Dr. Kristin J. Homan, professor of Psychology, is the 2026 Omicron Delta Kappa Grove City College Professor of the Year.
Homan, who has taught a variety of psychology and research methods courses and has mentored dozens of students through their senior capstone research projects, said she was “honored and humbled” by the award.
The ODK selection committee said Homan exemplifies the Professor of the Year award, which seeks to recognize a faculty member for exemplary character, superior enthusiasm and scholarship in the classroom, genuine rapport with students, thoughtful advising, and responsible leadership to the campus and community.
Homan’s students appreciate her expertise and her mentorship.
“In the classroom, Dr. Homan conveys enthusiasm, using multi-media, relevant examples, and a diverse array of instructional methods to ensure that all students can learn to the best of their ability,” one student stated. “She goes out of her way to meet with students when they need help or ask for advice and is an exemplary role model for students across the campus community. Her dedication to her work is clear, as is her faith and commitment to Christ.”
Homan holds a Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Minnesota and a B.S. from the University of Wisconsin. She joined the faculty of Grove City College full time in 2012.
She said she likes getting to know students, interacting with her colleagues, and all the classes she teaches, especially the capstone course that requires Psychology students to design and execute a research study. “I enjoy this course because it's different every year and when the students choose a topic that I'm not familiar with, I get to learn about something new,” Homan said.
Homan’s scholarship has garnered multiple research grants and awards over the years to explore areas such as body image, health and religion, positive aging, and long-term effects of exposure to childhood adversity. She has published more than 30 papers in peer-reviewed journals. “I've been able to pursue a variety of different topics over the years. I can definitely see that my own scholarly work has helped me to be a better teacher and mentor,” Homan said.
“There are lots of great things about teaching at GCC,” she said. “I enjoy the intellectual challenge involved in developing a new course or conducting research. And this year I've had the chance to experience Grove City College as a student because I've been taking French.”
Homan is married to Dr. Timothy Homan, dean of the Hopeman School and Professor of Chemistry. Both are retiring this summer and planning “lots of adventures,” she said, including traveling to France, where one daughter lives – and those language lessons will come in handy – and visiting their other children in Wisconsin and Colorado.
Homan has served on multiple faculty search committees and as vice-chairperson of the Institutional Review Board and member of the Student-Faculty Review Board, the Student-Faculty Research Committee, and the Social Science Subcommittee for the General Education Review. She has mentored new faculty, guided students in the chapel program, and advised Trustee Scholars.
Homan served as a board member of the Christian Assistance Network, a local organization that helps local low-income families in crisis. She has also volunteered at the Grove City Food Pantry and at Grace Anglican Church in a variety of roles.