The Ohio State University College of Education and Human Ecology presented Dr. Aina Appova, PhD, with the 2026 Distinguished Faculty Service Award at their Convocation on August 21. The award annually recognizes faculty contributions to promoting the success of their colleagues and students.
Appova, associate professor of math education at The Ohio State University at Marion, was celebrated at the convocation ceremony for her work on developing mathematics courses with pre-K–8 teachers and younger students in mind. During the ceremony, Appova was acknowledged for her teamwork with area schools and for her dedication to primary and secondary educators. During the ceremony, it was said that Appova utilizes her scholarship and her professional collaborations to assist both current and developing teachers.
She described the award as a reflection of those she has partnered with. “This recognition reminds me that service is, at its heart, about giving back to the students, colleagues, and communities that have given me so much,” Appova said.
She described Education and Human Ecology’s mission as one of development and service.
“I see our work as more than teaching and research,” said Appova. “It is about creating opportunities, advancing equity, supporting human well-being and making a meaningful difference in the schools, classrooms and communities we serve.”
“Education and Human Ecology’s commitment to excellence, justice, diversity, innovation, and global engagement reflects the values of the communities I come from and the kind of community I am proud to be part of,” she added.
Appova credited the ideals of Education and Human Ecology with reminding her why she chose her career and advised new educators to keep sight of their own paths.
“Be open to learning from your friends, neighbors, students, and colleagues,” she said. “Embrace change, be willing to try new things, and give yourself permission to learn along the way.”
She asserted that, “teaching is about much more than sharing knowledge, it is about building relationships, creating opportunities, and helping others see what is possible.”
“Most importantly,” Appova said, “find meaning in the small things and brief moments. You may never fully know the difference you make in someone’s life, but those moments are often where the greatest impact happens.”
Appova has previously received the Research Fellowship Award for the Center for the Study of Mathematics Curriculum from the National Science Foundation and the Kenneth Cummins Award for Exemplary Mathematics and Mathematics Education Teaching at the College Level from the Ohio Council of Teachers of Mathematics.