HAPPENING THIS WEEK
Join us for College Coffee on Thursday, March 5, from 9–10 a.m. in the Multipurpose Room. Enjoy coffee and Panera pastries, courtesy of the Dean’s Office.
We hope to see you there for a warm cup and good conversation!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Join us for the 41st Harry M. Sparks Distinguished Lecture Series as we welcome Dr. Kerry Magro.
Dr. Magro is a autistic professional speaker, author and consultant to Netflix Love on the Spectrum U.S.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
✨ Celebrate the educators who make a difference every day! ✨
Submit your nominations for Outstanding Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle School and High School Educators by Friday, April 3.
Award recipients will be honored at the Sparks Lecture on Tuesday, April 28.
Nominate an inspiring educator and help us recognize excellence in teaching!
The deadline to register for the Racer Adventure Spring Break camp is March 30!
Questions? Contact Jax Richardson at 270-809-3662 or jrichardson12@murraystate.edu
AWARDS
Nomination Deadline: March 6, 2026
Sponsoring Body: Office of the Provost/Academic Affairs
Contact: Shelia Haley (shaley@murraystate.edu)
Note on Eligibility: Current or former department chairs (or similar role) employed at Murray State are eligible for the award. Former department chairs must currently be employed by the university to be eligible. Deans are not eligible.
COLLEGE UPDATES
COEHS welcomed middle schoolers from Community Christian Academy (CCA) to COEHS on Tuesday, March 3! 🎉
Students met with Dr. Miguel Gomez, coordinator of our Middle School Education program, who led a quick lesson on perspectives.
STAFF UPDATES
Shout-out to Angie McCord, who represented our college at the Southern Association of College and University Business Officers (SACUBO) conference in Destin this week.
Angie presented, “When Holding it Together Stops Working: Leading from Vulnerability,” sharing how a year of personal and professional challenges transformed her leadership approach. Her presentation highlighted the power of authenticity, resilience, and leading with purpose—even in uncertain seasons.
FACULTY UPDATES
On February 12, Terri Grief attended the 2026 Library Legislative Day in Frankfort and visited our local legislators with Justin Brasher, the director of the McCracken County Public Library.
Grief went as a representative of the Kentucky Association of School Librarians Retired Librarians group and shared a fact sheet with the legislators- highlighting the College of Education, provided by Samir and Jillian.
Grief and Brasher visited Rep. Steven Rudy. Rep. Chris Freeland, Rep. Randy Bridges, and Senator Danny Carroll.
NHDKY held their annual Region 1 competition at Murray’s Paducah campus on Saturday, February 28.
Dr. Jessica Pryor served as a judge for elementary and middle school submissions in the junior divisions. 30 students from Region 1 shared projects related to this year’s theme: Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History. The top students will continue to the state level and hopefully advance to Nationals.
STUDENT ORGANIZATION UPDATES
Murray State FCCLA partnered with the Calloway County Cooperative Extension Office on Monday evening to host a cookie decorating class for community members. Participants decorated six cookies in a variety of shapes while learning essential royal icing techniques, including outlining, flooding, and decorative detailing.
Proceeds from the class will support future FCCLA travel opportunities and chapter projects.
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!
PHOTOS OF THE WEEK
MID391
Tuesday, March 3
Students first developed their own concepts for a childrens book, including the storyline and characters. They then used AI tools to help bring their ideas to life- refining the story and creating a finishing book.
The class wrapped up by sharing their unique creating with one another.
Student Teacher Seminar
Friday, February 27
Our Spring 2026 student teachers returned to campus today for Seminar 2—another important step toward leading classrooms of their own.
During the seminar, Career Services shared valuable tips and information about the upcoming Teacher Career Fair, helping our future educators prepare for the next stage of their careers.
A special thank-you to Teacher Quality Institute for their continued support of our students throughout their journey.
FCCLA Region 1
Thursday February 26
More than 100 high school students gathered at Alexander Hall today for the Spring FCCLA Region 1 Meeting.
Students from across the region came together to connect, develop leadership skills, and explore future pathways in Family and Consumer Sciences. It was an inspiring day of growth, collaboration, and preparation for the next generation of leaders
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; University Closed March 18-20
March 25- Racer Day
April 22- Spring Senior Breakfast
April 28- Sparks Lecture
May 9- Spring Commencement (in Racer Arena due to CFSB Renovation)
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.