CEHS Magazine Spring 2014

Spring 2014

STEM

MOVING

TO THE FOREFRONT

W

hat a year this has been! Your College proudly bears a new name — the WVU College of Education and Human Services.

Two of our departments also have been renamed: Speech Pathology and Audiology is now the Communication Sciences and Disorders Department, while Teaching, Learning, and Culture has become the Learning Sciences and Human Development Department.

Some names may be different, but our core traditions haven’t changed.

Our mission acknowledges the diverse nature of our programs while continuing to adhere to a historic tradition of preparing education and human services professionals.

With 1,952 students enrolled, we have more than 100 student placement sites in a variety of school and clinical settings for hands-on training. And CEHS is online around the globe, delivering professional development and degree programs.

We prepare the largest number of master’s and doctoral degree graduates in the state of West Virginia. Our alumni are leaders at every level; 34 of the state’s 55 school superintendents hold CEHS degrees.

In 2013, our online programs in education were ranked 26th, and our College’s graduate programs were ranked 111th by U.S. News & World Report.

All of our programs have received top accreditations, and we have added a new Four-Year Teacher Education Program.

The College believes in hiring the best and the brightest to ensure that each and every student receives a top-notch education and tools for a promising career.

We have been busy, and we have been productive. CEHS offers students the opportunity to become tomorrow’s successful global citizens, ready to create great outcomes for children and families in the decades to come.

The WVU College of Education and Human Services is making a difference, and we want you to be a part of it.

Lynne Schrum Dean, College of Education and Human Services

CONTENTS College of Education and Human Services Magazine

ADMINISTRATION Lynne Schrum, Ph.D., Dean M Cecil Smith, Ph.D., Associate Dean for Research Neal Shambaugh, Ph.D., Interim Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Jane Cardi, Ed.D., Assistant Dean Jeffrey Daniels, Ph.D., Chair, Counseling, Rehabilitation Counseling, and Counseling Psychology Daniel Hursh, Ph.D., Chair, Learning Sciences and Human Development Barbara Ludlow, Ed.D., Chair, Special Education Robert Orlikoff, Ph.D., Chair, Communication Sciences and Disorders Dale Niederhauser, Ph.D., Chair, Curriculum and Instruction/ Literacy Studies

EDITORIAL STAFF Christie Zachary, Director of Marketing and Communications Kathy Deweese, University Editor Mary Beth Sickles, Alumni Relations and Special Events Coordinator Jack Aylor, Director of Development

2 Highlights 8 CEHS Hall of Fame Recipients 12 Learning with Powerful Young Minds: Reggio Children 16 Making An Impact

Learning with Powerful Young Minds

12

18 Bringing a “Second Life” to Online Education

18

20 Integrating STEM 24 Empowering the Next Generation

Danielle Thomas, Public Relations Intern Isaac Mei, Guest Writer Cathleen Falvey, Contributing Editor

ART DIRECTION & DESIGN WVU University Relations-Design

26 Alumni Spotlight

Bringing a “Second Life” to Online Education

20

29 Giving Forward

Sheree Wentz, Multimedia Specialist

PHOTOGRAPHY

36 Class Notes

WVU University Relations-Photography M.G. Ellis, Senior Photojournalist Brian Persinger, Photojournalist

40 Donor Honor Roll

EDITORIAL OFFICE College of Education and Human Services West Virginia University 802 Allen Hall PO Box 6122 Morgantown, WV 26506-6122

Integrating STEM

Phone: (304) 293-5703 Fax: (304) 293-7565 Email: cehsadmin@mail.wvu.edu cehs.wvu.edu

WVU is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution. The WVU Board of Governors is the governing body of WVU. The Higher Education Policy Commission in West Virginia is responsible for developing, establishing, and overseeing the implementation of a public policy agenda for the state’s four-year colleges and universities.

cehs.wvu.edu

SPRING 2014

1

HIGHLIGHTS WVU Student Athletes “Speak Out” West Virginia University student athletes gathered in the Jerry West Mountaineer Room in the WVU Coliseum to share personal stories with a WVU and community audience at the annual “Student Athletes Speak Out” event.

The program, which has operated since 1990, features student athletes from University sports teams and aims to humanize the audience’s view of athletes and shed light on how they, just like all young people, have overcome challenges and tried to do their best.

Carolyn Atkins, professor of speech-language pathology, has organized the event for 23 years and even published a book on it, titled Great Unexpectations: Lessons From the Hearts of College Athletes.

“My goal with Student Athletes Speak Out is for everyone to see what I see. I hope for the public to have a better understanding that studentathletes are people first,” said Atkins. “They have persevered in many cases to make it to college. Speaking gives them a face and a personality. It makes them ‘human.’”

Top Photo: Brandon Napoleon (football). Bottom Photo, Left to Right: Bry McCarthy (soccer), Averee Fields (basketball), Will Clarke (football), Dr. Carolyn Atkins, Kevin “KJ” Myers (football), and Brandon Napoleon.

2

SPRING 2014

College of Education and Human Services Magazine

Newly Appointed Chair from Iowa State University The West Virginia University College of Education and Human Services is welcoming Dale Niederhauser as the newly appointed chair of its Curriculum and Instruction/Literacy Studies program.

Niederhauser comes to WVU from Iowa State University, where he was a tenured associate professor and director of undergraduate education in the College of Human Sciences School of Education.

Prior to his time at Iowa State, Niederhauser was a member of the educational studies department faculty at the University of Utah from 1994 to 2001. He received a bachelor’s degree in education from the State University of New York, Fredonia, and a master’s degree in educational technology and doctoral degree in foundations of education from the University of Utah.

Niederhauser’s research focuses on aiding teachers in effectively implementing technology in the classroom and learning in distance education contexts.

“I am very excited to be joining the WVU faculty in January,” Niederhauser said. “My new colleagues in the C&I/Literacy

Studies Department have developed exemplary programs for preparing new teachers for West Virginia schools and are engaged in a variety of research projects aimed at improving our understanding of schooling and the kinds of practices that promote effective teaching and school leadership. I am honored that I was selected to serve as department chair and look forward to supporting the good work that is currently in place while helping to shape the future of the Department, College, and University.”

“Dr. Niederhauser is a welcomed addition to West Virginia University, the College of Education and Human Services and will bring great leadership skills to the Department of Curriculum and Instruction/Literacy Studies,” said College of Education and Human Services Dean Lynne Schrum. “His experience in teacher preparation and quality research add to the expertise already in the Department.”

Niederhauser is replacing former Curriculum and Instruction/Literacy Studies Chair Joy Faini Saab, who is currently on sabbatical.

Teaching Compassion Students in Pat Obenauf ’s classroom are learning that being a teacher is more than simply sharing knowledge — it’s also about showing compassion.

Obenauf, a professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction/Literacy Studies, teaches curriculum development.

In addition to the usual course content, she also instructs her students to become conscious of those around them, something she believes is important for educators and students alike.

This new angle on teaching stems from Obenauf ’s personal experiences with One World Academy (OWA), a holistic wellbeing organization based in South India that she has traveled with internationally. Obenauf has studied under many OWA instructors. In July, Anandagiri, a senior faculty member of OWA, visited the College to discuss ways in which anyone can be more compassionate and aware. Anandagiri has more than 23 years of experience addressing audiences on six continents and has been welcomed at the prestigious Aspen Institute and Harvard University’s 2013 Leadership Conference.

Obenauf incorporates OWA ideals in her classroom and believes they give future teachers another way to view life and work with students, and students with faculty. Having compassion, after all, is key in imparting knowledge to future generations.

“Doing this simple thing every day nurtures a new way of living life and a different way of inquiring into yourself,” said Obenauf. “By becoming aware of yourself and others, not only will you improve aspects of your own teaching, you will also enrich the lives of others.”

cehs.wvu.edu

SPRING 2014

3

HIGHLIGHTS New Interim Associate Dean for Academic Affairs technology integration, and professional development. As interim West Virginia University College of Education and Human associate dean for academic affairs, his experience in academia Services Dean Lynn Schrum has appointed Professor Neal and enthusiasm for working with students will not go unnoticed.

Shambaugh as the new interim associate dean for academic “I really have two broad goals,” Shambaugh stated regarding affairs. Shambaugh has spent 20 years teaching at the university what he intends to do in the level, and 15 of those have been “I feel that you need to learn from and position. “The first is to support within the College. with the people you serve, and provide any efforts to provide quality “Dr. Neal Shambaugh is an programs for our constituents excellent selection for interim some enthusiasm, organization, and and, second, to help the College associate dean for academic results at the end of the day.” continue to be a good place to affairs,” said Dean Schrum. “He –Dean Lynne Schrum learn and work. I feel that you brings a wealth of experience at need to learn from and with the people you serve and provide WVU, as well as an in-depth knowledge of most of the programs some enthusiasm, organization, and results at the end of the day. within CEHS. I look forward to him joining my team and In doing so, I have no doubts that these goals are attainable.” assisting in moving the College forward.”

Shambaugh formally started on January 1, 2014, when Currently a professor of instructional design and technology former Interim Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Carol in the Department of Learning Sciences and Human Markstrom left on sabbatical.

Development, Shambaugh also conducts research in the areas of developmental research, mental models, visual literacy,

2013 CEHS Student Research Forum The College of Education and Human Services hosted the second annual Student Research Forum during the 2013 spring semester.

Sponsored by the Committee on Research, Service, and Professional Development, the forum included poster presentations from undergraduate and graduate students. Each entry presented an area of research in which students felt they achieved a high degree of learning and accomplishment. Students could also collaborate with faculty to enhance their research.

“The Committee was pleased to again sponsor this event, which is designed to build our intellectual community by sharing students’ current projects across all CEHS disciplines and research traditions,” said Melissa Sherfinski, an assistant professor in the Curriculum and Instruction/Literacy Studies Department.

The 2013 Research Forum had more than 25 student entries and was well attended by WVU faculty, staff, and students.

4

SPRING 2014

College of Education and Human Services Magazine

WVU Panel Addresses Sandy Hook Tragedy Often when tragedy strikes, our initial reaction is to however, for those in positions of helping children cope with stay silent for fear of saying the wrong thing, facing difficult this situation — parents, teachers, counselors, and others. This issues, or reliving the event. After the tragedy at Sandy Hook panel brought together experts and the community to begin to Elementary in Connecticut in December 2012, the WVU engage in valuable conversation.”

College of Education and Human Services decided to take a It is always difficult to talk about a subject like the Sandy different approach. The College hosted a panel discussion to Hook tragedy. However, the aim of the panel discussion was benefit students, teachers, and the local community. not only to help the healing process, but to inspire educators On January 31, 2013, the College presented an event titled to help children process this information and express themselves “Understanding the Sandy in an appropriate manner.

Hook Tragedy,” which Because of the extensive “We were concerned for those in positions was intended to help with media coverage that unfortunate of helping children cope with this situation.” the post-tragedy healing events like Sandy Hook receive, –Dean Lynne Schrum process. A panel of five the news will make its way into CEHS faculty members discussed Sandy Hook and how to try the young minds of children in nursery and elementary schools. and move past it as individuals, parents, and educators.

It is important to figure out how parents and educators can The event was open to all WVU faculty and staff, local respond to children dealing with events like this. This topic was schools, and the public. Approximately 175 people attended, just one of the many discussed by the panel and attendees. many of them WVU students.

“Understanding the Sandy Hook Tragedy” provided local “We felt the pain of every individual in dealing with the students, parents, and educators a good starting point to look Sandy Hook events,” said Lynne Schrum, dean of CEHS and for and adopt techniques to deal with school violence. moderator of the event. “We were particularly concerned,

cehs.wvu.edu

SPRING 2014

5

HIGHLIGHTS Nursery School Family History Museum The four-year-olds at the WVU Nursery School exhibited a family history museum at an open house during the 2013 spring semester.

According to Nursery School Director Bobbie Warash, the children began working on their family histories in October 2012. As part of the project, parents completed a family tree with interesting facts about family members. Children then chose a family member and his or her occupation to study for the museum, which was exhibited in April.

The family trees included parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents. Some children displayed family traditions, recipes, and artifacts, such as antique instruments, while others reenacted their personal history in a play.

“Young children have an interest in the past,” said Warash.

“What child does not like to listen to a parent or grandparent talk about events that happened when they were young?”

Those who attended learned about the occupations and interests of the children’s ancestors, including early computers, tanks from the Battle of the Bulge, a former police chief of Morgantown, pilots, Art Rooney’s barber, Teddy Roosevelt’s cousin who loved exotic animals, a World War II Boeing designer, and Texas gardening techniques.

6

SPRING 2014

College of Education and Human Services Magazine

WVU TAG Provides Unique Learning Atmosphere The Department of Special Education’s Jill Olthouse believes that putting more support behind academically advanced students is vital to those students’ growth and future.

The Department of Special Education hosted its third annual WVU TAG (Talented and Gifted) summer workshops June 24-28, 2013. The workshops were taught by gifted-education teachers enrolled in WVU’s Special Education Master’s Degree Program.

These workshops focused on teaching students better math, science, and writing skills, and were offered to gifted and academically exceptional third- to sixth-grade elementary school students. The courses offered this year were creative writing, math games, and bridge building. Using technology, innovative teaching strategies, and smaller class sizes, the program provided a distinctive learning experience for each participant.

“WVU Summer TAG Workshops are unique because they are academically oriented, but they are still fun and engaging,” said Olthouse, assistant professor in special education. “The

workshops feel like summer camp, and students are learning advanced material.”

One of the goals each year is getting children excited about learning, which will hopefully follow them into their adulthood.

Another goal is to give them the tools needed to excel at levels equal to other bright students across the country and the world.

CEHS Expands International Engagement Advancing international activity and global engagement is a main goal in WVU’s 2020 Strategic Plan for the Future and a particularly valuable focus for the College of Education and Human Services (CEHS). Future teachers and human services professionals can learn a lot by examining education systems and professional preparation programs in other nations.

Dean Lynne Schrum believes that international initiatives are important for CEHS. She and faculty members have been working to establish several vital international connections for the College and WVU. In spring 2013, the Dean collaborated with colleagues in Denmark to identify and study eight award-winning schools in the United States that have overcome unique challenges.

The schools were chosen from across the country; criteria included academic challenges, such as high free- and reducedlunch populations or having second language learners. The eight schools were able to improve student achievement, promote new methods of teaching and learning, and/or use digital technology.

The study focused on school leadership; the goal was to provide examples of how twenty-first-century schools can develop a strategy to improve student outcomes. Over the course of a year, Dean Schrum and her colleagues collected qualitative data from observations, interviews, focus groups, and document analysis to identify what strategies led the schools to become award-winning educational institutions.

Since publishing two books on their research, one of Schrum’s peers has begun a two-year project in New Zealand aimed at identifying school leaders and ways to support them as they, too, transform their schools.

The Dean and faculty members also are involved in forging a number of other international partnerships for the College in Denmark, London, New Zealand, Turkey, and Reggio Emilia, Italy. (See page 13 for more about Reggio Emilia.)

Dean Schrum believes that these international initiatives are important for CEHS, because, among other reasons, “it would be excellent for our students to experience ways of ‘schooling’ that are different from ours.”

cehs.wvu.edu

SPRING 2014

7

Hall Fame Recipients of

The West Virginia University College of Education and Human Services recognized alumni and other individuals who have contributed to the College’s mission during its 2013 Scholars’ Honors/Hall of Fame Reception. The event was held on October 4th in the Grand Hall of the Erickson Alumni Center.

Four people, selected by the College’s visiting committee, were honored at the event.

“By recognizing these well-respected individuals, we emphasize the value we place on a strong work ethic, intelligence, creativity, motivation, and

8

SPRING 2014

College of Education and Human Services Magazine

achievement,” said Carolyn Atkins, chair of the selection committee.

“These four honorees have consistently supported the College’s vision and service,” said Lynne Schrum, dean of the College, “and are each distinguished in their chosen profession in myriad ways: through the development of new programs, procedures, designs, and models; through teaching, writing, research, and service; through skillful management; and through other outstanding performances.”

Top Photo, Left to Right: Ranjit Majumder, Dean Lynne Schrum, Kimberly Horn, and William Bingman. Bottom Left Photo: Keynote speaker Nancy Tennant Snyder, Vice President for Leadership and Strategic Competencies for the Whirlpool Corporation. cehs.wvu.edu

SPRING 2014

9

William Bingman Frostburg, Maryland

Bingman received his master’s degree (1967) in elementary education and a doctorate of education (1972) in curriculum and instruction from the College. Bingman taught more than 38 years at Frostburg State University in the Department of Educational Professions.

He founded Frostburg State’s Children’s Literature Center to enhance study and dissemination of children’s literature.

Under his guidance, the Children’s Literature Festival was started and has operated for 33 years. The festival is one of the largest on the East Coast and provides librarians, educators,

programs. Her multidimensional career includes being a successful entrepreneur, a former academic dean/provost, a college professor, director of continuing education, and a public school teacher.

Her published work includes Best Jobs for the Future (1995), The Career Chase: Taking Creative Control in a Chaotic Age (1997), Don’t Stop the Career Clock: Rejecting the Myths of Aging for a New Way to Work in the 21st Century (1999) and Capitalizing on Career Chaos: Bringing Creativity and Purpose to You Work and Life (2005).

She is currently working on a book titled Moving from Mindless Myths to Meaning and Money at Midlife.

students and other literacy advocates the opportunity to experience firsthand interaction with celebrated authors, illustrators, and storytellers. Additionally,

Ranjit Majumder

Morgantown, West Virginia After graduating from the University of Oklahoma with a doctorate of philosophy in psychology, Majumder moved to Morgantown to teach and conduct research. In 1969, he headed a project that would eventually become the International Center for Disability Information in the College.

Majumder contributed to the establishment of the Job Accommodation Network, which, since 1983, has been a national technical assistance center that facilitates the employment and retention of workers with disabilities through the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy.

Kimberly Horn Washington, D.C.

Majumder served as the director of the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center. In that role, he also

Horn received her master’s degree

had memorandums of understanding

program with Mary Immaculate College in

(1993) from WVU and her doctorate of

with National University of Columbia,

Limerick, Ireland.

education (1997) from the College. She is

University of St. Petersburg, and

nationally recognized for studies focusing

University of Calcutta.

he oversaw the creation of an exchange

Bingman, now faculty emeritus at Frostburg State, remains active in

on teen smoking cessation. Horn is

academia, continuously promoting

associate dean of research for the School

classes and conducted research for

literacy and exposure to quality literature.

of Public Health and Health Services at

more than 35 years. He is professor

In addition to the Hall of Fame honor,

George Washington University.

emeritus in the Department of Counseling,

She previously worked and taught

Bingman has been chosen as the 2013 Distinguished Alumnus Award recipient.

Helen Harkness Dallas, Texas

Harkness received her bachelor’s degree (1950) in speech pathology and audiology and a master’s degree (1953) in English during her time at WVU. She completed her doctorate of philosophy (1976) at North Texas University.

She is a consultant, researcher, experienced speaker, teacher, writer, and pioneer in the development and implementation of career management

10

SPRING 2014

At the College, Majumder taught

Rehabilitation Counseling, and Counseling

at WVU and conducted population

Psychology. He has served as a Rotary

health research in the Mary Babb

district governor, led several international

Randolph Cancer Center, where she

trips, and assisted his wife, Indira, on a

was director of the Evaluation Oversight

rubella immunization project in India.

and Coordinating Unit, an oversight body for the West Virginia Bureau of Public Health’s State Tobacco Prevention Program. Horn has been recognized in the past for her dedication to public health by receiving the Dean’s Award for Research Excellence from the WVU School of Medicine in 2005, as well as being named the second-most cited author in the Journal of School Nursing in 2009.

College of Education and Human Services Magazine

The Hall of Fame and Distinguished Alumni Program was established in 2004 and has inducted 34 Hall of Fame members, with seven receiving Distinguished Alumni Awards.

Recipients receive a plaque and have their name added to the College’s Wall of Recognition in Allen Hall at WVU: cehs.wvu.edu/donate/recognition-wall.

Pow

Learning with

werful

Young minds

n e r d l i h C o i g g e R

What would the world be like if all children were celebrated for their intelligence and creativity?

Children all over the world are benefiting from an educational system that does just that with an approach that allows for exploration and discovery. Teachers provide supportive and enriching environments for student creativity by developing self-guided curricula based on the interests of the children.

Known widely as the Reggio Emilia Approach, it is an educational philosophy born in Italy in the midst of renewal efforts after the Second World War. It has been adopted by thousands of preschools around the world.

Students from the College of Education and Human Services looking for a different learning experience have the opportunity to take part in a study tour of the internationally acclaimed preschools of Reggio Emilia.

cehs.wvu.edu

SPRING 2014

13

Saab began taking groups of CEHS students in 2005. She The experience is part of an international study abroad program had studied the approach after learning about it in her master’s offered by the College’s Office for Diversity and Global Initiatives work at WVU and at a national conference. She was impressed by (ODGI). The tour is a unique trip coordinated by WVU and Reggio the approach, which is project-oriented rather than the traditional Children, a company established in 1994 to manage pedagogical style of the teacher being the dispenser of knowledge. She realized and cultural exchange initiatives. the impact the program had and would continue to have.

WVU participants have called the study tour a lifeSaab recalls the moment she truly realized how important the changing experience. work being done in Reggio Emilia was when she witnessed a fiveReggio Emilia is a city in northern Italy that was cast into the year-old student sculpting a sketch of a horse into a 3-D model. spotlight after World War II. Parents in the war-torn region came “He was trying to get the proportion and extension of the together to develop an unprecedented preschool education system legs correct,” said Saab said of the experience. “First, it was too based on the belief that children form their identities in the early small, or did not attach in the correct place, but when he did get years of childhood development. The initiative was a result of it right, his teacher and all the other students gathered around and an era in which an older generation, who had witnessed a brutal celebrated with him, remarking on what a good job he had done. dictatorship, desired change and free thinking for a more positive future.

“I knew immediately that my students absolutely needed to witness the approach firsthand. It had a profound effect on This philosophy led to the creation of a program based on the me, and I knew it would for them. I witnessed, time after time, principles of respect, responsibility, and community. The Reggio preschool children actively engaged Emilia Approach caught on “ We are striving to offer opportunities in powerful thinking experiences quickly, drawing educators from around the world; ODGI offers that support relationships that value the transforming two-dimensional plans into fully developed threetwelve, day-long tours once a year. strength diverse experiences provide.” dimensional models. These were the “We believe that our College next generation of mathematicians, benefits from faculty and students

– Dean Lynne Schrum engineers, scientists, and problemwho hold attitudes that recognize solvers developing their abilities in an extraordinary way!” human differences as strong assets. We desire to help our colleagues Students who have gone on the tour have benefited greatly engage in relationships that value the strength diverse experiences from the experience, which allows them to take on a culturally bring to our College,” says Joy Faini Saab, director of the ODGI. diverse perspective. Leanne Grace, a former student and now an She believes, “The Reggio Emilia Program is an extraordinary early childhood director, believes the experience is invaluable to approach to developing powerful young minds with multithose majoring in early childhood education. dimensional projects integrating content areas. Children in the “It becomes a part of who you are, what you do, how you see. classrooms of Reggio Emilia and Pistoia demonstrate what is I have begun to think more deeply about reflective practice, teacher possible when expectations are held high. Our children deserve disposition, and making learning visible for adults,” said Grace. these high expectations in order to reach their full potential in their own classrooms in the state and across the region.”

14

SPRING 2014

College of Education and Human Services Magazine

Those who attend get the full experience. Accompanied by professors whose work has been influenced by the approach, students visit the preschools and infant-toddler centers of the Reggio Emilia and Pistoia municipalities, where they study ongoing projects and take part in pedagogical presentations and dialogues with teachers.

In June, Saab traveled to Auckland, New Zealand, to visit another Reggio School, establishing partnerships that will allow students to study the schools there.

CEHS Dean Lynne Schrum traveled in July to further expand faculty and student relationships in Reggio Emilia and to pursue collaborative research projects “The Reggio Emilia Program is an extraordinary in New Zealand, Australia, and Denmark. approach to developing powerful young “I see our new initiatives in minds with multidimensional projects New Zealand, Australia, and Denmark supporting the mission integrating content areas.” – Joy Faini Saab of the College,” said Schrum. “We are striving to offer opportunities to our faculty, students, and the larger community that support relationships that value the strength diverse experiences provide. Our state will benefit greatly from these collaborations.”

The positive effect these new international academic and research initiatives will have on the College of Education and Human Services is already evident in the students and faculty who have participated. Many past participants are actively involved in implementing universal preschool across West Virginia using methods from the Reggio Emilia Approach.

By witnessing these methods firsthand, and learning from the teachers who developed the approach, these West Virginia teachers will bring great learning experiences in powerful thinking to the children of our state.

cehs.wvu.edu

SPRING 2014

15

T

wenty years ago, the words counseling and creativity were not generally associated. However, the field of psychotherapy is a constantly evolving one, with counseling professionals looking for new and innovative ways to help clients every day.

Ed Jacobs, WVU associate professor and coordinator of the master’s program in the Counseling, Rehabilitation Counseling, and Counseling Psychology Department, along with Chris Schimmel, assistant professor and coordinator of the department’s School Counseling Program, have been perfecting the method of impact therapy since the early 1990s.

After publishing a book titled Creative Counseling Techniques in 1992, Jacobs wanted to expand on the idea behind the book, impact therapy. He felt there needed to be more to counseling than the standard talk/listen model, which works for some clients but not all. He published Impact Therapy in 1994 to more clearly explain the approach and the concepts behind the method. Recently, Jacobs and Schimmel updated and combined these two publications into a new book, Impact Therapy: The Courage to Counsel.

“The brain likes novelty. Using multisensory techniques, like a shaken-up soda bottle to represent anger, or a small chair to represent the little boy or little girl part of the client, helps to more fully engage the client,” said Jacobs.

Impact therapy is an active, multisensory, creative, theory-driven approach to counseling. By employing techniques that engage multiple senses, a therapist is able to counsel the client in a way that is clear and thought-provoking. It’s drawn from the theories of rational emotive behavior therapy, transactional analysis, gestalt, Adlerian, reality therapy, and the other approaches discussed in Creative Counseling Techniques.

Core beliefs of Jacobs’ practice include the idea that people do not change easily, but that they don’t mind being led if they are led well.

“I felt that a lot of counselors mostly just listen, and I wanted to teach counselors that it is okay to be active, creative, and, at times, to lead the client.”

By being active and using multisensory techniques, the goal of impact therapy is to engage the client on multiple levels, making the session more effective. An example Jacobs and Schimmel show in one of their YouTube clips about impact therapy is of a dollar bill that is stepped on and kicked around. The intent of this image is to show that the client’s self-worth does not go down no matter what they go through — Jacobs and

16

SPRING 2014

College of Education and Human Services Magazine

MAKING AN IMPACT Schimmel’s belief is that visual images make it easier for clients to grasp concepts.

Jacobs, originally from Waco, Texas, graduated from the University of Texas in Austin with an M.A. in psychology and earned his Ph.D. from Florida State. He has taught at the WVU College of Education and Human Services since 1972.

Since the mid-1990s, he has worked with Schimmel on implementing a wider use of impact therapy in the field of counseling across the world. Schimmel, who was a student of Jacobs at the time he began to teach impact therapy as a counseling technique, has noticed a major shift in the field and in academia since then — the willingness to be more open to creative counseling methods.

“When I began working with Ed and learning the impact therapy/creative counseling ideas, there were no workshops and trainings on creative counseling at national conferences and seminars. Today, there are not only a variety of offerings at conferences about creative, engaging approaches to counseling, but there is an entire division of the American Counseling Association devoted to creativity in mental health: the Association for Creativity in Mental Health. This, more than anything, shows the shift in the field toward acknowledging that counseling should be creative, interactive, and that counselors really do more than just talk and listen.”

Jacobs and Schimmel have attended conferences in Indonesia, Turkey, Australia, New Zealand, and Germany to present impact therapy as a useful method in counseling sessions. It has been praised as an effective method of counseling at conferences hosted

by the American Counseling Association, the American School Counseling Association, and the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision.

It isn’t just their colleagues who approve of impact therapy; the method also has been well-received by Jacobs’ own clients.

One woman who began sessions with Jacobs four years ago believes impact therapy, combined with talk therapy, saved her life.

“I was seeking therapy as a result of childhood trauma and issues with self-worth,” said the client. “Visualizing things helped a lot.”

Because clients are often able to have a better therapeutic experience, rehabilitation can take less time. Jacobs believes that counselors should move quickly, but that they still need to take the time to build a rapport with the client.

“I, along with Dr. Schimmel, often hear clients say something like I’ve gotten more in this one session than I did in four months with my other counselor. All he/she did was listen,” said Jacobs.

“Our goal is to have impact so that clients move on with their lives. We believe counseling can be helpful in a relatively short period of time.”

Jacobs and Schimmel plan to continue their work with impact therapy in the hopes that more professional counselors will utilize it and that it will positively impact the lives of more patients.

They recently co-authored an article on impact therapy that was published in the October edition of ASCA School Counselor magazine, which is distributed to school counselors throughout the country.

For videos on impact therapy, please visit: youtube.com/ user/ImpactTherapy/videos.

cehs.wvu.edu

SPRING 2014

17

to

Bringing Online Education When people think of online classes, they picture students staring at a computer screen in a work-at-your-own-pace environment with hardly any interaction with the course instructor.

Today, many degrees are earned through online programs using this format. However, Melissa Hartley of the WVU Special Education Master’s Program is using two strategies to bring a brand new meaning to the term “online classes.”

Melissa Hartley teaches eight different classes per year using a virtual reality program. Second Life is a virtual world that allows users to buy land, create buildings, interact with other “residents,” participate in activities, and explore the virtual world using avatars to represent each individual. The students in Hartley’s classes create their own avatar that they use to participate in lectures and activities on WVU’s virtual campus (which Hartley built). Hartley has been using Second Life as an educational tool for three years.

Unlike most regular online classes, the use of avatars and vocal capabilities in Second Life allows the virtual classroom to be as interactive as any physical classroom. Because of the interactive experience this program offers, Hartley has found that students are rarely sidetracked and appear to be more focused when participating in lectures and doing activities in Second Life.

Besides the almost physical interaction that Second Life provides, this virtual program also provides another important, yet overlooked, advantage for students in the Special Education Master’s Program.

a Second Life interacting with the teacher one-onone. Hartley is in communication with the actor who is controlling the virtual students, so that no matter what happens in the TeachLivE Lab, they can always get some sort of controlled result.

Another key component that makes the TeachLivE simulator so useful is the ability to change the difficulty of the classroom experience for the student teacher. The difficulty levels range from one to five and can simulate all kinds of situations teachers may experience, such as the “student-to-teacher power struggle.”

Hartley believes that using the TeachLivE Lab could become an addition to student teaching in the future. She feels that practicing simulated classroom situations better prepares students for the “Students may often experience a frustrating learning real classroom experience. curve when beginning classes in Second Life,” Hartley said.

Melissa Hartley is trying her best to “This frustration can put into perspective the stress that create a unique kind of online experience for students. special education students feel in Using Second Life and TeachLivE, she is pioneering a new, the classroom every day.” interactive form of learning that could have a positive effect Hartley’s educational use of the on how online education works in the future. virtual world doesn’t stop at Second For videos of students working in Second Life, please Life. She also uses a virtual teaching visit: drhartleywvu-slvideos.blogspot.com. simulator called the TeachLivE Lab, which is operated by the University of Central Florida.

WVU is one of the few institutions in the nation using this incredibly innovative teaching tool for future educators.

With TeachLivE, a student teacher watches a screen depicting a virtual classroom with five different virtual students, each with a different personality that teachers may have to deal with in an actual classroom setting. These virtual students all interact with the student teacher in real-time as the student teacher goes through a daily lesson plan.

You might wonder how virtual children on a screen can interact in such a human fashion with the teacher. It’s because the virtual children actually are human. What the student teacher doesn’t see is that a trained actor at UCF portrays all five virtual students and is actually

cehs.wvu.edu

SPRING 2014

19

STEM

New Lab Engages Students in Multiple Disciplines

Perhaps one of the most active discussions in education today is about STEM — standing for

science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

The importance of these subjects in making the United States a competitor in technological innovation, and how they should be taught, is an ongoing conversation.

STEM education peaked in the twentieth century during the Space Race, which was created by the Cold War rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union.

After the launch of Sputnik by the Soviets, innovative curricula in physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics were provided with ample funding to help create competitive technology to ensure the United States’ leadership in innovation.

cehs.wvu.edu

SPRING 2014

21

Today, with many schools severely lacking in STEM education, it is once again a hot topic for debate. The real problem might not be in the literacy students have in each individual subject, but in how the subjects are integrated so that students view science, technology, engineering, and mathematics as cohesive.

“Young students enjoy exercising their creativity through active engagement with learning materials. By partnering with Carnegie Mellon, we are able to instantly get cutting-edge technology in the hands of students to foster learning.”

Carver partnered with CEHS faculty members Sara Aronin, Melissa Luna, Jim Rye, and Dean Lynne Schrum to write a proposal to the Claude “ Our work with the GigaPan Project will bring together artistic Worthington Benedum Foundation creativity and emerging technologies in a way that develops for funding of a CREATE satellite lab that would mirror the work young children’s understanding of the world around them.” being done at Carnegie Mellon.

As director of STEM education In spring 2013, the proposal received initiatives in the WVU College of a two-year award of more than $200,000 Education and Human Services, Jeffrey for the creation of the Mountaineer Carver wants to get students involved in Educational CREATE Center, or MECC, all aspects of STEM and apply them to which operates as an extension of the daily life.

CREATE Lab, working on select projects that fit its initiatives.

Carver has taught chemistry and physics and saw an opportunity in the Faculty training for MECC’s first Carnegie Mellon Community Robotics, project, GigaPan, began in summer 2013.

Education, and Technology Empowerment The GigaPan is a robotic camera arm that (CREATE) Lab, a program designed takes several hundred pictures of a scene. to foster interest in STEM learning Using special software, the pictures are in young students. stitched together to create a super-high-

Close-up of a GigaPan image of a sunflower (page 20).

22

SPRING 2014

College of Education and Human Services Magazine

Children learn science and engineering practices as they engage in Science Day at the Children’s Discovery Museum of West Virginia.

resolution panoramic photo, enabling viewers to zoom in several times without any image distortion.

After receiving training, K-5 teachers will use the pictures as points of discussion in the classroom, where students can explore and observe what is happening in the picture. For example, when looking at a high-resolution photo of a sunflower, students can zoom in and identify parts of the plant or see what insects cohabitate on it, effectively combining technology and robotics with scientific study.

“We hope that our work with the GigaPan Project will bring together artistic creativity, new and emerging technologies, and the study of the natural sciences

“ CMU’s expertise in technical innovation matched WVU’s robust teacher preparation program is the of both worlds.” in a way that develops young children’s understanding of the world around them,” said Carver.

In addition to WVU, the CREATE Lab network has satellite labs at West Liberty University in Wheeling, Marshall University in Huntington, and Carlow University in Pittsburgh.

Illah Nourbakhsh, professor of robotics and director of the CREATE Lab, notes

that the satellites are a true partnership: “We provide the education technology, and the satellites provide the professional development practice and the research to evaluate the curriculum and its effect on students.”

James Denova, vice president of the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation, believes WVU’s professional development provides a natural laboratory for the testing of new educational technologies and instructional practices.

“The WVU model gives pre-service teachers exposure to a diverse pool of faculty expertise: pedagogy from the College of Education and Human Services, content from the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences, and experience from the master teachers from the schools in which they are placed.”

Carver plans to initiate several other projects at MECC, including the CREATE Lab’s Arts and Bots Program, which allows students to express themselves artistically through robotics.

“The expansion of the MECC Lab at WVU to include the additional project of Arts and Bots is very exciting. The project combines artistic creativity with technological innovation. It has the possibility of connecting student learning in disciplines that are often thought of as being distinctly separate.”

The MECC will be housed in a STEM learning laboratory classroom in Allen Hall. The laboratory offers a learning environment with computer technologies and traditional hands-on experimental learning stations.

Outreach for MECC will with begin in Morgantown professional best development school sites at North Elementary School, Suncrest Middle School, the WVU Child Development Center, and in a partnership with the Children’s Discovery Museum of West Virginia.

“The partnership with CMU’s CREATE Lab brings a new dimension to this collaboration,” said Denova. “CMU’s expertise in technical innovation matched with WVU’s robust teacher preparation program is the best of both worlds.”

cehs.wvu.edu

SPRING 2014

23

E H T G N I R E W O N P O I M T E A R E N E G T X E N hat exactly does being a good citizen entail? Certainly, it goes much deeper than being able to name all of the past presidents or the nine justices of the Supreme Court. How does society decide what makes a good citizen?

Robert A. Waterson, director of the WVU Center for Democracy and Citizenship Education (CDCE), believes the answer lies in character.

A professor at the College of Education and Human Services, Waterson is known for spearheading several successful civic engagement initiatives. The drive to do so comes from a deep-seated passion to empower the next generations, who will soon take up leadership of the country, to pursue the knowledge and education required to be a great citizen of the United States. Even before coming to WVU in 2008, Waterson had envisioned establishing such a Center.

“The CDCE had actually been a lifelong dream of mine,” said Waterson. “WVU facilitated its creation in the last few years by really promoting its goals as a land-grant institution.”

The Center for Democracy and Citizenship Education is charged with providing civic education programs, activities, and resources for educators to use for the purpose of designing innovative and interactive opportunities for students.

When former WVU President James P. Clements stated, “We want to partner more in the coming years to continue developing the flagship university that West Virginia deserves — one that offers a quality education to our students, one

W

24

SPRING 2014

College of Education and Human Services Magazine

that competes successfully in the global economy, and one that promotes long and healthy lives for all of us,” Waterson took it to heart with the belief that engaging the University, community, state, and nation is in clear alignment with Clements’ statement.

Waterson has dedicated himself to the CDCE’s mission, following the Center’s guiding principles of civic education, scholarship and research, social justice, and community engagement.

The CDCE works with West Virginia schools to educate children on historic events that have changed the course of the world, ranging from the Holocaust and World War II to 9/11, as well as people who have changed it, such as Abraham Lincoln. The impact the Center has had in just a few short years is nothing short of astounding.

After it was established in 2009, the CDCE set out to involve students of all ages. As part of the Lincoln Literacy Program, Morgantown-area fifth-graders were given copies of Abraham Lincoln: A Photographic Story of a Life courtesy of the Center, while teachers committed to teaching at least one lesson from the book. At the end of the project, students were introduced to Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln in real life, played by actors Michael Krebs and Debra Ann Miller.

Another project, the Holocaust Literacy Program, assigned a reading for Four Perfect Pebbles, the story of author Marion

Photos courtesy of the National Archives: archives.gov and the U.S. Air Force: af.mil/News/Photos

Enabling Good Character and Good Citizens

Blumenthal-Lazan’s survival during and after the Holocaust. Later, Blumenthal-Lazan spoke to children about her experiences.

The point of these programs is to engage students in a way that teaches them that good character and good citizenship go hand-inhand. In addition, College of Education and Human Services social studies methodology students participate in experiential events through the Center as part of their teacher education program.

Carolyn Brejwo worked as Waterson’s research assistant until graduating from the College with her Ed.D. in curriculum and instruction in December 2012. She has been involved with the Center every step of the way, from writing and editing content for brochures, to planning the events. Now an adjunct professor in the College, Brejwo continues to collaborate with Waterson.

“The ability to use experiential learning has been a powerful tool,” said Brejwo. “When you put an actor or person who experienced history in a meaningful way in front of them, you give students a model to emulate, rather than just content from a text.”

The Center also aims to enrich the lives of educators and the general public. In August, it hosted a two-part workshop on institutional citizenship based around the latest book published

by A.G. Rud and Jim Garrison, Teaching with Reverence: Reviving an Ancient Virtue for Today’s Schools. The book looks at the art of teaching beyond just giving content to students and how teachers play a crucial role in character development and, thus, good

President Barack Obama took the oath of office on January 20, 2009, “ When he gave the nation a challenge: ‘One of the nation’s greatest responsibilities is to prepare students for their most important position they will hold in life, that as citizen.’

–Robert Waterson

”

citizenship. During the second part of the workshop, Rud also spoke on the mission of land-grant universities in the twenty-first century.”

“The ultimate goal, for me, is to expand on the successful foundation established during the last four years,” added Waterson.

“This is in clear alignment with WVU’s 2020 Strategic Plan for the Future.”

The Center for Democracy and Citizenship Education continues to play an important role. The intent of the Center is to continue hosting literacy programs and other educational events throughout the school year.

See cdce.wvu.edu for more information.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT Karen Collins College of Education and Human Services alumna “My education has given me the foundation and Karen Collins knew she wanted to be a teacher since her confidence from which to learn and grow in both the middle school years. Becoming an educator was how she elementary education field as well as the education would pay forward the knowledge and wisdom passed down administration field,” she said. to her by her own teachers. Now principal of Mountainview She taught grades two through six for 15 years at Elementary School in Morgantown, Collins has been a various elementary schools, including her final teaching driving force behind a learning initiative that has taken root position at Mountainview Elementary the year that worldwide. She is it opened. From there, a strong advocate “ What you’re doing today to improve learning she assumed her school for enhancing and administrator position as outcomes for 25 students could well go viral improving the principal of Saints Peter & Paul and improve education for millions.” education system Catholic School in Oak Hill, –former West Virginia Governor Bob Wise and an inspiration West Virginia. She went on for future teachers. to become assistant principal After obtaining her bachelor’s in elementary education in 1980, Collins earned her M.A. in educational leadership in 1989 from the College of Education and Human Services.

at South Middle School and principal of Mason Dixon Elementary, until returning to Mountainview Elementary as principal four years ago.

Former West Virginia Governor Bob Wise recognizing Mountainview Elementary School Principal Karen Collins for her role in the National Digital Learning Day initiative.

26

SPRING 2014

College of Education and Human Services Magazine

It was at Mountainview that she began working on a project called No Paper, No Pencils Day. Though many teachers were receiving training on how to implement technology as a teaching tool, Collins felt they still needed a boost in confidence to successfully integrate technology learning into the classroom. She challenged Mountainview to a day of technology-based learning, without the use of paper and pencils.

“It was a tremendous learning experience for students and teachers,” said Collins. “The students were excited to come to school, and they were engaged in learning.”

professional learning opportunities. Not only was I impressed that she created this day, but also at all the work that had gone into it in advance.”

Collins credits many of her experiences at WVU for giving her the confidence she needed to establish No Paper, No Pencils Day and see it through to something much bigger.

“As I move through my career, I find myself using bits and pieces of what I have learned and applying them to situations in my own schools. I have been provided a wealth of support and continuing education opportunities from the Monongalia County School System, WVU, and the Benedum Program, as well as opportunities provided by the Diocese of WheelingCharleston,” said Collins.

No Paper, No Pencils Day soon garnered attention from former West Virginia Governor Bob Wise, now president of the Washington, D.C.-based Alliance for Excellent Education.

Being principal at Mountainview Elementary has been an Wise, a longtime advocate for West Virginia schools, worked enriching experience for Collins. Even though being a school with Collins to promote her initiative. The first National administrator is a challenging career, she has made it a fulfilling Digital Learning Day was held in 2012 and was met with one by being creative, communicating effectively, remaining strong interest from school systems around the country. positive, and being receptive to new ideas.

Participation Her advice to future nearly doubled As I move through my career I find myself using bits teachers? Be well-rounded for the 2013 “ and pieces of what I have learned and applying them and teach as many grade National Digital levels as possible. Getting to situations in my own schools.” –Karen Collins Learning Day, with involved in school 26,000 teachers committees, curriculum representing four million students from 50 countries teams, and taking on leadership roles is vital to becoming an around the globe taking part. effective educator. She also says teachers need to take advantage Wise advises teachers to follow Collins’ example and communicate what they are doing with modern technology.

of professional development opportunities, noting that if they walk away with one new idea, it was worth attending.

“What you’re doing today to improve learning outcomes for 25 students could well go viral and improve education for millions,” said Wise. “Karen was very supportive and generous with her time. She also worked with her teachers to develop a strategy. That’s one of the examples we try to communicate nationally. You have to develop the teaching force, strategy, and

“You will never know it all. There are people, experts, to go to when you need direction. Get acquainted with those experts, and don’t be afraid to ask for assistance. Most of all, never forget where you came from, and always put the best interests of the students first.”

digit l learning day cehs.wvu.edu

SPRING 2014

27

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT Jessica Day Jessica Day, of Brentwood, Maryland, knew she wanted to work with children from the time she began volunteering at a local child care facility during high school. From a young age, she was interested in becoming involved in a classroom setting.

Day graduated with a bachelor’s degree in child development and family studies from the College of Education and Human Services in 2010. She began work on a statewide grant, Quality and Rating Improvement for West Virginia Child Care, through the WVU Nursery School to assess pre-K classroom environments.

Under the direction of WVU Nursery School Director Bobbie Warash, Day completed an assessment of 565 child care classrooms in West Virginia. An improvement plan was written for each center and family care home that participated. As a result of the grant, in 2013, all four-year-olds in West Virginia are entitled to attend a pre-K program.

In the fall of 2011, Day started work on her master’s degree in the Child Development and Family Studies Program. As a master’s student, she was selected to receive the 2012-2013 Phyllis and Jay Slaughter Family Fellowship. The fellowship was established in 2006 by WVU alumnus Jay Slaughter in

Jay Slaughter

28

SPRING 2014

College of Education and Human Services Magazine

memory of his wife Phyllis Slaughter, a CEHS alumna who was well-known for her commitment to children and the study of child development.

“Phyllis contributed a significant amount to the child development field, from her master’s degree thesis to a lifetime of teaching children, counseling parents, and monitoring junior teachers in the field,” Jay Slaughter said of his wife.

When Day began working at the WVU Nursery School under Warash, she learned of the Slaughter Fellowship and applied, knowing it would give her the opportunity to extend her time and experience working with children. The purpose of the fellowship is to enable graduate students to contribute to the field of child development, and Day set out to do just that.

After receiving the fellowship, she was able to extend her hours at the Nursery School and work on a new project with the school’s four-year-olds, a genealogy tree assignment that turned into a history museum (see page 6 for full story).

“The Slaughter Fellowship enabled us to hire a graduate student to conduct the needed work on projects such as the history museum,” said Warash. “Jessica was able to dedicate more time to the project.”

The result of the history museum project will be a paper published by Warash called “History Invades the Pre-School Classroom,” which looks at the involvement of families and communities in the classroom.

Day notes that not only was it a wonderful learning experience for the children, but for her as well.

“I realized how much these pre-K children can learn. A lot of times we don’t realize that they absorb everything. Once they worked on their own individual projects, I really noticed that.”

“It was a lot of hard work, but worth it,” she added, when asked about receiving the fellowship.

Day graduated with her master’s in educational psychology and child development in May 2013. While she is sad to leave the Nursery School, she is taking fond memories and many experiences with her.

Day’s next steps will be to continue working in child development with pre-K children and in elementary school classrooms, dedicating herself much in the same way as the Slaughter Fellowship’s namesake.

GIVING FORWARD Faculty Couple Encourages Educational Leadership good laws that say every youngster must complete secondary education. Policies are very important to make that happen by removing all the barriers for students, teachers, and parents. I would like to see faculty and students seriously discuss this and encourage educational leadership to think innovatively.”

Drs. Indira and Ranjit Majumder

When they established an endowment with the College of Education and Human Services for policy research, Drs. Ranjit and Indira Majumder set out to improve education in West Virginia.

Dr. Ranjit Majumder taught classes and conducted research at the College for more than 35 years before becoming

professor emeritus in the Department of Counseling, Rehabilitation Counseling, and Counseling Psychology. He witnessed firsthand how education policy is crucial to ensuring the quality of education, and wanted to establish a gift that would improve research and study in that area.

“To me, policy is a tactical component of the law,” said Majumder. “We have

Contributions in support of the College of Education and Human Services are made through the WVU Foundation, Inc. in conjunction with A State of Minds: The Campaign for West Virginia’s University. The $750 million comprehensive campaign being conducted by the WVU Foundation on behalf of the University runs through December 2015.

For information on how to support the College of Education and Human Services contact: Jack Aylor, director of development

jack.aylor@mail.wvu.edu or by calling 304-293-3261

Dr. Ranjit Majumder moved to Morgantown after graduating from the University of Oklahoma to teach and conduct research. In 1969, he headed a project that would eventually become the International Center for Disability Information, where he served as director.

Dr. Indira Majumder worked for 37 years as a pediatrician and has cared for more than 30,000 babies and children in West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania.

“The College and West Virginia University gave me the opportunity to fulfill my professional life,” Ranjit Majumder stated. “I felt I needed to give back to the College and the state.

I believe in the land-grant university mission to improve the quality of life of the citizens of the state.”

Students researching West Virginia education policy topics will benefit from research funding from the Drs. Ranjit and Indira Majumder Education Policy Research Award, an endowment of $25,000.

In addition to being active members of the community and the University, the Majumders led a Rotary campaign for rubella inoculation in India. Ranjit Majumder was inducted into the CEHS Hall of Fame in October.

cehs.wvu.edu

SPRING 2014

29

GIVING FORWARD

Gifts Support the CEHS STEM/Engineering Education Lab Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education (STEM) programs in the College of Education and Human Services at West Virginia University have received significant enhancements from private gifts through the WVU Foundation’s State of Minds Campaign.

Overall, the impact to the program has been over $1 million for renovations, funding for innovative technology outreach, and the creation of graduate assistantships.

A STEM learning laboratory classroom renovation funded by WVU valued at over $500,000 has recently opened on the fourth floor of Allen

30

SPRING 2014

Hall. This new teaching facility provides a home for classroom science education and has expanded curriculum offerings.

The Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation in Pittsburgh has provided a two-year award of over $200,000 to CEHS for the launching of the Mountaineer Educational Community Robotics, Education, and Technology Empowerment Center. The MECC is a satellite facility working in partnership with Carnegie Mellon University’s Community Robotics, Education and Technology Empowerment Center.

CREATE explores socially meaningful innovation and deployment of robotic technologies through experiential

College of Education and Human Services Magazine

learning applications. WVU is the newest member of the CMU CREATE Lab, which includes Marshall University and West Liberty University in West Virginia and Carlow University in Pennsylvania.

Jeffrey Carver, director of STEM education initiatives for CEHS, sees, “a real potential in this partnership when we bring together five universities in two states to work together toward the common good of getting technology and support that can enhance student learning experiences into the hands of teachers and students in the schools.”

To help lead the program, MECC will recruit a doctoral-level student pursuing studies in engineering and

robotics and the arts, and remote Human Services. “Our goal is to make education technology principles, environmental sensing with the intent sure that more students understand the practices, and pedagogy. Endowed to expand to other STEM-related intersection and importance of these graduate assistantship support will be educational projects to enhance students’ fields for the country’s future.” provided from the newly established interests in STEM disciplines. One of Amerigo S. Cappellari Engineering WVU’s MECC will be housed the lab’s most innovative projects will Education Graduate Assistantship. in a newly designed STEM learning allow visual exploration of space and Established by the Cappellari family, the laboratory classroom in Allen Hall. The time through a GigaPan Time Machine. purpose reflects the academic life of the laboratory offers a learning environment North Elementary will namesake Amerigo Severino “ Our goal is to make sure that more students use its existing gardenCappellari, who completed WVU degrees in education understand the importance of these fields for based learning curriculum and employ the time-lapse (1939) and civil engineering the country’s future.” –Dean Lynne Schrum technology to document (1943). Cappellari worked how plants sprout, grow, and flower. in the southern West Virginia coal with computer technologies and surface mining industry for 40 years. His The Children’s Discovery Museum traditional hands-on experimental wife of 66 years, Rose Mary Cappellari, of West Virginia will partner to develop learning stations. Outreach for MECC graduated in business from WVU in an Arts and Bots station and a Children’s will begin in Morgantown professional 1942. Both are deceased.

Innovation Project. Plans are to bring development school sites at North “We are grateful to the Cappellari family for this generous gift. It will support students who are going to lead education in a new way and provide a STEM focus that will impact learners for generations,” said Dr. Lynne Schrum, dean of WVU’s College of Education and

Elementary School, Suncrest Middle School, the WVU Child Development Center, and in a partnership with the Children’s Discovery Museum of West Virginia.

classes of elementary students to the museum for curriculum-based science and other informal education-related activities.

For more information about the CREATE Lab visit: cmucreatelab.org.

The initial focus will be on biological education demonstrations,

First Director of Rehabilitation Counseling Remembered William Alfred (Al) McCauley, of Williamsport, Pennsylvania, the first director of a two-year graduate program in rehabilitation counseling at West Virginia University, has died at the age of 98.

Al dedicated his life to public service.

Following graduation from Glenville State College, he began his career as a teacher.

Later, he became a rehabilitation counselor working with adults with disabilities.

After earning a master’s degree from West Virginia University, he helped to establish the WVU Rehabilitation Counseling Program. He later served as regional

representative in rehabilitation for the federal government in five states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. He helped to establish the National Rehabilitation Counseling Association, serving as its executive director until his retirement. He was a life member of the National Rehabilitation Association.

The family has requested that memorial gifts be made to: West Virginia University Foundation, Alfred McCauley Memorial, 1 Waterfront Place, 7th Floor, Box 1650, Morgantown, WV 26507.

cehs.wvu.edu

SPRING 2014

31

GIVING FORWARD Lombardi Family Endows Scholarship Thomas Lombardi taught for 30 years in the College of Education and Human Services before becoming a professor emeritus. An author of more than 80 publications, he received many awards and honors, including a Fulbright in 2000 to develop special education teacher training programs in Lisbon, Portugal. He was recognized throughout his career with outstanding service awards.

His wife, Estelle Lombardi, is a CEHS alumna who taught as a classroom teacher. She also served as the director of special education, as well as the special education coordinator for the Regional Education Service Agency for North-Central West Virginia.

The Lombardis’ long-standing relationship with the College, combined with many years in the field of special education, prompted them to give back.

The Dr. Thomas P. Lombardi Scholarship is a $50,000 endowment to benefit special education majors in the Benedum Collaborative Five-Year Teacher Education Program or students in the Special Education Doctoral Degree Program.

“Working at the College for so many years provided me with a living. It provided me the ability to raise my family, and I think if you can give back after that, you should,” said Tom Lombardi. “Now that my wife and I are retired, we are able to give back to the University.”

They hope that this scholarship will help a special education major. “I was able to go to school only because I was able to get scholarships and grants,” Tom Lombardi said of his reasons for establishing the gift. “I wouldn’t have my education without them. I’m sure there are students in the Special Education Program who really need support.”

The Lombardis reside in Morgantown and have been married for 51 years. Both of their daughters and sons-in-law are WVU graduates. Their grandson, Brian DeCosta, graduated from the WVU College of Business and Economics in May 2013.

WVU College of Education Students Recognized for Academic Accomplishments Two West Virginia University College of Education and Human Services students have been earned the William G. Monahan Award for outstanding scholarship, leadership, and service.

Nicole M. Hall of Danville, Pennsylvania, and Sarah M. Summers of Flemington, West Virginia, will each receive awards of $1,000 each during spring commencement ceremonies in recognition of their achievements.

Hall, who earned her bachelor’s degree in speech pathology and audiology and will graduate with her doctorate in audiology this May. During her time as a student at WVU, she was elected as the Special Olympics and service committee chair for the Student Academy

32

SPRING 2014

William G. Monahan

of Audiology and tutored children at the Shack Neighborhood House. She recently accepted a full-time audiology position at Audiology Hearing Aid Associates in Danville and hopes to one

College of Education and Human Services Magazine

day become a professor in a doctor of audiology program.

Summers will graduate with her master’s degree in secondary education and a bachelor’s in interdepartmental studies and history. She has aided in research published in peer-reviewed journals and gained classroom experience as an intern in the Benedum Collaborative Program. After graduating, she plans to obtain a full-time teaching position in secondary education and social studies.

The award was created in of honor of former CEHS Dean William Monahan (1927-2011) to recognize two outstanding graduating students. Monahan was a leading advocate for bettering education and served as the college’s dean for ten years.

Recognition Wall and Programs Go Online CEHS has organized an online display for contributions, faculty awards, student awards and special achievement awards.

The CEHS Recognition Wall and Recognition Programs can be visited at: cehs.wvu.edu/donate/recognition-wall.

Contributions • Honor Roll of Annual Donors • Irvin Stewart Society Members • Donor Named Funds Faculty Awards • Laddie Reed Bell Award Recipients • Outstanding Researcher Award Recipients • Chester A. and Helen B. Derrick Professorship Student Awards • CEHS Alumni Association Outstanding Student Awards • Dr. William G. Monahan Outstanding Graduating Student Recipients • 2012-13 CEHS Scholarship Recipients Achievement Awards • 2013 Hall of Fame Award Recipients • Hall of Fame • Distinguished Alumni

CEHS Recognition Wall located in Allen Hall

More Information • CEHS Hall of Fame and Distinguished Alumni Recognitions: cehs.wvu.edu/news_events/awards/hof • CEHS awards as mentioned above: cehs.wvu.edu/news_events/awards • How to name your own award: cehs.wvu.edu/donate/naming_awards • To make a donation to CEHS: cehs.wvu.edu/donate

cehs.wvu.edu

SPRING 2014

33

GIVING FORWARD

Gifts to WVU’s State of Minds Campaign Reach $629 Million “We continue to receive an excellent response from those we talk To date, CEHS has raised over $3 million in cash and to about the University and donating to the campaign,” said Wayne commitments towards the State of Minds Capital Campaign, King, former WVU Foundation president and CEO. “We have been and overall, alumni and friends of the University have given $629 holding a number of campaign-related events across the country, million. With just under three years remaining in the campaign, and our goal is to continue the momentum. We feel very good at 84% of the $750 million campaign goal has been achieved. this point, but understand, we certainly have more work to do.”

The College’s campaign has focused on program support A State of Minds is the largest private fund-raising campaign and matches the goal categories for the WVU Campaign. “Our in WVU’s history, and runs through December 2015. The $750 original goal was to raise funds for program support and building million goal is three times larger than the previous Building enhancement. At this time, we are going to concentrate on Greatness campaign program support We have been holding a number of campaign-related “ from 1998-2003. For and raise that CEHS, the fiscal year expectation to events across the country, and our goal is to continue contributions ending $4 million,” the momentum.” –former WVU Foundation President Wayne King 2013 topped the $1 said CEHS Dean million mark for the first time in history.

Lynne Schrum. Officials are discussing “We have phenomenal alumni and friends of this University who plans to enhance the Allen Hall facilities, which will extend are helping to open doors for students through scholarships, helping beyond the State of Minds Campaign. to support our faculty with fellowships, and helping to improve our The CEHS campaign goals and the WVU categories academic programs through facility upgrades and technology,” said include: Enhancing Undergraduate Student Experience and former WVU President Jim Clements. “The support we are getting Global Education (scholarships and student program support) comes at such an important time, and will enable us to extend our $2,006,000; Enhancing WVU through Professional and momentum. Thank you to everyone who is helping us to close in on Graduate Education (scholarships and student program support) a very ambitious goal.” $543,520; Advance the Research Initiatives of the University Members of the CEHS Campaign Committee include Chair (research initiatives) $450,000; Fostering Faculty Excellence Lydotta Taylor, B.S., ’81; Janet Fisher Eckle, B.S., ’69; Kaye McCroy, (program support for achievement) and Enable WVU to M.A., ’82; Ranjit Majumder, Retired Faculty; Joe Muscatello, B.S., Improve West Virginia’s Health, Economy, and Quality of Life ’78; Jay Slaughter, M.A., ’65 and Jack Aylor, B.S., ’80. (scholarships and student program support) $25,000.

34

SPRING 2014

College of Education and Human Services Magazine

Donors Recognized for Scholarships and Research Awards To Benefit Students: Cappellari Scholarship to Benefit Engineering Education

The family of Amerigo S. and Rose Mary Cappellari has established the Amerigo S. Cappellari Engineering Education Scholarship. This innovative scholarship will fund a graduate student to pursue studies in engineering technology principles, practices, and pedagogy. First preference is given to students from West Virginia.

Amerigo Cappellari graduated from WVU in 1939 with a degree in education and 1943 with a degree in civil engineering. He was engaged in coal surface mining in southern West Virginia for 40 years. He died in 2009. Rose Mary Cappellari graduated from WVU in business in 1942. She and Amerigo were married for 66 years. In retirement, they moved from Beckley, West Virginia to Hartsville, South Carolina. Rose Mary died December 2012. The surviving family includes six children, eight grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

Ann and Bob Orders STEM Teaching Scholarship

Robert O. Orders Jr. ’72 B.S. civil engineering, and Ann Cunningham Roberts, ’72 B.S. education, from Charleston, West Virginia, have established the Ann and Bob Orders STEM Teaching Scholarship. The endowment is valued at over $165,000. The scholarships will support fourth and fifth-year merit students in the Benedum Five-Year Teacher Training Program. Recipients will be from West Virginia with a concentration of studies leading to a science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) related degree or certification. Robert is the chief operating officer for the Orders Construction Company, St. Albans, West Virginia.

For more information, please visit: wvutoday.wvu.edu/n/2013/ 02/19/orders-gift-establishes-endowed-scholarships-at-wvu.

Fund Honors Dr. W. Michael Reed

Friends and family of Dr. Mike Reed have started an endowment fund at the West Virginia University College of Education and Human Services to honor his memory. The goal is to raise $25,000 by contributions and pledges.

Reed was a professor of instructional technology in the College from 1984 to 1998. He died in July 2009. The Mike Reed Student Research Fund through the WVU Foundation will support graduatelevel students in the College of Education and Human Services. A College faculty review committee will make merit selections for graduate student uses, including, but not limited to, professional development and research support.

An accomplished, dedicated, and recognized educator, Reed received his B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. from Virginia Tech. From 1972 to 1975, Reed served his country proudly in the U.S. Army as a journalist in Europe. He began his career in education as a high school English teacher in Front Royal, Virginia. In 1984, he joined the instructional technology faculty at WVU. In 1998, he moved to New York University to direct the graduate program in educational communication and technology.

Pledges and contributions to the fund may be directed to: WVUF Mike Reed Student Research Fund, P.O. Box 1650, Morgantown, WV 26507-1650; or online at cehs.wvu.edu/donate (Comments: “Mike Reed Student Research Fund”).

Memorial Scholarship Established for Jennifer Baxter

A memorial scholarship for Jennifer Marie Baxter has been established to benefit CEHS students in child development and family studies. Jennifer was a 2001 CEHS graduate with a major in child development and family studies and interned in the child life hospital program with family and youth patients. Jennifer was an honors student, member of Sigma Kappa Sorority, and served on the Panhellenic Council. Upon graduation from WVU, she continued studies at East Carolina University working towards a master’s degree in early childhood development. During her time at East Carolina, Jennifer contracted a fatal lung disease and died in March of 2002 at the age of 23. The fund was established by Starlyn Bolyard Baxter, a graduate of College of Creative Arts, M.A. ’70, B.A. ’68.

LeHere Scholarship Given for Education

The family and friends of Rita R. LeHere, formerly of Grafton, West Virginia, have established the Rita Riffe LeHere Scholarship.

The merit-based scholarship will benefit students in teacher education with a preference to residents of Taylor County followed by students from Harrison, Marion, Monongalia, and Wood Counties in West Virginia. Rita LeHere graduated in teacher education in 1943 and taught at Grafton High School in the 1940s, as well as in the public and parochial schools in Taylor, Monongalia, Harrison, Marion, and Wood Counties during her career. She was a member of Alpha Delta Kappa, which is the international honorary of women educators and the American Association of University Women. LeHere retired to Florida in 1988 where she volunteered at Southwest Regional Hospital and at the Theater for Performing Arts.

Schaeffers to Endow Preston County Scholarship

Charley Schaeffer ’57 B.S.M.E., and Shirley Crane Schaffer, ’57 B.S.E.D.U. from Jupiter, Florida, have established a planned gift to fund a $50,000 endowment to provide scholarships to West Virginia Preston County residents. A preference will be given to students with majors in concentrations of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) at a student teaching or professional development school placement sequence. The Schaeffers are originally from Preston County. Charley is retired from Pratt & Whitney. He has been recognized by the WVU Statler College of Engineering for career achievements.

Bradley J. Ramsey Memorial Benefits Tucker County

A scholarship in memory of Bradley J. Ramsey, ’71, Potomac State and ‘73, B.S., has been established by his daughter Heather N. Ramsey, ’01 B.A., B.S., in foreign languages and geology. The scholarship will support undergraduate students from Tucker County in the College of Education and Human Services. Ramsey was a former police officer for the city of Parsons, West Virginia, and also served as mayor for the city. He was an employee of the Tucker County Board of Education for over 33 years. He was the truancy officer, attendance director, textbook coordinator, facilities and maintenance director, home school coordinator, and transportation director. He was very passionate about West Virginia history, U.S. history, politics, world news, and current affairs. He died in September of 2011.

cehs.wvu.edu

SPRING 2014

35

CLASS NOTES 1950 S Wilma (Castrup) Volkmer, B.S. ’53, M.S. ’54, has been retired for some time, but before retirement, she was a community college counselor at three community colleges. The majority of her career was spent at Normandale Community College in Bloomington, Minnesota.

1960 S Rosanne (Harper) Glover, B.S., M.A. ’65, is currently retired and recently published a children’s book titled Chloe, The Very Special Goat. The book has educational pages that share some history and science of goats. The book has received a Silver Award from the Mom’s Choice Awards.

Patricia (Mace) Leonard, M.A. ’65, is currently a professor at Kaplan University and the university supervisor of student teachers at Frostburg State University. She retired as a principal in 2003 from Washington County Schools in Maryland. She has completed

51 years as an educator and plans to continue teaching at the college level to reach 55 years! Her husband Cordell Leonard, B.A. ’61, M.A. ’65, is a retired middle school teacher. Their daughter is also a graduate of WVU and is currently a physician in Maryland.

Janet (Barcley) Stith, M.A. ’71, retired in August after 42 years at the University of Kentucky Medical Center Library in Lexington.

1970 S

Donald Donatelli, M.A. ’72, retired in August after 50 years in the education field. He spent the last 15 years as a supervisor and part-time test coordinator at the Rolling Hills Local School District.

Kathleen (Mazzella) Berisford, B.S. ’70, spent six years teaching high school in West Virginia and the rest of her career as a statistician/software analyst/engineer in Maryland, Florida, and Alabama. After retiring in 2008 she joined the grandparents’ club, with two granddaughters born since then.

Catherine Faris, M.A. ’73, retired from Preston County Schools, West Virginia, as a French and German teacher.

In 1974, she traveled to the Soviet Union where she visited schools and exchanged ideas with educators. In 1989, she made a return visit and saw the evident changes from the breakup of the Soviet Union.

H. Susie Coggington, B.S. ’69, M.S. ’71, is the organization development consultant at Coddington Learning Company. She is also a senior practitioner faculty at the Carey Business School, Johns Hopkins University. When she retires, she and her spouse, Norton Clouse, hope to move to Morgantown to be able to give back to the college that has given her so much.

Margaret (Moats) Hall, B.S. ’73, retired from IBM after 32 years of service.

She received her M.S. I.E. in 1980 after she joined IBM. She did some teaching within IBM and has stayed involved in the Statler College.

Robert Bonar, B.A. ’70, M.A. ’74, retired in June 2012 after 41 years as a teacher and administrator with Calhoun County Schools in West Virginia. Bob and his wife, Karen, have three sons and two granddaughters.

Kathy Sims, B.S. ’75, M.S. ’76, has been the director at the University of California, Los Angeles Career Center for 18 years, and spent the 14 years prior as director of the Career Center at George Washington University.

Beth (McLaughlin) Voltz, B.S. ’72, M.A. ’76, is an English teacher in the West Allegheny School District. She is active in the Western Pennsylvania Writing Project and wore many hats including serving as director of the Young Writers Program as well as serving as its co-director.

36

SPRING 2014

College of Education and Human Services Magazine

Edward Shirley, Ed.D. ’79, retired in June 2011 after eight years as a superintendent of schools for the Caroline County, Maryland Public Schools. In 2011, he was selected by his peers as Maryland Superintendent of the Year. Prior to becoming a superintendent, he was employed for 37 years by the Montgomery County, Maryland Public School System as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal.

1980 S Mark Coffield, B.S. ’80, currently is employed with Under Armor, Inc. as their UA footwear country manager of China.

After completing his student teaching off campus in Parkersburg, West Virginia, he was sent back to Morgantown to speak about the experience along with fellow classmate Patricia Fish, B.S. ’80.

The two began dating and then married.

The couple now has two children and two grandchildren. They have lived in Italy, Korea, Thailand, and now China.

Diane Griffin-Donley, B.S. ’74, M.A. ’83, is in her 38th year as a special educator. She has been teaching at Ridgedale Elementary in Morgantown since 1983 and prior to that in Taylor County for eight years.

Christine (Jamison) Schimmel, M.A. ’94, is an assistant professor at WVU. She has been a faculty member in the Department of Counseling, Rehabilitation Counseling, and Counseling Psychology since fall of 2009.

Ted Spickler, Ed.D. ’83, retired as manager of business excellence from Bayer Medical Science, LLC. He is currently writing a book applying Michael Polanyi’s tacit theory of knowledge to the educational problem of bringing about “insight” when trying to learn and subsequently teach a complex idea to full comprehension.

John Golden, M.A. ’96, is founder and owner of Three Sixty Strategies, LLC, in South Charleston, West Virginia, a consultant group that provides business development, government relations, and public relations services to West Virginia-based companies and nonprofit organizations.

Bill Thompson, Ed.D. ’85, retired on June 28, 2013, from full-time employment as vice president for academic affairs at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Jane Riffe, Ed.D. ’87, is working as a WVU Extension specialist in family and human development.

Betty (Chan) Mei, Ed.D. ’88, assumed the role of director of the WVU McNair Scholarship Program in July 2013.

John Kasik, B.S. ’80, is currently in his seventh year at the University of South Carolina and was promoted to associate athletic director for sports medicine last year.

1990 S

Cecilia (Lacy) Thomas, M.S. ’82, is currently self-employed as a vocational consultant.

Mary (Testa) Williams, M.A. ’90, currently is employed at Kanawha County Schools in West Virginia.

Kaye McCroy, B.S. ’78, M.A. ’82, has been the president of the CEHS Alumni Association for three years. She retired in 2005 from Suncrest Primary School after 32 years of teaching. In 2010, she retired from the WVU Benedum Collaborative Five-Year Teaching Program.

Teresa Edkins, B.A. ’76, M.A. ’78, and Ed.D. ’92, is the master course developer at Laureate Higher Education.

She married George Edkins on June 15 in the backyard of their home in northern Virginia.

Robert Urzillo, Ed.D. ’82, is the superintendent of Blue Mountain School District in Pennsylvania.

David Ayersman, Ed.D. ’94, serves as vice president and chief information officer for New River Community and Technical College, which has five campus locations in southern West Virginia.

Kara (McGinnis) Sparks, B.A. ’96, is a special education teacher in the Pascagoula School District in Mississippi.

In 2002, at the age of 26, she obtained National Board Certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. She was recognized in October 2012 for renewing her National Board certification in the area of exceptional needs. She is thankful for the excellent education she received at WVU that enabled her to obtain this certification at an early stage in her career.

Mike Cunningham, Ed.D. ’96, is the program director for Marshall University’s Leadership Studies and Adult/ Technology Education programs.

Traci (Curry) Shellenberger, B.S. ’98, retired after 11 years of teaching special education teacher preparation at Delaware State University, where she also served as department chair for three years.

Prior to Delaware State, Friedland taught special education for 3 years at Eastern Illinois University.

Billie (VanBuskirk) Friedland, Ed.D. ’98, retired after 11 years of teaching special education teacher

cehs.wvu.edu

SPRING 2014

37

CLASS NOTES preparation at Delaware State University, where she also served as department chair for three years. Prior to Delaware State, Friedland taught special education for 3 years at Eastern Illinois University.

Brian Day, B.A. ’82, M.A. ’86, Ed.D. ’99, currently is employed at Blue Cross Blue Shield in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Since obtaining his Ed.D., his career has changed dramatically by giving him many opportunities to improve his skills and demonstrate his capabilities, which has opened many doors for him.

2000 S Tiffany Huff, M.A. ’01, is currently employed as an international baccalaureate program coordinator/teacher at the Chesterfield County Public Schools. She and her husband, Jeffrey Huff, celebrated their daughter Haleigh’s first birthday on May 20. This is their first child. Jeffrey graduated from Forestry in 2002.

Michelle (Judy) Whiteman, M.A. ’03, has been teaching preschool special needs in Petersburg, West Virginia. She is married and has two daughters who are very involved in sports.

Mort Gamble, Ed.D. ’03, is a frequent writer for publications about the American circus. He contributed three chapters to the 2007 book The Many Worlds of Circus, published by the Cambridge Scholars Press.

He also writes for Goldenseal magazine, published by the West Virginia Division of Culture and History. He is currently employed at Bethany College as executive assistant to the president.

Adam Cantley, M.A. ’03, is the assistant director of University Student Centers at the University of Delaware.

He completed his term serving as the

38

SPRING 2014

national president of Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity and is now a committee member for the CEHS Alumni Association.

Annette (Fordyce) Sauceda, M.A. ’03, is currently the assistant principal of Lakewood Middle School in Overland Park, Kansas. She is working on her doctorate of education in educational leadership at Baker University. She has a husband, Tony, and four-year-old twin boys, Miles and Keenan.

Sarah (Marsh) Taylor-Dunlap, M.A. ’04, accepted an in-county transfer from Washington Middle School to Allegany High School in Maryland teaching 12th and ninth-grade English and literature.

Mary Blaker, M.A. ’05, currently teaches at Parkersburg High School in Wood County, West Virginia. She achieved National Board Certification in 2011 and received the Arch Coal Award in 2012. All of these are great achievements, but what she’s most excited about is that her brother, Jeffrey Blaker, M.A. ’11, will be teaching at PHS with her in the fall. He taught two years at Pikeview High School in Mercer County, but now he is coming home to their alma mater.

Erin (Brenneman) Younkin, M.A. ’05, is currently employed with Mineral County Schools in West Virginia as a special education teacher specializing in autism.

Amanda Espenschied-Reilly, M.A. ’06, is working on obtaining her Ph.D. from Kent State in higher education administration and recently assumed a new role as dean of general education for Aultman College. She recently welcomed her first child, a daughter. She is very grateful for Dr. Goeres’ help during her time at WVU.

College of Education and Human Services Magazine

P. Kay Nottingham Chaplin, Ed.D. ’06, is the director of vision and eye health initiatives for Good-Lite. She lectures across the country about appropriate vision screening with a variety of medical professionals. She recently was appointed as member of the Advisory Committee to the National Center for Children’s Vision and Eye Health to assist with vision and eye health education.

Craig McClellan, Ed.D. ’06, is the dean of education at Salem International University. As dean, he has facilitated NCATE accreditation efforts leading to national program recognition by the Educational Leadership Constituent Council of the graduate-level educational leadership programs.

Patricia Heldreth, B.A. ’07, currently works with Pennsylvania Labor and Industry in the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services.

Jennifer (Jenny) Margolin, M.A. ’07, is getting married this October to William Watts. She is a custom project manager at Cengage Learning.

Joseph Laviola, M.A. ’10, is currently an advisory teacher for the Commonwealth Connections Academy, a cyber school in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Cynthia Gissy, B.S. ’84, M.A. ’87, Ed.D. ’10, currently is a professor and chair of education and humanities at WVU Parkersburg and was named regional ambassador for the National Teacher Education Association. She is also elected director at large to the CEHS Alumni Association.

Brittney Walls, B.S. ’10, is a CEHS graduate student in the Doctor of Audiology Program (Au.D.) and will graduate in May 2014. She is currently

on her fourth-year externship at Touma Ear, Hearing, and Balance Center in Huntington, West Virginia. She recently became engaged to Chris DeMent, B.A. ’11. They are both Morgantown natives.

Sherri Anna (Martin) Robinson, Ed.D. ’11, currently is employed at Northern Virginia Community College as a coordinator in student success/counseling.

In March 2012, she provided a presentation at the American College Personnel Association (ACPA) Annual Conference in Louisville, Kentucky, based upon the results of her doctoral dissertation. The presentation titled “First Year Experiences: Perceptions of General Education in Community College” was chosen amongst several hundred conference proposals.

Robert Morris, B.S. ’88, M.S. ’11, is currently pursuing the principal certification offered by the CEHS Educational Leadership Program through WVU Extended Learning. He was named West Virginia’s 2012 Teacher of the Year.

Brittany Fracasso, M.A. ’11, is currently a Title I facilitator in Marion County, West Virginia.

Emma Byrne, B.A., M.A. ’11, is the program director of the Literacy LabReading Corps. This school year the Literacy Lab of Washington, D.C., launched the Metro D.C. Reading Corps, an age three to grade three literacy intervention program.

Learn more at www.theliteracylab.org.

department. He directed the school’s first musical production High School Musical Jr. and will be directing another musical this spring at KMS. Katrice Logan, B.A. ’12, is a lead teacher at Childtime Learning Center in Baltimore, Maryland.

Ellen (Varlas) Culler, M.A. ’12, currently is employed as an art specialist K-5 at Wheeling Jesuit University.

Alicia Hardman, M.A. ’10, M.A. ’12, currently teaches seventh grade at Beckley-Stratton Middle School in Raleigh County, West Virginia. She is married to Travis Doyle, M.A. ’11, who teaches eighth grade at BeckleyStratton Middle School.

Robin Frost, M.A. ’12, is the program coordinator for WVU Extension Service, Community Resources and Economic Development.

Sarah Swoger, B.S. ’11, M.S. ’13, is a speech language pathologist with Easter Seals Rehabilitation Center in Wheeling, West Virginia.

Elizabeth Holabaugh, M.A. ’13, is currently a middle school special education

teacher in Richmond Public Schools. She would like to thank Dr. Melissa Hartley and Dr. Christian Coogle for all of their hard work and dedication to the WVU Student Chapter of Council for Exceptional Children. She says, “Your guidance has prepared me for the education profession.

To the future members of CEC, work hard; this organization is like my baby and I want to see it grow!”

Jennifer Haines, B.S. ’13, is continuing her education at WVU as a graduate student in the Master’s of Speech Pathology Program.

Megan Stevulak, B.S. ’13, currently works for the Ruby WVU Hospital Child Development Center as a lead teacher.

Sarah Gabehart, M.A. ’13, will be heading to North Carolina to teach first grade at Rockfish Hoke Elementary outside of Fayetteville. She is excited for this opportunity and says she will still wear her gold and blue even if she is in North Carolina!

Jason Bennett, M.A. ’13, is a special education teacher at South Middle School in Morgantown, West Virginia.

Tommy Nester, B.A., M.A. ’11, is teaching eighth grade West Virginia Studies at Keyser Middle School in Mineral County. This is his first year teaching West Virginia Studies but his third year teaching overall. He serves as co-advisor of the KMS yearbook and the head of the theater

cehs.wvu.edu

SPRING 2014

39

DONOR HONOR ROLLS JULY 1, 2012 TO JUNE 30, 2013 Gifts of $10,000 or greater Mrs. Starlyn M. Baxter Wirt C. and Mae S. Belcher Fund Mr. David Cappellari Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation Ms. Susan B. Fahey Mr. and Mrs. Paul A. Fioravanti, Jr. Mrs. Priscilla Haden Ms. Jeanne C. Lanting Drs. Thomas P. and Estelle J. Lombardi Drs. Ranjit and Indira Majumder Mr. and Mrs. Robert O. Orders, Jr. Dr. John Pisapia

Gifts of $1,000–$9,999 Thomas R. Ammon Estate Dr. William S. Bingman Mr. and Mrs. David Clarke Dr. Elizabeth A. Dooley and Mr. Cornell Newbill Exxon Mobil Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Philip J. Faini Mr. Walter J. Fitzgerald Mr. and Mrs. James W. Harvey Mr. and Mrs. Don L. Hoylman International Study Tours, LLC Miss Nina Jabbour Dr. Amy L. Kuhn The Linde Group Thomas and Mary Lou McCullough Midwest Business Development Group Ltd. Mrs. Carol M. Miyashiro Dr. W. Gregory Monahan National Student Speech Language and Hearing Dr. Duane G. Nichols and Dr. C. Sue Miles Dr. Patricia A. Obenauf Pricewaterhouse Coopers LLP Mr. and Mrs. John Raley Ms. Heather N. Ramsey Dr. Lynne R. Schrum Scottish Rite Foundation of WV Mr. Jay M. Slaughter Dr. Lydotta M. Taylor Mrs. Kathryn C. Vecellio Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Witten, Jr. WVU-NAFDA

Gifts of $500–$999 Mr. Gregory W. Bailey The Elizabeth Davisson and Abelina Suarez Education Trust Dr. and Mrs. Reginald J. Exton Mr. and Mrs. Dennis M. Hanley Dr. Daniel E. Hursh Janus Development Group, Inc. Keylogic Systems, Inc. Ms. Donna B. Lane Dr. Diana L. Long Ms. Karen L. McAvoy 40

SPRING 2014

Dr. Gary L. McKown and Ms. Jill M. Meuser Dr. and Mrs. Charles K. Murray Mr. Joseph P. Muscatello, Jr. Dr. and Mrs. William A. Myers Mr. and Mrs. Harold L. Phillippi Mrs. Sheila L. Rye Drs. Alexander J. and Sandra K. Sabo Mrs. Anne G. Selinger Charon Dr. R. Roger Smith Dr. and Mrs. Richard T. Walls

Gifts of $100–$499 Dr. Judy A. Abbott Mr. and Mrs. John J. Aluise American Electric Power Mr. Eric E. Anderson Mrs. Mary Jane Anderson Dr. Carolyn P. Atkins Mrs. Betty M. Bailey Ms. Geraldine L. Banketas Mr. Thomas N. Banketas Mrs. Kristine M. Bardman Dr. Marylou R. Barnes Mr. and Mrs. Michael A. Barnes Mr. and Mrs. George G. Bilderback, Jr. Dr. and Mrs. Thomas L. Blaskovics Mr. James R. Blevins Mr. and Mrs. John N. Bolyard Bowles Rice McDavid Graff & Love LLP Mr. and Mrs. John B. Brand Ms. Diane D. Brown Ms. Donna M. Brown Mr. Fredrick A. Bruni Ms. Judith A. Burns Mrs. Leslie E. Burns-Loughlin Mr. Vincent P. and Dr. Jane S. Cardi Mrs. Deborah A. Carpenter Mr. and Dr. Gregory H. Cartwright Mr. and Mrs. Michael A. Caruso Mr. A. Bray Cary Mr. Joseph Cipolloni, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth D. Cover Mrs. Mary J. Crider Drs. Susan J. and John R. Criswell Dr. Carolyn A. Crutchfield Ron and Jayne Cutright Ms. Kathryn A. Davis Mrs. Mary M. Davis Dr. Ardeth M. Deay Dr. Lisa Cole and Dr. Jay Cole Mr. and Mrs. J. Lynn DeHaven Mrs. Mary L. Dickenson Drs. Robert M. and Sally H. Digman Dr. Evelyn DiTosto Ed.D. Ms. Mary Divich Dr. Sheldon C. Downes Dr. George F. Drain Ms. Sue A. Edwards Dr. Joy A. Elliott Mrs. Lynne V. Exley

College of Education and Human Services Magazine

Dr. Joy Faini Saab Dr. Ewaugh F. Fields Mr. and Mrs. Paul A. Fioravanti Mr. Russell F. Flint Mrs. Faith S. Foltz Dr. Carl M. Frasure, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. James E. Fridley Dr. and Mrs. Avery F. Gaskins Mr. and Mrs. Dave A. Gaspar Mr. and Mrs. Clifford W. Gay, Jr. General Reinsurance Corporation Dr. and Mrs. Juan Granados Dr. Norma J. Gray Dr. Adam S. Green Mrs. Marlene B. Greenleaf Mrs. Veronica A. Guerra Dr. and Mrs. John E. Gump Mrs. Margaret M. Hall Mr. Gregoria N. Halley Mr. William J. Hartnett Mr. and Mrs. Stephen E. Hastings Mr. and Mrs. Walter A. Hatton Drs. Richard B. and Judy H. Helm Mrs. Lois W. Henck Drs. Glenn R. and Erin D. Hider Mr. and Mrs. Thomas C. Hostutler Dr. Ronald W. Hull Ed.D. Mr. and Mrs. Richard W. Humphreys Ms. Hazel A. Johnson Mr. and Mrs. John T. Kane, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Edward G. Kennedy Mr. and Ms. Edward R. Kennedy Esq. Mr. and Mrs. Charles D. Kerzak Dr. Lesley A. Klishis and Dr. Michael J. Klishis Mrs. Sue B. Kotalik Mrs. Martha G. Lass Mr. and Mrs. Michael D. LeHere Dr. Ruth C. Lewis Ed.D. Mr. David N. Liguori Drs. Roger A. and Nancy Lohmann Mr. and Mrs. James E. Long Mr. Paul C. Luchok Mr. John Lundy and Linda Lundy Mr. and Mrs. James P. Lydon III Ms. Cheryl M. Malone Mr. John C. Marano, Sr. Dr. Melonie S. Marple Ms. Teresa A. McBee Mr. and Mrs. Tom McCallum Dr. Robert N. McCauley Mr. George K. McCrum Mr. Larry E. McCullough Ms. Darcy K. McDowell Dr. Betty M. Mei Mrs. Sandra G. Michelman Mrs. Mary E. Micucci Mr. Timothy L. and Dr. Katherine Mitchem Mr. Joseph T. Monahan Mr. Joe G. Motheral Dr. and Mrs. John R. Mountjoy Ms. Elizabeth H. Mullett Mr. Scott C. Murray Mr. Todd Murray

Dr. and Mrs. Richard G. Nadeau Mr. and Mrs. Daniel L. Neal Mrs. Lucy M. M. Nickolenko Mrs. Peggy B. Orser Ms. Marian L. Ours Mr. Walter W. Painter Drs. Artis J. and Linda A. Palmo Dr. and Mrs. Franklin Parker Mrs. Stephanie S. Pauls Ms. Martha D. Peercy Mr. and Mrs. Steven W. Perry Dr. and Mrs. Everett J. Pesci Dr. and Mrs. Larry K. Pickering Dr. Shelia S. Price Mrs. Carol J. Primozic Mr. and Mrs. Robert F. Radabaugh Mr. W. N. Radcliffe Ms. Victoria A. Railing Mr. John G. Riley Dr. J. Kenneth Roberts Dr. Stephen E. Robinson Mr. Robert C. Rosenberg, Jr. Drs. Sidney A. and Gwen Rosenbluth Dr. and Mrs. Paul W. Rosier Ms. Elizabeth L. Ross Dr. and Mrs. Dennis Ruscello Ms. Laura S. Sadowski Ms. Tamara J. Schmidt Mr. and Mrs. Sam Scolapio, Jr. Mr. Santino T. Serpento Mrs. Cinda K. Shaver Mrs. Becky Shonk Sheets Mr. and Mrs. Joseph A. Shifflette Ms. Angela S. Shockley Mr. and Mrs. Howard E. Shouffler Dr. and Mrs. James C. Shuman Mr. and Mrs. Fred A. Simpson, Jr. Mr. John S. Skocik and Dr. Nancy A. Skocik Miss Donna L. Staggs Mrs. Virginia M. Stanley Dr. and Mrs. Floyd L. Stead Ms. Carol Steager Dr. and Mrs. David L. Stewart Mr. and Mrs. Richard A. Stewart Mr. and Mrs. Fred T. Tattersall Mr. Eberhard Thieme Dr. Rosemary M. Thomas Dr. Douglas L. Timmons Ms. Ann Trexler Ms. Alice C. Tuckwiller Mr. James R. Turner Mr. and Mrs. Wendel B. Turner Mr. Frank D. Wagner Dr. Avril M. Wakefield Mr. Gary E. Walter Mr. and Dr. Richard A. Warash Mrs. Norene L. Westfall Mrs. Beverly K. Whipp Mrs. Patricia Z. Wilhelm Dr. Diane T. Woodrum Leuthold and Mr. Peter P. Leuthold Ms. Joanne M. Yurik The Hon. Mary E. Zeppuhar Ed.D. Mr. and Mrs. Randal N. Zinn

.

A .

B r a e Y 4 Brand New n o i t a c u d E y r In Elementa Considering Elementary Education? Give our new 4-year program a look!

This program is designed to help you earn a B.A. in Elementary Education plus K-6 Certification.

Want to learn more? cils.wvu.edu/4yrba

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AND HUMAN SERVICES

Allen Hall, 355 Oakland Street PO Box 6122 Morgantown, WV 26506-6122 OR Current Resident

Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Morgantown, WV Permit No. 34