The Teachers College Newsletter

Persevere. It's what we do.

By putting people first, The Teachers College at ESU has stayed connected through this past year. Read the latest on the people of TTC, its alumni and friends.

University Notes

College Notes

Student Notes

1930s

Gertrude M. Edens (Life Time Certificate 1938), Wichita, died January 22, 2021 at the age of 102. She began her teaching career in the one-room schoolhouses of District #96 and #18 in Lyon County. By 1941, she was teaching at the elementary school in Elmdale in Chase County. She was dedicated to teaching and lifelong learning, completing her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education, and retiring from USD 259 Wichita in 1983.

1940s

Paul A. Miller (BS 1940 – Mathematics), Wichita, died January 1, 2021, two days short of his 103rd birthday, after contracting COVID-19. He was able to attend college because of the National Youth Administration, a federally funded project created by President Franklin D. Roosevelt during the Great Depression, as scholarships and student loans were not available in the 1930s. He taught mathematics at Thayer High School in Neosho County. He worked at Beech Aircraft as an engineer from 1941 to 1983. He taught part-time at Wichita Area Vocational School and at Wichita State University. One of his accomplishments was finding a professional job for one of his African-American students at a time when Wichita was racially segregated. He also served a year as a Foreign Service officer for the US State Department in Palermo, Sicily. His obituary states, “His death should serve as a warning to take the coronavirus seriously, wear masks, stay at home and practice physical distancing. Your precautions may protect someone else, possibly an elder.”

Doris Marcine Wingerson (LTC 1940 – Elementary Education), Portland, OR, died March 3, 2021, at the age of 100. Born in Clay Center, she always identified as an educator and initiated a long-term relationship with Tri-Sigma while starting college at Kansas State Teachers College of Emporia at the age of 17. She began teaching kindergarten and primary grades at age 19.

1950s

Anthony “Tony” D'Ovidio (BSE 1953 – Industrial Education, MS 1954 – Industrial Education), Somerset, NJ, died January 15, 2021 at the age of 90. He entered the military, serving in the Army Signal Corp from 1954-1956. He was an educator in Somerset County for 31 years. He taught in Bernardsville and Green Brook where he went on to become a vice principal, principal and superintendent. He later served as superintendent of Watchung Borough Schools. In 1980 he joined the staff at Somerset County Vocational and Technical Schools, first as assistant superintendent of the technical school and then as superintendent of the institute and high school.

Gerald Frisch (BSE 1953 – Business Education), Sunnyvale, CA, died December 6, 2020 at the age of 92. Frisch enlisted in the army and served at the close of World War II in Livorno, Italy. After his discharge, he attended and graduated from the Kansas State Teachers College. After teaching at high schools in Kansas and Oklahoma, he accepted an accounting job with United Airlines in San Francisco, and relocated his family to California in 1958. He retired after 33 years in 1991.

Jane Millard (BSE 1955 – Home Economics), Overland Park, died January 14, 2021 at the age of 87. She taught school for a period of time and then worked in retail.

Ermil Kay (Ott) Fraser (BSE 1958 – Elementary Education), Blue Springs, MO, died December 25, 2020 at the age of 83. She put herself through school at Kansas State Teachers College by working as a dental assistant. She taught first grade in Madison, then in Overland Park where she taught first grade at Apache Elementary School for several years.

Patricia Hiss Friedeman (BSE 1959 – Elementary Education), Lawrence, died December 2, 2020 at the age of 82. She taught elementary students in Great Bend for a semester. She then taught in Massachusetts at a boy's private school before teaching two years in the Wellesley school system.

Gilford Evan Myers (BSE 1959 – Social Sciences), Lee's Summit, MO, died January 22, 2021 at the age of 83. He taught school for one year before expressing his gift for sales, working for many companies. He then built his own business as owner of Evan Myers and Associates, a dental practice broker and consultant, before retiring in 2008.

1960s

Dean Bartel (MS 1962 – Educational Administration), Tulsa, OK, died February 6, 2021 at the age of 95. He grew up during the Dust Bowl and during the Great Depression, and was a WWII combat veteran, serving in the US Navy from 1944 to 1946 aboard the USS Duluth. After the war ended, he returned to Oklahoma and began his lifelong profession as a school teacher, starting at the Balko school. After earning his master’s degree, his family moved to Dodge City where he eventually retired after his long career at Dodge City Junior High School as an English teacher.

Mary Joan Maher Kennison (BSE 1962 – Mathematics), Topeka, died February 5, 2021 at the age of 80. She won the P.E.O. Scholarship to Emporia State Teachers College where she majored in mathematics and physical education. She served students at Highland Park Junior High School, Hayden Catholic High School, Chase Middle School and retired from Topeka High School, devoting more than 40 years of her life to students. She taught mathematics, physical education and special education, was a pep club, cheerleader and dance team sponsor, and coached volleyball, basketball, gymnastics and track and field.

Flossie Mae Smith Pippin Gray (BSE 1963 – Business Education, English; MS 1972 – Secondary Education), Wichita, died October 31, 2020 at the age of 90. After completing her bachelor’s degree, she went on to earn master’s degrees and taught English and grammar for 31 years mostly at Haysville Jr. High. During her teaching career, she travelled to China to teach English.

Wilbert H. Schmidt (MS 1963 – Educational Administration), Goessel, died February 6, 2021 at the age of 93. He served in Civilian Public Service for 14 months in Camino, CA and Lincoln, NE. After CPS, he was uncertain about what to do until he was encouraged to enter the field of education. After he completed his education, he began his 39 years of teaching, primarily middle school math and science.

Joan Marie Fuhrman (BSE 1964 – Business Education), Wichita, died December 30, 2020 at the age of 78. Following in the footsteps of her mother and grandfather, she became a teacher. She briefly taught in a one-room school house but spent most of her career teaching at the high school level at Courtland and Pike Valley High Schools in north central Kansas. She taught business, computers, photography and journalism. She was also the yearbook sponsor for many years.

Maurice Goff (EdS 1964 – Educational Administration), Wichita, died on December 31, 2020 at the age of 87. Born during the Dust Bowl and Great Depression, he became an industrial arts teacher at Jardine Junior High in Wichita and taught adult classes in driver education and math. After receiving an EdS degree from Emporia State University in adult education in 1964, he developed a state application for the Wichita Area Vocational Technical School. He also developed several federally funded "war on poverty" programs in Wichita, including Head Start and Neighborhood Youth Corps. After earning his doctorate, he returned to the Wichita Public Schools and was appointed director of the newly established Division of Vocational and Continuing Education. He retired in 1992 after 35 years in the Wichita Public Schools.

LeRoy Walter Schierkolk (BSE 1964 – Physical Education), Valley City, ND, died December 1, 2020 at the age of 82. He served in the US Army in Korea and was honorably discharged in December 1960 with the rank of Sergeant E-5. He started his teaching career at Washington High School in Washington then moved to Hillcrest High School in Cuba before getting his master’s degree. He and his family lived in Nebraska, then Idaho where he worked at Boise’s South Jr High School as a physical education and mathematics instructor and filled the role of athletic director. They then moved to Prairie Farm, WI where he taught at Prairie Farm High School in 1980 where he stayed until he retired from teaching in 2001.

Margaret McCullum (BSE 1965 – Elementary Education, MLS 1971 – Library Science), Topeka, died on November 24, 2020 at the age of 77 due to complications of COVID-19. When she was young and preparing for a career, she felt her choices were limited – nurse or a teacher. Her mom and sister were nurses, but she didn't like taking care of sick people so she chose to become a teacher. She started out as a third-grade teacher in the USD 501 Topeka and later became the first full-time elementary school librarian in Topeka for nearly 18 years. She left education and earned her master’s of divinity. After suffering injuries in a major car accident, she retired and eventually moved back to Topeka.

William N. “Bill” Allen (MS 1966 – Physical Education), Topeka, died January 12, 2021 at the age of 81. He moved to Topeka in 1961. He was a teacher and coach of football, track and gymnastics, and an assistant principal for Topeka USD 501 for 19 years. He was a principal for Auburn Washburn USD 437 for two years. He left the education field for a 22-year career in management with Southwestern Bell and AT&T, retiring in 2006.

Dr. Anna M. “Marcena” Kitchener Eckert (MS 1966 – Special Education), Chillicothe, MO, died October 23, 2020 at the age of 92. She spent her entire professional career in some form of education, which spanned 65 years. She began teaching at the age of 17 at Trudell School, near Miltonvale, in 1945. With degrees from Emporia State University and elsewhere, she worked as a teacher, a special education teacher, a consultant in elementary, and in special education for the Wyoming State Department of Education in Cheyenne, WY, and led the Big Lakes Developmental Satellite in Clay Center, KS.

Wanda May Finkenbinder Stallings (BSE 1966 – Elementary Education), Dodge City, died October 21, 2020 at the age of 85. She grew up as a farm kid during the Great Depression, the Dust Bowl, and World War II. She served as a beloved teacher in Emporia, Eureka and Garden City for more than 30 years. She was an avid and accomplished artist, focusing on watercolor painting and was a member of the Kansas Watercolor Society, and a founding member of Garden City Arts.

Merle E. Bird (BA 1967 – Physics, MS 1970 – Physics), Rossville, died November 10, 2020 at the age of 81. Growing up, his parents were teachers. He was stationed in Thule, Greenland while serving in the US Army. He moved to Emporia, where he earned a master’s degree in education. He taught at Roosevelt High School on the campus and later worked at the Emporia Gazette. In 1972 he and his family moved to the Rossville community. Merle was a journalist at the Topeka Capital-Journal for many years.

Raymond L. "Ray" Blackwell (BSE 1967 – Physical Education), Naperville, IL, died a March 4, 2021 at the age of 77. A Parsons native, Blackwell briefly taught school before serving in the US Army during the Vietnam War, stationed in Texas.After his honorable discharge from the military, he began a 38-year career with the Boy Scouts of America, first as a Scout Executive at the city level and later as national personnel director and regional director, retiring in 2006.

William David McEchron (BSE 1967 – Psychology; MS 1969 – Psychology; EdS 1971 – Psychology), Bettendorf, IA, died March 22, 2021 following a stroke at the age of 77. He started his career in psychology as a school psychologist and project director for the Mississippi Bend Area Education Agency in 1970. In 1979, he became a founding partner of Psychology Associates where he provided individual, family, and marital psychotherapy. He managed Psychology Associates with his partners for 33 years, then partnered with Genesis Health systems in 2001 where he continued to work as a Director of Mental Health. He entered semi-retirement in 2012, continuing to work with CADs and the Scott County Mental Health and Family Wellness Courts, while spending more time with his family and grandchildren.

Frances Elaine Phillips Hays (BSE 1967 – Elementary Education), Osawatomie, died November 27, 2020 at the age of 88. She attended Emporia State Teachers College from 1950- 1951. As there was a shortage of teachers and her great desire was to be a teacher, so she began teaching in 1951 in Virgil in the same room she had started school as a little girl. Over the following 17 years, she taught while continuing her education at Emporia. In 1965, she moved to Osawatomie, teaching at Union Valley Rural School, then at Osawatomie Junior High School where she taught seventh grade math. She taught 41 years in Kansas schools, retiring from full-time teaching in 1992, and continuing to serve as a substitute teacher in retirement.

Wilfred W. "Willie" Nicklin (MS 1967 – Physical Education), Topeka, died December 10, 2020 at the age of 90. He served in the US Army, and taught and coached in Arnold, Oxford and at Topeka High School. He was the head coach at THS from 1970 to 1994 and guided the Trojans to two State Championships (1973 and 1986), three State Championship second place finishes, 14 League Championships (Sunflower and I-70), 11 Sub-State Championships, and seven Topeka Invitational Tournament Crowns. In 2006, the basketball court at Topeka High was named 'Willie Nicklin Court' in his honor. Nicklin was a member of the Kansas Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame, the Shawnee County Sports Hall of Fame, Lowman United Methodist Church, and the University of Kansas Alumni Association.

Dr. Robert M. "Bob" Hicks, Retired USAF Colonel (BA 1968 – Psychology), Maitland, FL, was the featured speaker at the 2020 All Veterans Memorial in Emporia in November.

Boncilla Jean “Jeanie” Lowry (BSE 1968 – Elementary Education), Wamego, died May 2, 2020 at the age of 74. She had a 33-year teaching career, spending 31 at USD 320 Wamego teaching third grade at Central Elementary School. After retiring in 2001, she opened Granny J’s Daycare in her home, where she continued to look after and teach youngsters until 2015.

Katherine Ellen "Kem" McHugh (MS 1968 – Counselor Education), Topeka, died December 8, 2020 at the age of 86. The first six years of her career in education were in DeKalb, MO as a music and science teacher. She then joined the Atchison, KS public schools as a primary teacher for three years and then spent three years as a teacher of science of intermediate students. She moved to Topeka where she became an integral part of the Highland Park High School staff as a counselor, where she stayed for 28 years until her retirement in 1997, having served in education for a total of 40 years. McHugh was in the first group of counselors to earn a membership in the National Board of Certified Counselors and National Board of Licensed Professional Counselors. She was a participant at a White House briefing on education. At the state level, she was a member of the Governor's Drug Abuse Commission and the Governor's Parenting Conference. The Kansas State Department of Education selected her to serve on the Guidance Communication Council and the Proprietary School Advisory Commission. Locally, she was an original member of the Shepherds Center of Topeka serving in many capacities in that organization. The many awards McHugh earned include: USD 501 Master Teacher Award, Kansas Guidance Association Counselor of the Year, Kansas Association of Counselors Distinguished Service Award, USD 501 Business Advisory Committee Appreciation Award, Topeka Chapter Phi Delta Kappa Educational Service Award, USD 501 Distinguished Service Award, Certified Support Staff, Kansas Counselor Association Hall of Fame, and Highland Park High School Hall of Fame.

John "Val" Wachtel IV (BSE 1968 – Social Sciences), Wichita, died October 26, 2020 at the age of 75. He graduated from high school a year before joining the US Army. He trained in Special Forces Military Intelligence and paid five visits to Vietnam as a Green Beret Airborne Ranger. Returning to the US, he pursued a law degree and became a public defense attorney in Topeka, then moved to Wichita and spent the last 20 years of his career as a criminal defense attorney.

Sarah Coombs Wencel (BSE 1968 – Elementary Education, MS 1979 – Special Education), Caldwell, died December 31, 2020 at the age of 76. She taught elementary students for 20 years, specializing in learning disabilities.

Vicki S. Golden (BSE 1969 – Elementary Education), Topeka, died December 14, 2020 at the age of 73. She worked for Capital Airlines at Forbes Air Field, followed by Trinity & ISO insurance companies, and finally retiring for BNSF Railroad in 2012.

Arleen Ellen (Pierson) Meyer (MS 1969 – Educational Administration), Alma, died on March 4, 2021 at the age of 87 after a short bout with pneumonia. She taught at several elementary schools in Wabaunsee and Pottawatomie Counties including schools at Alma, Zeandale and Wamego. She was a member of Alpha Theta Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma teaching sorority. After she retired from teaching, she volunteered with local schools to help children with their reading and math skills.

Lewis T. “Lew” Mills (MS 1969 – Educational Administration), Topeka, died December 14, 2020 at the age of 86. He joined the US Air Force and served as an aircraft mechanic at Forbes Air Force Base near Topeka. He then taught math at Jardine Junior High and Topeka High School. He was a lifetime member of the National Education Association and served on the NEA-Topeka executive board as a state and national delegate. After retiring from teaching in 1993, he became a school volunteer, especially at McEachron Elementary where he and his wife started a gift book program. Always an educator, he continued to teach, making sure children across the country received books of their own. He also volunteered with various organizations to help them stay accessible to those with disabilities. He and his wife willed their bodies to the KU School of Medicine to assist medical students with their research.

Irvin D. Voth (MS 1969 – Counselor Education), Goessel, died January 22, 2021 at the age of 86. He started his career in Hillsboro where he taught fifth grade for eight years. After getting his master's degree, he accepted a position in Salina USD 305 as an elementary school counselor. He retired in 1991. During his retirement, he was a school administrator for nine years at the Hebron Evangelical School for boys in West Bank, Palestine.

Lynne Wolverton (BSE 1969 – Elementary Education), Wichita, died October 2, 2020 at the age of 73. She was an elementary teacher at Alcott, taught preschool at Westlink Christian Church and was a teacher at Children's First Academy in Colleyville, TX.

1970s

Robert F. Hartsook, JD, EdD, DrBA (BA 1970 – Social Sciences; MS 1972 – Counselor Education), Wrightsville Beach, NC, was named the 2020 Fundraising Executive of the Year by the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

Benjamin Joseph “BJ” Eichem, Jr. (MS 1970 – Elementary Education), Wamego, KS died March 23, 2020 at the age of 78. He started out as a coach and teacher in Maple Hill from 1965-1968 before becoming a junior high school science teacher and athletic coach in Wamego from 1968-1978. He also served on the USD 320 Wamego board of education for 16 years and was elected as director, president elect, president and past president of the Kansas Association of School Boards. After teaching, Eichem worked for Keating & Associates in Manhattan as an insurance agent for 35 years.

Lana Dianne Voss (BA 1972 – English, MS 1980 – Curriculum & Instruction), Newton, died on December 23, 2020 at the age of 70. She taught in the Kansas public schools for five years before moving to Tulsa, OK in 1981. Voss served as librarian at Page Memorial Library in Sand Springs, OK for ten years. She earned a master’s degree in library and information studies and began working in the children's department at Tulsa Central Library, eventually becoming Manager of the department in 2010. She retired from the Tulsa City-County Library in 2012.

John Crowe (BSE 1973 – Education, MS 1994-Special Education), Rose Hill, died November 30, 2020 at the age of 69. He was a special education teacher until he retired in 2006.

Robert “Bob” W. Hayes (BS 1977 – Psychology, MS 1985 – Counselor Education), died November 18, 2020 at the age of 71. He joined the U.S. Air Force upon graduation from high school and served in the Vietnam War. After returning home and earning his master’s degree from ESU, he spent his professional career serving veterans. He was a part of establishing PTSD units at VA hospitals and positively impacting veterans nationwide. Throughout his adult life, Robert was committed to advocating for those impacted by HAE, a rare disease.

Susan (Merritt) Rathke (BSE 1977 – Physical Education), Emporia, recently retired after 28 years as the director of the Emporia Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Colleen Ann Sullivan-McNeive (BSE 1977 – Elementary Education), Lawrence, died March 2, 2021 at the age of 65. She taught physical education at Rossville and Saint Mary's Elementary School. Most recently she was a para-educator at Lawrence High School. She loved all the students she taught over the years and remembered every single one, and especially loved her special education students at Lawrence High School.

Dr. Mark E. Stanbrough (BSE 1977 – Social Sciences, MS 1979 – Physical Education), Emporia, authored the book, Track and Field Self-Guided Workouts: Motivation and Activities, published by Roho Publishing (2020).

TSgt Patrick J. Weissbeck (BSE 1977 – Physical Education), Topeka, retired as an Allstate Idinsurance agent and president/owner of Patrick J. Weissbeck Agency, Inc. in July 2020 after 17 years. He also retired from the Air National Guard - 190th Air Refueling, Topeka.

Rebecca S. "Becky" Endicott (BS 1979 – Physical Education), Wichita, retired after 26 years of service to Wichita State University in various roles, but most recently as the senior associate athletic director/senior woman's administrator since 1999.

1980s

Deborah "Debbie" Diane Solomon (MS 1981 – Curriculum & Instruction), Whitewater, died November 27, 2020 at the age of age 67. She taught fifth grade in Yates Center.

Dr. Dianne H.B. Welsh (MS 1984 – Psychology), Greensboro, NC, is the Hayes Distinguished Professor of Entrepreneurship and Founding Director of the Entrepreneurship Programs at The University of North Carolina Greensboro.

Dr. Elizabeth "Beth" (Kalmar) Dobler (BSE 1985 – Elementary Education), Topeka, received the 2020 Ervay Family Award for Applied Scholarship from Emporia State University. Her research interest is information literacy, with a focus on the Internet.

Mary Ida Graber (MS 1988 – Counselor Education), Goessel, died January 28, 2021 at the age of 87. She was a home economics teacher throughout the years at Emery, SD from 1970 through 1975; Versailles, MO from 1975 through 1978; and Goessel, KS from 1978 through 1996, where she also served as a school counselor and FHA and Pep club advisor. In retirement she continued her teaching role as a substitute teacher in surrounding school districts.

Dr. James D. "Jim" Persinger (BA 1988 – Psychology, Sociology; MS 1990 – Experimental Psychology), Lawrence, received The Teachers College 2020 Excellence in Service Award by his peers at Emporia State University.

1990s

Mike F. Gottman (MS 1990 – Health, Physical Education, & Recreation), Apollo Beach, FL, was recently named head football coach and head of the physical education department at East Bay High School in Apollo Beach.

Joel E. Matthews (MS 1990 – Psychology), Salina, was the recipient of the 2020 Marchbanks Memorial Award for Teaching Excellence awarded by the K-State Polytechnic Campus.

Grace Olive Stouppe Jolly (MS 1991 – Curriculum & Instruction), Lawrence, died October 28 at the age of 77 from cancer. She taught elementary and middle school math and science in the Jefferson West school district for 32 years. Her family hosted several students from Costa Rica over the years, all of whom became lifelong friends. In recent years, she worked summers at Yellowstone National Park, enjoyed hiking and exploring the park, and made friends from all over the country and the world.

Ann Margaret Thompson Lindbloom (BS 1992 – Psychology), Lawrence, died March 15, 2021 at the age of 51 due to unforeseen complications after surgery. An Emporia native, Lindbloom worked for institutions of higher education, including Allen Community College and the University of Kansas.

Fredrick D. "Fred" Snyder (MS 1993 – Counselor Education), Mankato, MN, made his debut as a published author through the first novel in a dystopian trilogy titled American Revolution 2056.

Tricia L. (Hagemann) Wyckoff (BS 1995 – Psychology), Cherokee, was named a recipient of the 2021 Kansas Horizon Award. The Horizon Award program recognizes outstanding teachers who have completed their first year in education.

Cindy Moulin (BSE 1998 – Elementary Education; MS 2008 – Master Teacher), 61, died December 26, 2020 at the age of 60 from cancer. She was a daycare provider then a teacher, earning her degree while raising four children. She spent 20 years working for USD 434 Santa Fe Trail. She was devoted to her students, always going above and beyond, especially for those children from difficult circumstances who needed her love the most.

Ashley Ann (Parks) Goebel (BSE 1999 – Elementary Education), Blue Springs, MO, died on March 9, 2021 at the age of 43. From an early age, she wanted to be a teacher. She first taught in Olathe before she transferred to the Blue Springs, MO School District. For more than ten years, she taught at Lucy Franklin Elementary in Blue Springs.

2000s

Dr. Troy L. Moore (BS 2000 – Recreation), Great Bend, has joined Ellinwood Hospital & Clinic as a physical therapist.

Patrick D. Schroeder (BSE 2000 – Elementary Education, Social Sciences), Salina, is the new seventh grade Language Arts teacher at Southeast of Saline Middle School in USD 306 and also coaches high school cross country.

Jay Scott (MS 2003 – Educational Administration), Topeka, was appointed as a member of Hayden Catholic High School's Board of Trustees for the 2020-21 school year.

Jace G. Smith (BS 2003 – Health Promotion), Kansas City, was recently hired as the director of development for LevelUp Kids.

Sarah R. (Waring) Wells (BSE 2003 – Elementary Education, MS 11 – Early Childhood Education), Topeka, was named Auburn-Washburn's 2020 Elementary District Teacher of the Year.

Amy E. Codney (BS 2004 – Rehabilitation Services, MS 10 – Rehabilitation Counseling), Friendswood, TX, was recently hired as an instructional coach for Pasadena ISD.

Sean David Atchley (BS 2005 – Recreation, BSE 2010 – Social Sciences), Garden City, died December 13, 2020 at the age of 44. He worked as a teacher for Garden City Public Schools for ten years.

Alisha K. (Frazer) Farmer (BSE 2005 – Art, MS 18 – Instructional Design & Technology), Wichita, recently became a new art teacher at Derby North Middle School in USD 260 Derby.

Thadd A. McElreath (MS 2005 – Health, Physical Education, & Recreation), Sanford, NC, was selected as recipient of the 2020-21 Central Carolina Community College Instructor of the Year Award.

Samantha L. Sheeley (BS 2008 – Rehabilitation Services), Los Angeles, CA, was selected for the 2020 class of the Emporia State Athletic Hall of Honor for her excellence in softball.

Jennifer A. (Black) Womack (MS 2009 – Teaching of Gifted), Silver Lake, math teacher at Topeka High School USD 501, recently earned her certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.

2010s

James "J.J." Libal (MS 2010 – Educational Administration), Overland Park, Principal at Santa Fe Trail Middle School in Olathe US 434, was named recipient of the Principal Advocate Award by the Kansas School Counselor Association.

Corey M. Wiltz (MS 2010 – Educational Administration), Emporia, was selected to serve as assistant principal and athletic director at Emporia High School beginning with the 2021-22 school year.

Scott Chrisman (MS 2011 – Educational Administration), Salina, was recently selected as the new principal of Lakewood Middle School for the 2021-2020 school year in USD 305 Salina.

Dr. Kevin Dalina (MS 2012 – Health, Physical Education & Recreation), Sayreville, NJ, was appointed as the new council president of the Borough of Sayreville.

Meghan J. Reilly (BSE 2012 – Elementary Education), Fairway, is in a new position teaching first grade at Rockville Elementary in USD 416 Louisburg.

Kelsey A. (Collins) Kowalski (MS 15 – Psychology, Industrial/Organizational), Colorado Springs, CO, was recently hired as a human resources business partner with Jabil.

Cory Sullivan (MS 2015 – Health, Physical Education, & Recreation), Springfield, OH, is the new defensive coordinator/recruiting coordinator for Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College.

Dr. Brianna C. Ward (MS 2015 – Clinical Psychology), Wichita, was hired as the athlete mental health coordinator and staff psychologist at Wichita State University in August 2020.

Laetitia B-N Marlene Kabre (MS 2016 – Instructional Design & Technology), Montreal, Quebec, Canada, is in a new position as an analyst, contracts administration and billing at iA Financial Group (Industrial Alliance).

Katie L. Norman (BS 2016 – Rehabilitation Services), Mulvane, was recently hired as an occupational therapist with Select Specialty Hospital.

Joseph D. "Joe" Leiter (BS 2017 – Rehabilitation Services Education, MS 19 – Rehabilitation Counseling), Prairie Village, was recently hired as an employee services coordinator with Job One.

Ruochen "Charlie" Shen (BSE 2017 – Physical Education) Lawrence, was named a recipient of the 2021 Kansas Horizon Award. The Horizon Award program recognizes outstanding teachers who have completed their first year in education.

Reid Buckingham (BS 2018 – Health Promotion), Lawrence, was recently hired as a delivery consultant with Cerner.

Lukas Winkler (BS 2019 – Psychology), Wetzlar, Hesse, Germany, is a new teacher at Albert-Schweitzer-Schule Grundschule.

2020s

Cassidy E. Doran (BS 2020 – Health & Human Performance), Junction City, started a new position as a volunteer coordinator with the Flint Hills Volunteer Center in Manhattan.

Kaitlin S. Gile (MS 2020 – Curriculum & Instruction), Silver Lake, fourth grade teacher at Northern Hills Elementary in Seaman USD 345, recently earned her certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.

Mirjam "Melody" Jacobson (BS 2020 – Psychology), Kansas City, MO, recently became a pre-kindergarten teacher at Exploring Minds Academy of Kansas, Inc.

Lyndsey A. Stuart (BS 2020 – Psychology), Augusta, was recently hired as the staffing coordinator for TrueCare Nursing Agency.

Lauren M. Tunnell (MS 2020 – Art Therapy, Clinical Counseling), Vancouver, WA, is a new rehabilitation therapist/art therapist for the California Department of State Hospitals.

Hannah L. (Rose) Walsh (MS 2020 – Art Therapy), Hillsdale, MI, was recently hired by Hillsdale College's Ambler Health and Wellness Center as an art therapist.

Spring 2021

Volume 29, Number 2

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.