ESU news briefs
Originally published 02:00 p.m., November 8, 2007
Updated 02:00 p.m., November 8, 2007
Research award
Emporia State University has awarded the Harold Durst Graduate Research Award for 2007-2008 to Tyler Miller.
Miller, from Sioux Falls, S.D., is currently working on his master’s degree in psychology with a concentration in general psychology through ESU’s department of psychology and special education. Miller will be honored at ESU’s 2008 Research and Creativity Forum on April 10.
This award was created by Harold Durst to provide financial support for creative activities and research by graduate students. Durst was ESU’s dean of graduate studies and research from 1974 to 1985.
Miller will receive a cash stipend of $1,202 which will enable him to complete the research necessary for his thesis and to graduate May 2008. His name will be added to the Harold Durst Graduate Research Award plaque on display in the Office of Graduate Studies at ESU.
Milken honors
The two Kansas winners of a prestigious education award are Emporia State University degree-holders. Jamelle McConnell-Brown, a forensics coach and speech teacher at Sumner Academy in Kansas City, Kan., and Eric Kessler, a biology and zoology teacher from Blue Valley North High School in Overland Park, were surprised by the awards presented during assemblies at their respective schools in late October.
The Milken Education Awards are presented to outstanding elementary and secondary teachers, principals and other education professionals who are furthering excellence in education.
Brown earned her bachelor’s degree in education at ESU in 1998. Kessler completed his master’s degree in biology at ESU that same year.
The Milken Educator Awards are announced each year at assemblies staged at each teacher’s school. The group seeks out teachers who show strong leadership skills that inspire others and use innovative practices to achieve results. Regarded as the Oscar of teaching, the Milken Education Award comes with a $25,000 cash prize to each recipient, an all-expense paid trip to Los Angeles, and membership in an elite group of teachers.
Brown and Kessler both had fond remembrances of their educational experience at Emporia State.
“I always tell students and parents that ESU was one of the best things that happened to me,” said Brown.
Kessler, meanwhile, was putting thoughts on paper for a more formalized thank-you.
“Emporia State most certainly had a big influence on my current teaching,” Kessler said. “I’ve been jotting down ideas for a letter I want to write thanking everyone who’s had an impact on me.”