Golden Scholars || March 17, 2023
From Dr. Susana Bloomdahl:
CoEHS Outstanding Staff Support Award
Please submit your nominations for the 2023 Outstanding Staff Support Award. The Outstanding Staff Support Award will be given to a full-time staff employee of the College of Education and Human Services who has been employed within the units for a minimum of two years. The deadline is March 31st. Submit your nominations here!
CoEHS Outstanding Research & Creative Activity Award
All faculty members of the College of Education and Human Services are invited to apply for the Outstanding Faculty Research or Creative Activity Award. The application deadline is March 31. Please submit your application here!
From Dr. Mi-Hwa Park:
Special Shout-Out!
"A Post-It message was left in the female restroom on the third floor of Alexander Hall last week: "Thank You Soap Fairies!" It inspired me to tell you who left the soaps in the restroom and mailbox room for years. Dr. Cindy Clemson has secretly provided us with "good-smelling soaps" for our health and wellbeing.
I have been witnessing Dr. Cindy Clemson's integrity, devotion, caring, reliability, and humility for over a decade. She is an exemplar of these qualities for anyone who seeks them. Cindy is humble and never seeks praise or recognition for her work. It is enough for her to know that she has done the right thing.
As an example of Cindy's commitment to students and others, she always takes the time to listen and ensure that everyone's needs are met. She is compassionate and takes the time to get to know the people around her. No matter how busy she is, she always greets people in the hall with a smile and asks, "How are you?" It's obvious that her dedication makes someone's day brighter. Cindy has also provided snacks and drinks for students who skip breakfast and lunch. The above examples only scratch the surface of Dr. Cindy Clemson's qualities. As always, she shows compassion for others and is always ready to lend a helping hand or offer support whenever necessary.
Having Dr. Cindy Clemson as our colleague is a blessing!"
From Dr. Brian Bourke:
Diversity Action Committee - Upcoming Event
The Diversity Action Committee is hosting Dr. Thomas Woods-Tucker, Chief Equity Officer for the Kentucky Department of Education, for a talk at 6PM on April 6 in the Alexander Hall Auditorium. Visit this Google form to register! This talk will also be available on Zoom, with a Zoom link being sent to registered participants the day before the event.
Susan Krieb's duck, Howard, was ready for St. Patrick's Day in his green top hat. We think he looked very dapper and were happy he didn't get pinched by a leprechaun!
ELC funded scholarships for 7 school psychology students to attend a 2-day training in Hopkinsville this month. The training was hosted by the Kentucky Association for Psychology in the Schools (KAPS) to train school-based practitioners on PREPaRE, the gold standard model for crisis prevention and response.
The annual Golden Scholars Dessert Reception was a wonderful celebration of incoming students.
Be sure to view all the photos and watch Jeremy McKeel's incredible video of the event!
Dr. Miguel Gomez sends a shout-out to Dr. Ford:
"Dr. Ford is an outstanding teacher educator who truly goes above and beyond to support and inspire her students. With her wealth of knowledge, experience, and passion for education, she is able to provide her students with invaluable insights into teaching, learning, and professional development."
Tamela received an anonymous shout-out:
"I would like to send a shout-out to Tamela. She works tirelessly behind the scenes to support our college units and makes sure things in the college run smoothly. She is truly an asset to our college and thank you for all you do!"
Dr. Chanel Schwenck sent a shout-out to Libby Davis:
"I'd love to give a shout-out to Libby for taking such good care of ECE since Emily left. She already has one department and now she's looking out for us as well. It means a lot and we are SO thankful!! Especially for the chocolates! :-) "
Dr. Chanel Schwenck also sent a shout-out to Nicole:
"I'd love to give a shout-out to Nicole Kennedy in TES for her commitment to admitting students to Teacher Education quickly and efficiently. The turnaround has been so fast and she's good about catching things that might have been overlooked in the process.
Great job, Nicole!"
Dr. Vigil received an anonymous shout-out!
"Dr. Vigil is a prime example of a great colleague and instructor. Her focus on the wellness of our students and the rigor of the educational experiences in her classroom is outstanding. Not only that, she also dedicates much of her time to student support services that connect students with the college. You are amazing Dr. Vigil!"
"Dr. Karen Mackey brings so much teaching and administrative experience to make her instruction to students be both effective and meaningful. Her passion for the teaching profession encourages many students to pursue this career path. Dr. Mackey’s respected reputation strengthens COEHS relationships with school districts to encourage schools to allow education students to complete practicum hours. She puts forth tremendous effort in her interactions with student teacher candidates to make them excited to become teachers."
"Mr. Adam Blair has done an exceptional job growing the MSU Henderson Education Program. His students consistently share that they choose teaching because of his passion for the profession. Students can always count on Mr. Blair to support them achieve their goal to become a teacher. Mr. Blair creates a positive learning environment to promote students entering the teaching profession."
Dr. Patel got a shout-out from his administrative assistant, Libby Davis:
"Dr. Patel always keeps me on my toes and continues to make me laugh! He is a great leader and very caring to his faculty, staff and students."
"As a new-ish faculty member in the college, Andrea has been impressive with her leadership skills and honesty. Her understanding of higher education and awareness of program standards has made her a valuable addition to the college. I appreciate her conscientious and purposeful feedback for program improvement, and her dedication to student growth. On a personal note, I truly appreciate her matter-of-fact communication style, and her good sense of humor. Thank you for being a great colleague, Andrea!"
Natalie got an anonymous shout-out:
"I want to shout-out Natalie for coming in to her temp position in the Dean's Office and just rocking it from the beginning."
Missy received an anonymous shout-out:
"Missy is not only is a rockstar for the KATE department, but she also does so much more for the college. Missy does a lot of behind the scenes work for the college from running the TVs, paperwork for tech upgrades for the building, checking calendars and so much more. Thank you for being awesome Missy. You are very much appreciated by EVERYONE in the college."
Dr. Mi-Hwa Park says:
"Our college is fortunate to have Dr. Jessica Pryor on board. We are blessed to have a professor with such enthusiasm, passion, positivity, and dedication in our Early Childhood and Elementary Education Department. Dr. Jessica Pryor, as a hard worker, is the one who usually arrives early and leaves the building last from Monday through Friday. In an effort to create a supportive and inclusive 'family-environment' at ECE, she gives each faculty and staff member a Valentine's Day card. Moreover, she prepares a birthday card for a faculty member and encourages faculty and staff to write birthday cards for their colleagues."
Dr. Katy Hancock sent a shout-out to Libby Davis:
"Libby has been such a great help to me, even though I am not in her department. She is always willing to help and answer questions. And she has great dad jokes!"
Dee received not one, but TWO shout-outs!
#1 - "Dee does such a wonderful job as an admin. She is always ahead of the game and on the ball, supports the faculty, staff, students, GAs and student workers amazingly, and is absolutely the heart of the CLHS department."
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#2 - "Dee is what makes the CLHS department run so efficiently. She is the positive light in CLHS and handles many different job duties with a smile on her face. Thank you Dee for all that you do for CLHS. You are a joy to work with."
Howard the Duck wants to send a shout out to Tamela and Natalie:
"He is looking dapper and ready for work in his COEHS satchel courtesy of the Swaggin' Wagon!"
"Shelly is such a gift to the ACS department! She consistently goes above and beyond to make sure that everything is running smoothly. She is the glue that holds her department together and is such a light to COEHS! She is so appreciated and we’re incredibly lucky to have her."
So true! Keep it up, Shelly!
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!
*Dates are subject to change*
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 25th - Sparks Lecture - 5:00 p.m. (Atrium, Auditorium)
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
Congratulations to our COEHS celebrities of the week:
Tressa Ross (Staff) and Dr. Ben Littlepage (Faculty)!
We applaud each of you for your outstanding contributions and appreciate all that you do for COEHS!
Not only is March National Social Work Month and National Criminal Justice Month... it's also Middle Level Education Month! Dr. Miguel Gomez, Professor and Coordinator for the Middle School Education program, took the time to reflect on what this means to him and generously provided this week's quote!
"'Never let your voice be silenced. Speak up, stand up and be heard.'
This quote from Malala Yousafzai, a young activist for girls' education, emphasizes the importance of using your voice to make a difference. It encourages students to speak out against injustice and to advocate for themselves and others. In the context of education, this quote highlights the significance of amplifying student voices and empowering them to have agency in their own learning. It also aligns with the middle school philosophy of promoting student leadership and fostering a sense of social responsibility."
-Dr. Miguel Gomez
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.