Honors Program Mentors

Meet the Faculty Mentors

Your Honors journey at Owens Community College is supported by a team of dedicated faculty mentors from every school—including Liberal Arts, STEM, Business and Health Professions.

These passionate professionals are your personal advocates and guides, ready to help you push your limits, explore new ideas and turn curiosity into independent scholarly projects. They’re here to make your Honors experience challenging, community-focused and transformative, setting you up for success in your transfer and career goals.

Dr. Genesis Downey

Honors Program Director and Professor of English, School of Liberal Arts

“I love working with Honors students! I get to work closely with scholars, and I love how great they are at rising to meet their challenges. It’s the best part of my job: watching nervous new scholars evolve into much more confident and resilient graduates. We get to witness their origin stories and that is so exciting!”

• Email Dr. Genesis Downey
• Office Phone: (567) 661-7071
• Office Location: Founders Hall 1038, Toledo-area Campus

Dr. Mohammed Elnahal

Professor of English, School of Liberal Arts

“I am very excited and enthusiastic to be an Honors Advisor for the School of Liberal Arts. It’s a great educational opportunity for students that exemplifies my favorite quote from Nelson Mandela: ‘There is no passion to be found in playing small, in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.’”

• Email Dr. Mohammed Enahal
• Office Phone: (567) 661-7078
• Office Location: Founders Hall 1036, Toledo-area Campus

Morgan Balcerek

Instructor of Biology, School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

“I’m passionate about supporting students who thrive on curiosity, discovery, and innovation, and I love working with those who want to challenge themselves and explore new perspectives on the world around us. The Honors experience is more than just coursework; it’s about transforming how you engage with knowledge, creativity and innovation. I can’t wait to work with you as you explore everything STEM has to offer.”

• Email Morgan Balcerek
• Office Phone: (567) 661-7306
• Office Locations:
  • Math and Science Building 159, Toledo-area Campus
  • Education Center 121B, Findlay-area Campus

Janine Rosenthal

Instructor of Biology, School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

“I am delighted to be the School of Business, Hospitality Management and Public Safety Honors Program mentor. I truly enjoy collaborating with our scholars as they push themselves to go above and beyond the bar. These opportunities result in personal growth that will benefit them as they pursue academics and careers beyond Owens. I’m grateful to be a part of their amazing journey.”

• Email Janine Rosenthal
• Office Phone: (567) 661-2124
• Office Location: Toledo-area Campus

Jami Williamson

Professor of Exercise Science, School of Nursing and Health Professions

“I have so enjoyed working with students outside (and within) my discipline area, learning from the other mentors and getting involved in activities. Whether it be academic, civic or community-based, I hope to help each Scholar I work with get the most out of being an Honors Scholar at Owens.”

• Email Jami Williamson
• Office Phone: (567) 661-2108
• Office Location: Bicentennial Hall 170, Toledo-area Campus