March 20, 2015

J.R. Campbell, Director

The Fashion School - College of the Arts

Kent State University

 Re: Linda Ohrn McDaniel Peer Review of Teaching

 Dear Director Campbell,

 During the Spring semester of 2014 I had the pleasure of team teaching the Knitwear Design class with Linda Ohrn-McDaniel. It was only the second time the class had been offered and the first time in this format, so it was exciting to be able to work with her to develop it. The idea was that both of us came from different backgrounds so our individual strengths would compliment each other; hers being in the process of hand and machine knitting and mine in the aspect of design.

 I can say whole-heartedly that Linda was beyond knowledgeable on the art of knitting. Her excitement for it was infectious for both the students and myself. I learned so much about the technical process and came out feeling as if I had taken the class as well! It is refreshing to work with an instructor that has such dedication and enthusiasm for the subject.

 Linda covered a breadth of information ranging from the history of knitwear, machine knitting and technical communication along with teaching the students how to hand knit many different stitches and techniques. She also developed the class specifically in machine knitting that has been running for several years and gaining more and more popularity each semester. Linda has been in the forefront of building Kent’s opportunities in making knitwear a core aspect of the design curriculum. Knitting has such a rich history and bright future that we are lucky to have her pushing the incorporation of it into the program. There is no doubt that the specialization will continue to grow as long as she is a part of it!

 The students have a great amount of respect for Linda. She has created a classroom culture where there are high expectations, but also very clear and kind guidance. She is very approachable and loves problem solving any questions/ideas students come up with.

 Team teaching with Linda has been wonderful. I only wish there were more opportunities to do so! It has been great to collaborate with her as well as learn more about knitwear from a genuine expert in the field!

 Best Regards,

 Sara Snyder