The Teachers College Newsletter
summer 2020 - Vol. 28, No. 3
A Most Unconventional Semester
Find out how we adapted courses, ceremonies, and instruction for students, graduates, and practicing professionals at The Teachers College at Emporia State University during a global pandemic.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
The Teachers College is proud of our Spring 2020 Graduates! While we could not be with you to celebrate, please know that we are thinking of you and wish you the absolute best! See more...
Dean's Column
As a proud Hornet alumna, I am honored to serve as the Dean of The Teachers College. Just as I was assuming the role in March, the global pandemic struck the United States. The Teachers College identifies “responding to uncertainty and change” as one of its key proficiencies in preparing high quality professionals.
Spring 2020 definitely put that proficiency to the test for all members of The Teachers College. Much like other higher education institutions across the country, Emporia State University moved to remote work and instruction during the weeks following spring break.
This continues to be the case for summer 2020 as well. While this has posed challenges for all, it has also presented opportunities. I am proud of how TTC students, faculty and staff responded to these unique and unusual times. The innovation among members of this group was inspiring! While faculty worked to move courses to remote instruction, staff worked tirelessly in their remote work environment to keep the college moving forward. Individuals stayed connected via Zoom and other networking platforms, and the annual Honors Ceremony was held virtually.
Our partners in education continue to support our mission of providing a quality education during these exceptional times. These partners have allowed our students to continue with practicums and internships in unique and unprecedented formats. Many students completed field experience hours using digital technologies, while student teachers were allowed to work remotely alongside their mentor teachers. Continuous learning indeed!
Over the last few months, we have witnessed both the best and the worst of humankind. The best in the form of frontline, essential workers battling a global pandemic. The worst in the form instances of social injustice and racism. The Teachers College, consistent with Emporia State University as a whole, seeks to change lives for the common good. As a college, we continue to engage in conversations around issues related to diversity, equity and inclusion, embracing the understanding that we must all play a role in the change that is needed to create a more equitable system for all. TTC is committed to preparing future professionals who embrace the uniqueness of each individual and are ready to meet the diverse needs of these individuals, whether this is in an education, recreational or other type of setting.
The theme for the college this past academic year was “When a New Door Opens.” In addition to Visser Hall receiving a brand new entrance on the east side, the recent national challenges have also opened new doors. These new doors lead to paths of opportunity to bring about positive change in our world. TTC is committed to preparing professionals to lead this charge.
Joan Brewer, Dean
University Notes
RESPONDING TO SOCIAL INJUSTICE
ESU’s Chief Diversity Officer, Dr. Aswad Allen, has now hosted two conversations related to issues surrounding social justice stemming from the death of George Floyd while being detained by Minneapolis police on May 25, 2020. Protests occurred and continue across the United States and world to raise awareness of social inequities and the treatment of people of color by law enforcement. The entire Hornet Nation – alumni, friends, fans, faculty, staff, students, and parents – are welcome to participate in these Humanity First forums. You can view the two conversations to date at emporia.edu/live, and please look for invitations to join future conversations.
With growing protests and demonstrations across the country addressing social injustice, Emporia State is engaging with its communities - learning communities, the Emporia, Lyon County, and surrounding areas, and so many more.
Messages from the university - from hosting Humanity First conversations to congratulating graduates - are available emporia.edu/live.
COVID-19 TIMELINE AT ESU
March 12 - During ESU's Spring Break, it was announced that due to COVID-19 concerns, all ESU face-to-face classes were canceled for the week of March 16-20.
March 23 – classes resumed online
ESU is posting information as it becomes available regarding COVID-19 here for faculty, staff, and students.
As the faculty and staff work to have students return to campus, you can submit questions and find information here.
STUDENT EMERGENCY SUPPORT
Because of the need to socially distance during the pandemic, many students were impacted financially with income lost due to reduced work hours and layoffs. These students need help with basic living expenses including rent, utilities, transportation, insurance, etc. If you want to help students in need, ESU created a Student Emergency Support fund, which accepted donations throughout the spring and early summer. If you are interested in contributing to this fund, please contact Christopher Hearn at chearn@emporia.edu.
A light shines brightest in the dark. We are keeping the lights on until you come home, Hornets!
College Notes
A Most Unconventional Semester
Honoring Graduating Students
Students looking to complete their final semester this spring at Emporia State University would normally be looking forward to a commencement ceremony.* Instead, Emporia State University celebrated the ESU Class of 2020 (#ESUClassof2020) in a number of ways:
o The faculty and staff of The Teachers College gave their messages of congratulations to the graduates
o ESU undergraduate commencement message
o ESU graduate commencement message
o ESU A Cappella Choir sang the Alma Mater
o ESU Wall – Messages from current students, alumni, friends, and fans wishing graduating students their very best
*May 2020 graduates will be able to participate in the Winter 2020 commencement exercises in December.
The Teachers College Honors Ceremony
For the past 35 years, The Teachers College has honored its outstanding students at the annual honors banquet. To keep the tradition of honoring students, the college moved The Teachers College Honors Ceremony to an online event, streaming it online on May 1. Learn more…
These undergraduate students were recognized during The Teachers College 36th Annual Honors Ceremony for being outstanding in their academic programs.
These undergraduate students were recognized during The Teachers College 36th Annual Honors Ceremony for having a 3.8 or higher GPA.
These graduate students were recognized during The Teachers College 36th Annual Honors Ceremony for being outstanding in their academic programs.
Dr. Joan Brewer Named Dean of The Teachers College
An Emporia State alumna and educator for 29 years is the new dean of The Teachers College. Learn more...
Financial Assistance Continues to Prepare Teachers in Special Education
Kansas children in elementary through high school will have a better chance at getting their needs met by a special education teacher thanks to renewed funding for a grant given to Emporia State University. Learn more...
Wolf Bordonaro Receives ESU's Highest Faculty Award
Dr. Gaelynn Wolf Bordonaro, an art therapy professor with a heart for service and mentorship, is Emporia State University’s 2020 Roe R. Cross Distinguished Professor.
Traditionally, ESU administrators enter the classroom of the new Roe R. Cross professor to make the surprise presentation. With all Emporia State classes being offered remotely this spring, the group joined Wolf Bordonaro’s Art Therapy Materials and Media class that was meeting via Zoom. Learn more...
Athletic Training Graduate Program Earns Accreditation
Emporia State is now able to offer a graduate program in athletic training, having recently earned accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education.
“The commission recognized our program as meeting the required standards for transitioning our entry-level undergraduate program to an entry-level graduate program,” said Matt Howe, the director of ESU’s athletic training program. Learn more...
Free Workshops for Educators to Move Classes Online
With COVID-19 disruptions causing an unprecedented shift to online K-12 instruction, ESU offered workshops to help Kansas educators transition their face-to-face classes to online formats.
ESU’s Department of Instructional Design and Technology conducted a needs assessment of Kansas educators to develop the workshops. To date, 550 educators have attended or plan to attend one or more of these workshops.
Grover Named King Endowed Professor
Dr. Cathy Grover will be the 2020-21 King Endowed Professor in The Teachers College at Emporia State University.
She did not know that, though, when the chair of her department said the dean was going to join them in a virtual meeting recently. Learn more...
Teaching Online / Remote
Always there for our practicing educators, The Teachers College at Emporia State University has compiled resources to assist K-12 educators as they convert the learning experience for their students from the school classroom to the remote classroom. If you have a resource you would like to include here, send it to ttcwebmaster@emporia.edu.
2020 Children's Picture Book Award Winner Announced
As children transition from schooling at home to summering at home during the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, some grumpy days — from children and adults — are to be expected, even when the sun is out and the weather nice.
For anyone looking to explain these feelings, consider “Grumpy Monkey,” the newly named 2020 Bill Martin Jr Picture Book award winner. Learn more...
Meeting the Challenges of Dyslexia
In response to the increasing conversation surrounding dyslexia and the science of reading, the reading faculty at Emporia State has designed a new course – EL 743: Meeting the Challenges of Dyslexia. This elective course is designed for practicing teachers, graduate students, and undergraduate students with 90 undergraduate hours in education and will provide an overview of the foundations of dyslexia research and examine best practice approaches to reading instruction. The course will be June 29 through August 7, 2020; contact Dr. Teddy Roop for more information at troop@emporia.edu.
Alternate Kansas Future Teacher Academy Event Held
In its 31st year, and because of the global COVID-19 pandemic, the Kansas Future Teacher Academy held a four-day virtual event featuring the Kansas State Department of Education deputy commissioner, a National Teachers Hall of Fame Inductee, National Board Certified Teachers and other accomplished educators. Held June 8-11, 68 people were part of the event, including 49 career educators, four preservice teachers, and 15 high school students interested in a career in education. Learn more...
Coaching Education Program Re-accredited
Besides teachers and parents, who spends evenings, weekends — countless hours a year — working with children under the age of 18? Coaches.
“Coaching is one of the most influential professions in the world,” said Mark Stanbrough, director of Emporia State University’s coaching education program.
The United States Center for Coaching Excellence recently announced ESU successfully re-accredited its coaching education program. ESU has the only USCCE accredited coaching education program in Kansas and is one of only 12 universities accredited in the US. Emporia State University originally accredited its coaching program in 2012. Learn more...
Math Leadership Institute Available
Because elementary teachers must study and teach many subjects, it may be difficult for them to develop the needed expertise in mathematics and the teaching of mathematics. A trained math leader working with teachers can build knowledge, capacity, and skills, increasing the effectiveness of all. ESU is offering instruction and materials through the Math Leadership Institute for 2020-21. Learn more...
2020 Class of Kansas Master Teachers Announced
The seven members of the 2020 class of Kansas Master Teachers were announced in late February. The teachers chosen for this annual award are:
Hillary Barscewski, First-Grade Teacher at Cottonwood Elementary School in USD 385 Andover;
Holly Bright (ESU alumna), Kindergarten Teacher at Grandview Elementary School in USD 490 El Dorado;
Justin Heeke, Seventh-Grade Physical Education Teacher at Comanche Middle School in USD 443 Dodge City;
Erica Huggard (ESU alumna), Biology/Health Science Teacher at Emporia High School in USD 253 Emporia;
Eunice Izazaga, Second-Grade Teacher at Pleasant Valley Elementary School in USD 259 Wichita;
Vickie Marcozzi, Art/Enrichment Reading and Writing Grades 2-5 Teacher at Oakdale Elementary School in USD 305 Salina; and
Kathy Wagoner, English Teacher at Hays High School in USD 489 Hays.
The 2020 master teachers represent 102 years of classroom experience. Complete bios for all teachers are available here.
Student Notes
Shepherd Scholars
Seven of the 12 Shepherd Scholars for 2020 are studying in programs of The Teachers College, including:
Kalliope Craft, Lane, elementary education;
Kirstan DeVore, Inman, mathematics education;
Kathryn Kienholz, Emporia, modern language and health and human performance;
Tayler Loudermill, Olathe, social science education;
Kara Mason, Shawnee, music education;
Bobbi Rookstool, Clay Center, English education and journalism; and
Marisleysis Velazquez, Emporia, psychology and modern language.
The generosity of Augusta Shepherd (BSB '44 Business Administration) and her late husband, R. Hershel Shepherd, continues with Emporia State's newest Shepherd Scholars. Each year since 1995, the Shepherd Scholars Program has honored Emporia State's most outstanding students, as determined through a robust and competitive application process. Normally, the new scholars meet the Shepherd family during a luncheon at the Sauder Alumni Center. This year, with campus closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the meeting came via Zoom.
ESU's Spring 2020 art therapy students hosted a virtual exhibition featuring artwork created by art therapists and art therapists-in-training in Kansas and the surrounding areas. View it here.
On March 4, ESU's pre-service teachers put their best feet forward at the Teacher Career Fair in the Memorial Union where Kansas school districts and schools from across the country looked to fill their teaching positions.
Lyrah Wallace, art therapy graduate student, was received three major awards this spring: 2020-21 Boylan Scholarship Award, the Susan B. Anthony Scholarship Award (https://buff.ly/3eZ6ASZ) and the 2020-21 Nancy Knapp Scholarship. https://www.emporia.edu/news/march-2020-art-therapy-student-honored-online/
Todd Roberts, from ESU's BEST program, got to visit with a few USD 265 Goddard Professional Development School interns in late March. "I am beyond proud of these students," Roberts posted.
Porscha Bland, psychology major, attended her first conference this spring and took first place in her research category at the annual Great Plains Students’ Psychology Convention.
Kalliope Craft, was awarded a Robert and Mary Glennen Leadership Scholarship. The scholarship is awarded to outstanding students who exemplify the standards of high character, leadership, and commitment to their peers.
Courtney Nemechek, physical education student, was recently named a Major of the Year by SHAPE America.
Student athletes within The Teachers College and across Emporia State wanted to still perform. For a creative twist on a relay, the ESU women’s track team passed the baton via an online video https://twitter.com/jazhurla/status/1244378629305511937. Participants included:
Jasmine Hurla, health and human performance
Makenzie Tucker, health and human performance
Mary-Grace Lassiter, health and human performance
Madeline Martin, business adminiatration
Kynzie Underwood, biochemistry and molecular biology
Victoria Pettay, health and human performance
Caitlin McAndrew-Beckham, elementary education
Eric Self, economics
Juliet Lane, crime and delinquency studies
Kadaisha Mwpo, elementary education
Clara Eilert, elementary education
Lauren Carlson, physical education
Jazmin Williams, elementary education
Virtual Research & Creativity Day
The Teachers College faculty and students participated in the 2020 Virtual Research and Creativity Day on April 23, 2020. All materials – from across the campus – presented are available at https://www.esuresearchandcreativity.com/.
Taking third place in the day's Three-Minute Thesis Competition was Isaiah Wattree, Psychology https://www.esuresearchandcreativity.com/three-minute-thesis-competition.
Poster Session Participants
Porscha Bland, Psychology, “The Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) on Adult Health and Mental Health” https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SqHRELrMWTcphO7L4B5rwQKC_HSO1ZRe/view
Porscha Bland, Psychology, “Type of Movie (Romance, Comedy, Action) and College Students’ Popcorn Consumption” https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KvnIQ88AXyxvlruq-VTRS5w-WRfIf1lw/view
Dwaune Bradle, Elementary Education, “Effects Music Has on How Students Transition Between Activities” https://drive.google.com/file/d/18iVMxcbkVGg4BUTl5X9fQoGLQHAyTkFv/view
Dr. Connie Phelps, Elementary Education/Early Childhood/Special Education, “Assessing Big, Pro, Little and Mini Levels of Creativity” https://drive.google.com/file/d/1A0WtkE_sv61CaDu5G-34GhZc0RMn6Mqt/view
Dalton Watts, Secondary Education - Physics and Earth Science, “The Nature of Exoplanet Discovery” https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nrceLV5r0Q0u6-lrNw7bgw9MeMvlwtVJ/view
2020 Award Winners
Outstanding ESU Graduate Faculty Mentor Award - Dr. Connie Phelps, Elementary Education/Early Childhood/Special Education
2019-2020 Graduate Teaching Assistant University Award for Excellent Teaching: Katie Jo Connor, Clinical Psychology; Morgan Davis, Clinical Psychology Accelerated and Jessica Brown, School Leadership
Faculty Research and Creativity Awards
Dr. Gaelynn P. Wolf Bordonaro, Art Therapy, – “Arts in Medicine: Art Therapy Programing in Kansas' Medical Communities”
ESU Summer Undergraduate Research Program: 2020 Award Winners
Baylee Schif (BS, Rehab & Disability Studies) and Dr. Danielle Nimako, Counselor Education, “Challenges, Needs and Service Gaps Experienced by Caregivers of Transition-Aged Individuals with Autism in Wichita, KS.”
Chieko Zimmerman (BSE, Elementary Education) and Dr. Melissa Reed, Elementary Education/Early Childhood/Special Education, “Centennial Celebration: Exploring the Journey of Civic Engagement in Empowering Women.”
Hannah Lingard (BSE, English) and Dr. Amy Sage Webb, English, Modern Languages, and Journalism, “Using Creative Writing to Teach Social and Emotional Skills.”
Kathryn Kienholz (BS, Health and Human Performance; BA, Modern Languages, Spanish) and Dr. Rachel Spaulding, English, Modern Languages, and Journalism, “Responsive Bilingual Strategies: Closing the Translation Gap for Health Care Practitioners and LEP Patients.”
Maite Garcia (BSE, Social Sciences Education) and Dr. Darla Mallein, Social Sciences, “Notable Emporians Trading Cards: A Collaborative Project with Lyon County History Center.”
Porscha Bland (BS, Psychology) and Dr. Tracy Wechselblatt, Psychology, “The Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) on Adult Health and Mental Health.”
Faculty & Staff Notes
Dr. Damara Goff Paris, associate professor of counselor education, received the Ruth Schillinger Award this spring. Learn more...
Dr. Basil Kessler, assistant professor of counselor education, received the 2020 Faculty Mentor Award from the Center for Student Involvement.
RETIREMENTS
Dr. Karen Bates, Associate Professor, Department of Elementary Education - Early Childhood - Special Education
Dr. Edwin Church, Professor, Department of School Leadership/Middle and Secondary Teacher Education
Dr. Lawrence Lyman, Professor, Department of Elementary Education, Early Childhood, and Special Education
Dr. Timothy Marshall, Associate Professor, Department of School Leadership/Middle and Secondary Teacher Education
Dr. John Morton, Professor, Department of School Leadership/Middle and Secondary Teacher Education
David Rodriguez, a long-time custodian in Visser Hall, retired this spring and celebrated by personnel in psychology, TESOL, and Instructional Design & Technology
Learn more about these retirees...
TENURE / PROMOTIONS
Dr. Catherine Ayantoye, Department of Elementary Education/Early Childhood/Special Education, tenure and promoted to associate professor
Dr. Tiffany Hill, Department of Elementary Education/Early Childhood/Special Education, tenure and promoted to associate professor
Dr. Dabae Lee, Department of Instructional Design & Technology - tenure and promoted to associate professor
Dr. Sara Schwerdtfeger, Department of Elementary Education/Early Childhood/Special Education - tenure and promoted to associate professor
Dr. Dan Stiffler, Department of School Leadership/Middle and Secondary Education - tenure and promoted to professor
PRESENTATIONS / PUBLICATIONS
Dr. Tyler Goad, Department of Health, Physical Education, & Recreation, presented a three-part webinar, "Discovering Best Practices in Designing & Delivering Online Health & Physical Education" June 8-10 for the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance.
Jenny Moss, Department of Psychololgy, recently published "Multilevel Factors Affecting College Students’ Perceived Knowledge Transferability: From the Perspective of Self-Determination Theory" in Research in Higher Education. https://buff.ly/2VLL1y0
Dr. Connie Phelps, Department of Elementary Education/Early Childhood/Special Education, gave her presentation as the 2019-20 King Endowed Professor, "Around the World in 90 Days" on February 27, 2020.
Awards
Dr. Dabae Lee, Department of Instructional Design & Technology, received the 2020 ESU President’s Award for Research and Creativity.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsZciByT4QVj7GjWTGxUktA/videos -
As people were asked to stay at home to keep COVID-19 from spreading, starting in March 2020, Dr. Erin Blocker, Instructor of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation, created a series of brief work out videos for people to do at home.
Hired Hornets
Erika Bichet was recently hired to teach Kindergarten in Dodge City USD 443.
Katie Born was recently hired to teach fifth grade in Emporia USD 253.
Elia Brown was recently hired to be an art educator at Liberty Middle School in USD 382.
Charlie Diebold was recently hired to teach fifth grade math at Council Grove Elementary in Morris County USD 417.
Madison Dragonas was recently hired to teach sixth grade English/language arts at Emporia Middle School in USD 253.
Paige Johns was recently hired to teach Kindergarten at Swenson Early Childhood Education in Osawatomie USD 367.
Joni Kasper was recently hired to teach seventh grade social studies at Horace Good Middle School in Garden City USD 457.
Lauren Kenney was recently hired to teach fourth grade at Prairie Elementary in Haysville USD 261.
Ashley Klausmeyer was recently hired to teach fifth grade science and math at Garden Plain Elementary School in Garden Plain USD 267.
Mary Krieger was recently hired to teach sixth grade science and English/lanugage arts at West Middle School in Lawrence USD 497.
Zauvionna Laddimore was recently hired to teach social studies for USD 501 Topeka.
Patricia Lee was recently hired to teach second grade at Soule Elementary in Dodge City USD 443.
Crystal Lucas was recently hired to teach fifth grade at Village Elementary in Emporia USD 253.
Sarajo Mance was recently hired to teach eighth grade math at Royal Valley Middle School in Royal Valley USD 337.
Brady Mulligan was recently hired to teach sixth grade social studies at Hiawatha Middle School USD 415.
Makenzie Ochoa was recently hired to teach third grade at Council Grove Elementary Morris County USD 417.
Ethan Olson was recently hired to teach first grade at Riverside Primary School in USD 114.
Brian Percival was recently hired to be the theatre director/teacher at Lawrence Free State High School in Lawrence USD 497.
Jarrett Roy was recently hired to be a teacher and football coach at Iola High School in USD 257.
Tiffany Sanders was recently to teach fifth grade at Hillcrest Elementary School in Lawrence USD 497.
Dylan Schneider was recently hired to teach sixth grade science at Emporia Middle School in USD 253.
Sidney Shiflet was recently hired to teach first grade at Northwest Elementary in Dodge City USD 443.
Abbie Stice was recently hired to teach fourth grade at Village Elementary School at USD 253 Emporia.
Ivan Torres was recently hired to teach Spanish 1 & 2, as well as Spanish for the IB Diploma Program at Washburn Rural High School in USD 437.
Myriale Valdivia was recently hired to teach second grade for the Topeka USD 501.
Chelsea Watson was recently hired to teach Kindergarten for North Lyon County USD 251.
Roxie Williams was recently hired to teach fourth grade in the Deer Creek School District in Edmond, OK.
Do you have a new job?
A promotion?
Did you change careers?
Locations?
Have a new member of your family?
Alumni / Constituent Notes
Left: Students from the ESU A Cappella Choir stay connected by singing the ESU Alma Mater.
Students in order of appearance: Kinsey Emery, Drew Villaca, Meadow Meier, Corey Man, Kara Mason, Brandon Clark, Carlyn Hartsock, Stephen Holbert
Composite from upper left to right: Katelyn Hess, Victor Keel, Becca Parsons, Jayden Humphrey, Braxton Pauls, Alex Robl, Brandon Clark, Kara Mason, Stephen Holbert, Catie Wools, Kinsey Emery, Drew Villaca, Meadow Meier, Corey Mann, Carlyn Hartsock
Conducted by Dr. Robert Ward, Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities
1950s
Dr. Charles F. Malone (BSE 1950 – Elementary Education), Tempe, AZ, authored his fourth book, A Superintendent's Guide to the Instructional Leadership of Elementary Principals. He is a retired professor from Arizona State University-Tempe. He continues to play handball where he has won three national age group championships and one world championship. Dr. Malone wants to express a "Shout Out" to all his former classmates. “Go Hornets! Thanks for a quality education!”
Dr. John A LeBar (MS 1959 – Physical Education), Durham, NC, had his book, Marching Toward Madness: How to Save the Games You Always Loved, published recently.
1970s
Mark R. Frase (BSE 1971 – Physical Education), Olathe, was inducted into the Greater Kansas City Football Association Hall of Fame in 2020.
Craig A. Wulf (BSE 1973 – Industrial Education), Wichita, retired as a Farmers Insurance Agent in May 2019.
Raymond L. McIntosh (BS 1976 – Elementary Education), Pratt, retired from the Kansas Department of Transportation after 40 years as an engineering technician.
Steve W. Steffes (BS 1977 – Industrial Education), McPherson, retired on July 1, 2020 after 34 years as Senior Project Engineer with Certainteed, primarily in the research and development group. Steffes has had 45 patents issued for various building products.
1980s
Penny M. (Grahem) Guy (BSE 1980 – Elementary Education), Topeka, retired from teaching eight grade math at Seaman Middle School. She taught for 34 years in Seaman USD 345; her entire teaching career spanned 37 years.
Dr. Dianne H. Welsh (MS 1984 – Psychology), Greensboro, NC, authored Creative Cross-Disciplinary Entrepreneurship: A Practical Guide (Palgrave-Macmillan).
Tamara L. "Tammy" (Biggerstaff) (BSB 1985 – Business Administration, MBA 1990 – Business Administration, MS 1990 – Counselor Education) and Mike Wilkerson, Lawrence, celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary on October 8, 2019.
Sheryl L. Leeds (BSE 1986 – Elementary Education; MS 2001 – Educational Administration), Winfield, has been named assistant principal for Emporia High School in USD 253.
Susan J. Thomas (BS 1986 – Psychology), Danville, CA, is the owner of 10Fold. The company was honored with 13 awards for PR, marketing and videography throughout the year. They were also named a Bronze Agency of the Year from American Business Publishing, and Agency of the Year award from PR News, and an Agency Elite award from PR News. Thomas was named Agency Leader of the Year by PRSA and was a Top Woman-Owned Business in the SF Bay Area from the San Francisco Business Times.
Dr. Jim Persinger (BA 1988 – Psychology, Sociology; MS 1990 – Experimental Psychology), Lawrence, was interviewed with NBC's Today Show about parents using the Life360 app to keep track of their adult children. The segment aired January 7, 2020; view the segment here.
Carla J. (Kivitter) Betik (BSE 1989 – Elementary Education), Ennis, TX, retired in May 2020 after 29 years of teaching elementary students. She taught at Ennis ISD for 11 years and spent the last 18 years with Scurry-Rosser ISD.
Dr. Teresa L. Clounch (BSB 1989 – Business Administration, MS 1996 – Counselor Education), Hays, started a new job as Senior Diversity Officer at Fort Hays State University.
1990s
Dr. Joan D. (Carley) Brewer (BSE 1991 – Mathematics; MS 1994 – Health, Physical Education, & Recreation), Emporia, was named dean of The Teachers College at Emporia State University.
Steven F. "Steve" Bushnell (BSE 1991 – Physical Education), Topeka, was recently hired as Seaman High School’s athletic director in USD 345.
2000s
Brandon Mellen (BSE '00, Physical Ed / Business Ed; MS '04, Health, Physical Education, & Recreation), Tonganoxie, is leaving the job as athletic director at Tonganoxie High School in USD 464 to be a K-12 athletic director at a school named for Franklin Delano Roosevelt in Lima, Peru. https://bit.ly/2Y6OZRw
Casey M. Creehan (MS 2006 – Health, Physical Education & Recreation), Peru, NE, was recently hired as the head football coach for Peru State University.
Erica R. Huggard (BSE 2006 – Biology, Health Education), Emporia, was named a 2020 Kansas Master Teacher.
Brad Phillips (MS 2006 – Health, Physical Education & Recreation), Swainsboro, GA, has been named the new women's basketball head coach at Crowley's Ridge College in Paragould, AR.
Holly D. (Haines) Bright (BSE 2008 – Elementary Education), El Dorado, was named a 2020 Kansas Master Teacher.
Jesse D. Shaw (MS 2008 – Educational Administration), St. Louis, MO, was recently hired as the head men's basketball coach for Maryville University.
Jim Swetye (MS 2008 – Curriculum & Instruction), Salem, OH, was recently appointed to serve on the Board of the Hydraulic Institute for 2020-21 as vice president of education.
Jorida Rustemi (MS 2009 - Clinical Psychology) was interviewed by ABC News in Albania on the mental health struggles people are having now. While the interview is conducted in Albanian, the written news report with the article can be translated intro English. https://buff.ly/2yaYWob
2010s
Jason W. Bates (BSE 2010 – Physical Education), Iola, is the coach of Iola USD 257's first state champion wrestler, Logan Brown.
Keith D. Hernandez (BS 2010 – Recreation), Olathe, has been inducted into the MIAA Hall of Fame for his time as a Hornet baseball player. He was the 2008 ABCA NCAA Division II Baseball Player of the Year and First Team All-American.
Caleb Smith (MS 2011 – Educational Administration), Wichita, has been hired as the new principal for Newton High School USD 373.
Nicholas Gardner (BSE 2012 – Physical Education, MS 2016 – Special Education, MS 2019 – Educational Administration), Topeka, kept Topeka USD 501 students moving in early May . “National Field Day is a big event...this was our way to help the students still participate... even though it’s virtual,” said Gardner, a physical education teacher in Topeka. https://buff.ly/3ctrQin
Emily M. Huston (BS 2012 – Athletic Training), Fairbanks, AK, provides orthopedic services to a local high school, the Alaska State Troopers and the collegiate summer league baseball team. However, with school and sports cancelled, she is currently working out of the hospital and on the frontlines for the CoVID-19 pandemic. She is one of only a handful of athletic trainers in Alaska and one of the northern most trainers practicing in the world.
Scott A. Powers (BS 2012 – Health Promotion/Coaching), Emporia, owner of Powers Forge Works, appeared on an episode of the History Channel's "Forged in Fire," a show which challenges bladesmiths to re-create some of the most iconic weapons in history.
Nicole M. "Nicki" Seeley (MS 2012 – Special Education), Derby, has been promoted to Director of Special Services for Derby Public Schools USD 260.
Clay M. Mettlen (MS 2014 – Educational Administration), La Cygne, will be the new assistant principal at Central High School in Salina USD 305. https://bit.ly/34C25sS.
Russell Swanson (BSE 2014 – Elementary Education, MS 2018 – Curriculum & Instruction), Emporia, was recently hired by Emporia State for Teaching Science Methods during Block 1 and supervising student interns. Most recently he taught sixth grade science at Emporia Middle School in USD 253.
Dan Watanabe, (MS 2014 – Instructional Design & Technology) created this video summarizing and reflecting upon his days as in ESU’s Instructional Design & Technology department. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpLkvZSbCts#action=share
Alison M. Boughn (MS 2015 – Art Therapy) received The Professional Counselor 2020 Dissertation Excellence Award for her dissertation, “Child Psychological Maltreatment” this spring. https://tpcjournal.nbcc.org/2020-dissertation-excellence-award/
In May, Travisray Salyers (BSE 2017 – Business), started his first day of graduae school at Emporia State’s Instructional Design & Technology department. He posted he is, “pretty excited for this new adventure in life to grow as an educator.” Salyers is a Business Teacher at Santa Fe Trail High School in USD 434.
Cory A. Shovick (BS 2017 – Recreation), Osawatomie, was recently hired as the Youth Sports Director for the Osawatomie Recreation Commission.
Chelsey M. Wilson (BSE 2017 – Elementary Education), Nortonville, was recently hired as a third grade teacher at Community Elementary in Coffeyville USD 445.
Teaching at Home
When Kansas K-12 schools moved online in March, Lauren Borcherding (BSE 2018) who teaches at Logan Avenue in USD 253 posted, "I used to say that my classroom was 'My home away from home'...now I get to say 'My home within home.' Definitely starting to get really excited about teaching online!!”
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Emporia State University is on a mission to provide our students a first-class education that delivers them into the next phase of their lives ready to build their careers and change the world.
Summer 2020
Volume 28, Number 3
The Teachers College Newsletter of Emporia State University is an occasional publication designed to inform its audience about activities of the college's departments, students, and alumni. For more information about this newsletter, contact Terri Kaiser, Editor, Campus Box 4036, Emporia State University, 1 Kellogg Circle, Emporia, KS 66801-5087. It is the policy of Emporia State University to guarantee equal employment opportunity, equal educational opportunity, and non-discrimination in the operation and administration of all of its programs and services.