UPCOMING EVENTS
Join us for the 41st Harry M. Sparks Distinguished Lecture Series as we welcome Dr. Kerry Magro.
Dr. Magro is a autistic professional speaker, author and consultant to Netflix Love on the Spectrum U.S.
Join us for College Coffee on Thursday, March 5, from 9–10 a.m. in the Multipurpose Room. Enjoy coffee and Panera pastries, courtesy of the Dean’s Office.
We hope to see you there for a warm cup and good conversation!
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
✨ Celebrate the educators who make a difference every day! ✨
Submit your nominations for Outstanding Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle School and High School Educators by Friday, April 3.
Award recipients will be honored at the Sparks Lecture on Tuesday, April 28.
Nominate an inspiring educator and help us recognize excellence in teaching!
If you have students that will be graduating in Spring 2027 and will be during their student teaching that semester, they might be interested in PDS - Professional Development School.
It gives them the opportunity to do their big practicum and student teaching in the same school with the same teachers and same students.
Contact Debbie Bushart at dbushart@murraystate.edu for more information.
AWARDS
Nomination Deadline: March 6, 2026
Sponsoring Body: Office of the Provost/Academic Affairs
Contact: Shelia Haley (shaley@murraystate.edu)
Note on Eligibility: Current or former department chairs (or similar role) employed at Murray State are eligible for the award. Former department chairs must currently be employed by the university to be eligible. Deans are not eligible.
FACULTY UPDATES
Lauren Williams, Family and Consumer Sciences instructor, was recently honored at a recognition ceremony in Frankfort, Kentucky, celebrating educators who have achieved or maintained National Board Certification. Williams originally earned her National Board Certification in 2021 and successfully completed her Maintenance of Certification in 2025, demonstrating her continued commitment to excellence in teaching and professional growth.
The ceremony featured special remarks from Kentucky Commissioner of Education Dr. Robbie Fletcher and Lt. Governor Jacqueline Coleman, who both recognized the dedication and impact of National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs) across the Commonwealth.
The ceremony celebrated 83 newly certified NBCTs and 104 teachers who maintained their certification, ranking Kentucky ninth in the nation for the total number of National Board Certified Teachers.
STUDENT ORGANIZATION UPDATES
Glory Moye and Jessica Fincher, two members of the Murray State Chapter of the Kentucky Education Association Aspiring Educators visited with members of the House and Senate in Frankfort to discuss bills related to education.
They also attended the Senate Education Committee meeting.
We are excited to offer faculty and staff the opportunity to update their professional headshots! Whether you need a new photo for your university profile, website, or any other professional purpose, we’ve made it easy for you to schedule a session.
How to Schedule Your Appointment:
Simply use the online appointment calendar to select a time that works best for you! An email follow-up will be sent after an appointment is made.
Using technology like AI or virtual reality in the classroom?
Is your class working on a super cool project?
Schedule a time for me to stop by and grab photos (or video) of your students using technology to enhance their learning.
You can also schedule a time for me to grab photos of group work, class projects, etc.
If you already have photos, feel free to submit them here using the photo folder link!
In an effort to showcase the outstanding work of our College of Education and Human Services faculty, we will be highlighting recent presentations, publications, and other scholarly accomplishments.
Please use the Google form below to submit any recent professional accomplishments. Submissions will be featured on our COEHS bulletin board and shared on our social media platforms to celebrate and promote the impactful work happening across our college.
Thank you for helping us showcase the excellence within COEHS!
Spring Semester - 2026
January 12- Spring Term Begins
January 19- Campus Closed
March 4- First Half Semester Ends
March 5- Second Half Semester Begins
March 16-20- Spring Break; University Closed March 18-20
March 25- Racer Day
April 22- Spring Senior Breakfast
April 28- Sparks Lecture
May 9- Spring Commencement (in Racer Arena due to CFSB Renovation)
The mission of the College of Education and Human Services is to prepare future leaders, advocates, and practitioners through authentic, engaging, and student-centered academic programs for successful careers that positively impact communities.