Cynthia A. Spitler, Ph.D.

Position: Instructor
Phone: 419-372-2326
Email: cspitle@bgsu.edu

Bio

Dr. Spitler received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing Home Administration from The University of Toledo. In addition, she received her Master of Science and Education in Public Health and her Ph.D. in Health Education (with an emphasis in Gerontology) from The University of Toledo. Dr. Spitler joined BGSU's department of Gerontology in the Fall of 2014 and teaches a range of Gerontology courses. She has also taught Sociology and Social Gerontology courses at The University of Toledo and in the Gerontology program at Lourdes University. In addition, she also advised undecided students at The University of Toledo. Dr. Spitler keeps her Ohio Nursing Home Administrator’s License current and likes to spend time working in nursing homes as time permits. 

Dr. Spitler’s dissertation was entitled “Pet Therapy and Midwest Nursing Homes.” She conducted survey research in which she reached out to 500 nursing homes in Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, and Kentucky. As a result of her excellent follow-up skills, she received an overwhelming 81% response rate to her mailed surveys. As you can imagine, Dr. Spitler is passionate about spending time with older adults and her pets. She has a cat and an overly exuberant but affectionate Golden Retriever. Dr. Spitler is very excited to be teaching Gerontology classes at BGSU this year.