Teachers college students' achievements honored
By The Emporia Gazette (Contact)
Originally published 01:43 p.m., May 22, 2008
Updated 01:43 p.m., May 22, 2008
A long-time faculty member and 21 Emporia State University students received special recognition at the 24th Annual Teachers College Honors Banquet May 9. A total of 41 undergraduate students were also honored for achievement of a 3.75 grade point average or higher.
Honored faculty
Marvin Kuehn was recognized for his 35 years of service to ESU. Kuehn is presently a professor in the Department of Counselor Education and Rehabilitation Programs. He served as director of rehabilitation programs for 31 years and was responsible for authoring more than 50 state and federal grants that resulted in over $3 million of support for graduate and undergraduate programs in rehabilitation counseling. Known as a caring but challenging teacher, Kuehn always holds high expectations for his students. His teaching has focused on medical aspects of disability, foundations of rehabilitation counseling, administration of human services, grant writing, counseling skill development, and trends and issues in rehabilitation.
In addition to being a superb teacher, Kuehn is also prolific in scholarly activity. In addition to his phenomenal success in grant writing, Kuehn has published one book, 11 refereed journal articles, nine chapters in edited books and has presented at 37 state and national professional conferences. He received the Teachers College Award for Scholarly Activity in 2001.
Kuehn also contributes immensely to his profession and to the university. He currently serves as the Interim Executive director of the Council on Rehabilitation Education (the national accrediting organization for rehabilitation counseling programs) and the National Advisory Committee of the National Institute on Rehabilitation leadership. He received the Distinguished Service Award from the Administrative Secretary of the National Council on Rehabilitation Education in 2002, the Distinguished Career Service Award from the National Council on Rehabilitation Education in 1997, the National Award for Service in the Field of Counseling from the Public Policy and Legislation Committee of the American Counseling Association in 1993, the National Award for the Advancement of Rehabilitation Education from the National Council on Rehabilitation Education in 1991. Kuehn has served in numerous leadership roles on varied councils and committees within Kansas and at ESU, including President of the Faculty Senate during the 1999-2000 academic year. His service nationally, within the state, and within ESU was recognized with the Teachers College Outstanding Service Award in 1989.
Kuehn will remain at ESU for two more years while on a slightly reduced teaching load as he phases into full retirement.
Honored students
The following students received awards for excellence in their respective departments:
UNDERGRADUATE AWARDS
Athletic Training — Alyssa Dawn Harrold, Ness City , was recognized as a well-organized and hard-working student who has excelled in clinical learning. As an honor roll student, her instructors report that Alyssa is very empathic about putting her best foot forward, performing to the highest standards even when the assignment carries no letter grade. She plans to become a certified athletic trainer and work in a sports medicine clinic while also doing outreach work at local high schools.
Elementary Teacher Education — Scott K. Schoenfeld, Manhattan , was honored for his exemplary performance in three areas: academics, teaching and dispositions. He won the respect of his professors for the quality of his academic work, and his professionalism gained him the respect of school principals, parents and his peers. As a teacher, he makes his subject matter interesting and understandable, motivating the most reluctant learners. Schoenfeld is currently teaching fifth grade and plans to begin work on a master’s degree in the fall.
Health Education — Erica Caudillo, Wellington , was selected for this honor because of her constant enthusiasm and dedication to the profession of health education. Always working to be a leader in her field, she was consistently dependable in all of her coursework and involved in many extra-curricular and professional activities, including attending several state, regional and national professional conferences. Caudillo plans to secure a teaching position in physical education and health in the Wichita area.
Health Promotion — Jodi Scolaro, Americus , was recognized for her outstanding leadership abilities and her impressive pursuit of professional development opportunities. Jodi served in leadership roles in many campus organizations and has done extensive volunteer work. For much of her undergraduate career, Jodi worked for Westar Energy’s wellness program, gaining valuable hands-on experience, which she plans to put to use as an intern at a corporate wellness facility in Colorado this summer.
Physical Education — Derek Scott, Council Grove, promises to be an excellent addition to the teaching profession. Supervising faculty noted he has a true passion for working with kids and has the unique ability to create excellent rapport with his students, while at the same time setting high expectations for them. An active volunteer, Scott has already coached many different age levels and several different sports. He will begin teaching this fall at Ware Elementary in the Geary County school district.
Psychology — Kimberly J. Ashford, Emporia , in the words of the nominating faculty, Ashford was “a very motivated, extremely responsible, intelligent and exceptionally mature psychology undergraduate.” She successfully designed and conducted an experimental research project, and gave an outstanding presentation of her results at the 2007 Great Plains Students’ Psychology Convention. The psychology faculty is certain she will be very successful as she pursues her future goal, a master’s degree in Psychology.
Recreation — Candace Ellsworth, Mulvane, was honored by the recreation faculty as an outstanding student, professional, and citizen. While maintaining a strong GPA, Ellsworth has been active in student associations, and has held a membership in both the Kansas and National Recreation and Parks Associations. Her awards in aquatics in 2008 include “Outstanding Lifeguard of the Year” from KRPA and a National Aquatic Conference Scholarship. Candace looks forward to a full time job as an aquatic specialist at Blue Valley Recreation Commission.
Rehabilitation Services — Cheryl A. Repp, Neosho Rapids, has demonstrated a strong commitment to working with persons with addictions and women who have been abused emotionally or physically. Her own relevant life experiences as single parent providing for six children have enhanced her desire to help others. With a GPA of 3.95, Repp is an outstanding and supportive student who willingly assists other students on class assignments and projects. Repp plans to begin a master’s degree program in rehabilitation counseling at ESU in the fall.
Middle & Secondary Teacher Education — Taylar Danielle Turnbull, Lenexa , was recognized for demonstrating a commitment to teaching that causes her to excel in the areas of scholarship, pedagogical skill and professionalism. Turnbull has shown a remarkable ability to transfer scholarship into effective teaching. Her skills and commitment enable her to make a personal connection to her students, causing them to engage in learning and share her enthusiasm. Beginning in August, Turnbull will be teaching secondary English in the Olathe School District .
GRADUATE AWARDS
Art Therapy — Whitney M Nobis, Webb City, MO, was honored for being a responsible, creative and enthusiastic student and an exceptional young professional. Always a pleasure to have in class, Nobis was an eager contributor to complex dialogues, and performed beyond expectations both academically and in service to others. Her master’s project using art therapy in treatment of alcohol and substance abuse will constitute a valuable contribution to the field. She is seeking an art therapy position in Missouri serving special needs populations.
Curriculum and Instruction — Kasi. H. Packard, Ozawkie; the school leadership faculty placed Packard at the top of all the outstanding students they have had the opportunity to teach this year. A dedicated professional who is committed to academic leadership, Packard’s research skills are exceptional and she consistently engages in intellectual reflection to improve her teaching and leadership skills. Her capabilities are already well recognized by the Perry-Lecompton district where she chairs three curriculum committees while teaching 8th and 9th grade math.
Educational Administration — Marylee Griffiths, Basehor, was honored for the professionalism, experience and work ethic that make her a model for colleagues as well as students. As she worked through her degree program, the educational administration faculty saw Griffiths grow in understanding of what it takes to be an effective leader. That understanding makes her a valuable advocate for children in her role as coordinator for the early childhood education program in the Kansas City, KS public schools.
Experimental Psychology — Tyler M. Miller, Yankton, SD; an impressive scholar, Miller’s work ethic and intrinsic motivation make him a wonderful role model for both graduate and undergraduate students. Miller has worked on numerous research projects resulting in 19 conference presentations and, even with a rigorous academic program, has been very active in professional organizations. Because of his outstanding personal qualities and his academic prowess, the psychology faculty is certain he will be a superstar doctoral student at Texas A&M University .
Instructional Design & Technology — Sandra Jean Valenti, Des Moines, IA, demonstrated her scholarship and leadership as a graduate assistant, and as president of the Instructional Technology Student Association. Her greatest accomplishment at ESU was realized when she and her teammate, Steve Harmon, distinguished themselves among doctoral students, and were recognized as national finalists in the PacifiCorp instructional design competition. She is currently employed as the instructional technology coordinator at ESU.
Health Promotion — Ashley Ann Wells, Emporia; it was her attention to detail and her pursuit of excellence in teaching and scholarship that has made her the recipient of the Health, Physical Education and Recreation outstanding graduate award. Actively involved in professional and student organizations, she has served both the university and her profession, while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. Wells was a graduate assistant in HPER and was also the coordinator of the human performance lab. Wells plans on pursuing a career in health promotion.
Master Teacher/Reading Specialist — Joey Hertzenberg, Overland Park
Mental Health Counseling — Kimberley Marie Wood, Richmond , was an excellent example of the competent and ethical professional mental health counselor. Her academic work was exceptional, her leadership significant, and her work ethic was illustrated by having completed her master’s degree in two years while working full time and being a wife and mother. Wood is currently a case manager at the Elizabeth Layton Mental Health Center in Ottawa, KS, working with adults diagnosed with severe and persistent mental illness.
Rehabilitation Counseling — Elizabeth Anne Van Vleck, Rossville, was the unanimous choice of the rehabilitation faculty for the outstanding graduate student, a rare and significant event underlining the quality of her achievements. She has performed very well in all levels of her graduate training including those courses developing knowledge, skills, and enhancement of disposition. She is an exceptional student, citizen, and colleague. Heartland Regional Alcohol and Drug Assessment Center is lucky to have secured such a dynamic individual and young professional.
Special Education/Adaptive — Kendy L. Johnson, Coldwater, has demonstrated a strong commitment to gaining the knowledge, strategies and skills that would support her in efforts to serve students with disabilities. Very aware of the differences, strengths, and weaknesses that are unique to each individual, she is dedicated to ongoing professional development. Her goal is to empower her students in all areas of their lives, including academic, social and personal. Johnson is currently employed by the South Central Kansas Special Education Cooperative.
School Counselor Education — Melissa Linn Kewley, Reading, was honored for her ability to go beyond the curriculum to become an effective school counselor. During her internship, she served as a leader, helping others learn more about working in a low socio-economic environment and assisting her classmates in becoming aware of the different aspects of a counselor’s role. Kewley is an effective communicator and gives meaningful feedback and counsel to classmates and students alike. Kewley has obtained a position as a school counselor for Marais Des Cygnes Middle and High School.
GRADUATE RESEARCH AWARD
As a way of encouraging student interest in searching for new information, The Teachers College annually offers awards to students at the undergraduate level and graduate level who demonstrate an interest and competence in conducting research. The 2008 award went to Linette M. McJunkin for her research on “The Effects of Test-Item Rewording on Women’s Math Performance.” McJunkin is a student in the Department of Psychology and Special Education. The faculty sponsors for her research project were Dr. Gwen Carnes and Dr. Cathy Grover.
HONORS The following undergraduate students were also recognized for a cumulative grade point average of 3.75 or higher. These students are due to graduate or have graduated in December 2007, May 2008 or August 2008:
Americus — Kristy M. Robidou
Andover — Tenae Michelle Alfaro
Arkansas City — Heather Marie Julian
Baldwin City — Kyla Meisenheimer
Bonner Springs — Corinne N. Samskey
El Dorado — Ashley N. Evenson
Ellinwood — Megan C. Birzer
Emporia — Laura M. Gilbow, Austin J. Heaton, Amy Lynn Reames Koeppe, Matthew Marasco, Amanda Megan Mayhew, Dianna J. Rogers, Danica A. Rothe, Allen L. Wilson
Glen Elder — Casey L. Henningsen
Gridley — Gennifer Anne Birk
Hutchinson — Stephanie R. Grote
Lawrence — Jessica Leigh Lamer
Manhattan — Scott K. Schoenfeld
Marysville — Bruna
McPherson — Raschelle Teresa Jirak
Mission — Miranda S. Stamer
Neodesha — Trevor Ewert
Neosho Rapids — Cheryl A. Repp
Olathe — Lindsay N. Black, Rachel L. Prendergast, Ashley Renee Potter
Osage City — Patricia K. Parre
Ottawa — Kari Hart
Overland Park — Rebecca L. Culbertson, Samantha Dinh-Phan
Paola — Amanda Kay Gerken
Pratt — Shanda M. Day
Reading — Amanda Meek
Shawnee — Lisa Renee Urban
Topeka — Aubrey J. Boxberger, Diane M. Coffin, Charles C. Glass, Rachel Joy Wayman
Wichita — Rachel L. Fehrenbacher
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