Meet the Staff

Dr. Elizabeth Lehfeldt

Mandel Honors College, Dean

Dr. Elizabeth (Liz) Lehfeldt is the Dean of the Mandel Honors College and Mandel Professor in Humanities. She joined the History Department at Cleveland State in 1995 where she is a Professor of History. She received her undergraduate BA in History from Lawrence University in Wisconsin and her MA and PhD from Indiana University. She teaches courses in European history from 1300-1700 and does research on the intersections of gender and religion during this period. When she's not in her office you might find her running, reading, traveling, or cooking.

Lauren Baker, M.Ed.
Mandel Honors College, University Scholars Advisor

Lauren Baker received her B.A. in English and her Masters of Education in Higher Education Administration and Student Personnel from Kent State University in 2004 and 2006, respectively. She has worked as an academic advisor in the Honors College since 2007 and is currently pursuing a second Master’s degree from CSU in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

Karenia Ferguson, M.S.Ed

Mandel Continuing Scholars Academic Advisor

Karenia Ferguson received her BA in Communication from the University of Toledo in 2012 and her MSEd in Counseling from Old Dominion University in 2014. She has worked as an exploratory academic advisor at Kent State University and AmeriCorps college guide for College Now Greater Cleveland. When she is not working, she enjoys going to concerts, art museums and vegan restaurants.

Brooke Fischbach, M.A.

Mandel Honors College, Office Coordinator

Brooke Fischbach received her B.A. in Criminology and Sociology from Cleveland State University in 2007 and Master's Degree of Sociology in 2011. Brooke has been employed with the Honors College since 2012 and was promoted to office coordinator in November, 2018. She coordinates the administrative office functions of the college. In her spare time she & her husband enjoys going to estate sales and antique stores.

Elizabeth Okwudi, M.S.M., CPRW

Mandel Honors College, Honors Program Advisor

Elizabeth Okwudi, received her BA in Communication from Cleveland State University (CSU). Years later, she received her Master of Science in Management (MSM), from Indiana Wesleyan University. She returned to her alma-mater CSU in 2008, and worked as a Career Coordinator untill 2016 when she became an Academic Advisor. Elizabeth believes in nurturing diversity and motivating every individual to soar- in-spites of the odds. She loves dancing (teaches African dance), and engages in lifelong learning. She is presently pursuing her Ph.D. in Urban Education at CSU.

Adrienne L. Pounds, Ph.D., M.B.A.

Mandel Honors College, Continuing Scholars Program Coordinator

Adrienne Pounds, alum of Ohio University, has helped first-generation college students, veterans, adult learners, transfer students, and international students achieve their goals, through recruiting, advising, teaching, and career coaching. She enjoys jazz music and is passionate about individuals reaching their goals.

STUDENT STAFF

Student standing on a bridge during fall

Jackson Casteel Mandel Honors College, Administrative Assistant

Jackson Casteel is majoring in biology with a focus on Pre - Med. With his degree, he hopes to pursue a degree in pediatric medicine and work in a hospital such as Akron Children’s. Jackson has a strong passion for helping other people take steps forward in their lives. On campus, he is involved with Choose Ohio First, American Medical Student Association, and the CSU Mountaineers. In his free time, Jackson enjoys reading, cooking, and hiking with friends.

Student at a Cleveland Indians game in dugout Jamison Schroeder Mandel Honors College, Administrative Assistant

Jamison Schroeder is majoring in Sports Management at CSU. He hopes to work in the front office for the Cleveland Indians, or any other sports team here in Cleveland. Jamison is extremely passionate about inclusion of people with mental and physical disabilities; it is something he has worked for his entire life. On-campus Jamison is also the Opinion Editor for CSU’s student newspaper, The Cauldron, and is also a member of the Ultimate Frisbee club team. Jamison is a member of the club Best Buddies and ushers at The Wolstein Center. Jamison also works off campus as a Kids Clubhouse Attendant with the Cleveland Indians and as a retail member with the clothing store GV Artwork. He is striving to stay involved here at CSU and hopes to be able to help anyone with anything they may need.