USA COLLEGE OF EDUCATION THE PILLARS VOLUME

Transcription

1 USA COLLEGE OF EDUCATION THE PILLARS VOLUME

2 Dean s Message As the new dean of the College of Education I embrace the notion of creating and maintaining a culture of trust and teamwork. Aristotle said, the whole truly is more than the sum of the parts. We believe that the synergy of enthusiastic and creative faculty can be harnessed to meet and exceed the goals of the College and of the University and most importantly, of our students. We are passionate about the work of the College and we have a vested interest in the success of our students as measured by the quality of our graduates and their impact on our community, region, and world. The vision for the College can best be seen in the context of the University s institutional goals: Student Success and Access University-Community Engagement Global Collaboration Excellence in Health Care DR. ANDREA M. KENT DEAN COLLEGE OF EDUCATION MISSION STATEMENT Our mission is to provide the highest level of leadership in furthering education, life-long learning, and well-being for all citizens of Alabama as members of a global community. For a complete list of Courses of Study and Certification options, please go to southalabama.edu/colleges/ coe/programs.html Enhancement of Research and Graduate Education STUDENT SUCCESS AND ACCESS Our students are afforded opportunities to learn in an authentic context with deep and rich clinical field experiences. This immersion-learning is critical to our students success in the classrooms of our partner schools, mental health facilities, and in physical health and sports arenas. Newly designed and innovative programs in Instructional Design and Performance Improvement, and Educational Studies for undergraduate majors, and a master s degree program in Sport Management broaden the opportunities for our students. Our students explore educational fields that lead to careers in nontraditional settings, such as museums, non-profit organizations, health institutions, and in the sports arena. We have flexible course offerings for those whose work schedules and other responsibilities often preclude traditional academic settings. We also recognize the careful implementation of online education as vital to our diverse constituents. UNIVERSITY-COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Broadening our work in the area of community engagement adds depth to the experiences of our students. Our strong partnerships with area school districts are integral to our instructional philosophy. We strive to add value to the learning of public school students. We believe that our partners must inform our curriculum as we work alongside them. This past summer we opened the College of Education Literacy Center, where P-12 students can participate in literacy camps and tutoring tailored to their specific needs. The College established our first dual enrollment courses with local schools and, through the South Alabama Research and Inservice Center (SARIC), we partner with school districts to help provide their professional development. Through efforts such as these we serve our community while enriching our instructional programs. The Pillars volume

3 The College also has the opportunity to engage with the community through area hospital wellness and rehabilitation facilities, residential settings, mental health agencies, and the Department of Public Health. Through these outreach efforts faculty members give back to the community by both engaging our students in their profession and with our faculty interaction with professionals in the field. Community engagement is a vital part of the fabric of the College. GLOBAL COLLABORATION Global collaboration is especially appropriate for the College of Education. Our community is diverse and multi-cultural with more than 56 different languages spoken in more than 8,000 households. The workplace into which our students will graduate is diverse. Our students must possess a worldly view and a richer perspective of their role in it to assume leadership roles. Many students and faculty express their scholarship in a global context. Our faculty members have engaged in professional opportunities in Italy, Poland, Switzerland, England, Scotland, Australia, and China. These opportunities have enhanced their scholarship and enriched their teaching. The College s current effort in China is working to establish faculty and student exchange opportunities and to focus on program development and recruitment. EXCELLENCE IN HEALTH CARE Contemporary education theory recognizes that the education of the whole child (and family unit) is imperative for best practices and academic success. Toward that end, the College recognizes the importance of healthcare and our responsibility to inculcate responsible healthcare practices into the preparation of educators. The College of Education engages in interdisciplinary efforts with the Health Sciences Division to improve the success of both units. For example, the Department of Health, Kinesiology, and Sport (HKS) offers a variety of curricula that focus upon areas of mutual concern Exercise Science, Health Education, and Physical Education. HKS students are typically found in wellness and rehabilitation facilities; community, clinical, and residential settings; and, the Department of Public Health. Further, the Department of Professional Studies prepares mental health professionals in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and offers a doctoral program in Clinical and Counseling Psychology. Embracing the mental well-being of society is foundational to the University s priority of excellence in health care. ENHANCEMENT OF RESEARCH AND GRADUATE EDUCATION In fiscal year 2015, the College earned over $6.5M in funded grant and contract awards with almost 60% of the proposals funded. While recent efforts have focused around STEM education and special education, we recognize the opportunity to broaden our efforts into more diverse areas of study. We especially appreciate scholarly productivity with respect to the professional growth of our faculty and students. Our doctoral programs demand that we elevate our research productivity and recruit high quality students and faculty. We value the research process and celebrate our successes. Through our research and other efforts, the College attracts diverse faculty those rich in knowledge, ability, and talents. IN CLOSING The College of Education offers extraordinary opportunities to students and faculty as we strive to positively impact our global community. Our instructional, research, and community outreach efforts illuminate the pathway to our future. Our work to advance the University s goals provides a seamless academic community. The College truly is greater than the sum of our many components faculty, staff, students, and external partners it is a vibrant, mutually supportive learning community. There has never been a more exciting time to be part of the College of Education! southalabama.edu/colleges/coe/ 1

4 COLLEGE OF The College of Education Names Green as New Associate Dean The USA College of Education is proud to announce that it has selected Dr. André M. Green to serve as its new Associate Dean. Dr. Green began his term in this new role on August 1, Dr. Green is a former middle and high school teacher of Mathematics and Chemistry as well as the former Chair of the Department of Leadership and Teacher Education in the USA College of Education. He also currently holds the positions of Director of Grants and Contracts for the College and serves as the Interim Director for the Center of Integrative Studies in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (CISSTEM) for the University. Dr. Green has extensive experience in working with minority students from urban environments and has developed award-winning educational programs of community outreach to improve the academic achievement of poor and minority students. Since his employment in 2006, he has received over $10,000,000 in grants and contracts from local, state, and national agencies to further his work and research with minority students, as well as his work in attracting and preparing students to teach science and mathematics education at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Dr. Green holds the rank of full professor in the College of Education in teacher education. He earned his B.S. and M.S degree in Chemistry from Alabama State University and Hampton University, respectively, and earned his Ed.S. and Ph.D. in Science Education from Virginia Tech. The College of Education Literacy Center: Serving the Community Serving You! The College of Education Literacy Center opened in the summer of The Center offered tutoring and literacy camps during the summer months. Under the direction of Mrs. Joan Holland, Literacy Center Director, College of Education teacher education students participated in the Literacy Center summer activities. Ashlyn Simpson and Savannah Rhodes helped children in our community avoid the summer slump through tutoring. They served as true stakeholders in the literacy learning of their tutees. Sarah Sanders and Hilary McNeill spread the love of literacy through their collaborative creativity with campers during camp sessions. Campers were immersed in literature-based enrichment activities centered on a camping theme. We look to the future with enthusiasm and momentum as we begin our fall session. The Literacy Center is open Monday-Thursday 3:30-6:30 pm. For more information and tutoring registration contact Joan Holland at jmholland@southalabama.edu or The Inaugural College of Education Advisory Council Established In the spring of 2016, the College of Education formed its first College of Education Advisory Council. The inaugural Council held a meet and greet, followed by a dinner whereby Dean Kent discussed the important role the Council would play in shaping the future direction of the College. The charge of the Council is to assist in advancing the interests of the College of Education (COE) at the University of South Alabama. In this regard, the Council provides advice and support to advance the mission of the COE and to help guide the College to continue to improve the quality of its programs. Chairing the Council is Mr. Travis Bedsole. Mr. Bedsole and his wife Susan are passionate about education and the impact USA s College of Education has on our community and region. Joining as members of the Advisory Council are prominent educators and business leaders in the region. The Council will meet three times per year to discuss ideas and opportunities with respect to program efficacy, research-based best practices, market demands, and other pertinent issues likely to impact the College. COUNCIL MEMBERS Back (left to right) - Travis Bedsole (Chair), Betty Huff, Eddie Tyler, Mark Spivey, Rufus Hudson, Eric Patterson, Andi Kent (Dean) Front (left to right) Martha Peek, Jeanne Saderford, Gigi Armbrecht, Carolyn Akers, Lynn Kilgore, Carol Statter Not pictured- Erica Elia, Michael Pierce, Don Staley 2 The Pillars volume

5 EDUCATION Promotion and Tenure Awards Faculty Excellence Awards Dr. Andre Green Promotion to Full Professor Dr. Susan Martin Promotion to Associate Professor and Tenure Dr. Nancy Gaillard Promotion to Senior Instructor Dr. Ron Styron Dean s Award for Outstanding Contribution and Faculty Excellence Dr. Phillip Norrell Health, Kinesiology & Sport Dr. Amy Upton Bukstein Foundation Scholarship for Developing Faculty Award Dr. Susan Martin Leadership & Teacher Education Dr. Brenda Litchfield Professional Studies Center for Educational Research, Statistics, Evaluation & Assessment (CERSEA) CERSEA has become an official University Service with Dr. James P. Van Haneghan serving as the Director. The center s mission is to serve the educational research and evaluation needs of the South Alabama community and the region. It s mission is threefold: 1) conduct program evaluation that supports grants in the college, 2) work with the educational community in our region to evaluate educational programs in K-12, in-service training as well as corporate and military training, and 3) support student and faculty research. Currently, the Center is working on four contracts evaluating teacher training, in-service professional development, and a project evaluating the development of a postsecondary education program for students with intellectual disabilities. College of Education Welcomes New Director of Academic Assessment The College of Education engages in ongoing program assessment that is intended to help us provide our students with the finest academic and professional preparation programs possible. Completing an accredited program means that our students have met the highest national and State standards, and communicates to potential employers and community stakeholders that the COE offers high quality, rigorous degree programs. Dr. Stephanie Stewart joined the Dean s Administrative Team in May 2015 as Director of Academic Assessment. In this role, Dr. Stewart collaborates with faculty, administration, and campus partners to develop and sustain an integrated assessment system that effectively addresses a wide spectrum of standards, including CAEP, the State of Alabama, APA, CACREP, SACS, and the Strategic Priorities of the University of South Alabama. This past summer, the COE adopted a new assessment technology system, LiveText. This innovative technology enhances faculty members ability to document students academic efforts, and use timely data for continuous improvement in teaching and learning. southalabama.edu/colleges/coe/ 3

6 Graduate Education COLLEGE OF Enhancing Graduate Education The Office of Graduate Studies in the College of Education is responsible for implementing the rules of the Graduate School for all graduate programs. The Director of Graduate studies is Dr. Susan Santoli, professor of secondary education in the Department of Leadership and Teacher Education. She also serves as the Interim Director of that department. Dr. Santoli served as a Mobile area middle and high school social studies teacher for 20 years before coming to USA in News from the Graduate School Made up of totally online instruction, blended courses, and traditional face to face instruction, the COE Graduate School is a busy place with enrollment up 16% this fall as compared to last fall. Health, Kinesiology and Sport s new Sport Management program is off to a great start, the Ed Leadership doctorate student population has doubled in size as has the Master s in Ed Administration and Special Education. New faculty are being added in each department and there is a great energy among the faculty and students in the various programs. Now is a GREAT time to obtain or extend your degree or certification at the College of Education. Graduate Opportunities Available in the College of Education The College of Education offers programs leading to the Master of Education degree, Master of Science degree, and certification in Counselor Education, Early Childhood Education, Educational Leadership, Educational Media, Elementary Education, Health Education, Instructional Design and Development, Physical Education, Secondary Education, and Special Education. Shaoxing University Chinese Visiting Scholars and Faculty Exchange This fall, we are honored to welcome Chen Fengchu (Linda) and Cui Jie (Vivian), both of whom are Lecturers in the School of Foreign Languages, Shaoxing University, China. They teach English to students in China, and are here with us to observe differences between Chinese and American teaching techniques. They will be visiting classes on the USA campus, ESOL classes in local schools, and attending College of Education activities. They are the Educational Specialist degrees are available in Educational Leadership, Elementary Education, Secondary Education and Special Education. The College of Education offers programs leading to the Doctor of Philosophy degree in Instructional Design and Development; an Educational Doctorate in Educational Leadership; and a Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical and Counseling Psychology. second group of Visiting Scholars from Shaoxing. Not only are Chinese scholars coming to the College of Education, but we have faculty traveling to China as well. Last December, Dr. Paige Vitulli, LTE Associate Professor in Art Education, and Dr. Jeanette Fresne, Associate Professor in Music Education, visited Shaoxing where they conducted roundtables on American education and taught lessons in Chinese elementary Schools. 4 The Pillars volume

7 EDUCATION 2016 Student Honors and Awards Health, Kinesiology, and Sport KLODJAN MUSKAJ, Outstanding Graduate Student Health and Physical Education/Exercise Science JEFFREY C. DORSEY, Outstanding Undergraduate Student Health and Physical Education/Teacher Education SHANNA L. THORPE, Outstanding Undergraduate Student Leisure Studies/Therapeutic Recreation HANNAH L. DAWSON, Outstanding Undergraduate Student Health and Physical Education/Exercise Science Leadership and Teacher Education Ramsey Willis and Dr. Susan Martin Kimberly Lynn Parrish and Dr. Brenda Litchfield Shanna L. Thorpe and Dr. Mary Ellen Broach Mary Angela Martin and Dr. Nancy Gaillard Linda J. Hayes and Dr. Brandon Browning Hannah L. Dawson and Dr. John Kovaleski KATHLEEN MCCURDY, Special Education Outstanding Graduate Student KASTALA BROWN, Elementary/Early Childhood Education Outstanding Undergraduate Student MARY ANGELA MARTIN, Elementary/Early Childhood Education Outstanding Graduate Student ROBIN HENDRICKS CLARK, Secondary Education Outstanding Undergraduate Student RAMSEY WILLIS, Secondary Education Outstanding Graduate Student BRANDON BROWN, Educational Leadership Outstanding Higher Education Master s Student CHARLOTTE ODOM, Educational Leadership Outstanding K-12 Master s Program Student Professional Studies GURUPREET KHALSA, Dr. Chandru Hiremath Memorial Award Ph.D. Student of the Year Instructional Design and Development Program MARY MITTLELEE MCCALL, Dr. Chandru Hiremath Memorial Award for Ph.D. Student of the Year Instructional Design and Development Program LINDA J. HAYES, Outstanding Graduate Student Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.S.) KIMBERLY LYNN PARRISH, Dr. John E. Morrow, Sr. Memorial Award Master s Student of the Year Instructional Design and Development Program SHERA PARKER STINSON, Outstanding Graduate Student Educational Media Certification REBECCA LEIGH WINBERG, Outstanding Graduate Student School Counseling Program, (M.Ed.) Brandon Brown and Dr. Ronald Styron southalabama.edu/colleges/coe/ 5

8 COLLEGE OF Scholarship Recipients Alane and Mark Hoffman Special Education Certification Endowment Fund...Estes, Lindsey Alfred F. Delchamps, Sr. Scholarship...Brown, Brionna Barbara Phillips Endowed Award for Special Education Teachers... Grow, Alexandria Betty and Richard Wold Education Administration Endowed Scholarship... Webb, Melissa College of Education Faculty / Alumni Scholarship for Classroom Teachers...Carpenter, Alana College of Education Scholarship... Brown, Kastala College of Education Scholarship...Estes, Lindsey Dr. Burette Stinson Tillinghast, Jr. Endowed Scholarship in School Counseling... Sharp, Margaret Dr. Chandru Hiremath Memorial Endowed Award in IDD...Bendolph, Angelia Dr. Elizabeth Martin & Dr. Wilma Scrivner Scholarship...Long, Megan Dr. Richard L. Hayes Endowed Scholarship for School Counseling...Scarbrough, Elizabeth George E. Uhlig Endowed Award...Bendolph, Angelia Harold Bickel Memorial Scholarship in Education Endowment Fund... Barnett, Elizabeth Harold Bickel Memorial Scholarship in Education Endowment Fund...Brown, Brionna J. Howe Hadley Scholarship... Brown, Kastala John Hadley Strange Scholarship... Everett, Morgan Lavon Simon Endowed Book Award...Taylor, Sammi Lavord and Doris Crook Endowed Scholarship... Price, Savannah Linda J. Reaves Endowment for Educators... Strickland, Jessica Malcom R. Howell Scholarship... Barnett, Elizabeth Patricia Kelly Lofton Endowed Scholarship for Teachers...Howard, Rosa A. Ralph Jones Memorial Scholarship...Parrish, Kyle Ruth M. Gwinn-Heitman Endowed Scholarship... Nolan, Allison The Daniel Foundation of Alabama Endowed Scholarship for Teachers...McShan, Raven The Daniel Foundation of Alabama Endowed Scholarship for Teachers...Poole, Jade The Keasler/Spillers Scholarship Endowment... Bailey, Halley Travis M. Bedsole, Jr. and Susan D. Bedsole Endowed Scholarship in Education... Mayer, Alyssa Valerie R. Morgan Memorial Scholarship in Graduate Education...Lewis, Catherine White-Spunner Endowment Scholarship in Education... Ankersen, Ellen William Chamberlain Technology Teaching Award...Johnson, Emily Williams Charitable Foundation Book Award... Clark, Brandon Student Organizations in the COE Future Educators in Action A group for students in all teacher education majors with the purpose of building relationships and serving the community. Kappa Delta Pi (KDP), International Honor Society in Education - Founded in 1911 to foster excellence in education and promote fellowship among those dedicated to teaching. Student Alabama Education Association - To promote educational excellence, the Alabama Education Association shall serve as the advocate for its members and shall lead in the advancement of equitable and quality public education for a diverse population. USA Therapeutic Recreation Association An informational and networking group for USA students and graduates in TR, as well as those interested in the profession. Above Left: Left to right: Alex Jacob, Shernell Mabien, JoHanna Logan, and Taylor Craig Above Right: Left to right: Tiffany Le, Caroline Cannon, and Kaley McManus 6 The Pillars volume

9 EDUCATION Development USA College of Education HONOR ROLL OF DONORS YOU MAKE THE DIFFERENCE The College of Education is very grateful for the continued support of our donors. With your gift, you have increased the value of a USA College of Education degree and provide educational opportunities that otherwise would not be available. You aid us in hiring worldclass faculty and researchers, equipping them with the tools necessary to make a significant impact in our communities. You become an invaluable partner of the University of South Alabama, helping us better prepare our students and advance our entire community. Dr. Jane E. Adkinson Mr. Ron R. Andrus Ms. Ashley B. Archer Ms. Denise F. Austin Dr. Abigail Baxter Dr. John G. Baylor Ms. Alicia P. Beasley Ms. Elizabeth S. Bell Ms. Julia D. Blanco Ms. Kimberly B. Blankinchip Mrs. Anita K. Bookout Ms. Martharine B. Breech Mr. Rickey R. Brown Mr. Miguel A. Cooper Mr. Milo J. Crabtree Ms. Candace D. Crockett Dr. Mary B. Culp Dr. John C. Dagley Ms. Susan D. Delashmet Mr. Peter J. Demattei, III Ms. Lynda G. Finley Mr. Paul E. Forsyth Mrs. Rebecca G. Forsythe SILVER LEVEL PLATINUM LEVEL Lisa Mitchell Bukstein Charitable Foundation PNC Bank Dr. Nancy B. Gaillard Mr. Michael J. Gardner Mr. Henry V. Gaston Ms. Karen N. Gochey Ms. Myra C. Goleman Ms. Ruth L. Gowder Mr. Leonard C. Greig, III Dr. Larry R. Gurchiek Ms. Patricia A. Hall Ms. Judy J. Hendrick Ms. Anne I. Horton Ms. Crystal L. Ikner Dr. Andrea M. Kent Mr. Karl W. Kerzic Dr. John E. Kovaleski Mr. John D. Langley Ms. Ann B. Magee Ms. Catherine L. Marsh Mr. Daniel L. McCann Mrs. Lucy L. McKinstry Ms. Betty G. Mullek Dr. Phillip M. Norrell Mr. Joseph R. Pace GOLD LEVEL Mr. Travis M. Bedsole, Jr. Ms. Nichole Graham Ms. Jeanne M. Sanderford Mr. Sam W. Tillinghast Dr. Tracey A. Tullie ExxonMobil Foundation Kappa Delta Pi Omicron Zeta Chapter The Optimist Club of Daphne Alabama #29319 Student Alabama Education Association Ms. Patricia F. Pugh Mrs. Wanda S. Roberts Dr. Susan P. Santoli Mr. Neil A. Schwarz Ms. Margaret A. Sellers Mrs. Pamela C. Sewell Ms. Carol B. Sharp Mr. Don C. Sikes Ms. Mitzie L. Sowell Dr. James R. Stefurak Ms. Mabeleania D. Stevenson Mrs. Jacquelyn L. Stuart Dr. Ronald A. Styron, Jr. Mr. James B. Timms Ms. Donna F. Tipps Dr. James P. Van Haneghan Dr. Paige A. Vitulli Ms. Linda P. Warren Ms. Melissa M. Wold Mrs. Valerie A. Wood Ms. Nanette L. Yeager Dr. Alla P. Zakharova McKinstry Living Trust southalabama.edu/colleges/coe/ 7

10 Great News from the College of Education s Office of Grants and Contracts The faculty of the College of Education was quite busy during the previous fiscal year ends September 30th, Faculty COLLEGE OF Grants & Contracts from the College of Education submitted 27 grant proposals to various local, state, and national agencies. Of these 27 grant submissions, 23 or 85% were funded for a total of $6,186,373. USA Hosts the Southeastern Regional Robert Noyce Conference On June 2-4 the Southeastern Regional Robert Noyce Connections: Convening a Community of Learners Focused on STEM Pre-Service Teacher Education brought together educators from 77 National Science Foundation Robert Noyce project sites throughout a nine-state region. The scholarship program seeks to encourage talented science, technology, engineering, and mathematics majors and professionals to become K-12 STEM teachers. The conference set out to connect Noyce science and mathematics Scholars, teacher fellows, and master teachers across the Southeastern states while strengthening the network of support provided to projects and their participants. Connecting these projects together to learn from one another for the common good is of the utmost importance to moving the Southeastern region forward in STEM education. This year s focus was on increasing cultural competence of those involved in Noyce projects throughout the region. The keynotes spoke to this effort with inspiring stories of helping students in marginalized populations, delivered by top scholars and nationally known educators and performers. The Conference was a collaboration of the College of Education and the College of Arts and Sciences through the Center for Integrative Studies in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. The Investigators for the conference were Dr. André M. Green (PI), Dr. Andrea M. Kent (Co- PI), Dr. Susan F. Martin (Co-PI), Dr. Ryon McDermott (Co-PI), Dr. Madhuri Mulekar (Co-PI). Graduate student assistance was provided by Ms. Melissa Dean and the President s Office, through the Office of Special Events led by Ms. Melva Jones, provided logistical support for the conference. Noyce Pathway to Science and Pathway to Mathematics are collaborative programs between the University of South Alabama College of Education, Arts & Sciences, and Engineering through its Center for Integrative Studies in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (CISSTEM) and the Mobile County Public Schools (MCPSS). The programs address the need to increase the number of science and mathematics teachers in MCPSS and the surrounding school districts, where there are overpopulated science and math classrooms due to understaffing and where many classrooms are staffed by substitute teachers or by those who do not have a related background. The programs enable graduates from science, math, or engineering bachelor s degree program to complete secondary science or math certification in an intensive four semester program that culminates with certification and an earned master s degree. The program offers $28,000 toward a candidate s graduate education in exchange for three years of service as a paid employee of a high needs school system, therefore having an immediate impact through staffing partner schools with qualified teachers who are experts in their field. To date, the programs have added over 30 teachers to local schools and during this academic year will be graduating six more students and have 13 more potential candidates for the upcoming school year. This year s cohort of students includes: Maura Odom, Benjamin Peralta, Kaleb Williamson, Stephanie Moye, and Min Zhu. 8 The Pillars volume

11 EDUCATION USA College of Education Receives National Science Foundation Grant to Prepare Science Teachers In conjunction with the College of Arts & Sciences and the Center for Integrative Studies in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, the College of Education received a National Science Foundation grant in the summer of Pathway to Science Phase II ($799,000) is designed to increase the supply of qualified science teachers for the MCPSS and surrounding school systems. PTS hopes to attract racially and ethnically diverse STEM majors into the teaching field by an extensive recruitment campaign that targets recent graduates in the STEM disciplines. The grant awards upward of $26,000 to selected applicants to cover the cost of graduate school in science education. Dr. André M. Green (PI), Dr. Susan Martin (Co-PI), and Dr. Justin Sanders (Co-PI) serve as the investigators for this project. The second grant, Southeastern Regional Robert Noyce Connections: Convening a Community of Learners Focused on STEM Pre-Service Teacher Education ($824,000), is highlighted on Page 8 in more detail. LTE Grant Recipients Critical To Stem Success The Arts Associate Professors Paige Vitulli and Susan Martin received a $11,000 grant from the Community Foundation at USA to host a summer art program for 30 middle and high school students that incorporated the arts into STEM disciplines. As well as hearing guest speakers and working on activities in the College of Education, students also visited local museums, the Gulf Coast Exploreum and Dauphin Island Sea Lab. LTE secondary math, science, and art education students assisted with the program. PASSAGE USA Grant Dr. Abbie Baxter and Dr. Dennis Campbell are the recipients of a $2 million dollar, five-year grant from the U.S. Department of Postsecondary Education. The focus of the grant is to improve postsecondary education, employment, and independent living skills in young adults with intellectual disabilities. Participants will participate in two year, individualized curriculums which will include attending USA classes for credit, auditing classes, and participating in continuing education offerings. Alabama State Department of Education Grant received The USA College of Education along with the College of Arts & Sciences in conjunction with The Center for Integrative Studies in Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (CISSTEM) was awarded a $315,000 grant from the Alabama State Department of Education to work with middle school mathematics teachers. The grant, AMSTI-Focus on Middle School Mathematics Teachers Program, serves middle school math teachers who are in the Mobile, Chickasaw, Saraland, Washington, Thomasville, Clarke County, and Monroe Public School Systems. Math professors, math education professors, and seasoned math teachers themselves teamed up to provide middle school math teachers with the additional content and pedagogical knowledge needed to enhance their effectiveness in the classroom. 14 Day Summer camp for Middle School Mathematics Teacher Participants. The investigators for this grant project are: Dr. André M. Green (PI), Dr. Andrea M. Kent (Co-PI), Dr. Cornelius Pillen (Co-PI), Dr. Vasiliy Prokhorov (Co-Pi), and Dr. Christopher Parrish (Co-PI). Dr. Marvin Johnston serves as the project director and AMSTI fellow. southalabama.edu/colleges/coe/ 9

12 Mobile County Public School System Receives an Award for Outstanding Community Partner In November 2015, the Mobile County Public School System was awarded the USA Faculty Senate s Outstanding Community Partner award for their work with the University of South Alabama, College of Education. The Mobile County Public School System (MCPSS) has been a critical partner with the College of Education at the University of South Alabama from the inception of the College in As the largest teacher preparation program on the Gulf Coast, it would simply be impossible to prepare teachers without the partnership of the MCPSS. The schools in the MCPSS are, in fact, our living laboratories. Without our partnership, we could not prepare our teacher education candidates to meet the needs of today s P-12 students. Through the partnership there are COLLEGE OF Local School Highlights countless ways the MCPSS has a positive impact on teaching, opportunities for research and service for COE faculty. Through the decades, the partnership between the College of Education and the Mobile County Public School System has evolved into a seamless relationship. The partnership affords the College many opportunities to enhance teaching by staying abreast of the research-based, best practices implemented in public school classrooms. The COE is grateful for the partnership with the Mobile County Public School System. The partnership is strengthened by a shared vision to improve the quality of education for each student from kindergarten through college graduates in order to improve the communities where we live. Mrs. Martha Peek, Superintendent, accepted the Outstanding Community Partner award on behalf of the Mobile County Public School System. Office of Field Services School Partnership Spotlight Partnership between the College of Education and local school districts is essential for the preparation of future teachers. Simply stated, the College of Education could not prepare teachers without the assistance of our outstanding school partners. Our teachers in training spend countless hours in the local schools observing, tutoring, and teaching lessons under the tutelage of master teachers. The teachers in the local schools consistently exceed our expectations in modeling best practices and providing support as our students develop the craft of teaching. It is our goal that as the faculty in local schools mentor the future teachers; these future teachers are making a difference in the lives of the children in each classroom. Griggs Elementary School is one of our outstanding school partners. The College has collaborated with Griggs for many years, but the partnership strengthened six years ago with the creation of the K-6 Teacher Education program that merged the elementary education and special education programs. The outstanding teachers and staff at Griggs Elementary are led by Mrs. Stephanie Benson. Under the direction of Mrs. Benson, the faculty has provided unwavering support for our K-6 Program. The preservice teachers are afforded remarkable mentoring and guidance as Griggs teachers consistently model best practices and scaffold opportunities to enhance the knowledge and abilities of our students. We are extremely thankful for the faculty and staff at Griggs Elementary! 10 The Pillars volume

13 EDUCATION Dr. Robert Marzano s Research Group SARIC hosted the Marzano Research Group to work multiple days with local school leadership teams to develop and refine their skills, using his book, Becoming a Reflective Teacher. Leadership teams learned how to use the Marzano model of effective instruction, goal setting, focused feedback and evaluations, all designed to improve teacher s instructional practice, which in turn, will improve student achievement. Teams have returned to their schools to pilot the newly gained knowledge for the upcoming school year. Ron Clark, author and founder of The Ron Clark Academy, was the featured speaker at a recent SARIC sponsored professional MCPSS leadership teams collaborate to develop performance goals and plan for the upcoming school year. Jan Hoegh, with Marzano Research, shares information with School Leadership teams from Mobile County Public Schools. learning opportunity for more than 700 Region 10 educators. Before addressing the area educators, Ron joined the teachers in the stands to give hugs of affirmation. He shared the importance of educators getting to know their students, engaging students in the classroom, and setting high expectations for all learners. His success in education proves his strategies work. Teachers were encouraged and motivated during the presentation to return to their classrooms ready to implement the new knowledge. Afterwards, he signed books and took selfies with area teachers. Ron Clark takes a selfie with Griggs Elementary teachers after signing books. Left to right, Cinthia Moore, Professional Development Coordinator with SARIC, Ron Clark, and Dr. Kathy Sellers, Associate Director of SARIC. Ron Clark took time before speaking to talk and take pictures. W.C. Griggs Elementary School southalabama.edu/colleges/coe/ 11

14 PROFESSIONAL STUDIES Faculty Spotlights Dr. Burke Johnson s scholarship in the area of mixed-methods research continues to receive international recognition. He has conducted ten invited presentations during the past two years including conferences in Austria, Ecuador, Germany, Jamaica, Japan, Norway, and Switzerland. Dr. Ryon McDermott s research focuses on social issues related to masculine gender roles. His exemplary scholarly record in the past three years culminated in his winning the Researcher of the Year Award from the Society for the Psychological Study of Men and Masculinities at this year s American Psychological Association convention. Dr. McDermott was also a Co-Principal Investigator on a National Science Foundation grant this year, and consulted extensively on USA s First Year Experience program and USA s sexual assault prevention programs. Dr. Gayle Davidson-Shivers was recently published in the text: Women s Voices in the Field of Educational Technology. Her chapter, entitled Gayle s Voice: My Journey of How I Got to Now, highlights her journey as a second generation American, first generation college student, and woman in the field of instructional design and technology. Dr. Joel Billingsley was awarded the Gulf Guardian Fellowship, a $30,000 award from the Center for Gulf Coast Law and Policy. This new project follows her work, alongside Dr. Rob Gray, producing the documentary Mobile in Black and White, and further explores the connection between personal stories and racial disparities. Short-themed video vignettes of people who are impacted by the policies, practices, and procedures of systems that produce inequitable outcomes will be available in November 2016 at Alumni Spotlights Dr. Codone was recently selected for the Fulbright Specialist Program, which promotes linkages between U.S. scholar and professionals and their counterparts at host institutions overseas for two to six week grant periods. Since 2014 Dr. Codone serves as director for Mercer s Center for Teaching & Learning as well. Dr. Susan Codone Associate Professor of Technical Communication Director, Center for Teaching & Learning Mercer University, Macon, GA Instructional Design Doctoral Alumna 2000 Dr. Baker began as an Instructional Technologist at the University of Tampa. He has been promoted to the Assistant Director of the Academic Success Center. He is responsible for the evaluation of the center and leads the implementation of the center s analytics system Student Success Collaborative. He writes an ongoing column in the journal Tech Trends and continues to publish scholarly articles. Dr. Fred Baker Assistant Director, Academic Success Center, University of Tampa Instructional Design Doctoral Alumnus The Pillars volume

15 School Counseling New York City Study Abroad In the summer of 2016 Dr. Amy Upton, and three school counseling students (pictured far right), Jennifer Haney (far left), Cammie Adams (second from left), Courtney Upton (far right), went on a study abroad in New York City. The purpose of the trip was to take part in a cultural immersion program as part of their Multicultural Counseling course. This experience expanded their collaborative abilities with culturally diverse students and their families to develop systemic approaches to equalize the educational experience for every student. Everyday I gained a new perspective for different cultures...even cultures with which I am familiar. This simple, yet profound statement impacted me the most: We need to stop teaching tolerance and start teaching appreciation. Then, we ll see positive changes and progress in our culture and society. Jennifer Haney Jennifer Haney (left), Cammie Adams (center), Courtney Upton (right) I feel that I have changed because I have learned more about my insecurities and myself. I am changed because I know more about the struggles that immigrant students endure. I am changed because I have seen a different place in this world from a different angle. I do not know of a single person who has had this experience. We were extremely lucky to have had this opportunity. Cammie Adams CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELORS COLLABORATING WITH USA DEPARTMENT OF FAMILY MEDICINE Dr. Vaughn Millner (pictured left) and Dr. Brandon Browning (pictured right) were recently key personnel on a five-year grant awarded by the Health Resources and Services Administration with Dr. Allen Perkins of USA Family Medicine as the Principal Investigator. This grant will allow Clinical Mental Health Counseling students to train alongside Family Medicine Residents in serving high risk families. Three CMHC students (shown below) are currently completing their year-long counseling field placement in Family Medicine. During my practicum/internship at USA Family Medicine I have had the opportunity to integrate into the medical team as a provider for Behavioral Health. Using Focused Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (FACT) we implement Brief Solution Focused Interventions. I have learned to streamline my assessment and noting process and work as a team to help provide patients who might otherwise not take the time to seek help find real solutions in day to day coping with chronic issues. It is certainly an honor to have the opportunity to sit with people in their pain, and help them begin to move forward again. Linda Hayes Linda Hayes Shekelia Dales southalabama.edu/colleges/coe/ Rachel Hartwig 13

16 LEADERSHIP & TEACHER EDUCATION New Undergraduate Degree for Educators in Non-traditional Settings Educational Studies is a new program being offered in LTE for the first time this fall to prepare students for working in non-educational settings. In addition to the General Education courses required for all USA students, the program requires a 41-hour Educational Core focusing on human growth and development, diversity, principles of designing instruction, and effective communication in groups. Students will declare a minor from any offered by USA (18-21 hours). Minors are currently offered in the Colleges of Allied Health Professions and Biomedical Sciences, Arts and Sciences, Education, Computing, and the Mitchell College of Department of Leadership and Teacher Education Program Offerings The Department of Leadership and Teacher Education offers instruction and training for undergraduate and graduate students who are seeking certification to prepare them for professional responsibilities in P-12 schools and higher education, for those already teaching who wish to return for advanced studies, and for those who are planning to work in non-traditional educational settings. We have six certification areas for undergraduates, twelve certification areas and one non-certification area for graduate students, two tracks leading to doctoral degrees, and two programs that lead to B.S. degrees through non-certification routes. Business. Students will select from one of four Areas of Concentration (15 hours): Arts Education, Disability Studies, Language and Literacy, or Teaching and Learning. Students will gain the knowledge and skills necessary for designing effective learning environments and delivering instruction in a variety of settings such as public service, non-profit agencies, educational departments of museums, places of worship, at-risk programs, and academic advising. Through classroom instruction and internships, this program builds the foundation for working effectively in non-classroom based, educational programs. Student Spotlight Ms. Andrea Kohutek, currently a student in the Educational Leadership Doctoral Program, will be completing her third graduate degree in the Department of Leadership and Teacher Education. Ms. Kohutek is a social studies teacher at Causey Middle School and was selected to participate in the James Madison Legacy Project at Samford University in June, The James Madison Legacy Project is a 3-year, nationwide initiative of the Center for Civic Education whose goal is to provide effective professional development to teachers in high need schools. For more information about Graduate Programs, contact Jamie Lett at (251) or jlett@southalabama.edu 14 The Pillars volume

17 LTE Graduates Achieving Excellence Elizabeth Brooks, B.S. Social Studies Education, class of 2013, teaches AP European History and U.S. History at Fairhope High School. She is also an accomplished artist and has received national recognition for her artistic renderings of the victims of the Orlando Pulse Club shootings. Her plan is to have all of the portraits completed by the end of September so that she can take the paintings to Orlando. She will coordinate with one of the organizations there to help the families of the victims in order to get the paintings to the families. To view Elizabeth creating the renderings, go to Eclecticlizzy/. Outstanding Middle School Teacher in Mobile County Amanda Schoen-Jackson is a 2014 graduate of LTE s secondary education program in science education. Amanda was an exceptional graduate student. Amanda s excellence has followed her to the classroom. She just started her third year at Bernice J. Causey Middle School, in West Mobile, where she teaches seventh grade Life Science. Amanda was awarded Teacher of the Year by Causey Middle staff and by the Mobile County PTSA this past school year. Leadership and Teacher Education Welcomes New Faculty From left to right: Ms. Hannah Szatkowski, Instructor in K-6 and Reading; Ms. Lauren Brannan, Instructor in K-6 and Reading; Dr. Christopher Parrish, Assistant Professor in Mathematics Education; Dr. Benterah Morton, Assistant Professor in Educational Leadership; Dr. Todd Johnson, Assistant Professor in K-6 and Special Education Bicentennial Master Teacher Dr. Susan Santoli, Director of Graduate Studies and Interim Chair of Leadership and Teacher Education, was selected as one of twelve Bicentennial Master Teachers by the Alabama Bicentennial Education Initiative and the Alabama Department of Archives and History. The Master Teachers will develop and present professional development for Alabama teachers, grades 3-5, as part of a statewide program spanning the three years of Alabama s bicentennial commemoration, Over 900 AL elementary teachers will be trained during this period of time. southalabama.edu/colleges/coe/ 15

18 HEALTH, KINESIOLOGY & SPORT Spotlighting HKS Faculty and Students Dr. Shelley Holden, Associate Professor of Health Education, was awarded the 2016 Health Educator of the Year Award by the Alabama State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance for her many contributions through her teaching, scholarship, and service. Amanda Knapp, a master s student in Exercise Science, is currently conducting a thesis focusing on total energy expenditure with HKS faculty member, Dr. Neil Schwarz. Her research focuses on the effects of endurance exercise and body composition on daily energy expenditure using advanced techniques such as indirect calorimetry and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Amanda is a Graduate Assistant at USA and has a journal manuscript under review titled Grade Point Average, Body Mass Index, Living Arrangements, and Fast Food Consumption of College Students in Alabama. Jessica N. Vajgrt is a senior majoring in Therapeutic Recreation and active in the Therapeutic Recreation Association (Treasurer), Chi Omega Fraternity (Foundations Chair), Student Government Association, National Society for Collegiate Scholars, Career Peer, and Southbound Orientation. To gain experience in her future career as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, Jessica volunteers at Camp S.M.I.L.E., Camp ASCCA, Shepherd Center s Adventure Skills Workshop, East Pointe Hospital, and the Allen Memorial Home. After graduation Jessica plans to work with individuals with Intellectual Disabilities or Spinal Cord Injuries. Dr. Shelley Holden Amanda Knapp Jessica Vajgrt HKS Alum Receives USA National Alumni Award Congratulations to alumnus Damon P.S. Andrew, BS 98, MS 99 who received the 2016 Lisa Bethea Kavanagh Outstanding Young Alumni Award from the USA National Alumni Association. Dr. Andrew is the Dean of the College of Human Sciences and Education and is the E.B. Ted Robert Endowed Professor at Louisiana State University. New Graduate Program in Sport Management The online Master of Science in Sport Management Degree focuses on management aspects of the sports industry with a specific emphasis on sport event and organizational management. Under the guidance of Sport Management Program faculty Dr. Christopher Keshock, Dr. Brook Forester, and Dr. Mitchell Woltring students in the program utilize distance technology via USA s online learning management system to identify current issues in the sport industry and develop strategies to problem solve social, cultural, political, economic, and environmental issues as they relate to sport event and organizational management. Graduates are equipped with translatable skills necessary to create pioneering, sustainable solutions to the challenges facing the sport industry today. Welcome New Faculty to Health, Kinesiology, and Sport Ms. Susan Montgomery, Instructor of Therapeutic Recreation. Dr. Sarah McKinley Barnard, Assistant Professor of Exercise Science. 16 The Pillars volume

19 Academic Program Change This past summer the Alabama Commission on Higher Education approved the undergraduate Exercise Science program as a major with concentrations in Health-Fitness and Pre-Professional with implementation Fall Semester Under the direction of Dr. Phillip Norrell, Dr. Neil Schwarz, and Dr. Sarah McKinley Barnard, the Health-Fitness concentration provides the knowledge and skills related to practice associated with fitness and health/wellness promotion, sport and fitness conditioning, and clinical exercise science through the prevention and rehabilitation of chronic disease. The Pre-Professional Concentration provides the coursework and academic preparation necessary for graduate study in allied health programs such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and athletic training; and applied kinesiology and clinical/research programs in exercise science. New Department Name The Department of Health, Kinesiology, and Sport replaces The Department of Health, Physical Education, and Leisure Studies. The name change reflects the composition of the academic majors and creates an identity that effectively communicates the programs and educational mission of the department. Enhancement of Facilities The Department has undergone various renovations to improve infrastructure and repurpose present space with a new faculty office suite for eight faculty offices and classroom and lab areas for exercise science, first aid, and therapeutic recreation. The Molecular and Biochemistry Exercise Research Laboratory is newly constructed and has the capacity to conduct a vast array of biochemical and molecular biology techniques used in exercise physiology and nutrition research and is equipped with a state-of-the-art Hologic dual x-ray absorptiometer (DXA) for measuring body composition and bone density. COLLEGE OF EDUCATION Retirees Dr. Richard Hayes Professional Studies Dr. John Dagley Professional Studies Dr. David Ellis Leadership and Teacher Education Ms. Jayne Kennedy Leadership and Teacher Education Ms. Regina McCreary Administration Ms. Sandra Guidry Health, Kinesiology & Sport southalabama.edu/colleges/coe/ 17

20 UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMA COLLEGE OF EDUCATION 50th Anniversary Founder s Day February 1, 2017 Artist rendering of College of Education at University Commons Upward & Onward: A Campaign for the University of South Alabama Upward & Onward: A Campaign for the University of South Alabama is a $150 million fundraising campaign that will elevate and accelerate every aspect of USA s mission education, research, service, health care, economic development, athletics, and the arts and humanities. Our aspirations are bold, but they are within our reach. We intend to achieve our broad vision for the future through five focused priorities that form the components of the Upward & Onward campaign: Student Access and Success; Enhancement of Research and Graduate Education; Global Engagement; Excellence in Health Care; and UniversityCommunity Engagement. INVEST in the College of Education through making taxdeductible gifts to support our faculty, programs, and especially our students. We work together with the Office of Development and Alumni Relations to make dreams a reality. For more information, please contact Aimee Meyers, Development Officer, ameyers@southalabama.edu or