Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹

Tshebukani (Tshe) Ncube
Interim Academic Program Director
tncube1@kent.edu

Tshebukani (Tshe) Ncube serves as the Interim Academic Director for the Career and Community Studies (CCS) program at Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ University, where she supports college students with intellectual and developmental disabilities in developing the skills and experiences needed for greater independence and successful adult life. In this role, she works with students both on and off campus to strengthen their independent living, social, self-determination, employment, and community participation skills.

Tshe has served Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ University in a variety of instructional, research, and student-support roles including Student Life Coordinator, Instructor and Administrator (Adjunct Faculty positions in CCS), Graduate Teaching and Research Assistant, Youth Navigator in the Fostering Pathways for Brighter Futures program and First Star Academy, Virtual International Student Orientation Leader, and Counselor in PEAK Summer Camp. Tshe is also a doctoral candidate in Special Education at Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ University. Her work reflects a strong commitment to inclusive, equitable, and empowering educational practices for learners with disabilities.

With over 20 years of experience in education, Tshe began her teaching career in Zimbabwe, where she worked as a primary and special education teacher before transitioning to higher education and disability-focused community programming. She holds a Diploma in Primary Education, a Diploma and Bachelor of Education in Special Education with a focus on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, and a Master’s degree in Special Education with a focus on Visual Impairment.

Her research interests revolve around special education: transition to adulthood, literacy development, and technology-based instruction with particular emphasis on reading and vocabulary acquisition among students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Across her teaching, research, and leadership roles, Tshe is committed to creating inclusive learning environments and expanding opportunities for individuals with disabilities to thrive academically, socially, and in their communities.

Cindy Kenyon
Associate Professor
ckenyon@kent.edu

Dr. Cynthia L. Kenyon is an Associate Professor of Special Education at Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ University. Her research focuses on teaching, supporting, and equipping students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) the literacy and skills of self-determination to improve adult outcomes. Cynthia received her PhD in Special Education with a focus on transition. She co-developed the Career and Community Studies (CCS) four-year non-degree college program and received university approval for the grant funded program to become tuition bearing in 2015. Dr. Kenyon trains pre-service teachers in teaching the skills of self-determination. She has worked with students in college-based transition programs since 2008. Additionally, Dr. Kenyon serves as board member for Portage Inc. and Universal Network Alliance where she holds the position of secretary. 

Jennifer Miller
Associate Lecturer
jmill235@kent.edu

Jennifer Miller is an Associate Lecturer for the Career and Community Studies Program (CCS) at Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ University. As a full-time faculty member, Jennifer provides career education, development, and guidance while actively mentoring young adults with disabilities. She guides students in developing workplace readiness skills and creates opportunities for meaningful employment both on and off campus. Jennifer is pursuing a Doctor of Education in Interprofessional Leadership with a concentration in Special Education at Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ University. She holds a Master of Education in Special Education, with a concentration in transition-to-work from Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹, and a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, with minors in Ethics and Economics, from Hiram College. Her research focuses on self-determination, life design, and the use of technology in special education and career education.