Submitted photo ... Jacqueline Novak is pictured here during her years attending Walsh University as a student and member of the school’s cross country team. She is pacing a Slippery Rock runner.

Jacqueline Novak was named dean of Walsh University School of Arts, Science and Education earlier this year. She stepped into the role after serving two years as interim dean that began in June 2022.

Novak grew up in Boardman and graduated from Boardman High School in 1984. During her time at BHS, she enjoyed the science classes and enjoyed her involvement on the Spartan cross country team.

“I ran all four years at BHS,” Novak said. “I made it to state (finals) in my senior year (1983) and ended up 13th.”

Her efforts in cross country enabled her to earn a scholarship to attend Walsh University in North Canton after she graduated. She added that her passion for science at BHS helped her establish a path to her Ph.D.

She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Walsh in 1988, got her Master of Science degree in biology from the University of Akron and earned her Ph.D. in physiology and biophysics from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine.

At Walsh, Novakl kept up her running and cross country training.

Novak married Jay Jay Ramirez in 2001 and had a son, Jack, 19 years ago. The family set up their home in the Canton area. She said family life was always important, and she enjoyed various activities with her husband and son.

“I still run on a regular basis and was looking for a running partner,” Novak said. “I wanted a partner that was well behaved. Hunting dogs are just that, and it was like killing two birds with one stone.”

Novak’s husband liked hunting, and since Labradors fit the bill for both hunting and running, she jumped right in. Today, she has three dogs that accompany her on her runs, display their skills when Novak and Ramirez go hunting and bring enjoyment with training for competition.

“The dogs take part in hunting tests,” she said. “They can actually earn titles from the tests.”

All three of her dogs have won numerous ribbons.

Another related passion was set in place seven years ago when Jack became interested in joining a rifle club, and Novak got involved as well. Today, the family team regularly shoots at the Canton McKinley Gun Club.

Novak said at the start, the family was mainly into rifles, but has since moved into handguns.

From 1994 to 1995, Novak was a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Mississippi Medical Center Department of Physiology and Biophysics and at the University of Pittsburgh, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, and Magee Women’s Research Institute from 1997 to 1999. From 1995 to 1997, she served as an instructor at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

From 2000 to 2005, she was an assistant professor at the University of Pittsburgh, and in 2005 came back to Walsh University to serve as an assistant professor in the division of math and sciences through 2014. She moved up to full professor at Walsh in 2014 and is still in that position today.

From 2016 to 2022, Novak also served as chair of the department of mathematics and sciences. The involvement showcased her adeptness in academic leadership and administration.

She additionally served as chair of the FAR (faculty athletic representative) Council for the Great Midwest Athletic Conference from 2021 to 2023. This demonstrated her commitment to supporting student athletes.

In 2022, the former dean suddenly left the school for a position at a different school. Novak said there was not a lot of time to put together a proper search for a replacement, so she stepped in and served as interim dean for nearly 18 months.

That time showcased Novak’s talents and made her the obvious choice to fill the spot.

Dr. Mike Dunphy, Walsh University Vice President for Academic Affairs, spoke highly of Novak in a press release earlier this year.

“I extend my sincere appreciation to Dr. Novak for her outstanding leadership in her role as Interim Dean of the School of Arts, Sciences and Education,” Dunphy said. “She has played a pivotal role in shaping the Walsh 4.0 strategies and elevating the school’s profile on a regional, national and international scale. I look forward to our ongoing collaboration as she assumes the position of dean.”

This year, Novak also was invited by U.S. Congresswoman Emilia Sykes, D-Akron, to join her Girls in S.T.E.A.M. Advisory Board.

While she has accepted the dean’s position at Walsh and in spite of her other pursuits with students, she still finds some time to teach.

“I still do teach a little to ensure I have interaction with the students,” she said. “I teach human physiology.”

Novak said she plans to continue to enjoy her hobbies with her husband and son, and will continue to make a difference in the academic world. She is taking the skills and training she received at Boardman High School to balance her life and give back to the next generation.

“We try to reach students who come to Walsh for a major,” Novak said. “We want them to get more out of their experience. I came back to Walsh to give back and to help students when they are not sure of the path forward.”

Novak continues to return to Boardman to visit family and friends and said many she graduated with stayed in the area and are now retiring.

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