The Teachers College Newsletter
summer 2021 - Vol. 29, No. 3
A Transformative Time
There was the before, the during, and now we are entering the after. It's time to assess what we learned from this shared experience. See where we were this semester at The Teachers College at Emporia State University and where we are going, together.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Dean's Column
With mask and social distancing mandates being lifted, we are more anxious than ever to move towards a new academic year and are thrilled to be looking towards a somewhat normal semester on campus. We are making plans for an Ice Cream Social, our Party on the Patio and other exciting events to bring members of The Teachers College family together once again!
As we move into a new fall semester, things around the college will look a bit different. We learned many lessons from our pandemic response, as we were pushed to do things in ways we never envisioned. And while we may not know exactly how each of these lessons will impact us going forward, what we do know is change is inevitable. We must ensure we are preparing our graduates to adapt to uncertainty and change, use technology proficiently, and perform their roles in a virtual/remote setting as appropriate.
You have probably seen in the news that higher education in the state of Kansas has experienced some significant budget reductions. These reductions have impacted Emporia State University, and as a result, The Teachers College. Some restructuring within the college will take place over the course of the next year. While this was not a choice anyone wanted to have to make, it is our hope this restructuring will have a positive impact on the college and lead us to a brighter future. Change through adversity is scary; however, this change can force us to grow and become a better version of ourselves.
Even with all the challenges this past year presented, the college still progressed. The college launched two new certificates: the Dyslexia Certificate and the Social-Emotional Learning and Psychological Well-Being Certificate. Also, a new online undergraduate degree in Sport Leadership and Recreation was launched this spring, targeting place bound students who might not be able to come to Emporia to complete their degree. Further, our graduate program in Athletic Training is underway. Students in this program have the option to complete a 3 + 2 program by working towards a Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Performance followed by the Masters of Science in Athletic Training.
As always our faculty, staff, students and alumni continue to do amazing things as shared in this newsletter. Thank you for being part of The Teachers College family. Together we are stronger!
Dr. Joan Brewer, Dean
University Notes
COVID Protocols No Longer Needed at ESU
Requirements to wear masks, social distance and disinfect classrooms and offices ended at Emporia State University recently. In a communication to all faculty, staff and students on June 7, ESU President Allison D. Garrett shared that campus is officially back to normal.
As students return for the fall, Emporia State is working with other organizations on the area’s #VaxToNormal vaccine incentive plan. Learn more >
Graduate Scholarship Available
Applications and supporting materials for New Graduate Student Scholarships for the fall 2021 semester will be due in the Graduate School by July 9, 2021. New degree-seeking graduate students, enrolling for the first time beginning fall 2021, with an overall undergraduate GPA of 3.25 or 3.50 for the last 60 hrs can apply for a $500 graduate scholarship. Applicants will be required to complete the graduate admissions application. Award recipients must be accepted into a graduate program and enroll in at least six graduate credit hours per semester. Here is the electronic application.
New Provost Named
Dr. George Arasimowicz, Dean of the College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences at Central State University, an historically black university in Ohio, will assume his duties as provost and vice president for academic affairs at ESU this summer. Learn more >
College Notes
The Teachers College Honors Students, Retiring Employees
Just over 100 people were recognized at The Teachers College Annual Honors Ceremony held the afternoon of May 7 via an online virtual event.
“Due to continued COVID guidelines, we are unable to host an in-person honors ceremony this year. However, recognizing the achievements of our students and the careers of our retiring faculty is a priority for us,” said Dr. Joan Brewer, Dean of The Teachers College. “This is the 37th year of this event. It was important to us to continue with the commitment to this event and honoring those individuals who help to make ESU and The Teachers College the special place that it is.”
Of those honored, 94 were graduating students, and eight are retiring members of the college. Twenty-three students received outstanding student awards and 77 students were honored for achievement of a 3.8 grade point average or higher. Learn more >
Kansas Governor and ESU Master Teacher Program Honors Educators for Teacher Appreciation Week
Teachers across Kansas were recognized for the efforts they have made during the COVID-19 pandemic by Gov. Laura Kelly. May 3-8, 2021, was recognized as Teacher Appreciation Week in a proclamation signed by the governor.
“All teachers and other school personnel are hereby recognized by the Kansas Master Teacher program for their steadfast dedication and devotion to ensure the continuous learning of Kansas youth throughout the pandemic,” states the proclamation. The Kansas Master Teacher program is part of The Teachers College at Emporia State University.
People Looking to Teach Young Children Can FAST Track Through Emporia State
Future elementary teachers can get on the fast track to finish their teaching degrees and get in the classroom sooner, thanks to a Kansas Board of Regents grant to Emporia State University.
Up to 10 students can receive scholarships in the program for summer 2021 and 30 in spring 2022. A main requirement for students is commitment to student teach in a school district without enough teachers and/or resources for the population they serve.
“The Fellowship for Acceleration to Student Teaching (FAST) is a new, accelerated option for elementary education majors who transfer from a community college to Emporia State,” said Dr. Tiffany Hill, FAST co-director. “There are two goals of this project: to decrease the time it takes our students to become elementary teachers, and to serve school districts who are in need of good student teachers.”
Students enrolled in the FAST program will complete coursework with Johnson County Community College or Butler Community College and transfer to Emporia State with a schedule designed to graduate a semester early. Learn More >
New Online Program Focused on Dyslexia
A new program aimed at helping teachers who have students struggling with dyslexia is available through Emporia State University. Every component of the program — except practicum experiences — are offered online. People can take the courses as part of a master’s degree of instructional specialist with a concentration in dyslexia or as a stand-alone graduate certificate. Learn more >
Albrecht Named King Endowed Professor
Dr. Nancy Albrecht will be the 2021-22 King Endowed Professor in The Teachers College at Emporia State University. She is a professor in the school leadership / middle and secondary teacher education department at Emporia State.
“I’m flabbergasted! I have no words,” said Albrecht, who was surprised during a department Zoom meeting where Dr. Joan Brewer, dean of The Teachers College, announced the news on May 12. Learn more >
The Teachers College Launches First ESU Podcast: How We Teach This
The Teachers College at Emporia State launched the university’s first podcast in April. How We Teach This, produced by members of The Teacher College, features one-on-one interviews to provide insight into education. The podcast is available through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and other listening apps on which podcasts are available, as well as from its web site, www.emporia.edu/HWTT. Topics of future episodes include mental health, trauma-informed and sensitive practices, and establishing culturally relevant, healthy environments for educators of all levels and students, to help them, their colleagues, and families. Learn more >
2021 Bill Martin Jr., Picture Book Award Winner Announced
A story about a bird having to rebuild and share her home with others is the winner of this year’s Bill Martin Jr., Picture Book Award. The award aims to promote an appreciation of quality literature in young children across Kansas.
Gideon Sterer, the author of “Not Your Nest!,” has written six children’s books. His parents owned a wildlife discovery center near their house when he was growing up, so he is well acquainted with strange animal behavior. Sterer lives in New York’s Hudson Valley. Andrea Tsurumi, the illustrator of “Not Your Nest!,” is an author, illustrator and cartoonist originally from New York who now lives and draws in Philadelphia. Learn more >
Student Notes
Poverty Simulation
Education majors were led through a poverty simulation by Rebecca Lewis-Pankratz of ESSDACK on April 22. The simulation’s goal was to show students the hurdles people without money have to go through and how it impacts children. Students were assigned roles in families, so here "Grandpa" has an IEP with the teacher, played by Lewis-Pankratz, and an uncooperative grandchild.
The students then reflected on what they were feeling during the immersive workshop.
Mikayla Simons and Jennica Smith, both Health & Human Performance students) completed 480 on-site hours for their spring internship with PT Associates of Emporia. View their presentation on Blood Flow Restriction >
Kathryn Kienholz (BS – Health & Human Performance; BS - Spanish) was named the 2021 Dwight and Ida Curry Newberg Outstanding Senior. (View video above.)
Jace McDown (BS – Health & Human Performance; Minor - Coaching) was named the 2021 Dwight and Ida Curry Newberg Distinguished Senior. https://youtu.be/rcHeXQB8jxU?t=1089 (View video above.)
Virtual Research & Creativity Day
The Teachers College faculty and students participated in the 2021 Virtual Research and Creativity Day on April 29, 2021. All materials – from across the campus – presented are available at https://www.esuresearchandcreativity.com/.
Emporia State’s Research and Creativity Day is sponsored by the Research and Grants Center, the Undergraduate Research Scholarship and Creative Activities Committee, and The Honors College.
The ESU President’s Award for Research and Creativity went to Dr. Mingchu (Neal) Luo, Associate Professor in School Leadership / Middle and Secondary Teacher Education.
Poster Session Participants
Breann Altis, Athletic Training, “Dry Cupping: An Alternative Medicine”
Dylan Bastian, Athletic Training, “Reiki as a Complementary Modality”
Cheyann Benn, Art Therapy Counseling, “Fairy Jars as Art Directives in Art Therapy Counseling”
Porscha Bland, Psychology, “The Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) on Adult Health and Mental Health”
Cierra Brumback, Athletic Training, “Prevention of Seasonal Affective Disorder Involving Light Therapy”
Lux Claridge, Parker Lammers, Secondary Education, “The Two Faces of Science”
Ryan Clary, Science, David Harrell, Secondary Education, “How Technology Has Helped Advance Science”
Rachel Dahl, Willa Frazer, Art Therapy, Clinical Counseling, “Art Therapy for Clients with Immigration Experiences”
Cameron Kienholz, Athletic Training, “Cannabidiol Oil as an Alternative Medicine”
Michael J. Meadows, Athletic Training, “Scapular Fracture of a Division II Football Player: A Case Study”
Katie Parks, Athletic Training, “Hamstring Strain with Weakness in Division II Football Player”
Dr. Connie Phelps, Marj Bock, Martina Brazzolotto, Special Education: Gifted, Talented and Creative, “Understanding the Gifted/ASD Paradox”
Trenton Plinsky, Health & Human Performance, “About Thomas Newman”
Marisleysis Velazquez, Psychology, Modern Language (Spanish), “Carlo Siliotto”
Caroline Wade, Art Therapy and Clinical Counseling, “The Goddess Within”
Graduate Oral Presentations
Kristina Carbrey, Art Therapy and Clinical Counseling – “Weaving as a Mindfulness Based Practice to Reduce Burnout in College Students”
Jessica L. Goss, Art Therapy – “Melissa Walker - Work with Veterans in Art Therapy”
Joseph J. LaForge, Biology – Education – “Impact of Authentic Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs) on Student Understanding in Introductory Biology Laboratory Courses”
Adria Pickett, Amber Zewert, Art Therapy and Clinical Psychology – “The Nourishment Framework: An Art Therapy Approach to Anorexia”
Stephanie Thompson, Art Therapy and Clinical Counseling – “Pat B. Allen and the Open Studio Process”
Caroline Wade, Art Therapy and Clinical Counseling – “Portraits of Identity”
Bridget Weigle, Elizabeth Schmidt, Art Therapy Counseling – “Expressive Therapies Continuum: Moving through the Kinesthetic-Sensory Realm and Beyond”
Undergraduate Oral Presentations
Storm Faubus, Psychology – “Will Social Isolation Measures Affect A Person's Self-Reported Mental Health and Well-Being?”
Shuhei Fukaya, Athletic Training – “Hydrotherapy and Cerebral Palsy”
Maite Garcia, Social Sciences Education – “Notable Emporians Trading Cards: A Collaborative Project with the Lyon County History Center”
Kathryn Kienholz, Modern Language, Spanish; Health & Human Performance – “Connecting Spanish and Health: An Exploration of Cultural Humility, Narrative Medicine, and Health Inequity”
Drew Ott, Athletic Training – “The Anterior Inferior Tibiofibular Ligament”
Hannah Seidel, Athletic Training – “Cyrogenic Chamber as an Alternative Medicine”
College + Community Notes
Emporia
Lauren Taphorn (BSE 2021 – Elementary; Modern Language), Clay Center, is passionate about Spanish language instruction. While in school at ESU majoring in elementary education and Spanish, she answered the call for the need of a Spanish language instructor. ESU alum LeLan Dains (BS 2008 – Recreation), founded English Spanish Speakers, a community effort to help people learn to speak Spanish. By 2019, Dains identified the need for children in Emporia to learn Spanish as well and contacted the university and found Taphorn. Learn more about Taphorn’s course and how she adapted it in light of the pandemic >
Kansas City Area
Maria Martinez (BSE 2021 – Elementary), Lawrence, was selected as a Walton Education Fellow to share her experiences as a student teacher during the Spring Semester of 2021 through KCUR 89.3 in Kansas City. As an elementary education major, Martinez worked remotely and in person with kindergarten students in the Kansas City Kansas School District.
Her reflections on student teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as her experiences as a bilingual teacher helping students and families bridge communications, are available online in English and Spanish.
Eastern Kansas
NSF Grant with Emporia State University and Flint Hills Technical College Ends
On April 23, Emporia area middle and high school students showcased technology projects. This is the end-result of a nearly half-million-dollar Ag-ACS research grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF).
The Ag-ACS project trained 16 eastern Kansas teachers to incorporate physical programming activities into their regular subject areas, combining electronics, engineering, and coding to build automated solutions to everyday problems. This was based on the curriculum available at http://bit.ly/ag-acs.
FHTC Industrial Engineering Technology instructors David Budke and Chris Wilson, along with Joseph Kern and Dr. Dusti Howell from ESU Instructional Design and Technology program, designed and taught the high school instructors the curriculum to use with their students. The showcase was cancelled last year due to COVID restrictions, and this year many of the schools will be participating remotely.
“The projects included tasks like using a light sensor to make a chicken coop door open and close automatically based on the amount of daylight, but many teachers and students have modified these to come up with their own projects,” said Kern, the grant’s coordinator. “One Emporia Middle School student used mirrors, a laser, a buzzer, the same light sensor to make an alarm that would sound if anyone crosses through a doorway. Another student developed an alarm that told him when he had a fish pulling on his fishing line.”
“We wanted to address the lack of computer science opportunities in rural schools, where science or ag teachers may be interested but too overwhelmed to start a program like this for their students. The average teacher has no training in programming and a limited budget to buy supplies, so it’s hard for teachers to even know where to start,” Kern said. “The end goal we hoped students would take away wasn't necessarily that they would decide to become computer programmers as a career, but that they develop some basic skills to help them perform these types of tasks for themselves in the future, and that they would have a better understanding of how to think like programmers when approaching any type of problem later in life.”
The showcase is an opportunity for the students of these pilot teachers to present their independent projects to their peers and a panel of industry representatives from companies.
Health & Human Performance students worked the drive-through Teddy Bear Clinic at Newman Regional Health in Emporia the morning of April 10. This event is intended to help educate children on the importance of healthcare, including regular checkups, first aid procedures, immunizations, x-rays and so much more! Each child will receive a participant bag, including a first aid kit, with instructions on how to view a virtual doctor’s visit with a local physician later in the day.
Laps 4 Landon was held April 20, 6-7pm with the walk at Welch Stadium, organized by Health & Human Performance students. Video
On May 6, a special triathlon was held May 6 at ESU with students from Emporia Public Schools’ Transitions program organized by ESU's Hannah Kipfer & USD 253's Kari Wallace. This was the conclusion of a semester-long project working on each aspect of the event, including in the pool, on the track and on the field.
UNBOUND Gravel
Members of The Teachers College volunteered and participated in UNBOUND Gravel bike races June 4-5 which begin in downtown Emporia.
Did You Know? Proceeds from riders in UNBOUND Gravel who stayed in the Emporia State University residence halls go to fund Unbound Gravel scholarships at ESU.
Dr. Jennifer Moss, from the psychology department at ESU, checked in riders for UNBOUND Gravel.
Tasia Markowitz, from the Kansas Masonic Literacy Center at Emporia State University, is doing the 100-mile UNBOUND Gravel with her 16-yr-old daughter, Grace, tomorrow, while her husband, Lucas, tackles the 200-miler.
Dr. Joan Brewer, Dean of The Teachers College, had a plan: to start the 100-mile UNBOUND Gravel at 7 a.m. and finish between 6-8pm. How it went: she crossed the finish line just after 6pm, along with Emporia State University's Dr. Terri Pedersen Summey.
Faculty & Staff Notes
Department of Elementary Education / Early Childhood / Special Education
Dr. Elizabeth Dobler recently co-authored a book with Suzanne Kelly, an NYC 5th grade teacher. The book is part of the Not This, But That Series seeking to improve teaching.
Melissa Gerleman was named a 2021 ESU Assessment Champion. This award recognizes the outstanding efforts of ESU faculty and staff in designing exceptional learning experiences for our students using assessment as a change agent. Five people are honored annually by the Office of Institutional Effectiveness. Since 2014, more than 40 ESU staff & faculty have received this honor.
A book Dr. Sara Schwerdtfeger contributed to recently won the 2021 Honorable Mention Outstanding Book Award from the Society of Professors of Education.
Department of Health, Physical Education, & Recreation
Dr. Clinton Longacre was named the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association Student-Athlete Advisory Committee Mentor of the Year in early June. He spent 46 years teaching at the university level with the last 22 at Emporia State. He is the third Mentor of the Year Award winner from Emporia State in the 11-year history of the award. For years he was a one-man program to oversee the recreation major. He advised all students majoring in the area, spending untold hours advising hundreds of students. In 2019, he was the driving force behind the complete revision of the recreation program to become sport leadership and recreation. Learn more >
Department of Psychology
Dr. Jim Persinger was named ESU’s Academic Advisor of the Year.
Retirements
Dr. Roger Caswell, Executive Director, Jones Institute for Educational Excellence
Lucie Eusey, Director of Media and Marketing, The Teachers College
Dr. Janet Holland, Professor, Department of Instructional Design & Technology
Dr. Dennis Kear, Executive Director, Kansas Masonic Literacy Center
Dr. Clinton Longacre, Associate Professor, Department of Health, Physical Education & Recreation
Dr. Manjula Shinge, Associate Professor, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
Dr. Scott Waters, Professor, Department of Elementary Education / Early Childhood / Special Education
Tenure / Promotions
Dr. Amanda Lickteig, Department of School Leadership/Middle and Secondary Teacher Education, granted tenure and promoted to associate professor.
Dr. Kelly O’Neal-Hixson, Department of Elementary Education / Early Childhood / Special Education promoted to full professor.
Employee Service Recognition Program
On May 6, ESU honored employees received recognition for their years of service for the years 2019 and 2020. The virtual ceremony can be watched online.
2020-21 -
10 years:
Mary Benjamin, The Teachers College - Office of Field Placement and Licensure
Heather Caswell, Department of Elementary Education / Early Childhood / Special Education
20 years:
Lendi Bland, Department of Elementary Education / Early Childhood / Special Education
Paul Bland, Department of School Leadership / Middle and Secondary Teacher Education
Jim Persinger, Department of Psychology
30 years:
Lori Mann, Department of Elementary Education / Early Childhood / Special Education
2019-20 –
10 years:
Annie Opat, Jones Institute for Education Excellence
20 years:
Terri Kaiser, Jones Institute for Education Excellence
Clinton Longacre, Department of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation
Jennifer Thomas, Department of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation
30 years:
Gerry Coffman, Department of Elementary Education / Early Childhood / Special Education
Hired Hornets
Annie Allen (BSE – Elementary), Augusta, will be teaching fifth grade at Blessed Sacrament Catholic School in Wichita.
Lucy Altis (BSE – Business), Emporia, will be teaching business at Emporia High School in USD 253.
Kalliope Amos (BSE – Music), Lee’s Summit, MO, will be teaching third grade in Platte County R-3 School District in Platte City, MO.
Katie Beckley (BSE – Mathematics), Overland Park, will be teaching middle school math in Shawnee Mission USD 512.
Annel Beltran (BSE – Elementary), Olathe, will be teaching Kindergarten in Olathe USD 233 while earning her graduate degree in Special Education High Incidence from ESU.
Michael Boadi (MS – Instructional Design & Technology), Accra, Ghana, got hired as a Marketing Manager/Instructional Technologist by Georgia Management Group in Loganville, GA.
Devlyn Brill (BSE – Social Sciences), Emporia, will be working on a graduate degree in school counseling.
Kassi Brown (BSE – Elementary), Ellis will be an elementary teacher in Goodland USD 352.
Xoe Cauthers (BSE – Elementary), Cottonwood Falls, will be teaching first Grade in Iola USD 257.
Kaylie Coble (BSE – Elementary), Olpe, will be teaching kindergarten at Neosho Rapids Elementary School in Hartford-Neosho Rapids USD 252.
Bethany Day (EdS), Kansas City, MO, will be a school psychologist intern in Jefferson County North USD 339.
Hannah Eyhorn (BSE – Elementary), Wichita, will be teaching special education for fifth and sixth grades at Challenger Intermediate School in Goddard USD 265.
Zaelynn Foth (BSE – Elementary), Moundridge, will be teaching first grade in Haven Grade School in USD 312.
Michele Frantz (MS – School Counseling), Eudora, will be a school counselor in Topeka USD 501.
Kesha Garcia (BS – Athletic Training), Wichita, will be earning her master’s of education in Oklahoma while working as an athletic trainer graduate assistant.
Maite Garcia (BSE – Social Sciences), Emporia, will be teaching eighth grade social studies at Emporia Middle School in USD 253.
Ashly Hart (BSE – Elementary), Rolla, will be teaching second grade at Marais des Cygnes Elementary School in USD 456.
Kirstin Howell (BSE – Elementary), Osawatomie; will be teaching elementary in Olathe USD 233 while earning a master’s in special education from ESU.
Shelby Innes (Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Psychology), Olathe, will be earning her graduate degree in biochemistry and molecular biophysics.
Andi Jackson (BSE – English, Creative Writing), Elmdale, will be an eighth grade English language arts resource teacher at Emporia Middle School in USD 253.
Kathryn Kienholz (BS – Health & Human Performance; BS - Spanish), Emporia, will be working on earning her doctorate of occupation therapy.
Cora Kimble (BS – Rehabilitation & Disability Services; Health), Rose Hill, will be working in recruiting and programming at Camp War Eagle in Arkansas.
Haley Lohmann (BSE – Social Sciences), Bonner Springs, will be teaching sixth grade social studies at Holton Middle School in USD 336.
Tayler Loudermill (BSE – Social Sciences), Olathe, will be teaching sixth grade social studies at Indian Trail Middle School in Olathe USD 233.
America Macias (BSE – Elementary), Kansas City, MO, will be teaching at Scuola Vita Nuova Charter School in Kansas City, MO.
Maria Martinez (BSE – Elementary), Lawrence, will be teaching fifth grade in an inclusive, bilingual classroom at Scott Dual Language Elementary School in Topeka USD 501.
Zoe Maxwell (BS – Psychology), Andale, is continuing her education in our school psychology program at ESU.
Lizzy Mooers (BSE – Elementary), Lenexa, will be teaching fifth grade at Auburn Washburn USD 437.
Cameron Munk (BSE – Elementary), Salina, will be teaching in Salina USD 305.
Danielle Nichols (BSE – Elementary), Wichita, will be teaching third grade at Kyle Trueblood Elementary in Conway Springs USD 356 while earning her master’s in curriculum and instruction at ESU.
Sarah Owen (BSE – Elementary), Augusta, will be a student in ESU’s early childhood unified master's program.
Katie Parks (BS – Curriculum & Instruction), Sedgwick, will be earning her master’s of education in Illinois while working as an athletic trainer graduate assistant.
Jasmin Pulido (BSE – Elementary), Kansas City, will be teaching third grade in Kansas City Kansas USD 500.
Remington Putter (BSE - Physical Education & Health Education, Minor - Coaching), Marion, will be continuing his education in the HPER graduate program at ESU.
Carly Pytel (MS – Clinical Psychology), Park City, is going to be earning her doctorate in clinical psychology in Oklahoma.
Mattie Ritz (BSE – English), Topeka, will be teaching English, journalism, and digital media at Valley Falls High School in USD 338.
Bobbi Rookstool (BSE - English & Journalism; Minor - Creative Writing), Clay Center, will be teaching English Language Arts at Herington High School in USD 487.
Lauren Taphorn (BSE – Elementary; BS – Modern Language), Clay Center, will be teaching fifth grade at Adams Elementary in Wichita USD 259.
Dalton Watts (BSE – Earth Sciences & Physics), Augusta, will be teaching Physics and Engineering at Blue Valley High School in USD 229.
Chelsea Williams (MS – Early Childhood Education), Madison, will be earning her Social-Emotional Learning & Psychological Well-Being Certificate at ESU.
Alumni / Constituent Notes
1950s
David B. Steinmeyer (MS 1957 – Physical Education), Jefferson City, MO, is a 2021 Missouri Sports Hall of Fame inductee for his accomplishments in coaching girls tennis for many decades until his retirement at the age of 80. Learn more >
1970s
Marilyn Dalton (BSE 1972 – Elementary Education; MS 1976 – Curriculum & Instruction), Emporia, retired after 48 years in education from USD 253 Emporia. She taught kindergarten at William Allen White Elementary School for 46 years.
1980s
Jay Adkins (BSE 1983 – Social Sciences; MS 1995 – Educational Administration), Emporia, retired after 36 years in education from USD 253 Emporia.
Teresa L. (Lane) McVey (BSE 1984 – Elementary Education; MS 1991 – Music Technology Certificate), Caney, retired after teaching special education for 37 years, the last 22 years as an autism consultant.
Jeff Eckelberry (BS 1986 - Industrial Education) is at home recovering from an accident which happened as he and his wife were heading out on vacation at the end of May. Eckelberry, a Manhattan middle school teacher, is at home recovering. https://www.ksnt.com/news/local-news/video-shows-kansas-law-enforcement-rescue-man-trapped-under-camper/?fbclid=IwAR2a0Z4pZtoOUuoUjZDQwnSm_Ca0bSJlFrcV2ImZ-UZigow191nu1TPWqRU
PJ Marstall (BSE 1988 – Physical Education; MS 1995 – Educational Administration), Emporia, retired after 33 years in education from USD 253 Emporia.
Rhonda Zornes (BSE 1988 – Elementary Education), Americus, retired after 30 years in education from Emporia USD 253.
Jill Lynch (BSE 1989 – Elementary Education), Emporia, retired after 31 years in education from USD 253 Emporia.
1990s
Jane McCoy (BSE 1990 – Elementary Education), Emporia, retired after 22 years in education from Emporia USD 253.
Tara L. (Claycamp) Glades (BS 1992 – Psychology; MS 2015 – Educational Administration), Emporia, was promoted to executive director of special services for the Flint Hills Cooperative in Emporia USD 253.
Ty M. Baumgardner (BSB 1993 – Marketing, MS 1995 – Health, Physical Education, & Recreation), Buford, GA, returned to Kansas to take on the roles of both the boys basketball coach and athletic director at Topeka High School in Topeka USD 501.
Dr. Allison M. Anderson-Harder (MS 1994 – School Psychology, EdS 1995 – School Psychology), Emporia, was recently selected as the new superintendent for Emporia USD 253.
Aaron J. Barnett (BGS 1994 – General Studies; BSE 1994 – Physical Education; MS 2008 – Educational Administration), Lee's Summit, MO, received the Distinguished Principal award for the Kansas City Suburban Elementary Principals Association region of the Missouri Association of Elementary School Principals. Barnett is principal at Pleasant Lea Elementary in Lee's Summit R-7 School District.
Eric S. Benjamin (BSE 1994 – Biology), Alexandria, VA, completed his master's degree in physician assistant studies at Touro University Nevada in 2019 and was recently hired as a physician assistant for Privia Health.
Joy Haegert (MS 1994 – Counselor Education), Emporia, retired after 24 years from Emporia USD 253.
Lori Bishop (BSE 1996 – Elementary Education), Emporia, was selected as a nominee for the Emporia USD 253 Kansas Teacher of the Year. She is a fourth grade teacher at Walnut Elementary School.
Chris Parks (BSE 1997 – Elementary Education; MS 2008 – Reading Specialist), Emporia, retired after 23 years in education from USD 253 Emporia.
Mike Schoenberger (BSE 1997 – Elementary Education), Emporia, retired after 18 years in education from USD 253 Emporia.
Emily Hawes (BS 1999 – Rehabilitation Services Education; MS 2006 – Rehabilitation Counseling) was recently named Commissioner of the Department of Mental Health for the State of Vermont.
2000s
Karen A. Haffner (BS 2001 – Rehabilitation Services), Wichita, was recently hired as a clinical supervisor with Preferred Family Healthcare.
Precious H. (Tillman) Porras (MS 2004 – Counselor Education), Lawrence, has been hired as the new chief diversity officer for Dominican University in River Forest, IL.
Vicki Schweinler (MS 2004 – Educational Administration), Emporia, retired after 18 years in education from USD 253 Emporia.
Rob J. Robinson (MS 2005 – Curriculum & Instruction), Eastvale, CA, recently starred in Last Chance U - Basketball, a reality show on Netflix.
Alexandra Vuyk (BS 2005 – Psychology; MS 2010 – Special Education: Gifted) was recently named the World Council for Gifted and Talented Children's 2021 Emerging Scholar in Gifted Education. She works for Universidad Católica "Nuestra Señora de la Asunción" in Paraguay.
Christa J. (Tenpenny) Estrada (BS 2006 – Health Promotion), Lenexa, was recently promoted to clinical research coordinator at Johnson County Clin-Trials.
Christina M. (Wolfe) Gibson (BS 2006 – Health Promotion), Lenexa, started a new position as TMF manager at EQRx.
Dr. Christine L. (Yates) Patterson (BS 2007 – Psychology), Midlothia, VA, graduated with a Ph.D. in health related sciences with a concentration in health administration from Virginia Commonwealth University in May 2021.
LeLan R. Dains (BS 2008 – Recreation), Emporia, was recently hired as the director of the Emporia Convention & Visitors Bureau, recently renamed Visit Emporia.
James "Jim" N. Howard (MS 2008 – Educational Administration; MS 2008 – Curriculum & Instruction), Hoxie, was named superintendent of Jackson Heights USD 335.
Allison R. (Evans) Norris (BSE 2008 – Elementary Education), Wichita, was named Circle Elementary Teacher of the Year by Circle USD 375.
Branden A. Ewertz (BSB 2009 – Management; MS 2011 – Health, Physical Education & Recreation), Clearwater, FL, was promoted to Gulf Coast sales manager with RedGuard.
Mike J. Sauer (BSE 2009 – Social Sciences; MS 2017 – Special Education) and Jessica (Johnson) Sauer (BSE 2004 – Elementary Education), Emporia, recently became the new owners of Ken's Sharpening in Emporia.
Allen L. Wilson (BS 2009 – Rehabilitation Services), Emporia, has opened a new counseling service and life coaching business called The Lighthouse of Emporia.
2010s
Jason D. Carmichael (MS 2010 – Health, Physical Education, & Recreation), Fremont, CA, was recently hired as the athletic director of University of West Georgia (Carrollton, GA).
Allison E. (Barnhill) Crofoot (BS 2010 – Psychology), DeSoto, was named the talent acquisition and human resources specialist for Essense of Australia.
Joe M. Beffer (MS 2011 – Educational Administration), Bartlesville, OK, has been named senior vice president and director of lending for Truity Credit Union.
Dustin W. Mitchell (BSE 2011 – Elementary Education), Sutherland, NE, was selected as the principal of Bryant Elementary for the 2021-22 school year in Kearney Public Schools.
Kelli R. (Lovell) Phimsiprasom (BSE 2012 – Elementary Education), Wichita, was recognized by USD 259 Wichita Public Schools as a Distinguished Classroom Teacher.
Clay M. Mettlen (MS 2014 – Educational Administration), Salina, has been hired as the new principal for Bennington Junior High/High School in Twin Valley USD 240.
Tanya (Johnson) Circle (MS 2015 – Psychology), Lubbock, TX, was hired as the human resources manager at ESC Spectrum Corporation.
Sertrice S. A. Grice (BS 2015 – Psychology), Inglewood, CA, recently became the chief consulting officer and co-founder of Mattlingly Solutions.
Courtney L. Maddux (BSE 2015 – Elementary Education), Wichita, was recognized by USD 259 Wichita Public Schools as a Distinguished Classroom Teacher.
Shelby N. Perez (BA 2015 – Communication; MS 2020 – School Counseling), Lawrence, has been promoted to director of diversity, equity, and inclusion & wellness programs at Baker University.
Kat Statz (BA 2015 – Kat Statz) participated in the ESU Alumni Pride Panel on April 15.
Milton Knopp (MS 2016 – Instructional Design & Technology), Aurora, CO, was recently hired as a multimedia instructional designer with Aleut Aerospace Engineering, serving the US Space Force.
Mark Felvus (MS 2017 – Educational Administration), Garden City, will be serving as the assistant principal and activities director at Atchison High School in Atchison USD 409.
Travisray Saylers (BSE 2017 – Business) was awarded the 2021 Kansas Alumni of the Year Award at the 2021 Phi Beta Lambda State Leadership Conference in April. Saylers is a business teacher, FBLA, and yearbook advisor at Santa Fe Trail High School in USD 434.
Kaylee J. Bryant (BS 2019 – Rehabilitation Services), College Station, TX, recently graduated with a master's degree in developmental sciences from Texas A&M University and was hired as a senior registered behavior technician by Empower Behavioral Health.
Jared R. Herzet (MS 2019 – Educational Administration), Shawnee, has been selected as director of activities and athletics at St. James Academy in Lenexa beginning in fall 2021.
Carter E. Olander (MS 2019 – Health, Physical Education, & Recreation), Emporia, was recently hired as the director of operations for University of Virginia's track and field and cross country program.
Janette M. Tulachka (MS 2019 – Psychology), Kansas City, MO, was recently hired as a human resources business partner for C.H. Guenther & Son.
Lukas Winkler (BS 2019 – Psychology), Wetzlar, Germany, was recently hired as the site acquisition consultant at MD7 – a telecommunications service provider – in Dusseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.
2020s
Tevin Mitchell (BS – Health & Human Performance) was recently hired as the seasonal assistant within the Event Operations department of the Kansas City Chiefs.
Upcoming Events
July 1: Representatives from the ESU Alumni Association will be in downtown Salina at Spilman Plaza from 9am-12pm. Celebrate ESU by using ESU swag to decorate your classroom. Reserve yours at http://ow.ly/5ujH50F7tLA
July 1: Representatives from the ESU Alumni Association will be at Hutchinson Community College on the lawn in front of the Stringer Fine Arts building, handing out Classroom Decorating Kits with ESU swag to show our appreciation for your hard work. Reserve yours at http://ow.ly/CYrK50Fdp3o
August 23: First day of classes for Fall 2021
August 25: The Teachers College Ice Cream Social
September 6: Labor Day, no classes
October 14-15: Fall Break, no classes
October 18: Enrollment for Spring 2022 begins
October 22-23: Homecoming 2021; www.emporia.edu/homecoming
Give to The Teachers College Fund for Excellence
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 2021
Volume 29, 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.