COEHS Midweek Round-Up
The Weekly Faculty and Staff Newsletter of the College of Education and Human Services at Murray State University
February 8, 2023 - February 14, 2023
Golden Scholars || April 8, 2022
MESSAGES & DEPARTMENT UPDATES
What's new in COEHS?
DEAN'S OFFICE
From Dr. Susana Bloomdahl:
FY 23 Board Of Regents Teaching Excellence Award Guidelines
This year's guidelines for the BOR Teaching Excellence award have been announced! Please note:
"An eligible faculty member may be recommended by faculty, students, staff, or other interested professionals. Recommendations should be submitted to the department in which the faculty member is teaching by February 14, 2023.
Written recommendations should include information to support nominations based on the below criteria. Departments will consider all recommendations when choosing the departmental nominee(s) to the Collegiate Selection Committee.
Nomination letters should address some or all of the criteria in relation to a nominee’s teaching, as well as other relevant information about the person as a teacher. These should be considered by each collegiate selection committee, but not all criteria need be considered at any level in the selection process (as not all items may be appropriate to all disciplines)."
From Natalie Copeland:
Golden Scholars, Updated Pictures, and Meeting Minutes
Program Coordinators: Don't forget that Golden Scholars is coming up. Please reply to my email (sent February 1st) to let me know your attendance status by no later than Friday, February 10th.
Faculty: If you are wanting some updated photos of your class(es), such as you teaching or a fun hands-on activity with your students, please fill out this Google Form. I will contact you to follow-up and we can plan a good day/time for me to come in!
Faculty and Staff: If you would like an updated headshot for the website, please fill out this Google Form. I will contact you to follow-up so that we can set a date/time to take your photo!
Admins: Remember to send me meeting minutes as you finish them so that I can publish them to the Intranet! Please reach out if you have any questions.
From Melanie Brooks:
Racers Helping Racers
Many faculty and staff were not aware of the "Racers Helping Racers" Food Pantry that exists for students in need! It is a no-questions-asked program - all students have to do is present their RacerID.
Click here to learn more about this wonderful resource!
CLHS
From Dr. Katy Hancock:
Upcoming Event - Open Lecture
The CLHS Department is sponsoring an open lecture by Tsering Phuntsok, Tibetan Buddhist Monk, on teaching compassion. This lecture is open to the MSU and Murray communities and will be held in the Alexander Hall Auditorium on Wednesday, February 22nd, from 4-5 p.m.
See the flyer below in the "Upcoming Events" section!
COEHS PHOTOS OF THE WEEK
DRS. KIM VIGIL AND SUSANA BLOOMDAHL
In between posing for new headshots, Drs. Vigil and Bloomdahl decided to get one together!
DR. SUSANA BLOOMDAHL
As part of National School Counseling Week, COEHS celebrates Dr. Bloomdahl. We are so grateful for all she does for the College!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Chief Jeff Gentry's Retirement Celebration
Please join us today - Wednesday, February 8th from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. - in the Atrium of Alexander Hall!
Come congratulate Jeff Gentry, Chief of Police of the MSU PD, on his retirement and wish him well on his exciting future adventures!
Transforming Lives: Teaching Compassion, Social Work Lecture Series ~ The Venerable Tsering Phuntsok
Be sure to join the Department of Community Leadership and Human Services for its Open Lecture on Wednesday, February 22nd from 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. The Venerable Tsering Phuntsok, Tibetan Buddhist Monk, will be speaking on the topic of teaching compassion.
The lecture will take place in the Alexander Hall Auditorium and is open to the University community, as well as the Murray community at large. We hope to see you there!
PDS Application Deadline
The Professional Development School application deadline is quickly approaching - February 17th, 2023.
Remaining student teacher orientations will be on February 9th and 16th. For more information, contact Debbie Bushart of TQI by emailing her at dbushart@murraystate.edu
Orientation Registration for those Planning to Student Teach in Spring 2024
Remaining student teaching orientations for Spring 2024 are as follows:
Thursday, February 9th
Tuesday, February 16th
Wednesday, February 22nd
Monday, March 6th
Further details can be found here.
Friendship February + Racers Empower Pet Therapy
Be sure to join us on Monday, February 27th at 12:00 p.m. in the Alexander Hall Atrium for Friendship February, a part of Racers Empower! This event will focus on friendships, feeling good about oneself, and mental and emotional well-being.
Thank you to the co-sponsors of our Pet Therapy events - the Center for Student Engagement and Success and the College of Education and Human Services!
2023 Presidential Lecture to Welcome W. Earl Brown for “A Racer Success Story”
Murray State University is excited to welcome W. Earl Brown for the 2023 Presidential Lecture, which is set to take place on Tuesday, February 28th at 7:30 p.m. inside the historic and newly-renovated Lovett Auditorium.
To learn about Brown's Kentucky roots, as well as his extensive and impressive resume, please visit this link.
*TENTATIVE*
Upcoming Coffee with the Dean
The next Coffee with the Dean, tentatively, is set for Friday, March 3rd at 10:00 a.m. in the Multipurpose Room.
This is a great way to catch up with colleagues, find out what's new in the College, and enjoy some delicious coffee all at once!
If the details change, we will update you!
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P.S. - If you want to make sure you're in your office when the Swaggin' Wagon is coming around, here's a hint:
It will be sometime next week, and we think you'll LOVE what we're bringing!
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SHOUT-OUTS
DR. KIM VIGIL
"On Thursday, I had the chance to participate in one of Dr. Vigil's classes in which she was teaching "Mindfulness." Kimberly is truly an exceptional teacher and exceptionally well-informed on the topic and practice of Mindfulness. I was very impressed with how her students engaged with the topic and the practices she had us follow. We didn't just sit there but moved, talked, engaged, and learned. I have read about and practiced Mindfulness on my own for a number of years now but have never participated in a "seminar" on the topic. Today was the day. I was also impressed by her students. I did not see or feel any hesitation with them being involved. They are good students and I am so pleased that they are our students, too.
Thanks for such a good experience, and very well done!"
-Dean Whaley
WOW!! Way to go, Dr. Vigil - keep up the amazing work!
DR. SUSANA BLOOMDAHL
Natalie Copeland wants to send a big shout-out to Dr. Susana Bloomdahl because she has been "such an incredible supervisor to me thus far! I feel so supported by her and really appreciate her. I love our Monday chats!!" Awesome job, Dr. Bloomdahl!
DR. JESSICA BRANCH
Since beginning at Murray State, Dr. Branch has been a wonderful colleague. She is always upbeat and willing to lend a hand. She always takes the extra time to work with her students and help them grow professionally and personally. Her anonymous shouter really appreciates her honesty as a friend and her dedication to the IECE program. Awesome job, Dr. Branch!
DR. WHITNEY CASSITY-CAYWOOD
Natalie Copeland sends another shout-out to Dr. Whitney Cassity-Caywood: "She is an incredible professor! I had the opportunity to take a class with her last semester and had a great experience. She is SO knowledgeable and is an awesome asset to the College of Education and Human Services!" Keep up the great work, Dr. Caywood!
DR. MIGUEL GOMEZ
Dr. Gomez received an anonymous shout-out, describing him as "such a light." He is praised for always having a smile on his face! His kindness is much appreciated, and COEHS is lucky to have him! WOW, Dr. Gomez! How awesome!
EMILY SMITH
Emily's shout-out praises her for being the glue to the Early Childhood and Elementary Education department. She is so helpful to others and never fails to light up a room when she walks in! Her shouter is glad to call her a coworker and a friend! How sweet! Keep it up, Emily!
REBECCA SIMONS
Natalie Copeland wants to send a HUGE thank you to Rebecca for helping her out with the Midweek Round-Up!! She was "struggling big time" and Rebecca came to the rescue to help her figure it out! Way to go, Rebecca!
DR. KEMALY PARR
Dr. Parr's secret shouter expressed their appreciation for all the support and communication she shows for how to make ACS the “family” of specialized department members in the college! ACS, as well as COEHS, is so grateful for all of her help this year!
TERRI GRIEF
Terri received an anonymous shout-out for being so dedicated to her students and the Library Media program. "I am amazed at how well you know each of your students. You maintain such good working relationships with them. The fact that you travel throughout the state to meet with them personally is inspiring. AND you're a JOY to have as a colleague. I'm so glad that you're part of the CoEHS team." Wow, Terri! Keep up the amazing work!
DR. CINDY CLEMSON
Dr. Clemson also received an anonymous shout-out for "always being the one who brings snacks" to meetings! The shout-out also expresses gratitude for the way she always asks how everyone is doing and is "the Sunshine of the Sunshine committee!" We are so lucky to have her here with us at COEHS!
COOPER LEVERING
Tamela Darnell sends a big shout-out to Cooper Levering for his creative ability to make sense of any work order that she puts in for vinyl and the way that he always makes it look awesome! Keep it up, Cooper!
NATALIE COPELAND
Emily Smith sends a shout-out to our newest addition to the COEHS Administrative Assistants, Natalie! She has been working hard to get everything caught up and ready for the spring semester! She’s doing an awesome job and we’re so happy to have her here with us!
LIBBY DAVIS
Libby received an anonymous shout-out that compliments the way that she always goes above and beyond! She was even referred to as the "glue that holds ELC together!" Wow, Libby! Keep it up!
DR. JAMIE MAHONEY
Dr. Mahoney received an anonymous shout-out, referring to her as an absolutely amazing professor - in fact, she was even given the title "best professor ever!" This secret shouter praises Dr. Mahoney for caring so much about her work and her students. Great job, Dr. Mahoney - keep up the amazing work!
DR. BEN LITTLEPAGE
Dr. Littlepage also received an anonymous shout-out, in which he was complimented on the sense of excitement and energy he brings into the office. It is so wonderful to see someone who undoubtedly enjoys his job and collaboration with his peers! Way to go, Dr. Littlepage!
DR. MI-HWA PARK
Dr. Park, yet another recipient of an anonymous shout-out, was praised for the refreshing energy she brings to the Education department! She is a wonderful professor who always has a smile on her face and treats every person with kindness! Thank you for all you do, Dr. Park!
DR. DONNA FRAZIER
Send your congratulations to Dr. Frazier! She has been chosen as a fellow in the ACTE National Leadership Fellowship Program. Selected fellows will discuss the importance of CTE programming; serve on a CTE task force to address issues at the state, regional and national levels; and work with other fellows to present program sessions at ACTE's CareerTech VISION 2023. Way to go, Dr. Frazier!
MELISSA BAZZELL
Dr. Chanel Schwenck would like to give a HUGE shout-out to Melissa Bazzell to welcome her to the ECE family, as well as to COEHS as a whole! We are so happy that she is joining us and we look forward to getting to know all about her! Welcome, Melissa!
TAMELA DARNELL
Natalie Copeland wants to send a GIGANTIC thank you to Tamela Darnell for showing so much kindness in my first week on the job! Tamela has been incredible in helping me learn all there is to know about the College of Education and Human Services! Thanks SO much, Tamela - you're the best and I couldn't have made it through my first week without your guidance! Awesome job, Tamela!
To send your own shout-out, click on the button below to fill out the form.
It will appear in the Midweek Round-Up as well as on the Faculty and Staff Shout-Out Board by the Dean's Office! Be sure to check it out when you're walking by!
CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS
*Dates are subject to change*
February 15th - Graduation application deadline for Graduate Students – May Applicants
February 22nd - Final Proof for Fall Schedule - 118 Wells
February 24th - BOR Meeting
February 28th - Presidential Lecture - W. Earl Brown
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March 1st - Graduation application deadline for Undergraduate Students – August Applicants
March 7th - All Majors Career and Grad School Fair (CFSB)
March 8th - STEM & OSH Career Fair (CFSB)
March 9th - 2nd Half of the Semester begins
March 10th - Teacher Career Fair (CFSB)
March 13th - Midterm Grades Due
March 14th - Agricultural Career Fair (Curris)
March 15th – Graduation application deadline for Graduate Students – August Applicants
March 17th - Golden Scholars Banquet
March 20th-24th - Spring Break; No Classes. University Closed March 22nd-24th
March 27th - Advanced Scheduling for Summer
March 29th - Racer Day
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April 1st - Fall Textbook Orders Due; December graduation application deadline for Undergraduate Students
April 3rd-7th - Advanced Scheduling for Fall Semester
April 12th - All Campus Sing - 3pm - Quad
April 13th - Faculty Recognition Banquet - 5:30pm - Curris Center Ballroom
April 14th - Racer Nation Orientation (Honors)
April 15th - Racer Nation Orientation; Student deadline to upload theses/dissertations into Digital Commons
April 21st - Distinguished Alumni Reception and Dinner - 5:30pm - CFSB Murray Room
April 26th - Senior Breakfast - 8am - CFSB Center; Administrative Professionals Day
April 28th - Dissertations & Theses have signatures and routed to Provost Office for Spring Graduation
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May 13th - Commencement - TBD - CFSB Center
May 15th - 10am - All grades due for Full Term/2nd
May 29th - Memorial Day Observance - No Classes; University Closed
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June 1st - Racer Nation Orientation
June 2nd - BOR Meeting
June 3rd - Racer Nation Orientation
June 14th - Racer Nation Orientation
June 16th - Racer Nation Orientation
June 19th - Juneteenth Observance - No Classes; University Closed
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July 6th - Racer Nation Orientation
July 31st - TENTATIVE - Spring/Winter Schedule Drafts sent to Departments
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August 3rd - Racer Nation Orientation
ALL ACADEMIC DEADLINES - murraystate.edu/deadlines
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Stay tuned...
Information about Sparks Lecture (April/May) coming soon!
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CELEBRITIES OF THE WEEK
Congratulations to our COEHS celebrities of the week:
Jeanie Robertson (Staff) and Dr. Whitney Cassity-Caywood (Faculty)!
We applaud each of you for your outstanding contributions and appreciate all that you do for COEHS!
BIRTHDAYS
Dr. Andrea Willson, ECE ~ February 10th
Dee Gupton, CLHS ~ February 12th
Dr. Peg Pittman-Munke, CLHS ~ February 12th
QUOTES OF THE WEEK
Malcolm X
Lena Waithe
Alice Walker
Frederick Douglass
Angela Davis
Ola Joseph
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