Dr. Justin Kleemook

Please join the STEM College in welcoming Dr. Justin Kleemook, Coordinator of Careers, Internships, and Co-ops, to YSU! Justin has many degrees in a variety of fields. He has a Bachelor of Science in Park and Natural Resource Management, Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy (Environmental Ethics), Master of Science in Natural Resource Management, and Master of Arts in Student Affairs and Higher Education, all from Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania. He went on to earn his Doctorate in Public Administration from West Chester University of Pennsylvania.

How did Justin start his interesting career? Well, he started working for a local landscaping company while in high school and transitioned to his local municipal government where he was part of the Parks, Recreation, and Road Maintenance Team. Several internships, an unofficial landscaping business, and a job later, he realized that although he loved his work, he was not as interested in certain aspects of his job as was required. He pivoted and began his new career in higher education. 

Justin began as a Hall Director, moved around various departments and offices, but ended his time at Slippery Rock University as an Associate Director of the Office of Career Education and Development and Office of Housing and Residence Life. Now, he is gracing the halls of YSU’s Moser Hall with his presence and happy energy. He said that this position has been amazing thus far and looks forward to the good things to come.

He values education and shared interpersonal experiences, which is what drew him to the higher education environment. “Working with students, who share a passion for growth, learning, and development, has been immensely rewarding,” explained Justin. 

At YSU, he primarily works with graduate students in the College of STEM, many of whom are international students. He recognizes and appreciates the diversity of ideas, cultures, and identities of the individuals. Justin says that since joining YSU this past June, he has had an opportunity to grow, challenge and be challenged, as well as feel refreshed in my professional identity. 

He is most excited about working with and learning from his STEM Professional Services colleagues and his students. He says that “this position is helping me to understand geography, spirituality, religious identities, cultural norms, while it is also helping me to dispel some incorrect assumptions or judgements. This position is pushing me to be and do better and there is nothing more exciting than that.”

Outside of YSU, you can find Justin with his wife, two kids, one dog, and 16 chickens. He is also an avid vintage audio and vinyl record collector. Another fun fact: one of his roommates in college was an international student, you’ll have to ask him about it when you see him. 

Justin is proud to be part of the STEMguins at YSU, so make sure you give him a warm penguin welcome the next time you see him!

Jonathan Hearn

We are happy to welcome our newest STEM advisor, Jonathan Hearn! In case you have yet to have the pleasure to meet Jonathan, you can find him working with our engineering majors. 

Jonathan is no stranger to YSU, he is a proud penguin. He received both his Bachelor’s and Master’s in Social Work from YSU. While working on his Bachelor’s, he had an internship under the athletic advisors. It was there that he realized advising was something he would like to do. He enjoys helping students and watching them grow as people. 

Reflecting on his time as a student at YSU, he recalls his own personal growth. The person he was when he started college, compared to the person he was when he graduated, they were completely different people. He is most grateful to the people he has met throughout his journey and who have shaped him into the person he is now. He is happy to be working as an advisor at the YSU STEM College and hopes to be as impactful to his students’ lives as they were in his life. 

Fun fact #1: Jonathan was a student athlete. You will have to guess which sport and ask him for the answer when you see him. He has a soft spot for student athletes, so if you are one, you should most definitely visit him. 

Fun fact #2: Jonathan has 2 cats, Midnight and Lupae. Midnight is all dark and Lupae has a white chest.

Fun fact #3: Jonathan is also an artist. He likes painting shoes and canvases. Check out some of his artwork! 

When he is not busy checking in with students, he is playing or watching sports (specifically, basketball and football), painting, customizing t-shirts, or sleeping.