by: Leila Gay Evans
John Vesalo is a dedicated educator. It is an unusual position, considering that he began his early studies in Biology and Social Work. However, life has a way of directing us towards the roles in which we can play a significant part, and John Vesalo has certainly done that as the present Coordinator of the Upward Bound Math and Science Program at the University of Akron, hailed nationally as one of the nation's fastest-growing quality institutions. John's degrees include an M.A. in Sociology, a B.A. in Sociology/Social Work, and a B.S. in Biology. He is also a Licensed Social Worker in the State of Ohio.
But most importantly, he would tell you that he has found the most satisfaction from his present position as the Coordinator of the Upward Bound Program, which he has held for the last 13 years. John has taken his skills in social work and the sciences and combined them to provide strong leadership for seeking continued support for the UBMS Program. This amazing program gives the opportunity for students to study math and science for six weeks in the summer. These students must be the first generation in their families to attend college. During this summer program the students are exposed to science information and equipment which might not otherwise be available at their respective schools, and they spend time together throughout the week in the evenings when they can discuss and focus on intellectual, scientific concepts.
John has made all of this possible through his hard work and dedication. He is the principal investigator in funded grants totaling $8,000,000. The current UBMS grant was ranked in the top 10 % of those funded in the U.S., thus earning the program an extra year of funding from the Department of Education. The total five-year UBMS award is $1,485,170.
Mr. Vesalo has developed scholarships, work internships, mentoring and shadowing programs for four different educational opportunity programs. Since John is a firm believer in using creativity to solve everyday problems, "hands-on projects" and team competitions are an important part of the UBMS program, and his students have competed in and won the statewide Lunar Roving Robot Competition, the University of Akron Civil Engineering Bridge Building and Polymer Awareness Competitions and Pre-Engineering Rocket Building Contest. He has several STEM journal article publications and conference presentations to his credit as well. The UBMS program's ongoing senior research project, which involves synthesizing polymer adhesives, which would be used to attach satellite tracking devices to whales, has been nationally recognized and is published in a high school science textbook.
Most notable of his accomplishments is a 12-year UBMS student college persistence rate of 67%, compared to a 20% national college graduation rate of students with similar backgrounds (first- generation college) that enroll in college.
John is married, and has two children. He resides in Louisville, Ohio. An army veteran, having served 14 months in Quang Tri Vietnam as a Military Policeman, he plans to teach a college course this fall on The Vietnam War. He is a dedicated board member for the National Museum of Education, volunteering his time. He has offered his help and energy to the National Museum and particularly to the National Gallery for America's Young Inventors and the Thomas Edison Innovation Awards. He has attended the last 12 years of Induction Ceremonies for the National Gallery, and he has made certain that the UBMS students were able to attend as well. Mr. Vesalo's dedication, quiet leadership, and positive support have resulted in maintaining the UBMS program at the University of Akron.
Previous Issue |
