acclaimed mentoring program pairs Levin undergraduate and graduate students with executive-level leaders in the public and nonprofit sectors, tailored to each student’s unique career aspirations. The year-long program includes individual mentoring sessions, monthly on-campus group activities, networking events, and career development sessions. Mentors offer guidance and career advice, helping students explore career choices, set goals, and achieve objectives. Students are encouraged to step outside their comfort zones and broaden their professional networks by engaging with the wider community.
Learn more about the Mentoring Program in Levin’s Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs.
Dr. Megan Hatch Tanesha Hunter
PRESERVING THE PAST, INNOVATING the FUTURE
A visionary is someone with exceptional foresight and imagination who can perceive potential in what currently exists, something that others may not see. It’s a rare quality, and when combined with impactful action, it becomes even rarer. In Northeast Ohio, the Levin family is such a rare breed. The family, whose name graces the Levin College of Public Affairs and Education, has inspired positive community changes and influenced countless Cleveland leaders.
Let’s delve
into how the Levin family has “LevIN-spired” Cleveland’s future!
Albert A. Levin, a successful developer, owned land in downtown Cleveland, which was used as a parking lot. Instead of developing the property for apartments and offices as was his intention, he saw an opportunity to support the region’s future when Governor Rhodes announced his goal to establish a state university in Cleveland. Albert sold the land to the state at cost, facilitating the establishment of the Cleveland State University Vikings’ future home in 1964.
In reflecting on her husband’s commitment to the Levin College, Maxine openely shared Albert’s vision of “a major public university in the heart of downtown Cleveland—a university dedicated to the problems of urban condition and committed to providing quality education at low cost to Greater Clevelanders, young and old alike.” Through his contributions of time, expertise and resources, Albert helped bring that about.
In 1969, Albert passed away unexpectedly; in his memory, Maxine established the Albert A. Levin Chair of Urban Studies and Public Service, housed within the Levin College. This chair was the first of its kind in the United States, established to attract leading professionals in urban affairs to Cleveland State University. Its purpose was to connect the university’s resources with the urban community’s needs and issues. Additionally, to fulfill her and her late husband’s dream of providing quality education to young people who might not otherwise have access to it, she sponsored student scholarships. Maxine believed that for Cleveland to prosper as a leading urban center, the city’s young people needed to become impactful urban leaders through the right education. The Levin family recognized that realizing innovative ideas requires resources and stepped forward to support urban education.
Albert A. Levin Maxine Goodman Levin
Maxine Goodman Levin’s commitment to Cleveland’s resurgence as a leading urban environment required the preservation of the city’s proud past. In 1972, she, along with her colleagues Thomas Campbell and Olive Deany Tabor, came together to express their concerns about the extensive demolition of Cleveland’s beautiful historic buildings. This gathering led to the Cleveland Restoration Society, the largest non-governmental regional historic preservation organization in Ohio.
Being a visionary must be in the Levin family DNA.
Maxine Goodman Levin’s influence has inspired her nephew Mort, his wife Judy, their daughter Alissa, and their son Jared, as well as Jared’s wife Lora, to continue supporting educational opportunities and urban affairs issues at the Levin College. At Maxine’s urging, Mort joined the Cleveland State University Foundation Board in 1989, and his involvement expanded to serving on various committees and the University Board of Trustees.
Mort’s commitment to bettering the education of Levin students is further demonstrated by his willingness ‘to walk the walk and talk the talk.’ He is known for engaging regularly with students and faculty; having co-taught courses with noted city planner and Professor Norm Krumholz and Virginia Benson and more recently with Professor Roby Simons on the use of Historic Preservation Tax Credits. In this way, Mort continues Maxine’s legacy of preserving the majestic buildings of Cleveland’s past and investing in the leaders of tomorrow.
As the next generation of philanthropic leaders, Lora and Jared Levin, who are both physicians at University Hospitals, returned to Cleveland in 2001. Maxine’s dedication to philanthropy and revitalization was infectious. According to Lora: “We listened to her (Maxine) talk about Cleveland, the city, the college, it was very inspiring, she had great ideas.” So motivated, Jared and Lora became involved at the Levin College as well.
In 2022, the Levin Family made a significant gift that helped to establish the Levin College of Public Affairs and Education. This new college aims to tackle complex urban policy issues by developing professionals to make a positive impact in the public sector. The reimagined Levin College encompasses the Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs, the School of Communication, the School of Education and Counseling, and Criminology and Sociology, all working collaboratively. This initiative is particularly meaningful for the Levins, especially for Judy, a former teacher and school psychologist dedicated to creating opportunities for educators. For Mort, the gift honors his aunt’s original vision and allows for unified efforts to address societal challenges at local and national levels.
The Levins reflect on the past and envision the future. They perceive a city and its inhabitants in a way that others may overlook—seeing tremendous potential. When combined with a college that educates and inspires, they foresee a vibrant future for the city.
The next generation of Levin philanthropists include: Alissa Levin, Max Sebok, Judy Levin, Isabel Levin, Peter Levin, Lora Levin, Jared Levin, and Mort Levin.
50 YEARS OF LEGACY: NORMAN KRUMHOLZ’S IMPACT on URBAN PLANNING, POLICY and PRACTICE
TRANSFORMATIVE MOMENTS:
Cleveland’s First Black Mayor and the significance of the Hough Riots Certain days are memorable in our personal lives, and there are also significant dates for cities. For Cleveland, unquestionably, one of those key moments in Cleveland was on July 18, 1966. On that day, the white owner of a bar at E. 79 and Hough Ave. denied a black customer a glass of water. That incident triggered the so-called Hough uprising; an event that shined a light on the City’s long-standing racial inequities and economic disparities.
The 1960s marked a tumultuous era for Cleveland. During this decade, the city lost over 100,000 residents, and the median income in Cleveland sharply declined from 1960 to 1965. Moreover, urban renewal displaced thousands of African American residents. Cleveland grappled with persistent disinvestment and deep-seated racial disparities.
In 1967, Cleveland made history by electing Carl Stokes the first African American mayor of a large American city. One of his key priorities was social justice, and to further this mission, he recruited Norman Krumholz from Pittsburgh to lead the Cleveland City Planning Department in 1969.
Krumholz had already established himself as a planner focused on equity issues and eagerly accepted, driven by the opportunity to support Stokes’ vision for social justice.
A BLUEPRINT FOR EQUITABLE URBAN PLANNING: Norman Krumholz’s Influence on Cleveland and Beyond
Before addressing the remedies, it was important to Krumholz to understand the underlying reasons for the issues at hand. He found that Cleveland was facing significant challenges due to deeply rooted personal and municipal poverty, widespread unemployment, neighborhood decline, and high crime rates. To address these issues, Krumholz introduced an innovative approach to
Krumholz stands proudly in front of Cleveland City Hall, where he pioneered equitable urban policies that shaped the city’s future.”
city planning, which he coined “equity planning.” “It is not enough for cities to be beautiful and efficient,” he wrote. “They could, and should, be just and fair as well, and planners should work toward human betterment.”
His Cleveland Policy Planning Report represented a major shift in Cleveland’s planning strategy, prioritizing social policy. “Equity demands that government institutions prioritize efforts to expand choices for Cleveland residents who currently face limited or no options,” the report emphasized, catalyzing a pivotal shift in planning discourse nationwide. Before Krumholz’s time, city planning in Cleveland and across the nation focused mainly on physical planning, often reflecting the interests of private developers and corporations. So called urban renewal projects focused on demolishing dilapidated older properties to clear land for private development and new highways, even if it meant cutting through long-established residential neighborhoods. That changed during and following Krumholz’s tenure, as he pushed city planning to focus on the needs of the residents and improving access to affordable housing, public transportation, and quality urban education. Krumholz emphasized that the challenges facing Cleveland and its residents were less about land use, zoning, or urban design—traditionally the main concerns of city planners—and more about “equity planning.” For Krumholz, social policy
took center stage in city planning, and this new vision propelled both local and national planning and public administration fields to increasingly advance social equity as a core goal. While there is still work to be done, one wonders where we would be without this pivotal moment in planning and urban policy.
Robert Brown, a well-known figure in Cleveland’s city planning community who served as the Director of City Planning for Cleveland from 2004 to 2014, wrote that after Norm Krumholz, planning “was an overtly value-driven initiative, advocating for the community’s poorest residents and pursuing the goal of social and economic equity.” Perspectives on social and economic justice first expressed in the Cleveland Policy Planning Report hold currency fifty years later. They continue to frame plans and strategy documents recently published by local governments and nonprofits around Northeast Ohio. Just a few examples include Vibrant NEO 2040; The Two Tomorrows: Regional Priorities for a better tomorrow issued by the Fund for Our Economic Future; Impact 2022-2027, the strategy for Cleveland Neighborhood Progress; and Growth Opportunity Partners Equitable Solar Access Project.
His national influence is noted by social equity leader Dr. Susan T. Gooden, Ph.D., dean and professor at the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs -Virginia Commonwealth University, who said, “The late Norm Krumholz was an authentic pioneer and early proponent for advancing equitable urban development. His philosophy, ‘plan for the most for those with the least,’ exemplified a lifelong pursuit of placing community wellbeing as key to success in quality of life. Krumholz’s dedication and advocacy for historically marginalized and economically disadvantaged groups garnered much needed national attention of the plight of citizens battling unfettered gentrification. His unprecedented, decades-long work lives on through his educational impacts on generations of urban planners dedicated to improving local communities in perennial issues such as housing security, grassroots organizing, public infrastructure work, and many more issues critical to represent all citizens.”
Norman Krumholz served under three mayors—Carl Stokes, Ralph Perk, and Dennis Kucinich—each with distinct political ideologies during his decade of public service. Despite their differences, they shared a deep respect for Krumholz’s expertise and dedication to impartial urban development. His emphasis on equity planning resonated with each administration, leaving a legacy of inclusivity in Cleveland and changing the conversation on planning at a national level.
Norman Krumholz, recruited to Cleveland by Mayor Carl Stokes, stands alongside Stokes and other officials as they review a prototype building design.
Krumholz shakes hands with President Jimmy Carter, marking a moment of national recognition for his groundbreaking work in urban equity.
Norman Krumholz with his wife, Virginia. After his passing in 2019, the Norman and Virginia Krumholz Endowed Scholarship was created to support graduate planning students dedicated to making a difference in their communities through equity and neighborhood planning. If you’re inspired by their legacy and want to contribute, scan the QR code to donate and help empower future leaders.
While it was not until 2019 that the American Planning Association released its first-ever Planning for Equity Policy Guide, the document outlines a timeline for the movement, recognizing the Cleveland Policy Planning Report as a key milestone in “shifting the emphasis from traditional land-use planning to advocacy planning.”
In all his professional and academic work, Norm stressed the need for urban planners to represent the voices and needs of the community not just those “at the table.” This commitment was evident during his tenure as head of the American Planning Association (APA) and the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), where he successfully advocated for including social equity in the APA’s Code of Ethics.
Reflecting on Krumholz’s transition from a planner to a movement maker, his colleague Dennis Keating, Levin Distinguished College Professor in the Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs once said: “Norm’s lasting legacy is his contribution to the movement for social justice and equity planning by progressive cities. While not all his efforts as a practitioner achieved his goals, his ideas live on as a tribute to his career as an advocate.”
NURTURING THE NEXT GENERATION OF URBAN LEADERS: Norman Krumholz’s Influence on Planning Education
Recruited to Cleveland State University’s Levin College in 1979, Norm Krumholz created the Center for Neighborhood Development at Levin College, which supported community development corporations in many neighborhoods throughout Cleveland with research, analysis of data and technical assistance. At Levin, he dedicated the next 40 years of his life to teaching and mentoring students committed to advancing urban policy and planning. His scholarship and legacy have left a lasting impact on the ethos of the institution. While much has evolved in the public affairs curriculum, certain foundational principles were shaped by Krumholz, including the utilization of the City of Cleveland as a learning lab for students; this practice was repeated in other urban centered institutions. Krumholz instituted academic exercises which remain an ingrained part of curriculum across Levin which encourage active engagement of Levin urban planning, policy and public affairs students with the city, its neighborhoods, and the thousands of Levin alumni who have become influential regional and national leaders, including many who have been prominent in the field of community development.
What is uniquely different about Krumholz’s approach is giving students the opportunity to apply their planning knowledge to real-world problems in Cleveland’s neighborhoods. So, while institutions of higher education are typically concerned with their immediate surroundings, Norm paved a path forward for Levin faculty and students to truly make an impact in the diverse communities where we live, work, and play. This approach not only strengthens the skill development of our students but, more significantly, positively influences the impact across the larger urban environment and expands the impact of Levin on urban policy and practice.
Norm’s national thought leadership and legacy continue to impact the region and nation in many ways.
• Krumholz’s protégés, like Chris Ronayne, who currently serves as County Executive of Cuyahoga County, continue to carry on his legacy. Ronayne has said, “We all stand on Norm’s shoulders when discussing inclusive growth.” He recalled Krumholz’s advice to him upon graduation: “Get out of the cube and apply yourself because a planner’s place isn’t at a desk. It’s in the community. And don’t spend all your time with the highway guys!”
Dennis Keating, Ph.D., is an Emeritus Professor of Urban Studies at the Levin College. In 2024, he was honored with the prestigious Contribution to the Field of Urban Affairs Award by the Urban Affairs Association (UAA). Over decades, Dr. Keating has made significant scholarly contributions, including ten books, over a hundred journal articles, edited books, and book chapters, shaping research in areas such as shrinking cities, housing, neighborhood development, urban planning, and land use law. His impact extends beyond academia, highlighted by roles such as President of the Housing and Built Environment Research Council of the International Sociological Association and a 2003 Visiting Fellow at the University of Glasgow’s Department of Urban Studies. Dr. Keating remains actively engaged, exemplified by his recent publication on Cleveland, Ohio’s historical significance in the U.S. Civil War. He also contributes to community development as a past board member of Future Heights in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, and through speaking engagements on equitable housing.
• Krumholz was an APA leader, serving as president of the American Planning Association from 1986–1987 and a member of the APA board from 2002 to 2005. He was president of the American Institute of Certified Planners from 1999–2001 and received the APA Award for Distinguished Leadership in 1990.
• He was awarded the Rome Prize in 1987 by the American Academy in Rome.
• In 2003, he was inducted into the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Certified Planners, recognized as a developer of equity planning, “an educator to thousands, and an author that has inspired a nation of planners.”
• Seminal work: Making Equity Planning Work, (2018 co-authored with John Forester) listed by the American Planning Association (APA) as one of the 100 Essential Books of Planning in the 20th century.
• In 2003, the Cleveland Policy Plan of 1974 was designated a National Planning Landmark, recognized as “pioneering work and the first example of equity planning being broadly applied in an American city.”
Norm Krumholz’ impact continues to shape the next generation of public impact professionals, as well as research and policy in Cleveland and beyond. He had a profound impact on many faculty members at the Levin College, including Drs. Dennis Keating and Beth Nagy.
Dr. Beth Nagy and Dr. Dennis Keating continue Krumholz’s legacy at Levin College by chairing the annual Norm Krumholz Speaker Series.
According to Dr. Keating, “A major reason that I moved from the San Francisco Bay area in 1983 to join the faculty of the Levin College of Urban Affairs at Cleveland State University was the presence of Norm Krumholz. In all his professional and academic work, Norm stressed the need for urban planners to represent the poor and powerless and their needs. This included his stints as head of the American Planning Association (APA) and the American Institute of City Planning (AICP). He successfully advocated for adding this policy position in the APA’s Code of Ethics....Throughout his teaching career, Norm inspired many students at the Levin College.”
Similarly, Dr. Beth Nagy, a Senior College Lecturer in Urban Planning Practice, credited her admiration for Krumholz as a critical factor for her decision to teach at Levin 33 years later. “I wanted to be part of what Norm was part of.” As a doctoral student, Dr. Nagy was inspired by Krumholz’s commitment to equity planning and his advocacy for marginalized groups. “Norm changed the way I viewed my role as an urban planner, planning for the public good. His and Forester’s book, ‘Making Equity Planning Work: Leadership in the Public Sector,’ greatly influenced my interest in the social and economic consequences of planning actions.”
Dr. Nagy advances Krumholz’s effect on Levin by sharing his books with her students and emphasizing the role of planners as influential actors in urban policy. Each semester, she integrates external partners into her curriculum, giving students a broader community connection and perspective. While Krumholz’s protégés have openly spoken about their continued reflection of, “What would Norm do?” when making tough decisions, Dr. Nagy does not need to ask—she simply embodies his principles in her work.
Norm Krumholz remained steadfast in his commitment to social equity and progress, never swayed by naysayers. He dedicated his life to helping those most in need, forever changed city planning and improving the lives of people everywhere. As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 1974 Cleveland Policy Planning Report, we honor the legacy of Norm Krumholz, his impact on the world and on the future of Levin College.
Krumholz’s impact is celebrated throughout Levin College and Cleveland State University. In 2017, to mark his 90th birthday, Cleveland State honored him for his contributions to Cleveland and planning, with the City of Cleveland renaming a block of East 18th Street as Norman Krumholz Way.
Following his passing, Levin College established a legacy for Krumholz through an annotated bibliography that serves as a vital resource for future faculty, students, and local practitioners interested in his extensive career to celebrate and sustain his remarkable legacy within our community:
Select Bibliography of Writings Related to the Career of Norman Krumholz with Annotations
GROUNDBREAKING PROGRAM
TAILORING LEARNING for TWICE EXCEPTIONAL STUDENTS
What do Albert Einstein, Leonardo DaVinci, Michael Jordan, Beethoven, and a bee all have in common? They are all Twice Exceptional!
A person who is twice exceptional has both a special gift and a disability. Research finds that as many as 1 in 100 kids may be identified as twice exceptional, though most schools are currently only finding 1 in 500 or 1 in 1,000. Traditional education systems often struggle with identifying and serving these learners. They are either placed in programs tailored for their learning differences, ignoring their talents, or in gifted programs that struggle to offer the support they need for their learning challenges.
The Levin College Twice-Exceptional Teacher Education Program (2eTE) was the first program of its kind nationally and internationally, transforming teachers and schools across the globe to believe that giftedness can be found in diverse schools, diverse students, and expressed in diverse ways. How did Levin College become the leading institution in twice exceptional education?
The story begins with Dr. Brian Harper, a Levin College professor and a parent. Dr. Harper’s son Brian was born in January 2004, the same year Brian (the father) got his Ph.D. in Educational Psychology. As his son grew, Dr. Harper noticed Brian had difficulty responding to his name, making eye contact with others, reading comprehension, increasing discomfort in large groups, and experienced grand mal seizures. And he had an incredible
memory for detail and was astonishingly good at math. Dr. Harper found that Brian had a tremendous aptitude for music, which changed everything. At age 6, he began piano lessons, although he was unable to reach the foot pedals, and he made progress at an incredible rate.
While Brian had incredible strengths and successes, Dr. Harper found the engagements with his son’s elementary school terribly frustrating. The teachers would note his achievements in math and music, but then would focus on the 15 areas where he was doing poorly. “It was almost as if the teachers were talking about two different kids. It felt like they were telling me my child was not salvageable. I was furious.”
Dr. Harper was at a loss. “I’d ask are you really seeing my kid because all I’m hearing from you is what he can’t do.” He asked several questions to the teachers and administrators:
• “When are students screened as gifted and talented?”
• “Are the teachers trained to work with students with special gifts and disabilities?”
Scan the QR Code to watch Brian perform.
• “How do you support students who thrive in some areas and struggle in others?”
• “How do you propose to use his strengths to work on his challenges?” He really did not receive satisfactory answers.
So, Dr. Harper launched a mission to make a difference for other twice exceptional kids so they would not have to go through the trials his family has faced. Leaning into his experience as a former classroom teacher and associate professor, he discussed the idea of creating a twice exceptional program with the, then, department chair, Dr. Anne Galletta. They moved from agreement to action and developed a plan for implementation, ultimately launching a search for an additional faculty member charged with developing the curriculum. Dr. Harper recalls that “It felt like we were looking for a unicorn, a person who probably didn’t exist” since no other academic program of this kind existed.
Fortunately, Dr. Claire Hughes, a nationally recognized expert in twice exceptional education, answered the call and joined Levin College in 2022. As a 2016 Fulbright Scholar in Greece, she studied twice-exceptional learners across Europe.
Dr. Hughes acknowledges that most schools lack teachers trained to support twice exceptional students. She is committed to changing this, particularly in Ohio, where she serves on the Ohio Gifted Education Advisory Council and frequently trains parents and educators through PTAs, churches, and other grassroots organizations. Twice exceptional students often face challenges such as boredom, low grades, and poor behavior due to a lack of appropriate
Dr. Hughes currently serves as President of The Association for the Gifted of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC-TAG) and has previously chaired the Special Populations Network of the National Association for Gifted Children. As the parent of two twice-exceptional college-aged children, she brings personal experience and professional expertise to her work. In 2022, she received the Gifted & _____ Award from NAGC, which recognizes significant contributions to promoting giftedness among diverse populations.
support. Dr. Hughes’s mission is to identify and transform teachers to better instruct and nurture these students. This requires collaboration among families, teachers, psychologists, and policymakers to foster a child’s abilities and selfbelief—a demanding task that necessitates a unique skill set.
Dr. Hughes is something of a Pied Piper, spreading her message and seeking dedicated teachers from school to school and organization to organization. The program offers online courses, allowing teachers nationwide to engage with the twice exceptional curriculum. This cutting-edge initiative garners significant interest and hosts an annual conference each fall. Levin College is proud to house the twice exceptional program and invites teachers locally and across the country to explore and join our efforts to support these exceptional students. We encourage everyone to give our program not just a once-over, but a thorough “twice-over!”
Now, let’s circle back to the initial connection between renowned scientists, artists, musicians, athletes, and...a bee. A bee could be considered twice exceptional based on the principles of aviation which suggest that bees shouldn’t be able to fly because their wings are too small to support their bodies. Yet, they do fly. Bees achieve this by using their wings to create vortices, like tiny tornadoes, under their bodies, which lift them into the air. This ability illustrates that what seems like a disability can also be a remarkable gift, enabling them to accomplish the seemingly impossible. This is a powerful lesson, especially for our educators who embrace and nurture potential every single day.
For more information on this first of its kind program, contact 2e@csuohio.edu.
ADVOCATING for JUSTICE and MAKING AN IMPACT
Influential research on cold rape kits is advancing the field, creating policy change, and impacting the lives of individuals, families, and communities. Much of the work in Northeast Ohio has been supported by Levin College’s Criminology Research Center (CRC), led by Dr. Rachel Lovell, Assistant Professor of Criminology and Sociology. Dr. Lovell’s team works closely with law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and social service providers to effect substantial change meant to protect survivors and make our neighborhoods safer.
Lovell, who joined Cleveland State in 2021, has served as the principal investigator on research projects with Cuyahoga County prosecutors and the Akron police. The U.S. Department of Justice’s Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) has allocated over $17 million to these agencies.
For the past eight years, Lovell has led research for the Cuyahoga County and Akron SAKI Task Forces, which include multiple government agencies and rape crisis centers. By March 2018, Ohio law enforcement agencies had tested their entire backlog of nearly 14,000 untested sexual assault kits (SAKs) in prosecutable cases dating back to 1993. This includes over 7,000 kits in Cuyahoga County and more than 1,400 in Akron.
Since joining Cleveland State in 2021, Dr. Lovell has spearheaded research projects with Cuyahoga County prosecutors and Akron police, backed by over $17 million from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI). For eight years, she has led research for the Cuyahoga County and Akron SAKI Task Forces, helping Ohio test nearly 14,000 backlogged sexual assault kits dating back to 1993.
In 2022, Dr. Lovell co-edited the groundbreaking book Sexual Assault Kits and Reforming the Response to Rape, which explores the impact of untested kits and the evolving response to sexual assault.
Listen to Dr. Lovell discuss her research and how she collaborates with partners in the criminal justice system.
Typically, Dr. Lovell works with data and has limited direct interaction with the survivors behind the numbers. However, this changed in 2016 due to an unexpected event–a fire alarm.
Dr. Lovell was giving a lecture about her research when a fire alarm interrupted the presentation, prompting an evacuation. Amidst the sound of sirens and fire trucks arriving, a young woman named Jane Bryan, who had been attending the lecture, introduced herself and shared a chilling story that underscored the value of Dr. Lovell’s groundbreaking work on rape.
This is the alarming narrative Ms. Bryan shared. In the middle of a night in 1991, a man broke into the home of her mother, Mary Ellen. He covered Mary Ellen’s head with a sheet taken from her two-year-old daughter’s bed and
raped her while her children slept. Jane, then 10, was also at home. A rape kit was collected, but neither Jane nor Mary Ellen heard anything more about the case, and no perpetrator was charged.
Sometime after the crime occurred, when the prosecutor’s office began testing cold rape kits, the story took another unfortunate turn. Mary Ellen’s kit was discovered after it had fallen between the shelf and the wall. Once discovered, the kit’s DNA identified Derrick Fischer as the perpetrator, but the statute of limitations had expired, and he could not be charged. In 2024, Fischer was found guilty of two counts of rape, and it was found that his DNA matched Mary Ellen’s rape kit. Although he couldn’t be charged for Mary Ellen’s rape, the evidence was used to enhance his sentence in the new case. This resulted in a life sentence, offering some semblance of justice to Mary Ellen and her family.
Mary Ellen’s experience was unquestionably traumatic for her and her family. Yet her daughters who were at home at the time of the rape have taken that pain and worked to change outcomes for others. Her older daughter, Jane, went on to become a sexual assault nurse examiner at the Cleveland Clinic, and her younger daughter, Nora, became an assistant prosecutor specializing in prosecuting rape cases.
Dr. Lovell is both a researcher and an advocate. She leveraged her media connections to spotlight the injustices faced by the Bryan family and the urgent need for policy changes regarding the statute of limitations in rape cases. Dr. Lovell has since testified before the Ohio legislature to eliminate the statute of limitations for rape, emphasizing that DNA evidence often identifies serial rapists, and convictions, even decades later, can prevent future assaults. Her research shows that false reporting of sexual assault is extremely rare, which minimizes prejudice against alleged criminals from delayed trials.
While previous attempts to eliminate the statute of limitations in Ohio have not been successful, Senate Bill 289 was recently introduced by Ohio State Senate Minority Leader Nickie J. Antonio (MPA ’91, BS Ed ’80) and cosponsored by Kent Smith (MSUS ’01). Advocates are hopeful that they can build on their recent success this past May when Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed a bill removing legal language that exempted offenders from being prosecuted for raping their spouse.
Ohio was one of only a handful of states that still had a spousal rape exemption. As of 2023, only a few states, including Ohio, South Carolina, and Minnesota, maintained some form of spousal rape exemption. This recent legislative change places Ohio in alignment with the majority of states that have removed such exemptions, reflecting a growing national trend toward eliminating outdated and discriminatory legal provisions. Advocates like Rachel Lovell have been instrumental in pushing for these changes, working tirelessly to ensure that Ohio protects rape survivors and provides them with the justice they deserve.
The fire alarm in 2016 might have been false, but there is nothing false about the dramatic benefits of Dr. Lovell’s expertise. Her team within Levin’s Criminology Research Center has collaborated with prosecutors, police, social workers, mayors, and rape counselors to shape her research inquiries. They provide training on victim interviews, victim assistance, and data entry into a comprehensive database containing 2,500 previously untested sexual assault kits. This database includes details about victims, perpetrators, and the circumstances of the assaults, enabling the connection of rapes committed by serial rapists. It is the largest and most comprehensive database in the country, which prosecutors and law enforcement officers are using to apprehend many rapists and remove them from the streets.
Lovell testifies at a Congressional Briefing: Translating Research to Policy—Improving Justice for Women and Girls, hosted by the Division on Women and Crime (DWC) of the American Society of Criminology.
Deeply impacted by her family’s experience, Jane Bryan became a sexual assault nurse and advocate, dedicated to supporting survivors and driving policy reforms.
FROM STADIUMS TO STREETS: STUDENTS NARRATE STORIES of PUBLIC IMPACT
One strength of highly ranked public affairs colleges like Levin lies in integrating community assets into experiential learning opportunities for students. At Levin, this means leveraging an established alumni network, connecting to community, advancing urban policy, and a commitment to challenging the status quo.
This past academic year, Levin’s School of Communication forged a partnership with Classic Teleproductions (www.classicteleproductions.com) to produce an interview program called Cleveland Conversations to provide training for students in media production and inform our community. Classic Teleproductions is one of the top production companies in the country, having won 79 Emmy Awards and working with industry titans such as ESPN, Fox, and ABC.
Utilizing Levin’s robust community ties, Cleveland Conversations has become a touchtone, frequently welcoming back alumni, while providing current students with invaluable hands-on experiences in the dynamic broadcasting industry.
Cleveland Conversations embodies Levin’s vision to inspire communities with innovative ideas and civic values by merging digital broadcasting with nationally recognized public affairs expertise. Students play a crucial role in producing high-quality programming, from pitching interview ideas to collaborating with industry professionals and guests. In this supportive
environment, students gain industry experience with both the technical and creative aspects of broadcast and media production. Fully immersed in every step of the production process, students acquire practical experience and earn production credits, all while being at the heart of a dynamic learning environment.
During the inaugural year Cleveland Conversations examined urban policy topics, from violent crime and homelessness to renovation plans for Progressive Field (Cleveland Guardians baseball field) and the West Side Market (Cleveland’s largest and oldest public market).
Recently, Neil Hodges, a communication student, utilized his classroom knowledge to conduct an interview with Dave Ramnarine (B.A. Communication and Media Studies, ’98), who serves as the founder and president of the Inner City Baseball Academy of Cleveland. The conversation explored the profound influence of baseball on the development of youth and their academic achievements. It emphasized the pivotal role of League Park in Cleveland’s historical narrative, its significance within the African American community, and its contribution to urban revitalization endeavors in the city.
To see the full first season of CSU’s Cleveland Conversation, visit and subscribe to Cleveland Conversations YouTube channel.
PROFESSOR SY MURRAY’S RETURN
ENHANCES LEVIN COLLEGE’S EXCELLENCE in PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
Professor Sylvester "Sy" Murray continues to have an impact on the Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs. A distinguished figure in both the city management practice and scholarship, Professor Murray has brought his wealth of experience back to the institution that helped shape his academic career. His return to Levin College exemplifies a full-circle moment, where a nationally recognized thought leader is now giving back to the next generation of students.
Murray’s expertise in budgeting, urban administration, and city management—refined through his roles as city manager in major cities like San Diego, Cincinnati, and Ann Arbor—has been instrumental in shaping Levin’s College’s curriculum and enriching the academic journey of countless students. His influence is deeply embedded in the College’s national reputation for excellence in city management and local government.
Now, Professor Murray is back at CSU lecturing, advising on curriculum, and introducing a new generation of students to city management. In September, Professor Murray, the past International City/County Management
LEVIN COLLEGE HONORS
JACOB BEAN, 2024
OHIO INTERN of the
Association (ICMA) president, led a group of CSU students to the ICMA annual conference, which gave them opportunities to network and envision new career paths.
"Inspiring future city managers is deeply rewarding," says Murray. "I see myself in these students, and I’m committed to helping them build the skills they need to lead our cities into the future."
Dr. Clayton Wukich, a CSU colleague, lauded Professor Murray’s return. “His influence on the Levin College extends beyond his past achievements; he’s engaging with a new generation of students.” Wukich also noted faculty and alumni excitement. “People are really looking forward to this year’s homecoming party!”
Professor Murray’s continued involvement keeps the Levin College at the forefront of public administration education, drawing aspiring city managers from across the nation. This combination of academic rigor and practical expertise solidifies Levin College's reputation as a leading institution for those aiming to make a meaningful impact in urban governance.
YEAR,
FOR OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS
Jacob contributed to key projects like the SiteOhio Initiative and the STIMulus Grant Award, helping Cuyahoga County earn a National Award for Economic Development Excellence from National Association for County Community and Economic Development (NACCED). He also supported nearly 500 small businesses in securing financing and technical assistance through the Office of Small Business.
Set to graduate in December 2024, Jacob will continue into Levin’s accelerated master’s program in Urban Planning & Development. Reflecting on his experience, Jacob noted: “My role as Economic Development Analyst at Cuyahoga County has expanded my leadership and practical skills, which directly complement my academic work and enhance my professional performance.”
Levin College eagerly anticipates Jacob’s continued success in urban planning and development
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DR. RICHARD PERLOFF receives CSU’S DISTINGUISHED PROFESSOR AWARD
Levin College is proud to congratulate Dr. Richard Perloff on receiving Cleveland State University’s 2024 Distinguished Professor Award, the university’s highest honor.
For 45 years, Dr. Perloff has been nationally recognized for his groundbreaking research and impactful teaching in communication, psychology, and political science. His seminal work, The Dynamics of Persuasion, is a cornerstone in communication studies, influencing our understanding of the power of messages in shaping public opinion. It was named an outstanding book by Choice, a division of the American Library Association.
According to Rob Whitbred, director of the school of communication,“There are few scholars who become nearly synonymous with their area of expertise. Across our field, when someone says persuasion, Professor Perloff is one of the first persons who comes to mind. When one begins to tabulate the number of students who have been in his classes, both graduate and undergraduate, whom he has mentored to develop their research skills, faculty he has collaborated with, staff he has worked with, along with the wide audience of readers of his scholarly texts and opinion pieces over his career at CSU, his influence is remarkable.”
We are very proud of Dr. Perloff’s contributions and celebrate this welldeserved recognition of his legacy at Levin College and CSU. Congratulations, Dr. Perloff!
Link to a video on Dr. Perloff here: Featured Researcher Video - Professor Richard Perloff Cleveland State University (csuohio.edu)