Toth receives university award

Lucille Toth, PhD, associate professor of French and francophone studies at The Ohio State University at Newark, earned a university award at an April 15 event celebrating the Second-year Transformational Experience Program (STEP).

May 4, 2026

Toth was one of three Ohio State faculty members university-wide who received the Distinguished STEP Mentor Award. The honor recognizes instructors who advance the program’s mission to launch second-year students toward personal, professional and educational achievement. Recipients will have demonstrated inclusive engagement, provided experiential learning opportunities and supported student growth.

According to Josh McNichols, an Ohio State Newark sophomore who nominated Toth for the award, that’s exactly what this six-year mentor has done.

She inspires through her passion, she’s intentional in every lesson and every piece of feedback that she gives, and she transforms the way her students see themselves and the world. She has made a profound impact on my life, making me a more understanding and globalized thinker. She helped shape the person I’m becoming, and for that I’ll always be grateful.

Josh McNichols

Toth has served as a STEP mentor on both Ohio State’s Columbus and Newark campuses. The native of France helps facilitate Ohio State’s Global May Paris program, a faculty-led study abroad experience that immerses Buckeyes in the social, cultural and geographical history of Paris.

She has several publications to her name, including three books. Toth is also an artist and choreographer. In 2019, she delivered a TEDxTalk that doubled as a dance performance.

“Dr. Toth’s commitment to lifelong learning is evident and shines through her teaching and passion for students,” said Madeline Sharp, Ohio State Newark’s STEP director. “She’s truly a key resource for the Ohio State Newark community.”