Education
College Magazine
20 09
College of Education Oklahoma State University
From the Dean
Greetings,
I am pleased to introduce the inaugural issue of the OSU College of Education magazine.
As you no doubt noticed, we chose to feature students on the cover of our first magazine to represent our pride in the many achievements of our current students and of our
20,000 college alumni who positively impact their communities across the world. In this magazine, you will read about some of these remarkable individuals. For alumni who are reading
In closing, I would like to
We hope you find our maga-
these pages, can you remember
take this opportunity to share
zine a valuable source of infor-
your daily life as a student? Even
some recent points of pride made
mation about the OSU College
for those of us who graduated
possible by the generous support
of Education and that you’ll stay
more than a few years ago —
of many individuals who are
connected with us. If you are not
before the advent of texting
committed to investing in the
a member of the alumni associa-
or even cable television — the
future of the OSU College of
tion, please consider joining to
memories of college life remain
Education. Our greatest thanks
ensure that you’ll receive future
vivid. To give you an updated
go to each of you who have
publications from the college. Go
look into the “day in the life of
supported our efforts.
to www.orangeconnection.org for
a student,” we asked five of our Do you kn ow a f u tu re C o wg ir l or C owboy? P lease sha re with us co n tac t inf or mation f o r a n y po tenti a l s t u de n ts . We will b e g lad t o se t up meet i n g s with a n
students to keep a journal of a typical day. In this issue, we also highlight some of the important work of alumni, faculty, and staff who provide much inspiration by their commitment to helping others through professional and personal service and through
acad emic coun sel or,
outreach to communities. Be
t ou rs o f th e campus
sure to check the “Class Notes”
o r o t h e r ac tiviti es
section on page 30 and send
t o he l p th em expl ore
us information for the next
majo r s in th e C oll ege
magazine.
o f E ducati on.
Contact Information
(405) 744-3373 pamela.fry@okstate.edu www.okstate.edu/education
Recent College of Education Points of Pride Establishing the Watson Family Academic Success Center, a comprehensive resource center for all undergraduate COE students Increasing the number of endowed faculty lines from six to 20 Attaining and/or maintaining eight national program accreditations Implementing five new programs, including two new programs at OSU-Tulsa Receiving 49 external awards, including new and continuing contracts with NASA education valued over $30 million, one of the largest contracts awarded to OSU Enrolling over 2,000 students annually in online coursework and leading the university in the percentage of online offerings
information. Please let us hear from you. Warmest Regards,
Pamela Fry Dean
photo by Gary Lawson
On The CoveR
Representing the many accomplished students in the College of Education are, from left, Seong Won Choi , junior, clinical athletic training; Daishund Lanier, freshman, secondary education, math; Zach Countryman, senior, aviation education, professional pilot; Jacqueline Turner, senior, secondary education, English; and Emily Handy, freshman, secondary education, foreign language. The photo is by Phil Shockley.
C OE C o m m u n i c a t i o n s Specialist
Eileen Mustain Ed i t o r
photo by Gary Lawson
32
Christy Lang
15
Dean, College of EDucation
completing their degrees in a variety of majors and programs. All COE students have obligations and responsibilities in the classroom, on campus and beyond. Five education students give an up close and personal account of a day in their lives beginning on page 6.
12
Pamela Fry
Excelling in many ways College of Education students work toward
The space connection The College of Education and NASA have a connection that spans nearly 40 years, giving OSU a national and international reputation for K-12 NASA education.
A difference maker An alumnus leads a Houston charter school to a level of success that garners recognition from the U.S. Department of Education for its achievement.
An eye on the world Veteran travelers and longtime college supporters Frank and Carol Morsani share their exploration experiences on all seven continents.
Paul V. Fleming Art Director
Gary Lawson Phil Shockley Photographers
Janet Varnum
A s s o c i a t e Ed i t o r
CONTACT THE MAGAZINE
C OE M a g a z i n e 335 Willard C o l l e g e o f Ed u c a t i o n Oklahoma State University S t i l l w a t e r , OK 7 4 0 7 8 - 4 0 3 3 coemagazine@okstate.edu
COE Magazine is a publication of the O klahoma State University C o l l e g e o f E d u c a t i o n . I t s p u r p o s e i s t o c o n n e c t t h i s c o l l e g e w i t h its many stakeholders, providing i n f o r m a t i o n o n b o t h c a m p u s n e w s and pertinent issues in the field of education. © Oklahoma State University 2009
18 College News 30 Class Notes
When you join the OSU Alumni Association, a portion of your membership comes back to the college to fund programs such as homecoming and other alumni events. Contact the college for more information: 335 Willard Hall Stillwater, OK 74078-4033 (405) 744-8320. http://okstate.edu/education Oklahoma State University in compliance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order 11246 as amended, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other federal laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, or status as a vet eran in any of its policies, practices or procedures. This includes but is not limited to admissions, employment, financial aid, and educational services. Title IX of the Education Amendments and Oklahoma State University policy prohibit discrimination in the provision of services of benefits offered by the University based on gender. Any person (student, faculty or staff) who believes that discriminatory practices have been engaged in based upon gender may discuss their concerns and file informal or formal complaints of possible violations of Title IX with the OSU Title IX Coordinator, Director of Affirmative Action, 408 Whitehurst, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, (405)744-5371 or (405)744-5576(fax). This publication, #2351, issued by Oklahoma State University as authorized by the College of Education, was printed by OSU Marketing, Consolidated Printing Solutions at a cost of $3897.00. 4,500/Sept/09.
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www.okstate.edu/education
The Art of Creative Problem-Solving Research showing that
exposure to art enhances a child’s
learning has inspired a collaborative art program for Stillwater’s elementary students. A partnership of the OSU College of
Education, the city of Stillwater
and the Stillwater Public School District provides students with authentic art experiences while preparing future teachers to integrate art into the mainstream classroom. Once a month in fall or spring, Stillwater third, fourth and fifth graders attend a two-hour art experience at the city’s stateof-the-art Multi-Arts Center. Receiving instruction from an artist teacher, children learn about the elements and principles of art and create individual projects in the ceramics, painting and drawing rooms.
photos by Phil Shockley
Gayla Foster, left, works with fourth
grade students from Stillwater’s Will Rogers Elementary School at the Stillwater Multi Arts Center. Foster teaches Visual Arts in the Curriculum to all elementary education students.
The project, which reaches
Foster worked with members
1,200 children each year, dates
of the Stillwater Fine Arts Task
back to 2005 and is funded
Force and the school district to
through the Stillwater Arts and
plan the logistics and take the
Humanities Council, the Parent-
project from vision to reality.
Teacher organizations at the six
She continues her involvement
elementary schools and commu-
today from another perspective.
nity businesses. Artists in the
Foster teaches Visual Arts in the
community serve as instructors
Curriculum, a required course
or artist teachers.
for all OSU elementary education
“This is a great, hands-on
students. The class provides the
fine arts experience they would
tools and confidence to teach art
not get otherwise,” says Gayla
in the mainstream classroom.
Foster, visiting professor of art
continues next page
education. “It reaches so many students.”
20 09
College of Education Oklahoma State University
4
www.okstate.edu/education
“Almost every semester, students come to the class and say, ‘I don’t think I’m creative,’ or ‘I don’t think I can do art.’ My job is to get them to realize that they can, and that it doesn’t take very long and it’s fun. It just takes perseverance and patience,” she says. Foster teaches ceramics, painting, drawing, printmaking and paper-mâché. Every College of Education
semester, her classes fire pottery in a kiln
helps a Will Rogers
in Willard Hall. Students also write papers
student Jennifer Young Elementary student create a clay mug.
outlining their theory of creativity and philosophy of art education. Their experiences can be adapted to first grade up to eighth grade. “Doing art helps children and our OSU students to develop a sense of self-discipline,” Foster says. “They have to be really mentally disciplined to sit down to draw, paint or do ceramics. Also, the thought process, the subtle decisions they have to make, is creative problem solving.” As a five-hour field experience for this class, OSU students attend sessions for the Stillwater children twice during the semester to help facilitate the art projects and assist the artist and classroom teachers. “It’s a great lab experience for OSU students because many of them haven’t seen or done art since they were in junior high or even elementary school,” she says. For Foster’s class, students also write about the experience, including their reactions, insights, personal reflections and implications for future teaching. “I did not realize how important art is to the development of children,” says Amy Coble, an elementary and special education junior. “Art can be used in every subject — math, literature, science — and it makes a
photo by Phil Shockley
lasting difference.”
Ensuring a Legacy OSU alumni Tom and Ann
Education and taught in public schools
“Tom and Ann have demonstrated a
Dugger recently used a unique
for 34 years. Today, she is an adjunct in
creative way to support student schol-
planned gift to ensure that their schol-
the college while Tom continues work-
arships, and we are extremely grateful
arship will provide education and busi-
ing as a CPA in Stillwater.
for their generosity,” Dean Pamela Fry
ness students with support for many
The Duggers’ scholarship alternates
says. “It is a wonderful way to give
between the College of Education and
back to OSU and continue providing
The Duggers’ planned gift of
the Spears School of Business. Tom’s
opportunities for students.”
choice is a Charitable Remainder
scholarship goes to an accounting
Unitrust. The OSU Foundation will
student who has completed three years
act as trustee for the Unitrust, which
of undergraduate study and is pursuing
provides the Duggers a lifetime stream
a master’s degree. Ann’s goes to an
of income as well as some immediate
education student during the student
charitable tax benefits. The Duggers
teaching internship.
established the charitable trust with
“I designated it that way because I
a piece of real estate. After they pass,
remember how hard it was not to work
this gift will add substantially to their
during the semester I student taught,”
scholarship fund.
Ann says. “Student teachers I have
“In the long run, we believe it will
supervised who worked while they
provide students the same opportuni-
student taught did not have the same
ties we had. That’s important to us,”
experience.”
years to come.
Tom says. “Without the educational
The Duggers have shown a commit-
opportunities Oklahoma State
ment to philanthropy and service
provided, we could not have done
throughout their lives, such as Ann’s
all we have in our lives. It has had a
involvement in starting a foundation
tremendous impact.”
to support a one-room schoolhouse
Ann and Tom both grew up in
in Nowata County that appears
Oklahoma’s Nowata County. The
on the National Registry of
financial assistance they received at
Historic Places and Tom’s
OSU was pivotal. Ann had a national
service on the Stillwater
defense loan and used the work-study
City Council.
program. Tom came to OSU on scholarships. He says he came to Stillwater, found a job and then enrolled. The couple completed bachelor’s degrees in three-and-a-half years. Ann graduated in elementary education and Tom in accounting in 1972. Ann went on to complete her master’s degree and doctorate in the College of
College of Education Oklahoma State University
20 09
Courtesy photo
6
www.okstate.edu/education
A Day in the Life Students in OSU’s College of Education represent a range of
majors and programs, but all are working toward the common
goal of completing their degrees. All COE students — athletic
training, health education and promotion, leisure studies,
counseling, teacher education or aerospace operations and
administration — have obligations and responsibilities in the
classroom, on campus and beyond. Here, education students give an up close and personal account of a day in their lives.
photo by Phil Shockley
Catherine M. Zelenski Secondary English Education 6:30 a.m. . Wake up to prepare for the day.
7:15 a.m. . Leave for school where I’m student teaching.
7:30 a.m. . Arrive and move necessary items (papers to grade, gradebook) to the workroom for my planning period since our students are being borrowed for testing. Grade papers and make copies of the test for the day. Also work on lesson plans for when I sub after graduation.
9:20 a.m. . We take 10 minutes to do bell work and go over directions for the test and for after the test. Test takes about 20 minutes. For the next 15 minutes after the test the students work on their writing. For the rest of the class students still work on their writing, but also get to watch The Complete Works of Shakespeare (Abridged). I’ve never heard them laugh so much! After 90 minutes of class, I enjoy a relaxing 30 minute lunch with the other teachers. 11:35 a.m. – 1:05 p.m. . The first 10 minutes of class are spent on bell work. After that the students take a moment to form groups of three, and five minutes are spent going over the directions for the “Hamlet Murder Mystery.” For 35 minutes students play a game where they try to figure out who had a motive to kill Hamlet’s father. After they all have their answers, the play and characters are introduced. The remaining 30 minutes is spent reading the play out loud (with the students wearing crazy hats to symbolize their characters) and discovering who really committed the murder. 1:10 – 2:40 p.m. . Ten minutes of bell work starts the class yet again. The next 25 minutes are spent teaching and explaining grammar, and beginning the assignment. After the students get a feel for the work, we move onto poetry, listening to and reading modern song lyrics. Students found the rhythms and literary elements within the songs while listening to music they could enjoy. It was also an eye-opener to what relevance English has outside of the classroom. The remaining class time is spent finishing the grammar lesson. 3 p.m. . Since I am lucky enough to have everything prepared for the next day, I spent time cleaning and grocery shopping. 6:30 p.m. . I made dinner. 8 p.m. . I worked out for an hour, prepared my materials for the following day, checked my email, and wrote this email. 10:30 p.m. . Now it’s time for bed!
Completed student teaching internship in sophomore and senior English at Midwest City High School (spring 2009). Catherine M. Zelenksi, a May 2009 graduate, is in her first year of teaching eighth-grade English at Del Crest Middle School in Del City and would eventually like to teach in Colorado or Massachusetts.
photo by Phil Shockley
Kendall Choate Athletic Training
7 a.m. . Wake up, it’s another early morning, and I have to go to the athletic training room and assist some football players with their rehabilitation following the morning workout ... so I hit the snooze button, I could use a few more minutes of rest.
8 a.m. . Arrive at the training room and begin working with one of our defensive linemen who has sustained a hip flexor strain while participating in practice a couple days before. Time to work on increasing range of motion and muscular strength. 11 a.m. . Leave the athletic training room and head over to the Student Union Registrar’s office in order to get an official copy of my transcript. I’m trying to join a premedical honors society, and I need a transcript to finish my application. Since I am double majoring in both athletic training options (clinical and pre-professional) and plan on going to physical therapy school upon graduation, I think that joining this society would be beneficial to my professional development. 11:45 a.m. . Grab lunch at the Westside Cafe here on campus and then catch up on some news by reading The Daily O’Collegian. 12:30 p.m. . Attend community health class and learn about insurance, the health care system and the amazing world of health. 2 p.m. . Head over to the Colvin Recreation Center to complete my exercise physiology lab. Today we are testing our classmates’ heart function by using electrocardiograms. Gotta make sure everybody has a heartbeat! 3 p.m. . Time to go back over to the athletic training room to prepare for football practice. This usually consists of pre-practice taping and field set-up. 7 p.m. . Practice ends around 6 p.m., but we athletic training students have to stay late to conduct post-practice injury evaluations and treatment. 7:30 p.m. . Make dinner (usually something cheap and easy) and check my email (I typically have to get back to lots of people since I’m the current president of the OSU Athletic Training Student Association ... it’s a busy job). 8 p.m. . Start a three-hour-long physics 1 assignment (which isn’t much fun) and text my friends between homework problems. 12 a.m. . Hit the hay, call it a night, and get ready for class and sport rotation tomorrow!
After graduating in May 2010, Kendall Choate plans to attend physical therapy school in Texas or Oklahoma.
20 09
College of Education Oklahoma State University
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www.okstate.edu/education
Claudia Porras
Counseling Psychology Doctoral Candidate
7:30 a.m. . I’m feeling a little nervous about proposing my dissertation, but I’m mostly very excited that this day has finally arrived. I don’t propose until 10 a.m. but I have a few things to do before I get ready for my long day. I make myself a quick breakfast before heading out. I never leave home without breakfast. I read over my notes for my presentation as I eat. I clean up the kitchen a bit and head out.
9 a.m. . I must stop at the store to pick up something for my dissertation committee to snack on while I present. I arrive on campus a little after 9 a.m. to meet with my committee chair and go over last minute details. She preps me for the presentation and gives me pointers on what I can expect. My nervousness is definitely increasing now. 12 p.m. . I just got out of the proposal meeting. It went about an hour and a half longer than I had expected…wow! That was intense. I have many, many revisions to work on, but I passed! I am almost a doctoral candidate (this means I have passed my comprehensive exams and have successfully proposed my dissertation). Just need to turn in my signed forms to apply for doctoral candidacy. Wow, I can’t believe this day is finally here. It seemed so far away. I can’t get too excited though because I’m still a little overwhelmed about all the revisions I will have to make. I have a meeting with my committee chair now but first, I need to cancel my next appointment as my proposal meeting went longer than expected. I was going to help with the 2nd Annual STYLE program (Strengthening Today’s Young Leaders through Education), but it’s going on all week, so I’ll help out tomorrow. My chair and I meet over lunch. 3:30 p.m. . My meeting also goes longer than I expected. We had a lot to process. I have a few errands to run before heading home. First on my list, turn in my doctoral candidacy form and I am officially a doctoral candidate! I head down to the lab and try to get some work done before going home. 5:15 p.m. . I turn in all the final paperwork to my professor and finally get to go home. I’m exhausted! My roommate messages me as I head home. Tonight is roommate night, which consists of eating takeout and watching CSI together while I transcribe a focus group during the commercials. I have two jobs. One is as a psychological intern at a juvenile detention center; my second job is as a graduate assistant where we collect qualitative data from Latino/Latina focus groups around Oklahoma. My task is to transcribe the groups. The dissertation has been taking up a lot of my time, so I am behind. 5:30 p.m. . I get home, pick up the mail and throw myself on the couch. I’m emotionally drained. I mindlessly look through the mail. I got my new APA manual today, another exciting event. I watch TV for a while, waiting for my roommate to get home with dinner. 6:00 p.m. . My roommate arrives with Chinese (my all-time favorite food). I’m taking some time off work while we eat. 7:30 p.m. . I get distracted by a text that asks what I’m wearing for our friend’s wedding this weekend. I spend the rest of the evening catching up with friends and family over the phone, Facebook and MySpace while periodically going back to the transcription. 12:30 a.m. . Finally, I’m ready for bed! I said I was going to be early tonight and although earlier than most nights, it isn’t as early as I had wanted.
Claudia Porras, plans to graduate in August 2011 and is interested in a career in academe while continuing research aimed at helping the Latino/a community.
photo by Gary Lawson
Zach Countryman
Aerospace Administration and Operation / Professional Pilot 7 a.m. . It’s time to get up and prepare for the day. During the week, I tend to get up anywhere between 5:30 and 7:30. I spend the first hour getting ready; eating breakfast, showering, etc.
8 a.m. . Final studying for a quiz later today in my turbine engines operations class. I just need to review some notes on PowerPoint that my professor posted online for our use. I’m working on this over breakfast. 9 a.m. . I’m on my way to work at the NASA Education Projects. Today at work, I prepare a FedEx shipment, pick up the mail and run errands on campus. I’m not at work very long on Tuesdays and Thursdays but long enough to get some basic daily tasks accomplished.
photo by gary lawson
10:30 a.m. . My first class of the day, International Aerospace Issues, covers the aviation industry and environment. Today we’re working on a group case study covering airport security and ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) regulations. Our group finished a few minutes ahead of schedule, so I got to go to lunch early! 11:30 a.m. . I walk over to the Student Union — a hub of student activity on campus. My first stop is to the Bursar’s office to pay my monthly bill. Then I’m meeting a group of friends for lunch before my next class. 12:30 p.m. . My second class of the day is a legal studies in business course. I need this class for my minor study coursework; it is not required for aviation. Today’s legal studies include a lecture on the different types of contracts. 2 p.m. . My final class of the day is Turbine Engine Operations, an interesting class covering the workings and components of gas turbine engines. The class is taught by our flight program manager who has extensive first-hand maintenance experience and gives us added insight into engine operation. Today’s agenda included taking the small quiz that I was studying for this morning, followed by the last part of a lecture on the combustion section of a turbine engine. 3 p.m. . I stayed on campus briefly to talk to a friend after class. Friends are an important part of my life, and college has undoubtedly led to many of the best friendships I have now. I know that I will be in touch with these people long after college. 5 p.m. . I’m working at home on my computer. I typically do most of my homework at home on my laptop since this is a comfortable, quiet atmosphere. I also work well at the library, which is an invaluable resource on campus. 6 p.m. . Time for dinner! Since I don’t have lots of time tonight, a frozen dinner is on the menu. 7:30 p.m. . I drive out to Stillwater’s airport for a Flying Aggies officer meeting at the OSU Flight Center. The officer meeting tonight is about the upcoming fly-in hosted by the Flying Aggies for our annual fundraiser. If you’re a professional pilot major, the flight center becomes home-away-from-home, as all flight training operations are conducted here. 8 p.m. . I’m leaving the airport to drive to church for a college-group band practice. Practice is every Tuesday, and I help the band set up the equipment and manage the sound system. 9:45 p.m. . I’m back home and about to start some more homework. I have a paper and presentation in Aviation Security next week, so I do a little more writing on the paper before bed. In the aviation program, most of your larger assignments are papers or writing assignments. I find it’s easier to work on them in small pieces, if only to prevent having to pull the classic “all-nighter!” 11 p.m. . It’s about time to call it a day. I try to get a good night’s sleep so I can function tomorrow.
Zach Countryman, who hopes to become a professional pilot flying for a regional airline or corporation, is considering graduate school after he graduates in May 2010.
20 09
College of Education Oklahoma State University
photo by Gary Lawson
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www.okstate.edu/education
Chelsea Ferguson
Health Education and Promotion
7 a.m. . Woke up, took care of my dog, Noah, and then got ready for the day! 8:45 a.m. . Grabbed breakfast on my way out the door, and left for my mock interview through Career Services in the Student Union. The 9:30 interview replaced my pre-internship class this day.
9:30 a.m. . I was interviewed by Rob Woods from Total Health. I am currently in the HHP 4902 Pre-Internship class for my degree, and participating in a mock interview is part of the class. I will be graduating in May and starting my internship immediately following graduation. The idea of an interview made me nervous at first because I’ve never been interviewed before, but the whole experience ended up being a wonderful thing. In class we’re taught how to dress, carry ourselves, answer questions and so on. Someday I will actually have to go through an interview for a job and having had the mock interview experience will ensure that I am prepared. 10:15 a.m. . Ran by the Student Union Bookstore to pick up a binder for a group project in my HHP 4973 Program Design Class. Our group is designing a project to encourage motorcyclists of all ages to wear their helmets. 11 a.m. . Grabbed lunch in the Union and headed over to Willard to eat and regroup. Willard’s living room is my favorite place to be in between classes or appointments. It’s quiet, and if you have homework or want to read a book or just relax, it’s the perfect place. 11:30 a.m. . Met with my advisor Todd Snethen to enroll in a weekend class. The advisors at the COE are amazing. They truly care about the students and are dedicated to helping us achieve our goals. 12:30 p.m. . Went to my HHP 4773 class, and on this day “Share the Wealth” came to talk to us. Their presentation was titled “Drink or No Drink.” They educated us about the facts on drinking; the good and the bad. 2 p.m. . Walked around Boomer Lake, my favorite place to go for a walk. It’s peaceful, and I love being outside. 5 p.m. . Went to dinner at Texas Roadhouse with three of my good friends. It was a girls’ night! Two of the girls (along with me) are in Omega Phi Alpha, a National Service Sorority here on campus. I met them through the sorority, and I truly believe they will be some my lifelong friends. 7 p.m. . We all went back to a friend’s house after dinner to watch the season finale of The Bachelor. We hate how it ended and are now boycotting the show. 10 p.m. . Worked on homework for my program design class, and then looked up addresses for my wedding guest list. This semester has been filled with finishing classes, taking in my last experiences at OSU and wedding planning. I’m busy, excited and truly joyful! 11 p.m. . Watched TV for a bit and then went to bed. (This is what I normally do at night.)
Chelsea Ferguson White, who graduated in August 2009, plans to attend nursing school and to become a surgical nurse.
Classroom Technology Sparks Creativity A challenge teachers often face
The OKSMF aims at stimulating
is getting their students excited about
student interest and involvement in all
daylong event that includes workshops
learning. Many students balk at writing
types of media production. Students
in basic production techniques and new
a paper for their parents and a teacher,
across Oklahoma submit media proj-
software for media projects as well as
but imagine students turning those
ects, including live action, animation,
a screening and ceremony to announce
papers into videos or photographs and
sequential stills, websites, photographic
winning entries in all three divisions.
sharing them with peers and professional
essay or single photography. Students
judges. Excitement grows. Learning is
with teacher sponsors can submit
festival, held in OSU’s
fun. And the results are apparent.
entries in three divisions, K–4th grade,
Willard Hall, included clay
5th–8th grade and 9th–12th grade.
animation pieces, a video
Prior to joining the faculty at OSU as associate professor and coordinator
The festival offers students an arena
The festival culminates with a
The entries in the 2009
highlighting “A Day in the
of the Education Technology program,
where they can show their media
Life of a Firefighter,” and
Susan Stansberry was a K-12 teacher
to peers and have it evaluated by
a sequential stills project
who used technology to teach all subjects. educational technology professors and
where an elementary
“I found that I could put technology
specialists. Since the festival’s inception
student took photos of zoo
in students’ hands and teach many
in 2006, students have submitted more
animals for each letter of the
different content areas. They were
than 1,600 entries.
alphabet. There were also
S ta n s be r r y
biographies about teachers, stories and documentaries. The variety of ideas and projects gives students the opportunity to learn new techniques from each other. “It’s more than a reward for outstand-
“The Oklahoma Student Media Festival has been a wonderful venue for the development of students’ creativity and critical thinking skills.”
ing media projects. It’s a challenge for my students to be more creative each time they enter,” says Bandy Sanders of Comanche High School.
motivated because they didn’t really
“I hope the festival will encourage
“The Oklahoma Student Media
think they were writing a paper — they
teachers to use more technology in the
Festival has been a wonderful venue for
were writing a script. I wanted more
classroom,” Stansberry says.
the development of students’ creativ-
places that my kids could show off
Producing projects for the festival
ity and critical thinking skills,” says
their great work to a wider audience,”
gives students a well-rounded learning
Lynn Tilley, library media specialist at
Stansberry says.
experience. They often work in groups,
Comanche Elementary School.
Her search for a broader audience
developing teamwork skills that can
and her belief in the successful use of
transfer to participation in clubs,
Dr. Stansberry and her colleagues do
technology in the classroom led her to
school and the work place. Because
each year for the benefit of Oklahoma
create the Oklahoma Student Media
their submissions require a script
students,” Tilley says. “What the
Festival (OKSMF), which receives
along with permission and credit for
students learn from participating in the
sponsorship and support from the
copyrighted material, students learn the
festival will have lifelong benefits.”
Oklahoma Technology Association and
research, writing and editing processes.
Visit www.oksmf.net for more
Apple Education.
“We appreciate all the hard work that
information.
20 09
College of Education Oklahoma State University
12
www.okstate.edu/education
photo by gary lawson
Q&A with Steve Marks
OSU NASA Education Projects The OSU College of Education has
38 years of experience in educational partnerships with the National Aeronautics and Space
Association. Currently, the college manages three NASA grants with nearly $7 million in funding this year and $30 million overall. OSU is at the forefront of what’s happening in NASA education. Its strong national and international reputation in K-12 education at NASA is one of OSU’s best-kept secrets. Steve Marks, a professor in the college’s School of Educational Studies and coordinator of OSU’s NASA education projects, is the principal investigator for all the NASA education projects that OSU manages.
How did you become involved with OSU and the NASA Education Projects? I was a junior high teacher at Milburn Junior High in the Shawnee-Mission School District in Kansas. I was always interested in space, and my undergraduate and master’s work was in earth science and space science. I attended a space science workshop where I met Dr. Ken Wiggins, who was there to talk about a national project. I told Dr. Wiggins I wanted to get my doctorate and that my wife wanted to get her master’s. He said to come on down to Oklahoma State University, and we did in 1973. In 1968, Dr. Wiggins got involved with the Johnson Space Center as an outreach program, and it went national in 1969. OSU was involved with NASA Education from 1968 to 1975 and again from 1979 until the present. In 1975, I went to work for a new contract that was called the Aerospace Education Services Project or the Space Mobile. In 1979, OSU got the Space Mobile project back. It remained at OSU from 1979 to August 2007. In 1985, the Teaching in Space Project was initiated under President Reagan, and OSU was instrumental in starting that program. In 2003, the NASA Explorer Schools Project was started; Oklahoma State did the research and design for it. In 2004, the NASA Digital Learning Network was started up and Oklahoma State was able to do the research and development and get that started. In 2008, NASA redesigned the NASA Sharp project and called it NASA INSPIRE. OSU won the competitive bid to begin that project starting in March 2008.
Does OSU have employees working on these projects around the country? Oklahoma State, through projects over the years, has established an OSU office at the 10 NASA Centers across the U.S. As our projects develop, we hire education specialists, administrative support and project support personnel. The number of OSU employees varies depending on the project. There may be just one or as many as six or seven.
How many total employees does OSU have for NASA Education Projects? Are you involved in hiring all of those people? There are around 47 total employees. As the principal investigator, I am responsible for all employees. When we have a position open, it’s usually a specialized position. We try to form a search committee that represents the field, and it makes recommendations. We conduct yearly appraisals and developments. Our on-campus employees range from five to 10. We try to use graduate students as well as undergraduate students. I have encouraged students and employees to sign on with us, and it takes them in directions they never thought possible.
Do most employees have an educational background? Yes. We were the first to require teacher certification for those who work for us. Originally, we also required three years of teaching experience. In the early 1990s, we increased that to five years in the classroom. NASA’s education projects are divided up into categories, and we mainly support the K-12 sector. We overlap in museums, science centers, higher education and minority areas, but our primary focus is on K-12.
What are NASA’s primary objectives for its education projects? Student still have a high interest in NASA. I think that’s because there is a natural curiosity about airplanes, rockets and dinosaurs. NASA has all three if you throw in asteroids. Over the years, NASA has developed specialized-type projects designed to educate students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. NASA has developed a system whereby a student can get involved in NASA during elementary school and continue through high school and into college to become an engineer, technician or administrative assistant that knows NASA and can work for NASA or some of its contractors.
Can you share a description of all of the NASA Education Projects that OSU manages? For a long time, we handled one project, and now we are doing a lot. That’s built upon our reputation, and our ability to deliver over the years. Dr. Wiggins laid a fine foundation. OSU is known nationally and internationally for K-12 NASA Education. These contracts are all competitively bid every three to five years, and everybody wants in this business. It is high profile and somewhat big money for an education institution. continues next page
photo by gary lawson
In 2008, Educator Astronaut Barbara Morgan visited the OSU campus to share
her experience aboard NASA’s Space Shuttle Endeavor STS-118 mission.
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NASA Explorer Schools/Digital Learning Network The NASA Explorer Schools initiative promotes and supports the incorporation of NASA content and programs into science, technology and mathematics curricula in classroom grades four through nine across the country. It targets underserved populations in diverse geographic locations and has a very competitive application process. These schools are adopted, so to speak, and NASA makes a commitment over a number of years to the schools. The program offers summer professional development workshops for teams of teachers and administrators at the nine NASA Field Centers and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. The idea is to integrate NASA content into existing school curricula. The programs provide students opportunities for active participation in research, problem solving and design challenges related to NASA’s missions. NASA has developed a Digital Learning Network where teachers can sign up for modules that specialize in NASA areas. From a NASA Center, a learning coordinator who has educational experience can deliver content to classrooms via video conferencing. That support is ongoing for educators K-12.
Students participate in the NASA Explorer Schools Student Symposium at Johnson Space Center in May.
INSPIRE INSPIRE is designed for students in ninth through 12th grades who are interested in science, technology, engineering and mathematics education and careers. The Online Learning Community is INSPIRE’s centerpiece, providing a place for students to interact with their peers, NASA experts and education specialists. Once they are in the online community, they can apply for specialized summer activities. Ninth graders can apply to visit a NASA Center for a day; 10th graders can apply for a two-week NASA workshop at a designated university; and 11th graders have the opportunity to reside at a NASA Center for eight weeks. The 12th graders have the opportunity for an eight-week internship.
Teaching from Space (TFS) The Teaching from Space program is multi-faceted. One element that catches everyone’s attention is the educator astronaut. There are four educator astronauts. Joe Acaba, Ricky Arnold and Barbara Morgan have all flown and Dottie Metcalf-Lindenburger will fly next April. Morgan visited OSU in October 2008 and has been a very good supporter over the years. Before astronauts go to a school to make a presentation, they visit our office down in Houston. They may say, “I am going to be visiting second graders. What can I do with them?” Our staff provides activities, props and models to help them. The TFS Office is responsible for facilitating the flight of educational activities on the Space Shuttle and the International Space Station. Educational payloads or lockers on the shuttle can be devoted to educational research inquiry. International Space Station (ISS) crewmembers perform curriculum-based activities in space to demonstrate basic principles of science, math, engineering and geography. TFS also coordinates Education Downlinks, which provide students and educators learning opportunities by speaking to the crew in orbit. Usually, two education downlinks occur each month. Science museums, planetariums and other organizations apply and go through a review process. A committee reviews proposals and makes recommendations about which downlinks should be conducted. I sit on the review committee to help determine what educational products are flown in space.
Roger Hardesty Endowed Chair in Aviation Science
In 1990, the Roger Hardesty Endowed Chair in Aviation Science became the first endowed faculty position for the College of Education, beginning a legacy of endowed faculty positions in the COE. Donna J. Hardesty established the position in her husband’s name. Roger Hardesty is the founder and CEO of the Hardesty Companies, an Oklahoma-based corporation with diversified holdings. The Hardesty Endowed Chair supports OSU’s aerospace administration and operations program at OSU-Tulsa. Currently, Timm Bliss serves as the Hardesty Chair. Today, the college has eight endowed faculty members and the funds received or committed for nearly 20 additional endowed faculty positions.
Building a Place for Dreams Meet Carlos Villagrana,
After graduating from Duncan
an OSU College of Education
High School, Villagrana headed
graduate who currently serves
to OSU. Not only was he the
as the principal of Amigos Por
first person in his family to
Vida – Friends for Life Charter
graduate from high school, he
School, an elementary school in
became the first to attend and
the Gulfton area of Houston.
graduate from college.
Villagrana’s story begins in El
Villagrana started out pursuing
Paso, Texas. His parents were citi-
a degree in business. “My idea
zens of Juarez, Mexico, but Carlos
was to go out and make a lot of
was born in this west Texas
money and come back to help the
town. He lived in Juarez until he
Hispanic community,” he says.
was 7 years old, when his family
But a summer job set him
re-located to Duncan, Okla.
on a different career path. He
“I really had a small-town
worked for a United Way agency
Oklahoma upbringing,”
in Oklahoma City, serving as a
Villagrana says.
mentor to Hispanic children. The experience was eye opening. continues next page
Carlos Villagrana, 1998 elementary education alum, is the principal at Amigos Por Vida – Friends for Life School in the Gulfton area of Houston. The U.S. Department of Education has recognized Amigos as a charter school that is closing the achievement gap.
Courtesy photos
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“I saw that there was plenty
Villagrana enjoyed his job, but
“I didn’t want to take the job.
of money for programming to
a relationship that began at OSU
People advised not to take the
impact the population. There
enticed him to move to Puerto
job.” Ultimately, he prayed about
just weren’t enough people,”
Rico to reunite with his future
the opportunity and decided to
Villagrana says.
wife, Lourdes Ocasio. The couple
accept the position, and after
He returned to OSU in the
married and eventually decided
serving a short stint as assistant
fall and spent another semester
to return to Houston to teach.
principal, the school promoted
in business, but started to think
Amigos Por Vida serves
pre-kindergarten 3-year-olds through eighth grade, providing 50 percent of instruction in English and 50 percent
in Spanish.
Again, the children Villagrana
Villagrana to principal.
that might not be the right career
was teaching were struggling,
A unique school, Amigos
path for him.
and he felt like they were not
had its share of challenges. It
“I had a conversation with
learning enough English.
opened in 1999 as an answer to
my parents and my brother. We
“I felt like I needed to do a
overcrowding in Gulfton, one of
talked about the people that had
better job of learning how to
the most densely populated areas
the most influence on our lives
teach these kids,” he says.
in Texas. Over 99 percent of its
and they were schoolteachers in
Villagrana applied for and
students receive free and reduced
Duncan, particularly a fifth grade
received a scholarship to begin
lunches. The apartment complex
teacher named Mrs. Wilcoxson. I
a master’s degree in bilingual
housing the school sets in a
thought, ‘Wow, one person had
education at Houston Baptist
high-risk area where crime and
this much impact on two kids
University. He finished the
poverty are prevalent.
who probably never should have
program in two and a half years
made it. I want to be that kind of
while continuing to teach.
person for other kids.’”
The state of Texas hired
The parents had trust issues, and only 50 percent of the students were earning passing
Villagrana transitioned to
Villagrana as a reading specialist
rates on Texas’ annual exams.
the College of Education and
to provide consulting services to
The school had to make changes
completed his degree in elemen-
a number of underperforming
if it were going to survive.
tary education in 1998. Within
schools. The position took him
“We went through a lot of
a year or two of graduating,
to Amigos Por Vida – Friends for
growing pains,” Villagrana says.
he took a position in the Alief
Life in 2003. Eventually, school
“We had to revamp the whole
Independent School District in
officials approached Villagrana
school, and I think that was
Houston as a bilingual teacher
about working as an administra-
harder to do than starting the
instructing Spanish-speaking chil-
tor at the school.
school from scratch.”
dren in Spanish until they could
“I had no administrative experi-
learn enough English.
ence on a campus level and that was a huge disadvantage coming in,” Villagrana says.
Courtesy photos
The school’s board and
The school received the
Villagrana is an integral part
Villagrana set three key mandates. Governor’s Excellence Award
of the school’s success, says
The first is a dual-language
as a high-poverty school that
Amigos Por Vida Board President
(Spanish and English) program
performed in the top quartile
Mary Riley. “Carlos is devoted
where students receive 50 percent
of the Texas Assessment of
to the school, and all the
instruction in English and 50
Knowledge and Skills in 2006-
students and staff have a high
percent in Spanish.
07. The U.S. Department of
regard for him.”
The second mandate calls for
Education’s 2007 Innovations
He credits his OSU education
hiring only certified teachers.
in Education Report featured
for providing a strong foundation
This required heavy recruiting
Amigos as a school closing the
for his career. “I think the elemen-
to draw qualified teachers to the
achievement gap.
tary education program really
low-performing school, but it has
Today, the community
prepared me with theory that you
paid huge dividends, Villagrana
embraces the school that serves
apply to a classroom,” he says.
says. “We have a lot of really
pre-kindergarten 3-year-olds
Many things about OSU still stick
young staff members who got
through eighth grade. The school
with me, including the quality of
into education to work with the
has secured financing to purchase
people — people who care about
hardest to reach kids.”
property on which to build a
you and are there to help you.
permanent school.
That’s what I remember most.
The third mandate is for the school to be competitive and offer a quality overall education program, and that meant having the budget to do it. Amigos put in place internal controls for finances and operations. Improvements were swift and dramatic. In Villagrana’s second year, the school had a waiting list. Test scores climbed, and by 2007, 85 percent of students were earning passing rates on state reading exams and 99 percent were earning passing rates on state math-
“Parents and children have
“When I am talking to our
ematics exams. Parents petitioned
bought into believing that maybe
middle school kids about going
for Amigos to add sixth grade.
education is the way out of
to college, I tell them to start
poverty,” he says. “The great
dreaming,” Villagrana says. “I
thing is that we are able to prove
want them to have the same
that these kids who are so highly
experiences I have.”
Villagrana says it has been
gratifying to prove that children from all backgrounds enjoy tremendous academic success.
at risk are also highly successful. Along with my family, the school is kind of my life. It gets more amazing every day.”
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College News C hoate an d Weat herf or d
Two students from the OSU College of Education’s athletic train-
Ca n e day
Cast le
E d wa r d s
Caneday, who teaches in the leisure
The OSU Outreach Council has
studies and therapeutic recreation
selected Nadine Olson, associate
program at OSU, was honored at a
professor in the School of Teaching
student symposium, themed Celebrating
and Curriculum Leadership, as the
Mentors and Mentoring, for demon-
recipient for OSU’s 2009 Outstanding
strating characteristics valued and
Study Abroad Leader Award. The award
admired in mentors.
recognizes faculty who are dedicated
Kathryn Castle, Curriculum
to the internationalization of OSU by
ing program, Kendall Choate
Studies, will receive the National
providing excellent short-term faculty-
and Rachel Weatherford, were
Association of Early Childhood Teacher
led study abroad programs.
selected to represent the state of
Educators Foundation Research Award at
The Graduate and Professional
Oklahoma at the National Athletic
their meeting this coming November in
Student Government Association
Trainer’s Association iLead Student
Washington, D.C.
selected Amanda Mollet, a master’s
Leadership Conference in Washington,
Steve Edwards, associate dean
D.C. The conference goal is to help
for Graduate Studies and Research, was
as the recipient of the 2009 Phoenix
athletic trainers improve their skills
invited to be a peer reviewer for the
Award. The Phoenix Award, which
and learn how to use them in the
federal Fire Prevention and Safety grants.
recognizes exemplary achievement
profession.
The Federal Emergency Management
in leadership, scholarship, profes-
Lynna Ausburn, associate
Administration (FEMA) and U.S. Fire
sional involvement and university and
professor in the School of Teaching
Administration (USFA) sponsors the
community service, is the association’s
and Curriculum Leadership, received
$35 million federally funded grant
highest honor.
a Provost’s Teaching Research grant in
program.
student in college student development,
John Supon, a master’s student
2009. The project title is “Desktop
John Foubert, the Anderson,
in leisure studies, recently received the
Virtual Reality in Technical Teaching
Farris and Halligan Endowed Professor
Larry J. Mildren Graduate Scholarship
Programs.”
in College Student Development, testified
from the Therapeutic Recreation
The University of Central Oklahoma
before the U.S House of Representatives
Symposium for the Southwest. The
College of Education and Professional
Armed Service Subcommittee on Military
scholarship recognizes Supon as an
Studies has recognized Lowell
Personnel in March regarding “Sexual
individual who is committed to the field
Caneday, professor in Applied
Assault in the Military: Prevention.”
of therapeutic recreation and shows
Health and Educational Psychology, for
Foubert is one of the nation’s leading
great potential for leadership.
his work as a mentor to UCO faculty.
experts on sexual assault prevention.
Foubert
Olso n
Candace Thrasher, manager
T h r ash e r
Pe r r y
OSU prepared more than half of this year’s math and science teachers who
of Education Outreach, received
received $13,602 after fulfilling requirements of Oklahoma’s Teacher Shortage
the University Continuing Education
Employment Incentive Program. The legislative program, sponsored by the
Association Great Plains Region’s
Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, reimburses eligible student loan
2008 Support Specialist Award.
expenses or pays an equivalent cash benefit to individuals who graduate from an
Linnea Van Eman, doctoral
Oklahoma accredited teacher education program, receive a teaching certification
student in educational psychology,
in mathematics or science, and agree to teach in an Oklahoma public secondary
received a 2009 Women’s Faculty
school for at least five years. Of the 21 teachers completing five years of service,
Council Research Award for her disser-
12 graduated from OSU. For more information about the program, please visit
tation on gifted girls who accelerated in
http://www.okhighered.org/tseip/
math at middle school. Katye Perry is celebrating the
start of her 30th year as a member of the College of Education faculty. A special thanks goes to alumni Steve Birch and his wife Shanee
for sharing their Boone Pickens Stadium suite with the College of Education on football Saturdays this fall.
Occupational Education faculty members are, left to right, Belinda McCharen, Ji Hoon Song, Mary Jo Self and Lynna Ausburn.
U.S. News and World Report has ranked the OSU College of
Education’s Occupational Education graduate program among the best in the nation. The publication chose seven university programs to appear on its list of Best Educational School Specialty Rankings in the Technical/Vocational category. OSU landed the seventh spot after previously ranking No. 9 or 10 for a period of more than five years. U.S. News and World Report bases the rankings on factors such as research record and reputation of faculty and graduate students. Faculty members in the occupational education program are Lynna Ausburn, associate professor; Belinda McCharen, associate professor and Tuttle Endowed Chair of Occupational Education; Mary Jo Self, associate professor; Ji Hoon Song, assistant professor; and Floyd Ausburn, adjunct instructor. S t e v e & S h a n ee B i r c h
continues next page
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For the third straight year, the Osher Foundation is supporting OSU’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) with a $100,000 grant. Sponsored by OSU’s College of Education, OLLI @ OSU is a program of educational courses for people who want to enrich their lives through new learning experiences and the sharing of ideas. OLLI offers courses each semester on various topics in the Stillwater and Tulsa communities. Beginning next year, OLLI will offer classes in Oklahoma City. The Osher Foundation has invited OSU to apply for a $1 million endowment gift and $50,000 bridge grant in 2010. Rex Ball, OLLI instructor for the Art Deco class, tours the Boston Avenue United Methodist Church in downtown Tulsa with his students. photo by RuthAnn Sirbaugh
Honored Professors
Two College of Education faculty members, Dale Fuqua and Diane Montgomery,
now hold the prestigious title of Regents Professor at OSU. The title is awarded permanently to
faculty members who have made significant scholarly contributions and are recognized by their
peers as leaders in their respective disciplines.
Fuqua has served as president
Fu q ua
Fuqua, professor in the
School of Educational Studies,
of the Society of Consulting
for educational psychology. In
Psychology, APA, and as vice-
the fall of 2008, she received the
president, Division E: Counseling
President’s Excellence in Teaching
and Human Development,
Award at OSU-Tulsa, the highest
AERA. His research interests
honor awarded to faculty.
include organizational behavior,
She also served as the prin-
spirituality and personality, and
cipal investigator for “Project
construct psychology. He holds
CREATES,” an arts integration
a master’s degree in psychology
research project conducted in
from Eastern Illinois University
north Tulsa schools that brought
and a doctor’s degree in research
$1.25 million in research funding
methodology and counseling
to OSU over a five-year period.
from Indiana University.
The CREATES research resulted in more than 30 publications
was selected for the honor in
and presentations at the regional,
2001. He joined the OSU faculty
national and international level.
in 1987 as professor and depart-
Montgomery is a member
ment head for applied behavioral
of the board of examin-
studies and served in that capac-
ers for the National Council
ity until returning to a full-time
for Accreditation of Teacher
faculty role in the research,
Education and is past president
evaluation, measurement and
of the Association of the Gifted,
statistics program in 1996.
a Division of the Council for
He is an American Education
Exceptional Children.
Research Association (AERA)
Her research interest areas
fellow in measurement and research methodology and in counseling and human development. He also is an American Psychological Association (APA) fellow in evaluation measurement, consulting psychology and counseling psychology.
M o n t g ome r y
include creativity, transpersonal development, gifted education
Montgomery, professor
and American Indian education.
in the School of Applied Health
She earned a master’s degree
and Educational Psychology, was
in teaching from Western New
chosen as a Regents Professor
Mexico University and a doctor-
in 2009. She has been a member
ate in special education from the
of the faculty since 1990 and
University of New Mexico.
College of Education Oklahoma State University
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photos by Phil Shockley
serves as program coordinator
Courtesy photos
22
www.okstate.edu/education
International Teaching Lends Professional Growth The College of Education is marking
six years of international student teaching
opportunities for elementary, secondary or K-12 teacher candidates. More than 100
education students have completed student teaching internships abroad in either Costa Rica or England. The international option aims at broadening candidates’ perspectives on education to include local, national and global views. Otherwise, the program is similar in length and structure to internships in the U.S. Schools pair students with cooperating teachers who are certified and recommended by their principals.
Students must apply for the
“Living with a host family
Throughout the semester, the
From left, Brandi Joice, Emily Gorman Neitenbach and Caroline
opportunity and undergo a
gives students a sense of home. It
students and OSU faculty regu-
Hicks enjoyed traveling to
selective interview process. Once
allows students to be immersed
larly communicate through email.
completing student teaching
approved, they prepare for the
in Costa Rican culture and
Students and faculty also provide
internships by taking orientation
drastically improve their Spanish
professional development for
classes and learning about life and
language skills,” says Nadine
schools in both countries.
safety in the host country. They
Olson, associate professor and
Internships in Costa Rica and
also register online with the U.S.
coordinator of international
England offer opportunities for
Embassy and learn to visit govern-
student teaching.
weekend travel and exploration.
ment websites for country alerts.
Amsterdam, Holland, while
internships in England during the spring of 2009.
Graduate Myla Post, who
Emily Gorman, who completed
completed her student teaching
her student teaching internship
collaborates with Department of
internship in Costa Rica last
in England last spring, counted
to immerse themselves in Costa
Defense (DOD) Schools located
spring, says that living with the
travel as one of the best parts of
host families and take advantage
on Lakenheath, Mildenhall and
host family was one of her favor-
what was a wonderful overall
Feltwell military bases. Students
ite parts of the experience.
experience.
enjoy free housing and commis-
“The families and schools were
“The mentor teachers are
sary privileges.
so supportive of us. They really
amazing. Most are certified in
cared, and it speaks wonders
several areas and are passion-
who complete internships in
about their country and culture,”
ate about what they do,” says
a DOD school is that they
Post says.
Gorman. “I would definitely
In England, the college
Another advantage for students
can apply immediately upon
College faculty members have
Students have the opportunity Rican culture as they live with of sightseeing opportunities.
recommend student teaching
graduation for positions in DOD
developed strong relationships
abroad. Going into it, I didn’t
schools without the required five
with schools and host families
know any of the other OSU
years of teaching experience.
since the program’s inception.
students, but I was able to make
In Costa Rica, the college
They travel with students to
lifelong friendships.”
partners with three accredited,
teaching sites and remain for
The international student teach-
independent English-immersion
an orientation period, introduc-
ing program has been so successful
schools in the city of San Jose.
ing students to families and
that the college plans to continue
OSU students collaborate with
schools and making certain they
and expand it, Olson says.
a diverse group of multilingual
are comfortable in their new
“The experience has been
teachers from Costa Rica, Europe
surroundings.
extremely valuable and helped
and the U.S. and spend the 12
many students to grow profes-
weeks living with host families.
sionally.”
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Courtesy photo
A Legacy of Education Charles Cox began his career in
Charles taught for nearly 30 years
Judy’s sister, Gail (Cox) Gazin,
a one-room schoolhouse teaching 48
until his retirement in 1976. He spent
attended OSU but left to marry before
students in all grades.
most of his career in the Pawnee
finishing a degree. Years later in 1989,
The OSU College of Education
school system, where he started the
with encouragement and support from
graduate recalls that he was the only
driver’s education program and taught
her father and family, Gail completed
teacher and had no help, except for
junior high math. He ran the clock at
her bachelor’s degree at Ohio State
a high school student who pitched in
basketball games, drove the bus and
University in Columbus.
occasionally.
coached a summer baseball program.
“Dad encouraged me greatly,” Gazin
“That’s how we did it in those days,”
His students knew him as a tough but
says. “He was instrumental in helping
he says.
fair teacher.
me make the decision to go back to
“He made quite an impact on
school and complete that degree.”
To realize the impact Charles Cox had on his students look no further than
students,” daughter Judy Cox Graham
Gail has taught for more than 20
Catherine Panther Stewart, a first grader
says. “At a reunion, I remember a man
years in her native Pawnee, becom-
in Cox’s class at the Fairview school.
saying that Mr. Cox always treated
ing the district’s first National Board
She has lived in Eugene, Ore., since
everybody fairly, no matter where you
Certified Teacher. Both Gail’s children
1948 but maintains contact with Cox.
came from or who you were.”
are OSU graduates. Her daughter,
“I always say he started me off right
Charles worked hard and in the
Erin Johnson Grimes, a doctor at the
in my first year of school. He is a favor-
process set an example that inspired
Pediatric Urgent Care clinic in Tulsa,
ite person.”
his daughters Judy and Gail Gazin to
and husband, Brian Grimes, graduated
become educators.
from OSU in 1999.
Prior to teaching in Pawnee, Charles served on four continents during World
Judy and Gail agree that their father
Gail’s son Mike Johnson is a COE
War II. He went on to earn a bachelor’s
and late mother, Elna, who was a teach-
alumnus. He holds a bachelor’s and a
degree from the University of Central
er’s aide, made it apparent that education
master’s in aviation science and flies for
Oklahoma. Determined to continue his
was important. There was never a ques-
OSU alumnus Phil Trenary, president
education, he commuted from Pawnee,
tion that they would attend college.
and CEO of Pinnacle Airlines.
Okla., to Stillwater to earn a master’s degree in education at OSU in 1949.
Charles Cox’s family includes three generations of OSU alumni: seated, Charles Cox with great-
grandson Jaxson Grimes; and Cox’s daughters,
from left, Gail Cox Gazin and Judy Cox Graham with Cox’s granddaughter Erin Johnson Grimes and greatgranddaughter Raylee Grimes.
Judy graduated from OSU in 1967
Teachers do not always receive the
with a degree in secondary educa-
recognition and rewards they deserve.
tion. She taught in Oklahoma before
Charles Cox, at age 93, continues to
moving to Houston. She eventually
reflect on the impact he has had on his
became the co-founder and president of
family and former students.
Celebration Women’s Ministry of the
“That’s the kind of reward that means
United Methodist Church. The national
the most,” he says.
ministry has chapters around the country that connect women through Christian educational programs and mentoring.
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www.okstate.edu/education
Park Project Aids Students, Oklahoma Faculty and students in the College
of Education’s Leisure Studies program are
studying the past, assessing the present and
shaping the future of Oklahoma’s state parks. Lowell Caneday, professor in the School of
Applied Health and Educational Psychology, is leading a project that develops and maintains resource management plans for all 50 state parks. “The plans deal with the natural, cultural, historic and social resources in a state park property and how those resources can best be used to provide appropriately for the visiting public,” Caneday says.
Grace Chang, pictured here, Tyler Tapps and Mike Bradley, opposite page, are students who are gaining valuable experience working on the project for
Oklahoma’s state parks with Lowell Caneday. photos by gary lawson
In a word, the plans are comprehensive. Caneday estimates it will take 10 years and several million dollars to go through the entire project. Since 2006, the team has completed work at Natural Falls, Lake Eucha, Lake Thunderbird, Roman Nose and Lake Texoma State Parks. Funded for $259,000 in the coming year, the project will develop plans for Beaver’s Bend and Hochatown State Park and Lodge, Lake Wister, Heavener Runestone and Talimena state parks. The first step is to complete a Global Positioning System inventory. Team members use hand-held GPS units are and walk around a park property identifying campsites, roads, electrical units, restrooms, gas storage tanks — any feature of the park. Next, the group completes the inventory by uploading the GPS data into a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) map, or map overlay. Map overlays start with aerial photographs, then an overlay of a CAD drawing before the GPS data adds the layered information.
“If park rangers would like to
At Lake Thunderbird, the
know how long a roof has been
OSU team’s work resulted in a
on a building, they can go into
new nature center and at Roman
the database and get the detail.
Nose the removal of a storm
They can find out how many
damaged section of the lodge
camp sites have electrical units or
and new designs are based on the
how many camp sites are avail-
researchers’ recommendations.
able in a particular part of the
Along with former OSU
park,” Caneday says. His team prepares a full record
faculty member Deb Jordan, Caneday hires graduate assistants
documenting all natural and
to work on the team. While
manmade aspects and includ-
most are leisure studies students,
ing everything from geography,
he has collaborated with other
history, land use, site influences,
degree programs, including geog-
vegetation and recreational
raphy, landscape architecture,
development, some of which date
history and hotel and restaurant
from the Civilian Conservation
administration, in hiring students
Corps. The team also gathers
to work on parts of the project.
primary and secondary informa-
“We are big-time collabora-
tion from land records.
tors. I could not do it without
The team’s full reports identify
graduate students,” he says.
issues and management alterna-
“Individual projects provide
tives for the future of each park.
tremendous resource opportuni-
“We’re leaving a record of
ties for our students. There’s a
where these properties have
real benefit for them as well as
been, and what they should be
the state of Oklahoma.”
for the future. Architects take our suggestions and ideas about property use. It’s an opportunity to put your fingerprints on it.”
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www.okstate.edu/education
COE Faculty Member, Alum Team Up with Kids on the Block College of Education alumna
“The demonstration was so powerful
“Children really identify with the
Caroline Linehan is lending her experi-
and emotional,” she says. “I could see
puppets. To them, the puppets are real,”
ence to help assistant professor Valerie
the healing and felt compelled to do
she says. “You become the puppet.
McGaha become involved with The
something.”
You know he feels and he becomes an
Kids on the Block, Inc. The large-size
While living in Los Angeles, Linehan
extension of you.”
puppetry program teaches children and
became involved in Kids on the Block
Meeting with Linehan confirmed
adults to accept and appreciate differ-
in 1977 after she saw creator Barbara
McGaha’s desire to use Kids on the
ences and disabilities.
Aiello on Good Morning America.
Block, and Linehan, who recognized
In recognition of her success with
McGaha’s enthusiasm, has agreed to
Kids on the Block offers more than 40 programs that address various
Kids on the Block, the Los Angeles
disabilities, educational and medi-
County board of education awarded
cal differences, and social concerns.
Linehan the Educator Medallion.
Puppeteers present 15- to 20-minute
After she returned to Oklahoma
interactive dialogues and take ques-
in 1985, she noticed a posting by the
Association advisor and take the
tions from students in the audience.
Oklahoma Child Abuse Prevention
program to schools in North Tulsa
office that sought a program to take
that have been adopted by OSU-Tulsa.
of Applied Health and Educational
into the schools. She auditioned, and
She has identified three themes she
Psychology at OSU-Tulsa, saw a
the office chose Kids on the Block from
would like to focus on — emotional
presentation and was moved to action.
hundreds of programs.
and behavioral disorders; obesity and
McGaha, who teaches in the School
Linehan went on to present in virtu-
College of Education alumna Caroline Linehan,
left, with Kids on the Block character Jimmy, has
train her. McGaha’s vision is to train her students and other volunteers through her role as Hispanic Student
overweight; and gang violence and
ally every school district in the state and
prejudice.
to church groups and civic organiza-
“I’m very excited to give back to the
tions. She has seen firsthand the impact
community,” McGaha says.
the program can have on children.
agreed to train Valerie McGaha, right, to conduct the puppetry program in schools. Courtesy photo
Making a Difference at Home, Abroad Cecil Dugger, emeritus professor,
This new annual Cecil Dugger award
“He was always open-minded about
has a distinguished record of outreach
will honor a faculty member who is
new things and respected people for
for OSU and the College of Education.
fulfilling OSU’s outreach mission. The
who they were — not where they
The college is set to recognize his
goal is to provide a financial reward for
came from and not by economic or
efforts and legacy through the Cecil
that person’s outreach activities.
family status. He was just there to help
Dugger Faculty Outreach Award.
One of Dugger’s former students,
students.”
Dugger began teaching at the college
Tom Seth Smith, a 1977 graduate,
in 1965 and completed his doctorate in
provided a $5,000 lead gift for the
of Technology North Bangkok
higher education in 1968. He contin-
effort. Smith, who received OSU’s
(KMUTNB) recognized Dugger’s influ-
ued teaching in technical education,
Distinguished Alumni Award in 2007,
ence this fall when it presented him
occupational and adult education and
is the president and CEO of Rural
the Outstanding International Alliance
finally in aviation and space education
Enterprises of Oklahoma and a nation-
Award, which honors someone impor-
as well as extension graduate courses
ally recognized leader in economic
tant in the development of academic
for the Oklahoma Military Department
development.
cooperation with the Thai education
The King Mongkut’s University
at locations across the state , until his
Smith credits Dugger.
community. Her Royal Highness
retirement in 1995.
“Dr. Dugger was a great positive
Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn
influence on me during my time at
presented the award during the univer-
employees, including Dugger, worked
OSU and beyond that. As my advisor,
sity’s 50th anniversary celebration.
in Thailand to develop 11 vocational
he guided me, but he was flexible, a
College of Education graduate
schools and a teacher’s college. The
quiet leader. He was a visionary who
and OSU Distinguished Alumni
two years he and his wife, Geneva,
instilled vision in his students, and that
Award recipient Professor Teravuti
spent living in Thailand began a strong
has carried over into my personal and
Boonyasopon is the president of
connection with Thai students.
professional life.
KMUTNB. Dugger served as both chair
In the late 1960s, a group of 12 OSU
For all but two years since 1970, Dugger has served as OSU’s faculty advisor to the Thai Student Association.
and thesis advisor for Boonyasopon’s doctorate program. “They say a teacher’s pay does not
Seven of the current or former
always come in the form of a paycheck,”
presidents of Thailand’s five
Dugger says.
major universities are OSU
Cecil Dugger, left, pictured
alumni, and Dugger mentored
Ongaree, advisor to president
each of them through his work
of Technology North Bangkok,
with the student association. He also taught or advised three university presidents who earned doctoral degrees from OSU.
with professor Preecha of King Mongkut’s University traveled to Thailand this fall
to receive the Outstanding
International Alliance Award from King Mongkut’s
Univeristy of Technology North Bangkok.
To contribute to this fund, contact Brenda Solomon (405) 385-5156 or bsolomon@osugiving.com
Courtesy photo
20 09
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www.okstate.edu/education
Class Notes Allyson Dibert (health promotion
Diane D. Allen (M.S. ’77, Ed.D. ’88)
Carol Axley (M.S. applied behavioral
and Education ’08) is attending Johns
was appointed provost and senior
science ’94) was among 25 public educa-
Hopkins School of Nursing.
vice president of academic affairs at
tors from across the United States who
Salisbury University. She previously
received the 2009 MetLife Foundation
an internship with the Mayo Clinic
served as dean of the College of
Ambassadors in Education award.
in Rochester, Minn., for the summer
Education at Southeastern Louisiana
Axley, a teacher and counselor at East
of 2009.
University.
Central High School in Tulsa, received
She was accepted to participate in
Jill K. Ireland (math education ’04)
Jenyfer Glisson (Ed.D. ’06)
a $5,000 grant for the school. Axley is
and Greg W. Bloyd (social studies
principal at Sapulpa High School,
involved in a number of programs that
education ’03) were married on Nov. 15,
was named Oklahoma’s High School
help prepare at-risk students for college
2008. Jill and Greg both teach and
Principal of the Year by the Oklahoma
and encourage student leadership in the
coach at Edmond North High School.
Association of Secondary School
community.
Kimberly Durall (elementary educa-
Principals. The award is based on
Beth Ann White (special educa-
tion ’05) teaches at Hendrick Middle
professional and community involve-
tion ’83) lives in Lancaster, Calif., and
School in the Plano Independent School
ment, school achievements and instill-
works for Oklahoma State University
District. She is currently working on a
ing leadership in staff and students.
on NASA’s Interdisciplinary National
grant project called “Project-Connect”
Kyle Page (M.S. community
Science Project Incorporating Research
that funds equipment to connect
counseling ’08) won an award for
and Education Experience (INSPIRE
students in Plano with students from
American Psychological Association
Project). She also serves on the COE
Makuleke, Africa via real time video,
Outstanding Research by a Student
Alumni Board.
emails and virtual artifact exchanges.
in the area of Police and Public Safety.
Brad Robison (Ed.D. higher educa-
Rick D. Rogers (secondary science
Page’s presentation is titled “Going
education ’88, M.S. in secondary school coun-
tion administration ’91) was appointed
Home at Night: Stress and Counseling
seling ’94) lives in Stillwater and works
by Gov. Brad Henry to sit on the
in Rural Policing.” Page is currently
a as a senior field coordinator for the
Oklahoma Historical Records Advisory
pursuing a doctorate at the University
Oklahoma Technical Assistance Center
Board. Robison lives in Oklahoma City
of North Texas.
in Cushing, providing professional
and works for the State Archives of
development, technical assistance and
Oklahoma, serves as an adjunct faculty
program evaluation to schools across
member at OSU/OKC and secretary
Oklahoma. He and his wife, Karen,
for the Central Oklahoma Chapter of
recently celebrated their 20th wedding
the OSU Alumni Association. He is past
anniversary.
president of the COE Alumni Board.
College of Education Alumni Board members,
from left: Karen
Anderson, Marsha
Gore, Rick Rogers, Martha Hadsall, Susan States, Greg Graffman, Rebecca Parrack, Beth White and Ann Waughtal.
A ll e n
Glisson
In Memory
Mike Adkins, a longtime Ann Waughtal (elementary educa-
Rebecca Bostain Parrack
member of the College of Education’s
tion ’76, M.S. curriculum and instruction ’84)
(math education ’79) and her husband,
Alumni Board and a former Oklahoma
works at OSU as a university supervi-
David Parrack, A&S, 1980 have three
Teacher of the Year, passed away
sor for student interns and serves as
children, Andrew, a freshman at OSU,
Aug. 7, 2009.
a faculty representative for residency
Josh and Sarah. She is currently the
Adkins graduated from OSU with
committees.
president of the College of Education
bachlelor’s and master’s degrees. He
Alumni Board, a COE Associates
taught in the Moore Public School
been appointed to the Oklahoma
member and a part of the OSU Alumni
District for 26 years before becom-
Aeronautics Commission by Oklahoma
Board Leadership Council.
ing the director of education for the
David Conway (Ed.D. ’95) has
Gov. Brad Henry. Conway is director
Susan Campbell States
of the Southeastern Oklahoma State
(elementary education ’82) teaches first
University Aviation Sciences Institute
grade in the Enid Public Schools. She is
with many talents, he was an artist
and currently serves as president of the
pursuing a master’s in education leader-
and illustrator, a model builder,
University Aviation Association.
ship and lives in Hennessey, Okla.
winning competitions at the
Oklahoma History Center. A true renaissance man blessed
State Fair, an actor, an author of Send your class notes information to
Oklahoma textbooks, a 32 Degree
coemagazine@okstate.edu.
Scottish Rite Mason and a living history re-enactor, and most of all
Renovation of the Watson Family Student Success Center has been
he was a teacher.
completed within the past year. A $100,000 gift from Kim Watson (elementary
He is survived by his wife of
education ’73) and her husband, Chuck, of Houston, supported the renovation.
31 years, June; and his two sons,
Courtesy photo
Jason and Brett; daughters in-law, Emily and Ashley; and Jason & Emily’s children, Vohn and Vega. His mother, Pauline Adkins; his brother, Bruce, his wife Amy, and their children, Eric and Paige; also survive him. Gifts honoring Mike can be sent to the OSU Foundation for the Teacher of the Year (OKTOY) Scholarship Fund at 400 S. Monroe, Stillwater, OK 74074.
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www.okstate.edu/education
A Visit with Global Travelers
Frank and Carol Morsani of Tampa, Fla., are OSU alumni and longtime supporters of the
College of Education who have frequently returned to campus and interacted with students and faculty. They received the 2005
Henry G. Bennett Award,
OSU’s highest humanitarian award. They established an endowed chair in the college and provided scholarships for numerous outstanding students. Julie Thomas, who holds the Frank and Carol
What are some of your favorite memories or sites?
There was something of interest every place we went, although some were more interesting than others. The penguins in Antarctica were interesting. We liked the picture-taking safari. The abundance of animals in Tanzania was amazing and learning of their habitats meaningful.
Morsani Endowed Chair in Science Education, visited
Is there a place, or a culture, you would visit again, and if so, what is it, and why?
with the Morsanis about their extensive travel, which includes all seven continents.
Did you set a goal to travel to all seven continents — or did it just happen? We began our travels when the opportunity presented itself. Then, when we realized we had been to six continents, we figured we might as well do them all. History is exciting for both of us. We like the motto, “Have suitcase, will travel.”
Can you describe a bit about how you planned and prepared for each trip? Many trips were with automobile manufacturers [business related], so they planned the schedule. When we began traveling on our own, we used a company that sent great brochures along with a reading list. The trip became more interesting when we read of each country, its treasures, architecture and culture beforehand. We read books and country and city maps of interest. photos courtesy Morsanis; by gary lawson
are whisked from the airport by fast motorboat to one of the smaller islands and a lovely room built over the water with a private lagoon for swimming. I think they have a special moon that comes up every night as well as entertainment and fine food. As for food, Singapore has a diverse ethnic population and eating in all the different bazaars, small restaurants and waterside cafes is fun and so good.
Sailing down the Nile and visiting the Valley of the Kings, though very, very hot, is a favorite, as is Greece, which is another country full of history but a bit disorganized. Traveling down the Romantic Road in Germany and seeing Ludwig’s beautiful castles is unforgettable and the opulence of the magnificent churches with gold leaves and cherubs all around the ceilings and altars was astounding. Angkor Wat in Cambodia is quite eerie and its ancient construction amazing. Easter Island, located between Tahiti and Chile, is a puzzle. The art and architecture of Italy and France are extraordinary. I must add the most romantic place, the Maldives, made up of many small islands. You
We’ve revisited many of the countries I’ve named, and most we would visit again. Frank particularly likes Asia. He went there first in the Navy in 195l and was amazed at the work ethic. So many of those countries suffered during various wars and rapidly rebuilt. I am especially fond of Italy, the art as well as the food. I’ve never have had a bad meal even at any stop along the road. People are very kind and interested in helping a tourist.
Of course I am interested in knowing about the “science” you learned on these visits. What animal population, habitat, or geography particularly impressed you — and why?
As far as animals go, Tanzania was even better than Krueger Park in South Africa. Galapagos was quite interesting as far as the variety of animals, birds and water life. We saw many strange-looking species and beautiful colors, including a type of lizard that lives on land and water. Of course, the huge turtles lumbering through the underbrush were amazing. They do not seem to spend much time near or in the water. We have enjoyed it all, and we wish everyone had the opportunity to see what we have seen. We think the world would be a better place if everyone could meet people of other persuasions and learn from and appreciate their culture.
The College of Education is planning to produce a series of posters to highlight its degree programs. The initial poster features elementary education
with the slogan “Oklahoma State University Teachers Create Tomorrow.” If you are interested in receiving a copy of the poster, please contact Christy Lang at christy.lang@okstate.edu or (405) 744-8320.
Oklahoma State University College of Education 339 Willard Stillwater, Oklahoma 74078-4033
N on- P rofit o r g a n iz ation U . S . P OSTAGE P A I D S t i l lwater, OK P e r mi t No. 19 1
photo by gary lawson
Awaken imagination and create a dream.
For information about how you can help support the College of Education, contact Brenda Solomon, Ed.D. Senior Director of Development College of Education (405) 385-5156 bsolomon@osugiving.com