UPCOMING EVENTS
Join us for the 2026 COEHS Scholarship & Service Recognition Banquet as we celebrate our scholarship recipients and recognize the generosity and service that help support the College of Education and Human Services.
The banquet will be held Tuesday, September 22, from 5:30–8:00 p.m. in the Curris Center Large Ballroom.
The deadline to RSVP is Friday, September 11 at 4:30 p.m
Please Share with Your Students: Substitute Teacher Workshop
Faculty and staff, please encourage your education students to take advantage of this upcoming opportunity! The Substitute Teacher Workshop will be held Thursday, September 10, at 4:30 p.m. in Alexander Hall, Room 240.
The workshop is a great opportunity for students interested in substitute teaching to learn how to get started and gain valuable classroom experience while completing their degree.
Please share this opportunity with students who may be interested. Students should RSVP by Friday, September 4, using the QR code on the flyer or the link below.
Questions may be directed to Debbie Bushart at dbushart@murraystate.edu.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
COEHS AI-Generated Content & Design Guidelines
As we continue to strengthen the COEHS brand and ensure our materials are professional and consistent, I wanted to share a few guidelines regarding AI-generated visuals and design requests.
AI-Generated Images & Graphics
Please do not use AI-generated images, illustrations or graphics in materials representing COEHS. This includes flyers, social media content, digital signage, event promotions, and other materials shared with students, faculty, staff, or the public.
AI can be a helpful tool for brainstorming and other behind-the-scenes work, but AI-generated visuals can create concerns about accuracy, quality, authenticity, and brand consistency. Whenever possible, I want our marketing materials to showcase the real people, programs, and experiences that make COEHS unique.
Please use original COEHS photos, University-approved photos and brand assets, appropriately licensed stock photography or professionally designed graphics that follow Murray State and COEHS branding.
Need Something Designed?
Please reach out! If you need a flyer, social media graphic, digital signage, event promotion, or another marketing piece, I’m more than happy to create something for you.
Please send requests at least 48 hours before you need the completed material. This gives me enough time to design the piece, send it to you for review, and make any needed changes. Larger or more involved projects may require additional time, so the more notice you can give me, the better!
When sending a request, please include as much information as you can — what you’re promoting, the necessary text and details, where the material will be used, and when you need it.
My goal is to make this process as easy as possible while ensuring the materials we put out are polished, professional, and something we can be proud to have representing COEHS.
As always, if you have questions or aren't sure what you need, feel free to reach out!
Thank you!
Jill
The City of Murray has officially proclaimed the third Saturday in September as National Day of Play, recognizing the important role play has in supporting physical, social, emotional, and cognitive well-being for people of all ages.
The proclamation, signed by Murray Mayor Bob Rogers, encourages residents, institutions, and organizations throughout the community to celebrate by creating time and space for play, rest, creativity, curiosity, and connection.
A special thank you to Dr. Kim Vigil and HPE for their work in putting this proclamation together and helping highlight the importance of play in our community!
The Teacher Quality Institute (TQI) is preparing for the Murray State Regional Educators Rising Conference on November 19 from 8 a.m.–1 p.m. in the Curris Center. Last year, nearly 300 students from 22 high schools attended, and we hope to welcome even more future educators this year!
Faculty are invited to get involved by:
Hosting a program table during the browsing session from 8–9 a.m.
Presenting a 40-minute breakout session that inspires students to pursue careers in education.
Judging one of 17 student competitions showcasing students’ skills and creativity.
Educators Rising helps high school students explore the education profession and begin their journey toward becoming future teachers.
Interested in participating? Contact Ashley Bourke at abourke@murraystate.edu.
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.
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!
DEPARTMENT UPDATE
ECE students shared that one of their favorite elementary school memories was playing with the parachute in gym class, so we brought that memory to life at the picnic! It was so much fun being kids again!
FACULTY UPDATES
Congratulations to Dr. Kim Vigil, who was recently named to the KY SHAPE Board in the Adapted Physical Education position!
Congratulations to Dr. Ben Littlepage on the recent publication of an international research article in a high-tier economics journal!
Dr. Littlepage served as a Fulbright Specialist in Hungary in 2019 and 2023. Through this experience, he met Dr. Nikolett Mihaly, a professor in Hungary, who invited him to join an international research team.
The team developed an innovative way to assess the financial structures of nonprofit higher education institutions in the U.S. by examining their tax returns. The research was especially timely, as enrollment resilience became a financial stressor for U.S. institutions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This accomplishment is especially meaningful as the research brought together higher education practitioners and researchers from Hungary, Israel, and the United States. The collaboration exemplifies the international innovation and partnership at the heart of the Fulbright program.
Fall Semester - 2026
Student Picnic- August 27
Scholarship Banquet- September 22
Homecoming Breakfast and Tent City- October 17
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.