Jon Herlevich Selected for Deans' Teaching Showcase
College of Engineering Dean Michelle Scherer has selected Jon Herlevich, professor of practice in the Department of Chemical Engineering (ChE), for the Deans’ Teaching Showcase.
Herlevich will be recognized at an end-of-term event with other spring showcase members and is a candidate for the CTL Instructional Award Series.
In fall 2021, Herlevich stepped in as a temporary instructor due to the retirement of two ChE faculty members. His transition from a 24-year career at Marathon Petroleum Company to academia has been seamless, and his formal appointment in fall 2022 marked the beginning of a successful academic career. His experience has brought a unique perspective and revitalization to the department’s senior-level courses, which focus heavily on real-world applications.
Herlevich's outstanding performance is evident in student evaluations and peer reviews. Students appreciate how he integrates academic concepts with practical industrial applications, and how helpful and approachable he is. As one student put it, “Jon is dedicated to helping students succeed and regularly makes time to help us with anything, especially relating to the real world.”
Herlevich’s involvement as an instructor or co-instructor in 11 different classes, predominantly in the capstone plant design sequence, reflects his versatility. Excellent teaching evaluations in courses with high enrollments, such as CM4855, CM4860 and CM4320, attest to his effectiveness as an instructor.
“I never fail to have a fun time in Jon’s classes,” wrote another student. “He brings up experiences he’s had in industry, which makes things more interesting, especially in Senior Design where students will be graduating and starting jobs in the summer. He’s always willing to give career advice or even talk shop about subjects completely unrelated to academics — I almost think he likes talking about other stuff more.”
An Enterprise student who first encountered Herlevich two years ago, when he began advising the Consumer Product Manufacturing Enterprise, expressed similar sentiments. “Since then he has been both a professor and a mentor to me,” they wrote. “He’s pushed me both academically and career wise. I don’t think I would’ve gotten the job I did without his support and I would bet that is a common sentiment across the chemical engineering department.”
Peer evaluations affirm his engaging teaching style, industry depth of knowledge, and the seamless connection of Senior Design courses to real-world applications. His colleague, Jeana Collins, also values the support he gives to other faculty. “Jon not only does a fantastic job connecting course content with industry in his classes, but he helps other faculty to do the same,” said Collins. “He is always willing to brainstorm ideas for our classes, let us run our ideas by him (which he then helps improve), and he even does guest lectures for us where he can pull in his industry experience to help enhance student learning.”
ChE Chair Michael Mullins noted Herlevich’s contributions outside of the classroom, too. “Mr. Herlevich has taken on valuable service activities, with a focus on career advising, resume reviews, and chairing the department Safety Committee. I see seniors seeking his guidance on job interviews, career choices, and resume critiques. His efforts during the fall Career Fair underscore his commitment to student success.”
Scherer summed it up: “Jon’s selection not only recognizes his tremendous contributions, but also celebrates what’s best about our faculty: their unwavering commitment to their students’ success both in the classroom and in their future careers.”