Levin College Plays Pivotal Role in Kelly Kinahan’s Journey to Academic Leader
When Kelly Kinahan reflects on her journey from doctoral student to academic leader, she points to her time at Cleveland State University’s (CSU) Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs within the Levin College of Public Affairs and Education as being the defining influence.
Kelly earned her Ph.D. in Urban Studies and Public Affairs in Spring 2016. It’s an experience she describes as transformative both intellectually and professionally. The path has led Kelly to become an Associate Professor and Director of the Master of Science in Planning Program in the Department of Urban & Regional Planning at Florida State University. Kelly mentors students, shapes curriculum and advances research in this leadership role that was forged by the foundation she built at Levin College.
“I most enjoy working with students, fostering their intellectual curiosity, and supporting them in their academic and professional journey,” Kelly said.
That passion for mentorship traces directly back to Kelly’s doctoral experience, where she learned firsthand the impact faculty guidance can have on emerging scholars. During her time at Levin College, Kelly studied under leading experts in urban affairs and received hands-on mentorship that sharpened her research skills and helped her define her scholarly voice.
“Kelly was a model doctoral student while at Levin. She was engaged in research and collaboration,” said Dr. Stephanie Ryberg-Webster, professor and associate director for the Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs. “Kelly's trajectory after completing her Ph.D. in Urban Studies and Public Affairs is what we hope for any of our graduates who pursue academic careers. She continues to grow, creating her own identity as a leading scholar in her field. Her roots at CSU are still evident, as she continues to work with me on research and publications. Kelly's success is one that we hope all our Ph.D. graduates who are interested in an academic career can emulate.”
Kelly credits Dr. Ryberg-Webster, with whom she has co-authored four publications, for instilling confidence in her research capabilities and guiding her as she developed her academic identity. She also cites Dr. Ned Hill, former dean of Levin College, for helping her understand the vital connections between public service, education and civic leadership.
“The mentorship and guidance I received allowed me to excel as an academic,” Kelly said. “Levin College prepared me not just to conduct rigorous research, but to think about how that research serves communities.”
Levin College’s reputation as a national leader in urban studies and its strong emphasis on blending theory with practice made it the ideal place for Kelly to pursue her doctorate. The program’s focus on real-world impact, interdisciplinary collaboration and community partnership mirrors the work she now leads at Florida State University.
As a professor and program director, Kelly carries forward the lessons she learned at CSU. She emphasizes engaged scholarship, encourages students to connect research to practice, and models the kind of mentorship that once guided her own path. Kelly is now a reflection of the very mission of Levin College, which is to prepare scholars and practitioners to lead, serve and strengthen communities.
The journey from doctoral student to academic leader is more than a career trajectory for Kelly. It’s a testament to the influence of Levin College’s commitment to public service and urban impact.