Embedded Files
UPCOMING EVENTS
MSU FCCLA will offer another cookie decorating class on Monday, April 27th from 5:30-7:30 PM. Please come and design a bouquet of flowers for your mom, wife, sister, friend or yourself.
PRESS RELEASES
Photo (left to right): Lanie Ralph (NSSLHA officer), Melati Free (NSSLHA officer), Mary Grace Starks (CDI faculty), Hardie Crider, Cook Crider, Lindsey Kirkman (graduate clinician), Cami Johnson (graduate clinician), Olivia Compton (graduate student), Ashton Gross (NSSLHA officer) and Maggie Cooper (NSSLHA officer).
Piper Austin (r) with KSHA President Anne Blandford (l).
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
🎉We’re thrilled to announce this year’s Outstanding Educators! 🍎✨
👏Outstanding Early Childhood Educator: Jay Stark (Murray Independent)
👏Outstanding Elementary Educator: McKenzie Fraliex (Caldwell County)
👏Outstanding Middle School Educator: Kayla Chinn (Fayette County)
👏Outstanding High School Educator: Ashleigh Deno (Warren County)
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!
FACULTY UPDATES
Dr. Ben Littlepage represented COEHS at the Excellence in Teaching Award ceremony, jointly hosted by Madisonville Community College and Murray State University on behalf of the Regional Education Partnership.
The event recognized 17 outstanding classroom teachers from six west Kentucky school districts—Caldwell County, Crittenden County, Dawson Springs Independent, Hopkins County, Muhlenberg County and Webster County—for their exceptional contributions to education. The evening provided an opportunity to celebrate the honorees alongside their families and highlight the impact of their work in local communities.
During the program, Littlepage’s remarks emphasized two guiding principles central to Murray State’s educator preparation efforts. First, effective teachers create a ripple effect, extending their influence beyond the classroom and strengthening the communities they serve. Second, strong collaboration between school districts and higher education institutions is essential to building a sustainable educator pipeline across the region.
Congratulations to Dr. Stephanie Schaaf on receiving the inaugural Dr. Victor S. Raj Excellence in Academic Leadership!
A press release will be out soon!
Congratulations to Dr. Chanel Schwenck on receiving a Faculty Innovation Grant!
PROGRAM UPDATES
Congratulations to Cohort 11 of the Cultural Leadership Academy on completing their journey!
The Certificate Ceremony was held Tuesday, April 21 at the Paducah Regional Campus — a proud moment recognizing the next generation of culturally responsive leaders.
PHOTOS OF THE WEEK
Graves County High School Visit
Thursday, April 16
Ten students from Graves County High School visited Murray State University for a day of exploration and engagement. The students had the opportunity to meet with professors, sit in on classes, and tour campus, gaining valuable insight into college life.
The event was coordinated by Dr. Schwenck, who extends sincere appreciation for the collaboration and support of Selise Ridolfi, Dr. Branch, Dr. Riley, Dr. Koulisis, Dr. Fulcher, and Dr. Wells. The day concluded with a student panel featuring Olivia Lee, Allison Gorman, Riley Vincent, Paige Rainbolt, and Nick Davis, who answered questions and shared their experiences about college life. The event was a success from start to finish, with visiting students expressing enthusiasm and appreciation, noting how helpful and informative the experience had been.
Superintendents Meeting
Friday, April 17
Friday’s Superintendents Meeting provided an opportunity for meaningful dialogue and continued collaboration among regional education leaders.
District superintendents engaged in productive conversations focused on strengthening partnerships and supporting student success across west Kentucky. The meeting also featured remarks from President Ron Patterson, who connected with attendees and shared insights on advancing educational opportunities throughout the region.
Marshall County High School Visit
Monday, April 20
Forty students from Marshall County High School visited Murray State University as the first stop on their multi-campus college tour. Their visit to campus kicked off a broader trip that includes Western Kentucky University, University of Louisville, and University of Kentucky.
During their time on campus, two students with an interest in elementary education met with Dr. Schwenck, while another student interested in CDI connected with Megan Smetana. The visit was a great success, and it was a pleasure hosting such an engaged and enthusiastic group of students.
ProjectWILD
Tuesday, April 21
ELE413 students concepts like predator-prey relationships, ecosystems, and animal adaptations through interactive lessons during ProjectWILD
Special thanks to Nancy Kiernan from the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources for helping our students earn their ProjectWILD certification as part of the K-12 Environmental Education program!
Justice Shea Nickell
Tuesday, April 21
KY Supreme Court Justice (1st District) Shea Nickell stopped by Alexander Hall and students had the unique opportunity to hear firsthand about his journey into law, gain insight from his experiences on the bench, and explore the principles that shape his judicial philosophy.
COEHS CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS
COEHS CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS
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
March 25- Racer Day
April 21- RNO
April 22- Spring Senior Breakfast
April 25- RNO
April 28- Sparks Lecture
May 7- COEHS Student Teacher Seminar/Celebration
May 9- Spring Commencement (in Racer Arena due to CFSB Renovation)
June 4- RNO
June 6- RNO
June 16- RNO
June 18- RNO
July 8- RNO
August 4- RNO
CONNECT WITH US ONLINE
CONNECT WITH US ONLINE
Want to add something to the next Midweek Round-Up?
Want to add something to the next Midweek Round-Up?
Click the button below to let Jillian Smith in the Dean's Office know!
Click the button below to let Jillian Smith in the Dean's Office know!
Remember to be as detailed as possible! Contact Jill with any questions.
Remember to be as detailed as possible! Contact Jill with any questions.
Want to add something to the next Monday Saddle-Up (student newsletter)?
Want to add something to the next Monday Saddle-Up (student newsletter)?
Click the button below to let Jillian Smith in the Dean's Office know!
Click the button below to let Jillian Smith in the Dean's Office know!
Remember to be as detailed as possible! Contact Jill with any questions.
Remember to be as detailed as possible! Contact Jill with any questions.
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.
Page updated
Report abuse