UPCOMING EVENTS
UPDATE: The event will NOW take place on Wednesday, March 12 at 4:30 p.m.
Join AUA- The Reading Club at A Place to Be Farm Sanctuary (1101 Murray Paris Road)
It will be an afternoon of reading, fun, and giving back!
Can't make it in-person? Don't worry!
The Sparks Lecture will be live streamed and recorded to watch at your convenience.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The Institutional Assessment Learning Series
(IALS) is a new initiative designed to help faculty and staff learn practical methods and strategies for successfully navigating their assessment journey.
This learning series provides a collaborative space to explore effective assessment practices, enhance student learning outcomes, and drive continuous improvement. Through engaging 45-minute Zoom presentations, faculty and staff will share insights, experiences, and actionable techniques to strengthen assessment efforts across Murray State University.
Dr. Nikki Gaylord, Associate Professor in the Center for Communication Disorders, will present on "Faculty-Driven Program Assessment: Planning and Reporting" at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 12.
Click the link below to register for the event and be sent a zoom link for one or all of the presentations.
Call for Submissions:
Outstanding Published Research or Outstanding Creative Activity
Faculty members of the College of Education and Human Services are invited to apply for the Outstanding Faculty Research or Creative Activity Award.
Research or creative activity (such as practical articles) in the following categories is eligible for award consideration. Research shall have been published in the past two years, ending April of the current year (or anticipated, per criteria description). Creative activity, per the criteria, shall have been completed in the past two years, ending April of the current year, and shall meet the same criterion for publication as research when applicable.
The awards include a plaque, a portfolio-size certificate, and a monetary grant ($1,000).
Please reference the rubric to the left for submission instructions.
Your digital media presentation and copy of the publication must be submitted electronically to Samir Patel at spatel4@murraystate.edu by 4:30 PM on Tuesday, April 15th.
Call for Submissions:
Outstanding Staff Support
The Outstanding Staff Support Award is intended to recognize and reward an employee (any employee who holds the majority FTE staff position) who exhibits exemplary performance, seeks growth as a professional, and carries out the duties of their job with integrity and dedication.
The awardee favorably represents their office, the administrative unit, and the University. Further, an outstanding staff support candidate fosters an atmosphere of cooperation and creativity, which contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of their peers.
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. As such, any staff member hired before April 15, 2023, is eligible to be nominated.
Nominations are due Tuesday, April 15th by 4:30 p.m
Know an educator who makes a real impact?
Nominate them for recognition as an Outstanding Educator in one of these categories: Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle School, or High School.
Let’s celebrate those who are passionate about shaping students' lives!
Recipients of these awards will be recognized at the 40th Harry M. Sparks Distinguished Lecture series.
Please take a moment to fill out this form to assist us in accommodating everyone when selecting catering for future events!
Your input will help us ensure a great dining experience for all!
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!
Sharing documents just got a whole lot easier!📄
In this Try-a-Byte, you'll learn two super handy tricks: how to convert a Google Doc to a PDF in just a few clicks and how to generate a QR code for easy sharing using Google Chrome. Whether you're sharing class materials, resources, or important documents, these tools can make the process quick and seamless.
Even though points are currently on pause for EdTech Explorer quests, we're still bringing you helpful tips to make your tech life easier. So dive in, test out these tools, and see how much time you can save! And hey — don't forget to share this knowledge with your students and colleagues. 👍
Stay tuned for more tech tips coming your way!
CLASSROOM UPDATES
David Daniel, professional learning coach at the West Kentucky Educational Cooperative, spoke to a group of education students on Thursday, March 6.
DEPARTMENT UPDATES
Students grades 4-12 competed at Murray’s Paducah campus for Kentucky’s Region 1 National History Day competition on Saturday, March 8. Murray State’s faculty had the opportunity to serve as judges.
47 students competed from our local schools. The competition included student-created websites, exhibits, performances, papers, and other projects. The theme this year was “Rights & Responsibilities “ for the 51st annual competition.
Finalists will advance to state and onto national levels.
Pictured from left to right are Murray State’s Dr. Koulisis (Dept. of History), Dr. Pryor (Elementary Education Dept), and Dr. Humphreys (Dept. of History).
PHOTOS OF THE WEEK
Self Defense Workshop for Faculty and Staff
Wednesday, March 5
Criminal Justice and Social Work hosted a self defense workshop free for faculty and staff to attend.
This workshop was led by the Kentucky Academy of Martial Arts, located in Benton, KY. Participants learned how to escape various wrist holds and learned the importance of kicking. Another session for students was held on Friday, March 7.
KEA-AE and Dr. Seuss' Birthday
Saturday, March 1
Members of the University's Kentucky Education Association - Aspiring Educators (KEA-AE) volunteered at the Calloway County Public Library on Saturday, March 1, to celebrate Dr. Seuss' birthday!
STUDY ABROAD INFORMATION
Shared on behalf of the Education Abroad Office
We invite you to propose a study abroad course with CCSA for Summer 2026! Let's collaborate to provide a unique learning opportunity for your students and help your institution meet its international education goals!
PROPOSAL DEADLINE: March 14. Note that a second round will likely go out with successful proposals announced in late March. In the case of overlapping topics, earlier submissions may get priority.
BENEFITS
Up to $1,000 stipend
Program-related expenses, travel, and per diem included
Teach one course
Reach motivated students at nearly 30 member schools (and beyond)
Companion discount available
CCSA handles student affairs, logistics, and money
On-site director
Be part of a cohort of faculty from multiple disciplines teaching on the same program
Perfect program for faculty who have not taught abroad before as well as those who have taught abroad several or many times
PROFESSIONAL IMPACTS
Travel opportunities
Expand your teaching skills
Research and networking
Course development support
Coaching & mentoring
To send your own shout-out, click on the button below to fill out the form. It's a great way to show colleagues how awesome they are!
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!
Spring Semester - 2025
Jan 13 - First Day of Classes
January 20 - Holiday
February 1 -Admitted Student Kickoff
March 5 - 1 HALF ENDS
March 6 - 2 HALF BEGINS
March 14- Teacher Career Fair
March 19-21 - Spring Break
March 26- Racer Day
April 18- Honors Racer Nation Orientation
April 19- Racer Nation Orientation
April 29- Sparks Lecture
May 2- Classes End
May 5-9- Finals Week
May 10- Commencement
May 29- Holiday
SCAVENGER HUNT
A new duck is hiding somewhere in Alexander Hall! Who will find it next?
Snap a photo and send to jsmith194@murraystate.edu then hide it somewhere new.
Good luck!
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.