oklahoma state college of education magazine

EDUCATION2014

The official magazine of the College of Education, Oklahoma State University

Booking a SurpriseKirby Thomas makes a big impression on talk-show host Ellen DeGeneres

C O N T A C T COE MAGAZINE 3 3 5 W I L L A R D C O L L E G E O F E D U C A T I O N O K L A H O M A S T A T E U N I V E R S I T Y S T I L L W A T E R , O K 7 4 0 7 8 - 4 0 3 3

[email protected]

Dr. Pamela “Sissi” Carroll D E A N , C O L L E G E O F E D U C A T I O N

Christy Lang C O E C O M M U N I C A T I O N S

Dorothy L. Pugh E D I T O R

Valerie Kisling A R T D I R E C T O R

Phil Shockley Gary Lawson Mitch Harrison P H O T O G R A P H E R S

When you join the OSU Alumni Association, a portion of your membership comes back to the college to fund programs such as homecoming and other alumni events. Contact the college for more information: 303 Willard Hall Stillwater, OK 74078-4033 (405) 744-7190. education.okstate.edu

Oklahoma State University, in compliance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order 11246 as amended, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other federal laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices or procedures. This includes but is not limited to admissions, employment, financial aid, and educational services. Title IX of the Education Amendments and Oklahoma State University policy prohibit discrimination in the provision of services or benefits offered by the University based on gender. Any person (student, faculty or staff) who believes that discriminatory practices have been engaged in based upon gender may discuss their concerns and file informal or formal complaints of possible violations of Title IX with the OSU Title IX Coordinator, Mackenzie Wilfong, J.D., Director of Affirmative Action, 408 Whitehurst, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, (405) 744-5371 or (405) 744-5576 (fax). This publication, #3316, issued by Oklahoma State University as authorized by the Dean, College of Education, was printed by OSU Marketing, University Printing at a cost of $4,381/3.5m. 10/14. #5611

Lifelong Learning Like a fine wine, the

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at OSU just gets better with age.

COE Magaz ine i s a p u b l i c a t i o n o f t h e O k l a h o m a S t a t e U n i v e r s i t y C o l l e g e o f

E d u c a t i o n . I t s p u r p o s e i s t o c o n n e c t t h i s c o l l e g e w i t h i t s m a n y s t a k e h o l d e r s ,

p r o v i d i n g i n f o r m a t i o n o n b o t h c a m p u s n e w s a n d p e r t i n e n t i s s u e s i n t h e f i e l d o f

e d u c a t i o n . © Ok lahoma State Un ivers i ty 201 4

New Ways to Learn Emily Ray pract ices with a Smar t game designed to help teach a math lesson. A look at the College of Educat ion’s latest “transformation st at ion” begins on Page 6.

ON THE COVER

8

Touching LivesBillie Dean and Bill

Buckles are showing their passion for education by

establishing a professorship in the College of Education.

Arts-Fused Citizenship

A new initiative in Tulsa uses the arts in an after-

school program to promote citizenship and community.

1610

Ellen’s favorite librarianis an OSU alumna,

naturally. Kirby Thomas (now Mackenzie) shares what it was like to make two appearances on the

national talk show.

PHOTO: UNION PUBLIC SCHOOLS

M A G A Z I N E

PHIL SHOCKLEY/UNIVERSITY MARKETING

EDUCATION2014

The official magazine of the College of Education, Oklahoma State University

Booking a SurpriseKirby Thomas makes a big impression on talk-show host Ellen DeGeneres

Teaching TransformationThe TECH Playground offers students hands-on experience with innovative practices

From the Dean’s Office

From the Dean’s OfficeTanzania, reflects on the impact of

scholarships she received in a letter

she sent about her experiences in

the college.

Our faculty members continue

to engage in research and commu-

nity service projects that involve

children and adolescents, too. Read

about how Dr. Seungho Moon, in

Curriculum Studies, has taken the

ArTS Initiative into urban Tulsa

schools, and the experience that

Dr. Jennifer Volberding, professor

of athletic training, and Dr. Mark

Uhlman, master pilot, had when

they joined Miss America 2014,

Nina Davuluri, for a panel discus-

sion on STEM careers during OSU

Research Week. I am particularly

proud of the increase in research

productivity of our faculty in the

past year, and know that we will

continue to increase our impact as

we connect our teaching, research,

and service in meaningful ways to

serve our community, state and

country.

With our eyes toward support

for students and faculty, we also

tell the stories of the special bond

that connects Dr. Timm Bliss,

professor of aviation, with Sgt. 1st

Class Nick Jones, for whom he

established a scholarship, and the

inspiring stories of Bill and Billie

Buckles, who have chosen to pass

forward the benefits that education

has offered to them as an Okla-

homa couple with strong OSU ties.

We are proud to feature, too, our

Hello from Stillwater, where the

OSU campus is again humming

with the energy of the fall semester.

The College of Education faculty,

staff, students and I are enthusias-

tic about the 2014-2015 academic

year, and the opportunities and

challenges that it will bring. We

are eager to introduce our new

faculty members, highlight some

of our plans for the coming year

and recap some of our accomplish-

ments, stories and acknowledge-

ments from the past academic

year with you in this volume of

Education.

Our students continue to be

center of attention in the college;

you will meet them throughout

this magazine. They appear, for

example, in the photographs of

our TECH Playground and in the

announcement regarding OSU’s

Student-Athletes of the Year. In a

feature, you will get to know Kirby

Thomas, who was introduced to

the nation when she appeared

on The Ellen DeGeneres Show

twice, first after being surprised by

Ellen at Kirby’s school in Broken

Arrow, Okla., during an assembly,

and later, in Los Angeles on the

show’s set with Ellen. Did you

know that Kirby is a graduate of

the College of Education at OSU?

Former graduate student Kali Bell,

who recently completed a student

teaching internship in Lakenheath,

England, and is now leading a

school’s special education efforts in

thriving Osher Lifelong Learning

program, which I refer to often as a

jewel within the College of Educa-

tion. When you read the article, I

suspect that you will agree.

Thomas Edison reminds us:

“Being busy does not always mean

real work. The object of all work is

production or accomplishment and

to either of these ends there must

be forethought, system, planning,

intelligence and honest purpose, as

well as perspiration. Seeming to

do is not doing.” In the College

of Education at Oklahoma State

University, we are committed to

doing our best to improve the lives

of children, adolescents, families

and communities through engaging

in teaching, research and service.

We are Pokes who are proud to be

involved in doing.

Warmest regards,

Dr. Pamela “Sissi” Carroll

Dean, OSU College of Education

PORTRAIT MITCH HARRISONCONTACT INFORMATION

(405) 744-3373 • [email protected] • education.okstate.edu

C O L L E G E O F E D U C A T I O NO K L A H O M A S T A T E U N I V E R S I T Y

ellen’s Favorite Librarian

… as proven with a gift of a new Bookmobile

PHOTOS UNION PUBLIC SCHOOLS

KIRBY THOMAS loves her position as a

library media specialist, with the bookmobile

van (right).

2 0 1 4

2

Oklahoma State University

College of Education alumna

Kirby Thomas’ enthusiasm

and passion for reading

inspires the 700-plus students

she serves at Christa McAuliffe

Elementary School in Broken

Arrow, Okla. This past spring,

the energy and passion she

brings to her job as library

media specialist were in the

national spotlight, thanks to a

television talk show host.

“I always knew I wanted to teach and that I wanted to attend OSU. (The university) felt homey, and I knew OSU offered a great education program,” says Thomas, who graduated from Union High School. “I loved my time in the College of Education. I love the professional relationships and friendships formed while I was there.”

Thomas earned an elementary education degree in 2008. She is in her seventh year at the Union Public Schools site, including the last three as McAuliffe’s library media specialist.

Thomas has long been an avid fan of Ellen DeGeneres and her talk show. Along with McAuliffe Elementary colleague and friend Amanda Griffin, Thomas was determined to make it onto The Ellen DeGeneres Show. The pair began submitting videos as part of

a promotion called Dance Dare, where dancers video themselves busting a move behind unknow-ing people. Thomas and Griffin submitted two Dance Dare videos, but those didn’t make it on.

They continued to reach out to Ellen with numerous tweets, emails and pictures — to no avail.

“We just kept trying bigger and better things for over two years,” Thomas said.

Meanwhile, the McAuliffe staff voted Thomas as the school’s teacher of the year for 2013-14. Another colleague, Cory Allen, a 2006 OSU graduate in early child-hood education, emailed The Ellen Show to share the news about Thomas’ award. She explained just how much Thomas and Griffin loved Ellen, her show and the joy she brings people. She also shared about the school’s summer book program led by curriculum coach Lisa Shotts and Thomas, who make sure students continue to have access to books over the school break by taking a van full of reading materials into school neighborhoods each week.

Fast-forward to Feb. 20, 2014: Thomas and other staff and students scheduled an evening pizza party and movie night at the school with plans to tape another video to send to Ellen.

“The next thing I know, Ellen is calling my cellphone,” Thomas says.

DeGeneres asked Thomas if she had her book (Seriously, I’m Kidding). DeGeneres’ producer Jeanie Klisiewicz had been dispatched to Broken Arrow and entered the McAuliffe Elementary gym, full of students, teachers and

staff, with a copy in hand. Thomas was surprised and

excited, but says she did her best to form normal thoughts as she communicated with DeGeneres via satellite feed.

“As a teacher, you go through your normal day, anticipating the next thing. This was a bizarre set of moments that (I) couldn’t predict,” Thomas says. “Looking back, it’s hard to believe I didn’t faint.”

DeGeneres announced that Entitlebooks.com, an e-book subscription service, was giving McAuliffe a check for $25,000 to spend on e-books and materials for the school library. Each student also received a $25 Target gift card.

Klisiewicz then handed Thomas an “Ellen blindfold” and led her outside the school where a brand-new Bookmobile was parked. The custom red van with McAuliffe Elementary painted on it was stocked with books, iPad minis and more.

Over the summer, Thomas and her colleagues put the new Bookmobile to good use and expe-rienced a spike in attendance. The van’s Tuesday visits were a commu-nity event. In addition to books, the van staffers bring ice pops, fun music and hugs.

“Kids are excited, and they want to talk about books,” Thomas says. “Parents and older brothers and sisters are coming out and supporting them. We’re seeing an environment of literacy and a sense of community. These are teachers they know.”

Thomas’ interaction with DeGeneres did not end Feb. 20. On that day, DeGeneres invited Kirby

C O N T I N U E S


to come to Los Angeles to attend the show.

“I told them not to forget,” Thomas says.

The ProposalThomas received a phone call a

few days before DeGeneres hosted the Oscars on March 2 to schedule a visit to the show. Since Griffin, Shotts and Allen had been such an integral part of the program in gaining DeGeneres’ attention and the donation, arrangements were made for all to come to Los Angeles with Thomas.

“On the day of the show, we were buzzing with excitement,” Thomas says. “They sent a car to pick us up at the hotel, which we thought was the coolest thing. We were excited just to be sitting in the audience. I remember thinking it was the best day ever.”

When the group arrived at the studio, they were escorted to a dressing room. Thomas called her boyfriend, Jason Mackenzie, a 2004 OSU alumnus, in Tulsa to share the moment.

Show producers told Thomas that DeGeneres might come and introduce herself at a commercial break or that she might give them a

shout out.“They said, ‘It’s Ellen. You never

know what she is going to do,’” Thomas recalls. “We really thought that we were only sitting in the audience.”

During the show, a clip from the day at McAuliffe played and Ellen called Thomas up on stage.

“I was so nervous. I was think-ing, don’t say anything dumb,” she remembers.

DeGeneres asked for an update on how the school is using the money to improve the library. Thomas shared that they were planning a One School, One Book program where students, parents and staff members will read Charlotte’s Web together.

Next, DeGeneres asked if Thomas was single. Thomas replied, with a wink, that she was “working on it.” Just as she began sharing what a great guy her boyfriend was, music started and the stage doors opened. Mackenzie came walking out.

Mackenzie asked the shocked Thomas to marry him. She said yes. Mackenzie had reached out to the show producers to let them know he wanted to propose, and they agreed to let him do it on the show. He pulled off the ultimate covert operation.

“When I talked to him on the phone from the dressing room, I thought I could hear him typing on his keyboard at work (in Tulsa),” Thomas said. “He was taking care of my dog for me.”

Mackenzie covered his bases. He avoided telling anyone who did not absolutely need to know. He asked Thomas’ dad for his permission but led him to believe he was going to propose after the school year. Mackenzie called in sick to work that day.

The couple, who received a $10,000 wedding registry from DeGeneres, courtesy of J.C. Penney,

married on July 11 in Tulsa. Thomas made quite an impres-

sion on DeGeneres. The show sent Thomas to serve as a correspon-dent at the American Country Music Awards in April, where she had a chance to interview the likes of Luke Bryan, Shakira, Rascal Flatts and LL Cool J.

While the last six months have been a whirlwind, Thomas, who now goes by Kirby Mackenzie, is eager to continue her work at McAuliffe Elementary.

“We have such fabulous group around here,” she says. “I’ve been

here and plan to never leave!”

Watch It“A Big Surprise for

Kirby,” The Ellen

DeGeneres Show,

Feb. 22, 2014

http://okla.st/ZtnyAR

“A Proposal for

Kirby,” The Ellen

DeGeneres Show,

March 22, 2014

http://okla.st/1w8VRtS

McAuliffe Elementary’s Bookmobile visits became

community events in Broken Arrow, Okla.

2 0 1 4

4

The OSU College of Education welcomed reign-

ing Miss America Nina Davuluri to Stillwater in

February as part of 2014 Research Week.

Davuluri, who earned a bachelor’s in brain,

behavior and cognitive science at the University

of Michigan, served as spokeswoman for the U.S.

Department of Education’s National STEM Coali-

tion. Davuluri’s STEM (Science, Technology, Engi-

neering and Mathematics) background made her

an excellent fit to present at OSU, complementing a

range of significant STEM education research and

activity happening in the College of Education.

Davuluri took part in a “Success Starts with

STEM” panel of professionals representing vari-

ous STEM areas. College of Education Dean

Pamela “Sissi” Carroll moderated the panel, which

included 2013 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year

Elaine Hutchison, an advanced math instructor

at Fairview High School; Dr. Mark Uhlman, OSU

chief flight instructor; Dr. Jennifer Volberding, assistant professor and athletic training program

director for OSU; and Dr. Wes Fryer, STEM teacher

at Independence Elementary in Yukon and a digital

learning consultant.

The panelists shared how STEM shaped their

respective journeys, encouraging the audience to

think about STEM beyond traditional labels and

illustrating how STEM skills fit in art, science,

music and more.

The College of Education also worked with

Stillwater Public Schools to invite the 600-plus

third-grade students in the district to hear Davuluri

speak. During the session with third-graders, she

discussed celebrating diversity and the importance

of education and living a healthy lifestyle. Davuluri

also fielded questions from the classes.

Davuluri’s visit to Oklahoma was a homecoming

of sorts. She lived in Ada, Okla., between the ages

of 4 and 10 and had not returned to the state in

years. The program included a surprise visit from

her third-grade teacher at Homer Elementary in

Byng, Mary Hatcher.

WATCH IT ON OSTATETV

Miss America Nina Davuluri’s presentation to Stillwater third-graders: http://okla.st/1EYCliC

Success Starts with STEM Panel:

http://okla.st/1w7CMXh

GA

RY

LA

WS

ON

/UN

IVE

RS

ITY

MA

RK

ET

ING‘Success

Starts with STEM’Research panel including Miss America shares experiences on journeys

Mary Hatcher (left) hugs her former student Nina Davuluri, who grew up to be Miss America. Hatcher taught Davuluri in the third grade in Byng, Okla.


“Great learners are curious, persistent, questioning, not afraid to fail.”

Those inspiring words are written on the wall

of the College of Education’s TECH Playground.

Located on third floor of Willard Hall, the space is

enticing students and faculty to think about teach-

ing and learning in new ways and sparking connec-

tions across disciplines.

TECH stands for Transforming Education

through Creative Habits. The playground opened

late in 2013. It is home to a 3-D printer, a feature

that draws attention from all visitors; and a Smart

table, with a 360-degree surface that’s designed

to engage young students. A new addition to the

playground is a cutting-edge Double Robotics tele-

presence robot, which enables faculty and students

to be present, even from a distance. Other new

tech tools include GoPro high-definition cameras

to capture and review teaching performances, an

EEG monitor system for physiological research,

and a weather station for use by pre-service science

education students.

There is also 3-D television, a Smart Board,

an Xbox One with Kinnect, a LiveScribe pen

and various tablet devices. Visitors are welcome

to bring their own devices and experiment with

applications.

“Our goal is to have tools that won’t be wide-

spread in classrooms for five more years,” TECH

Playground coordinator Toby Brown says. “It’s a

revolving door of technology, and every year new

tools will be added.”

But the playground is not just about the tech-

nology; it’s about the ideas. New and innovative

tools are used to elicit ideas and conversations

about teaching and research from College faculty,

students, and staff. Often, informal conversations

with playground visitors turn into brainstorming

sessions for improving teaching and learning.

Education technology professor Susan Stansberry

had long dreamed about a place where faculty and

students in the College of Education could experi-

ment with the newest and best technology tools and

research the best applications to improve teaching

and learning.

Thanks to the leadership of College of Education

Dean Pamela “Sissi” Carroll, the support of a gift

from education alumna Jeanie Muzik Crone and

ideas shared by Dr. Dina Vyortkina from Florida

State University, the dream became a reality when

the TECH Playground opened last year.

“It’s about the ideas and bringing creativity and

innovation to teaching in the classroom,” says

Stansberry, who coordinates the education technol-

ogy program. “Learners want to be engaged, and

technology is a vector.”

Writeable glass panels cover the room’s walls.

Faculty and students are encouraged to share their

curiosities, challenges and ideas about innovative

teaching and learning.

The starter question is, “What challenges do you

see in teaching and learning?” Everyone who comes

through the door is encouraged to share creative

solutions and collaborate with others in the room,

on the playground’s blog (edtech.okstate.edu/tech-

playblog) or through Twitter.

“I am energized whenever I go into the room

because the scene is always changing. The walls

are covered with visitors’ real questions about the

learning process, and how technologies might help

us explore it more deeply,” Carroll says. “The

Transformation StationTECH Playground combines creativity, innovation and (of course) technology

2 0 1 4

6

TECH Playground encourages us all to be great

learners.”

The playground is open daily during the week

for visitors to walk in and spend time “playing.”

Students from eight sections of undergraduate

teaching with technology regularly hold class in the

space.

“They haven’t been afraid to write their ideas

on the walls. We love seeing their ideas interacting

with faculty ideas,” Stansberry says.

A host of potential research projects that cross

disciplines can cover the walls.

“It has been encouraging to see how different

disciplines are talking. We are excited about the

frequency of collaboration and hope it makes every-

one better,” Stansberry says.

The innovative space is certain to benefit creative

teaching, learning and research habits of both

students and faculty in the College of Education,

and by extension, the thousands of future K-12 and

university students they will teach.

“We are excited about a paradigm shift from past

ways of teaching and learning to new creative and

innovative practices,” Stansberry says. “We aren’t

kidding about transforming.”

PHIL SHOCKLEY / UNIVERSITY MARKETING

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION students work with a variety

of technological advances in the TECH Playground.

SEE THE TECHNOLOGY on OStateTV and hear how it

is generating new ideas about teaching and learning.

http://okla.st/1vvFbOu


CARA BEER perfects her project during

a charcoal drawing class at the Osher

Lifelong Learning Institute at OSU.

The first day of a class for the

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

at OSU mirrors any first day of

school. It is a time to reunite with

friends, meet new people and

satisfy a natural curiosity about a

particular subject.

OLLI at OSU provides

continuing education for

seasoned adults through classes,

travel and social activities with

the goal of contributing to qual-

ity of life through enriching expe-

riences. The program is thriving.

“OLLI at OSU is such a life

force,” says director RuthAnn

Sirbaugh, “even for folks who

are well-connected. It’s an instant

community.”

Learning Never Gets OldOsher Lifelong Learning Institute at OSU thrives with experience

2 0 1 4

8

The program launched in 2007

in Stillwater with roughly 35

members. Today, the program

counts more than 1,000 members

and has expanded to five sites

across the state. It has become

a staple in Stillwater, Tulsa and

Oklahoma City. A fledgling site

has begun in Bartlesville and the

newest site, in Yukon, was added

in 2013.

Sirbaugh has been with the

program since its inception. In

2007, a group from the OSU

Emeriti Association approached

then-College of Education Dean

Pamela Fry with the idea of

establishing a lifelong learning

program. Sirbaugh, serving as the

College of Education’s outreach

manager, wrote the first grant

proposal to the Osher Lifelong

Learning Institute. She admits

being skeptical, but when the

grant was funded, she took on

the role of director.

Seven years later, Sirbaugh

has countless stories of new

friendships formed, high school

friends reuniting and alumni and

former faculty reconnecting to

the university.

“Watching the program grow

has been incredibly challeng-

ing and rewarding,” Sirbaugh

says. “I have met so many people

who embrace the program

wholeheartedly. As an educator,

it is very liberating to choose

curriculum and course subjects

that fulfill our motto, ‘learning

for the joy of learning.’ ”

Advisory boards make recom-

mendations about topics that

interest them, and classes cover

a broad spectrum. “Charcoal

Drawing,” “Chef School and

Wine Tasting,” “How Food

Affects Our Health” and “Tell-

ing Your Personal and Family

Stories” represent a sample from

the summer session. Classes are

considered college-level and

though they are geared toward

adults who are 50 and older,

there are no age limits.

“Our average age is 73, yet we

have had middle school kids and

working adults attend classes.

There is demand. We turn people

away each semester,” Sirbaugh

notes.

Classes generally meet for two

or three hours once a week for

three weeks. Instructors volunteer

to share their expertise, and they

teach because they are passionate

about their subjects and enjoy

teaching students who are genu-

inely interested in learning.

Martin Banschbach, a profes-

sor at the OSU Center for Health

Sciences, says teaching OLLI

classes is a wonderful experi-

ence. He has taught “How Food

Affects Our Health” and “Fatal

Attraction,” courses related to

health and nutrition.

“Medical students never

interact with the instructor,” he

says. “I’m lucky to get one or

two questions per class of medi-

cal students. OLLI is a dream

come true if you like answering

questions and trying to help

people understand something

that can change their life.”

Each year, OLLI at OSU

has met or exceeded grant

expectations. Reaching the

1,000-member mark is a major

milestone and sets up the

program to apply for a second

endowment from the Osher

Foundation (after an initial $1

million in 2010).

“Although my job is very

hectic and time-consuming, I

love it,” Sirbaugh says. “I love

the people I work with, and I

consider myself very lucky to

have the opportunity to nurture a

program I care so deeply about.”

As the fall semester of OLLI at

OSU begins, Sirbaugh will pack

her Honda Fit full of supplies

and travel to set up mobile class-

rooms at 43 sites. She would not

have it any other way.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Are you interested in taking classes with

OLLI or do you know someone who would

enjoy it? Membership options include $150

for a year with unlimited classes or a $50

annual fee and $25 per class. Visit

education.okstate.edu/olli or call

405-744-5868.

PHOTOS: MITCH HARRISON


A unique after-school program

created by curriculum studies

assistant professor Seungho

Moon is using art to promote

citizenship and a sense of

community in Tulsa.

Moon has a passion for equal-

ity and social justice, which

led to his developing the ARtS

Initiative.

“It’s how we live together in

a challenging society, economi-

cally, socially and beyond,”

A Different Civics LessonARtS Initiative fuses arts with active citizenship

Moon says. “I like to generate

multiple perspectives and not

limit ways of thinking. My goal

for this project was to learn how

to promote children’s ideas about

active citizenship through art.”

ARtS is an acronym for

Aesthetic, Reflexive thoughts and

Sharing. Moon sees art as more

than leisure; it can be a vehicle

to create a public space. His line

of thinking and academic work

have been influenced by the late

Maxine Greene, a professor

under whom he studied while

pursuing his education doctorate

at Columbia University’s Teach-

ers College.

Both the Oklahoma Arts Coun-

cil and the College of Education

provided grant support for the

ARtS Initiative. Robin Fuxa,

current field experiences coordi-

nator for the college and a former

Tulsa campus instructor, served

CO

UR

TE

SY

SEUNGHO MOON works with Tulsa students in the ARtS Initiative he developed. The program promotes citizenship, equality and social justice.

2 0 1 4

10

inquiry in creative writing, visual

art and movement.

“It was really exciting to

be able to give back to our

school-based partners,” Fuxa

says. “(Mark Twain Elementary)

had a well-established after-

school program that we were

fortunate to build upon. (Celia

Clinton Elementary) was work-

ing hard to build up greater

after-school opportunities for

the students and community. We

were thrilled to contribute to

this endeavor. At both sites, the

children’s art and words hold a

lot to teach us.”

The opening three weeks of

the program were dedicated to

creative writing. Students offered

metaphors and wrote poetry to

explain what citizenship meant to

them. A student described active

citizenship as a “puzzle piece”

that is part of a community. The

puzzle needs this “one piece”

to “hold it together, to keep it

in order… to make the puzzle

complete.”

During the second three weeks,

dance and movement were the

art form. In the final three weeks,

students created pinch pods,

empanadas and wind chimes as

part of the clay art segment.

At the conclusion of the semes-

ter, elementary students have

developed both their own artistic

skills while gaining a better

understanding of democratic

citizenship. The reach extends

beyond the school. Parents and

family members attended an

orientation to prepare for the

program and a family community

night to see and experience all of

the art their children created.

“So often children are asked to

memorize and carry out others’

notions of citizenship,” Fuxa

says. “For me, the critical piece

here is that the children concep-

tualize and articulate their own

understandings — and, in shar-

ing, expand upon one another’s

ideas. Because of this, the initia-

tive’s design is a truly authentic

reflection of its community-based

design.”

This project is an example of

scholarship, teaching service and

community engagement, carrying

out OSU’s land-grant mission.

After a successful first year, the

ARtS Initiative was funded once

again and is continuing during

the 2014-15 school year.

as the co-principal investigator

for the project.

During the nine-week program,

the project team worked with

school teachers and teaching

artists to deliver the program

to upper elementary students at

two Tulsa public schools sites —

Mark Twain Elementary in the

fall and Celia Clinton Elementary

in the spring — twice a week.

College of Education graduate

students Ana Yeorim Hwang,

Mary Danley and Natalie Asti-

garraga also provided support

during the after-school sessions.

The program was designed

to enrich existing communities

with an emphasis on arts-based


Oklahoma State’s College of Education has changed the athletic training program from a bachelor’s degree to a master’s program, offering more flexibility in clinical experiences.

The Oklahoma State University Regents have

approved the transition from a bachelor’s degree

program to a master’s degree in athletic training.

“We want to be at the forefront of athletic train-

ing education and feel that moving to the graduate

level will better prepare our students for the future

of health care,” says Jennifer Volberding, athletic

training program director. “By integrating the core

values that have made our undergraduate program

successful and expanding clinical placement oppor-

tunities, we believe this degree will graduate highly

prepared, innovative healthcare professionals. We

are extremely excited about the new program.”

The master’s degree is a 53 credit-hour, 24-month

intensive program. Applications for the initial

cohort will be accepted until Dec. 15, and the

cohort will begin in the summer of 2015. Each

cohort will include up to 25 students.

The master’s degree offers increased flexibility

for clinical experiences, working with licensed

physicians, athletic trainers, physical therapists and

other allied health care professionals. In a graduate

education setting, students will be able to partici-

pate in experiences around the country, better

preparing them for the workforce.

Incoming students who are interested in an

athletic training degree are encouraged to enroll in

the health education and promotion major (exercise

and health option) or in science-based undergradu-

ate majors. Development of a 3+2 program — three

years for a bachelor’s degree in health education

and promotion and two years for a master’s degree

in athletic training — is in progress.

OSU’s undergraduate program has been

accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of

Athletic Training since 2001. Graduates work in a

wide variety of employment settings, including high

school, college and emerging practices.

Additional information is available at education.okstate.edu/at.

N E W M A S T E R ’ S D E G R E E

ATHLETIC TRAINING PROGRAM MOVES TO MASTER’S DEGREE

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12

BENJAMIN BINDEWALD

Assistant Professor, Social Foundations

Ph.D., Clemson University

Previously a graduate research assistant,

social foundations, in the Eugene T. Moore School of

Education at Clemson

“Ben Bindewald’s research on religion and public education is unique and will make a great contribution to the current social foundations program and the local communities. Ben is a calm, sensitive and sincere soul and relates to people well. We are excited to have such a bright and knowledgeable scholar join us.”

~ Gupoing Zhao, Associate Professor, Social Foundations

“Stephanie Hathcock brings a wealth of knowledge in

STEM education and research that will be highly beneficial

to faculty collaborations and student mentorship. She

has a clear research agenda in STEM education, citizen

science, teacher professional development, and creativity

in science. Her experience with interdisciplinary research

teams will make her an asset to promoting STEM education

work through the Center for Research in STEM Teaching

and Learning.”

~ Toni Ivey, Assistant Professor, Elementary Science Education

STEPHANIE HATHCOCK

Assistant Professor, Elementary Math/Science

Ph.D., Old Dominion University

Previously a graduate research assistant in the

Center for Educational Partnerships at Old

Dominion

TARA HARL

Assistant Professor, Aviation Management

Ed.D., St. Mary’s University of Minnesota

Previously chair of the aviation department at St. Cloud State University

“Tara Harl’s work in aviation spans over three decades in the private sector, government, nonprofits and academia. Her passion for professional development and diversification of the aviation workforce has led her to forge linkages between collegiate aviation and Fortune 500 flight departments.” ~ Steve Marks, Professor, Aerospace Administration and Operations

“Dr. Randolph (Randy) Hubach joins our program from Indi-ana University’s School of Public Health, where he completed a Ph.D. in Health Behavior. Dr. Hubach brings a wealth of knowl-edge and experience both in and out of the classroom. He is an active scholar with research interests in LGBT population health and sexuality-related health disparities, and his involvement with the School of Public Health at IU will be invaluable as OSU launches its new Master of Public Health program.”

~ Bridget Miller, Associate Professor and Donelson Jacques Endowed Professor in Health Education and Promotion

RANDOLPH HUBACH

Assistant Professor, Health Education and Promotion

Ph.D., Indiana University-Bloomington

Previously associate instructor of public health, Indiana University

N E W F A C U L T Y M E M B E R S


HANG-SHIM LEE

Assistant Professor, Counseling

Ph.D., University of Missouri

Previously a research assistant at Ohio State

University

“Hang-Shim Lee recently completed her pre-doctoral

internship at the Ohio State University counseling center

and her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology at the University

of Missouri-Columbia. We are excited to welcome her to

OSU and to our Counseling and Counseling Psychology

programs in SAHEP in the College of Education.”

~ Carrie Winterowd, Professor, Counseling Psychology

“Jill Metzger comes directly to the college from Stillwater

Public Schools, where she spent years as an upper-elemen-

tary classroom teacher followed by years as an elementary

principal. She brings her practical experience in both those

roles to benefit our pre-service teachers in elementary

education. She will be teaching methods courses and over-

seeing the culminating courses of the elementary education

program, including senior seminar and student teaching.”

~ Pam Brown, Head, School of Teaching and Curriculum Leadership

JILL METZGER

Clinical Professor, Elementary Education

M.S., Elementary Education, OSU

Previously a principal in Stillwater Public Schools

KI LYNN MATLOCK

Assistant Professor, Research, Evaluation, Measurement and Statistics

Previously a visiting assistant professor at the University of Arkansas

“Ki Matlock joins us with an impressive research trajec-

tory in test item difficulty within multidimensional dimen-

sions on one-dimensional estimations of ability. She has

valuable experience teaching college algebra, principles of

statistics, statistics of nursing, research methods in educa-

tion and health professions, and in statistics course coordi-

nation. ... She will be an excellent instructor and colleague.”

~ Katye Perry, Associate Professor, Research, Evaluation, Measurement and Statistics

“Lou’s enthusiasm for teaching and research are impor-

tant contributions to the school administration program at

Oklahoma State. Lou earned his Ph.D. from the University

of Pittsburgh with concentrations in human resources

management and organizational behavior. As a former

public school teacher and administrator, Lou brings a valu-

able understanding and appreciation of the importance of

the integration of theory and practice.”

~ Kathy Curry, Assistant Professor, School Administration

N E W F A C U L T Y M E M B E R S

LOU SABINA

Assistant Professor, School Administration

Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh

Previously an instructor at Edinboro University in Pennsylvania and Butler County Community College

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14

ELVIRA SANATULLOVA-

ALLISON

Associate Professor, Foreign Language

Education

Ph.D., University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Previously at St. Lawrence University, New York

“Elvira Sanatullova-Allison has been a faculty member in

public and private institutions of higher education, working

with pre-service teachers in foreign language education and

helping pre-service teachers understand about working with

pre-K through 12th-grade students for whom English is not

the first language. Her research in working with English

language learners will enrich our programs.”

~ Pam Brown, Head, School of Teaching and Curriculum Leadership

“Melissa Zahl joins us from Illinois State University,

where she was a faculty member. Her clinical experience

spans a variety of settings, including the University of Utah

Neuropsychiatric Institute, Olympus View Hospital and the

Long Lake Health Care facility. Melissa’s areas of expertise

include treatment for individuals with spinal cord injuries,

transitional care, dementia, mobility impairments and many

other health care related areas. Her clinical expertise will

enrich our recreational therapy program.”

~ Tim Passmore, Associate Professor, Therapeutic Recreation

HUIYOUNG SHIN

Assistant Professor, Educational Psychology

Ph.D., University of Michigan

“Huiyoung Shin has been involved in a cutting-edge

line of research that has a substantial impact on early

adolescents’ academic and social development. Her primary

research interests focus on exploring social dynamics

among peers and its influence on academic adjustment.

Her extensive knowledge and expertise in using a social

network analysis will add breadth and depth to our gradu-

ate program.”

~ YoonJung Cho, Associate Professor, Educational Psychology

MELISSA ZAHL

Assistant Professor, Recreation Management

Therapeutic Recreation

Ph.D., University of Utah

Formerly assistant professor, Illinois State University


PHOTO COURTESY THE BUCKLES

BILLIE DEAN and BILL BUCKLES have

established the Bil l and Bil l ie Dean

Buckles Professorship for Innovation in

Teaching in the College of Education.

Touching Hundreds of LivesBuckles expect their gift for a professorship to have a wide impact

2 0 1 4

16

Along life’s journey, the impor-

tance of a quality education has

continually been reinforced for

Bill and Billie Dean Buckles.

While growing up in Folsom

in Oklahoma’s Johnson County,

Billie learned how hard work and

an education could provide more

opportunity early in life. Her

father, stricken by an extended

illness, died when Billie was 7.

The family was, in her words,

“almost destitute.” Her mother

took care of Billie and her two

siblings on a welfare income. The

children took on such responsi-

bilities as drawing water from a

well, taking care of livestock and

chickens, and preparing meals.

Two special teachers served as

role models for Billie, inspiring

her to excel in building a success-

ful 24-year career in banking and

finance. She began as a secretary

for a bank president and learned

the banking business. She

furthered her education with a

basic banking course at OSU and

later graduated from the Univer-

sity of Colorado Graduate School

of Banking in 1975. She became

an officer in the National Asso-

ciation of Bank Women, earned

insurance licenses and became an

investment adviser.

“I have witnessed first-hand

the value of education in the

improvement of a person’s

The Buckles are passionate

about OSU and education, estab-

lishing the Bill and Billie Dean

Buckles Professorship for Innova-

tion in Teaching in the College

of Education. Their $250,000

gift qualified for the dollar-for-

dollar match by Boone Pickens

as part of Branding Success: The

Campaign for Oklahoma State

University.

The professorship will focus

on innovations and excellence

in STEM (Science, Technology,

Engineering and Mathematics)

teaching and learning, particu-

larly in low-income areas of

Oklahoma.

“One teacher touches hundreds

of lives during his or her career.

Having highly qualified teach-

ers prepares students to enter

a profession in which they will

succeed, and possibly excel,”

Billie says.

Through the leadership and

service of a faculty member, the

Buckles’ gift will inspire and

impact countless OSU education

students and future educators in

an area of importance in Okla-

homa and across the country.

“We are truly grateful for

the Buckles’ generous support.

Endowed faculty positions help

us attract and retain bright and

talented professionals,” College

of Education Dean Pamela

“Sissi” Carroll says. “The

College of Education is working

to establish itself as a hub for the

best ideas in STEM teaching and

learning, and this gift will boost

our efforts.”

self-esteem, confidence and

knowledge,” Billie says.

Bill Buckles grew up in north-

west Oklahoma near Dacoma,

raising cattle and working on the

family farm. At Oklahoma State

University, his first major was

engineering, but limited access to

math and science courses in high

school made his freshman year

quite challenging.

“Nothing has intimidated me

as much as the academic chal-

lenges I experienced during my

freshman year at OSU,” Bill says.

“I learned that I could accom-

plish a great deal by working

hard and persevering through

adversity.”

Bill decided to become a math

and science teacher and gradu-

ated with a degree in math in

1964. After teaching for two

years in Great Bend, Kan., he

returned home to northwest

Oklahoma and found his way

into the banking business.

He started a 39-year career

with Central National Bank. He

also continued to grow and learn,

graduating from the University

of Wisconsin-Madison Graduate

School of Banking in 1986. In

2007, he retired as president and

CEO of Central National Bank.

“My OSU degree (gave) me the

ability to tackle with confidence

any problem with which I am

confronted,” Bill says.

Learn more about the STEM education work happening

in the OSU College of Education by visit ing

crstl.okstate.edu.


to hear my ideas and how I would implement the program with their help. I highly doubt I would have received my new position if I had not had all the opportunities the COE offered. The OSU College of Education truly prepared me.”

Bell earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s in teaching, learning and leader-ship by completing the 4+1 special education program. She did her student teaching internship abroad at Lakenheath Air Force Base in England through the college’s

WOULD YOU LIKE TO MAKE AN IMPACT

FOR GENERATIONS TO COME? To learn more supporting scholarships for College of Education

students,contact Denise Unruh, senior director of development at the OSU

Foundation for the College of Education, via email at [email protected] or by phone at 405-385-5663, or visit osugiving.com.

Supporting ScholarshipsOSU graduate extends thanks for education and financial aid

In the months after graduating from Oklahoma State University, Kali Bell landed a position as the first special education coordinator at Morogoro International School in Tanzania. As she reflected on this new opportunity, she wrote to thank College of Education Dean Pamela “Sissi” Carroll and Associate Dean Robert Davis.

“I wanted to thank you both for managing such an incredible educa-tion program at Oklahoma State. Although I am young, and have little experience, they were thrilled

KALI BELL is the first special education coordinator at Morogoro

International School in Tanzania.

program. Bell received multiple scholarships from the OSU College of Education.

“My husband, Pat, who is also an OSU graduate, and I were able to move abroad and pursue our passions because our student loans are considerably less thanks to donors. To receive a scholarship meant I was able to spend more time professionally developing instead of working multiple jobs for living expenses. I was able to comfortably study abroad and focus on the students I was teaching.

“The coolest part for me is real-izing that the donors have invested in me. That motivates me. These scholarships have bettered my life, but it won’t stop with me; it will affect the students I teach, trickling down for generations to come.”

2 0 1 4

18

College of Education GiftsBy the NumbersFiscal Year 2014

$6.17 million given to the College of Education

Scholarships Fiscal Year 2015200 Scholarships

$238,600 Value of those scholarships

Branding Success Campaign Highlights (since Dec. 4, 2007)

• STUDENT SUPPORT

$11.31 million in gifts

61 new scholarships

• FACULTY SUPPORT

$7.43 million

13 new endowed chairs and professorships

• PROGRAM SUPPORT

$4.59 million• FACILITY SUPPORT

$123,775

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION TOTAL GIFTS (through Fiscal Year 2014)

$23.47 million


In 2007, the College of Educa-

tion approached Eskimo Joe’s

Clothes about creating a T-shirt

to celebrate teachers. Eight years,

eight shirts, thousands of dollars

in support for current and future

educators and countless Joe-size

smiles later, the partnership is

still going strong.

During the 2006-2007 school

year, Pamela Fry, then the dean

of the College of Education,

and former development officer

Brenda Solomon were developing

a campaign to honor teachers

and raise scholarship dollars for

teacher education students.

“In one of our brainstorming

sessions — and after I recently

had seen an Eskimo Joe’s

specialty shirt — it occurred to

me to approach Eskimo Joe’s

to create a shirt to honor teach-

ers,” says Fry, who now serves

as OSU’s associate provost and

associate vice president for

undergraduate education.

Fry and Solomon met with

Eskimo Joe’s founder and CEO

Stan Clark and his management

team to pitch the idea, citing a

target market of more than 7

million teachers across the coun-

try. The proposal was a partner-

ship with proceeds from the shirt

supporting scholarship funds for

teachers.

“All of us on the management

team had special memories of

teachers who had made a big

difference in our development, so

we loved the idea of leveraging

Joe’s popularity to express our

adoration for teachers,” Clark

says.

It may have been Fry and Solo-

mon’s passion and enthusiasm for

the partnership that put the idea

over the top, according to Clark.

“It made it easy to jump on

board with the idea,” he says.

“And it certainly didn’t hurt

that my wife, Shannon, has an

elementary education degree

from the College of Education.”

Clark was interested in having

a local impact with the project;

Fry suggested that part of the

proceeds could go to the Stillwa-

ter Public Education Foundation,

which funds many grants and

projects for teachers and schools

in the local school district each

year.

As it turned out, Mike Staubus,

the artist for all of Eskimo Joe’s

creations, had a teacher-themed

drawing of Joe and his sidekick

Buffy that was adapted for the

inaugural shirt, recognizing

teachers for “Changing the

World.”

“I don’t think it’s a surprise

that folks want to honor

8 YEARS2007

2010

2008

2009

2012

2011

2013

2 0 1 4

20

teachers,” Clark says. “Teachers

truly change lives for the better,

and I think folks delight in gift-

ing these shirts to teachers who

have played an important in their

own lives or in the lives of their

children.”

After a strong response the first

year, the partnership continued.

Over the next couple of years,

funds from the shirt added up to

establish the Eskimo Joe’s Future

Teacher Endowed Scholarship.

Pamela “Sissi” Carroll became

dean of the College of Educa-

tion in 2012, joining OSU

from Florida State University

in Tallahassee, Fla. But Carroll

had her own, earlier connection

to Eskimo Joe’s. For more than

a decade, she has traveled and

made presentations at profes-

sional conferences with Gail

Gregg, an English education

professor at Florida International

University. Gregg often wore

Eskimo Joe’s shirts on their trips.

As it turns out, her husband, Bill,

had been a neighbor of Clark’s

parents when he was young.

Carroll was excited to meet Clark

and become a part of the project.

Now in its eighth year, the

shirt’s momentum has continued.

The College of Education and

Eskimo Joe’s Clothes work

together to develop a new theme

annually.

“I love this unique and special

partnership we have with Eskimo

Joe’s,” Carroll says. “The annual

teacher shirt is a fun and creative

way to publicly celebrate and

honor the incredible work

teachers do, while supporting

educators in our own community

and the future teachers we in the

college and schools are preparing

together.”

To date, the College of Educa-

tion and the Stillwater Public

Education Foundation have each

received more than $27,000.

“We couldn’t be more proud

that the results and impact the

shirt has had. The COE has been

an excellent marketing partner.

It has clearly been a win-win

relationship, and one

that we hope will

last for many years

to come,” Clark

says.

Eskimo Joe’s teacher shirt marks anniversary

The 2014 Teacher Shirt

This year’s fun and festive shirt is a

play on the old television program Get

Smart. Joe and Buffy are featured on

the front of the oxford gray shirt with

the words “Teachers Help You Get

Smart.” Additional artwork on the back

recognizes how teachers “Turn the

Lights On,” sparking passion in their

students.

Shirts are available at Eskimo

Joe’s locations in Stillwater

and Tulsa, online at

eskimojoes.com

or by calling

1-800-256-JOES.

2014


Role ReversalProfessor honors student by establishing scholarship

PHOTO BY PHIL SHOCKLEY/UNIVERSITY MARKETING

PHOTO COURTESY COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

2 0 1 4

22

C O N T I N U E S

It’s not uncommon for people to honor and

recognize mentors and leaders who have inspired

and influence them. But the roles between professor

Timm Bliss and student Nick Jones are reversed in

this story: The teacher is honoring his student.

Timm Bliss, professor in the aviation education

program, wants others to understand what Nick

Jones stands for, the sacrifices he has made and all

that he has accomplished.

Jones’ story begins in Perkins, Okla., where

airplanes often flew over his house when he was a

kid, planting in him a wonder about flying. As he

moved toward high school graduation, he wanted

to join the Air Force.

His mother had other plans — she wanted him to

go to college. And since Jones was just 17 when he

finished school, he had to comply with her wishes.

So, he signed up for the National Guard, went to

basic training and became a combat engineer before

enrolling at OSU for the spring 2001 semester.

For the first year or so, Jones took prerequisite

courses while starting his aviation coursework.

In 2002, he mobilized to go to Egypt as part of a

multi-national peacekeeping mission, stationed on

the Sinai Peninsula for a portion of 2002 and 2003.

“When I left for deployment, I intended to go

into the military full-time afterward,” Jones says.

But something changed. “I realized that I can and

should get a college degree, and I made the decision

to go back to OSU.”

While Jones was away from Stillwater, his

student status changed when military obligations

kept him from being able to come to campus during

the required registration period. He searched online

and began emailing aviation faculty to explain his

situation and seek help.

Bliss responded, taking care of Jones’ student

status and sending along a class schedule for the

upcoming semester.

“I appreciated it. It’s nice to see what it looks like

when someone is compassionate,” Jones says.

Bliss had noticed something different about this

quiet student in his class, sensing Jones’ leadership

ability. He and Mary Kutz, another aviation faculty

member, began encouraging Jones to pursue a

master’s degree.

Jones began master’s coursework but during

2006-2007, he deployed to Iraq. He took research

classes during the deployment and continued

his coursework when he returned. He finished a

master’s in natural and applied sciences with an

option in aviation sciences in the spring of 2008.

Jones again deployed to Afghanistan during

2011-2012 as part of the 45th Infantry Brigade.

This time, his mission had to be the sole focus.

“Basically, we looked for and cleared improvised

explosive devices,” he says.

During the first few months of deployment, Jones

and members of his team were injured when an IED

underneath their truck detonated. A few months

later, a second IED blast knocked Jones 30 feet into

a thorn bush. (He was later diagnosed with a mild

traumatic brain injury.)

On Jan. 25, 2012, he was working on a ridge

when shots came from a valley below.

During the firefight, Jones was able to get himself

behind an armored vehicle and call for medical

support. He was wearing a protective vest but a

bullet hit his armpit and went through his chest,

splitting his pectoral muscle, hitting his collarbone

and narrowly missing a vital capillary. Jones says he

knew he had to keep going, so that’s what he did.

“According to guys in Nick’s platoon, he took

care of them,” Bliss says. “(Because of his call,) air

Aviation education professor TIMM BLISS (left) has established

a scholarship in the name of student NICK JONES, to honor his

military service while getting his degrees at OSU.

PHOTO: PHIL SHOCKLEY/UNIVERSITY MARKETING

INSET: Nick Jones during his tour of duty in Afghanistan.

“I wouldn’t have had the military successes I have had without my time at OSU. I wouldn’t appreciate my time at OSU without the military.”

— Nick Jones


NICK JONES served as platoon sergeant for the 1st Platoon, Alpha Company, 45th BSTB, part of the 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team,

during his tour of duty in Afghanistan.

support was able to take out of the enemy. Even

though Nick was severely wounded, he stayed with

(his platoon). He wasn’t leaving until they were

secure and safe.”

For his efforts that day, Jones was awarded a

Bronze Star with Valor. Because of his injury, he

was also presented with a Purple Heart. Jones also

has two additional Bronze Stars from his deploy-

ments in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Jones finds it hard to accept the recognition

and remains quick to praise the work of other

“outstanding” soldiers in his unit.

“I continued the mission the way any other

solider would have,” he says.

That humble nature is part of what led Bliss to

establish the Sgt. 1st Class Nick Jones Scholarship.

“Nick has given his 20s to serve our country. I

think it’s important for (students) to understand

what is going on outside their world,” Bliss says.

The annual scholarship goes to an undergrad in

the aviation program, ideally a full-time student

who is active or retired military. If there’s no such

student, the recipient may be an aviation major in

OSU’s ROTC program.

Bliss also admires Jones for his commitment

to education. He wants others, especially the

recipients of the scholarship and the undergraduate

students Jones teaches, to understand who Jones is

and what he has done.

Bliss also wrote a letter to Jones’ mother to

explain why he decided to create the scholarship

and how much he thought of Jones.

“I’ve learned more from Nick that he will ever

learn from me,” Bliss says. “He has taught me so

much about everyday life and humility, how to be

compassionate and gracious.”

For his part, Jones values the opportunity to

influence others, including the soldiers he leads

and the students he teaches at OSU. He especially

enjoys teaching an aviation leadership course,

blending military and collegiate applications.

“I don’t think I would be the leader I am

(without both influences). I wouldn’t have had

the military successes I have had without my time

at OSU. I wouldn’t appreciate my time at OSU

without the military,” Jones says. “I have been able

to apply what I’ve learned about leadership in a

small controlled area, and teaching has helped me

understand people.”

Jones also encourages soldiers to pursue an

education and take advantage of the benefits

offered by the military.

In addition to his teaching responsibilities and

continuing to serve in the National Guard, Jones

works for Blackjack Construction in oil field

construction. He and his wife, Haley, welcomed

baby Audrey to the family this summer. Jones is

also a stepfather to 10-year old daughter, Jadyn.

Because of the mild traumatic brain injury he

suffered in Afghanistan, Jones has eased back into

doctoral coursework. He remains determined to

finish the education doctorate.

“I haven’t attended either of my college gradu-

ations,” he says. “I’ve got to complete the (the

degree) so that I can walk (across the stage and

accept a diploma) at least once.”

2 0 1 4

24

There are a variety of ways to support the College of Education at Oklahoma State through your estate planning. Such provisions may be in the form of bequests, trusts, annuities, life insurance, retirement plans, or other means.

Proper planning can help donors and their families realize the greatest benefits from their gifts. This involves choosing the best combination of assets and vehicles to accomplish charitable, financial, and estate planning objectives. Benefits may include:

A knowledgeable and experienced staff is available to assist donors and their advisors with a wide range of gift planning services, including:

• Educational Booklets – A variety of free booklets are available to educate donors and advisors.• Customized Illustrations – With the aid of a sophisticated computer program, we can prepare customized illustrations of projected income and tax benefits for charitable trusts and other vehicles.• Trust and Annuity Documents – We can provide IRS sample documents and have experts who can assist your attorney in preparing all necessary documents.• Bequest Language – Sample bequest language for use in bequests, living trusts, or other estate documents is available.

• Satisfaction of making an enduring investment in future generations• Income, capital gains, and estate tax savings• Fixed or variable life income• No investment or management responsibilities

For more information on creating a bequest or exploring other charitable estate opportunities to benefit the College of Education, contact:

Denise Unruh | 405.385.5663 | [email protected] can also learn more by visiting our website at OSUgiving.giftlegacy.com.

S U P P O R T I N G E D U C AT I O N T H R O U G H YO U R E S TAT E

College Hall of Fame honors 2 alumni

From left are Arryn (Stacy) Small, Susan Jacques, and Mary Ann and Les Briggs, wife and

son of the late Lloyd Briggs.

HALL OF FAME ADDS PERMANENT DISPLAYA permanent display to further honor members of the College of

Education Hall of Fame is now in Willard Hall. The display includes

the names, affiliation and year of induction for all members of the Hall

of Fame. Photographs and short biographies for the current year’s

inductees are on the wall, which will update annually. The display is on

the west wall of the first-floor lobby in Willard Hall.

The Oklahoma State University College of

Education inducted Susan Jacques and the late

Lloyd D. Briggs into its Hall of Fame and presented

Arryn (Stacy) Small with its annual Rising Star

Award for young alumni in May.

Susan Jacques of Woodward is a 1975

graduate of the OSU College of Education with a

bachelor’s degree in recreation management. Now

retired, she was a passionate and award-winning

science educator in middle schools in Kansas and

Oklahoma. She has been involved with Friends

of the OSU Library and served on the board of

Women for OSU. In addition, she has supported

student scholarships and established four endowed

professorships in the College of Education.

Lloyd D. Briggs earned four degrees at Okla-

homa State University — an associate degree in

electronics technology, a bachelor’s in physics

(1960), a master’s in technical education (1965),

and a doctorate in higher education (1971). His

career included service on the OSU faculty and in

positions with the U.S. Department of Education

and the World Bank. He also served in the U.S.

Army in Korea and Japan. Briggs died Oct. 26,

2009, at the age of 76. His family accepted the Hall

of Fame induction on his behalf.

Arryn (Stacy) Small earned a bachelor’s degree

in secondary education mathematics in 2009. She

currently teaches at Andale (Kan.) High School

and has established herself as a teacher leader with

a passion for finding innovative ways to teach

mathematics and for extending service beyond the

classroom. Stacy also taught for three years in the

Locust Grove (Okla.) public schools and one year

at Wichita (Kan.) East High School. Originally

from Tonkawa, Okla., Small graduated summa

cum laude with an associate degree in mathematics

from Northern Oklahoma College before attending

OSU. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in

education at Emporia State University in Kansas.

PHOTOS: MITCH HARRISON

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26

OSU, in conjunction with NASA and the

National Space Grant Consortium, conducted

a competition among teams of high school and

community college students to design technologies

for NASA’s manned space exploration program.

Dr. Jamey Jacob from the School of Mechanical

and Aerospace Engineering created the challenge

with support from OSU NASA Education Projects

director and College of Education professor Dr.

Steve Marks.

The program aimed to engage and inspire the

next generation of innovative engineers and scien-

tists. The competition was open to high school and

junior college students.

The high school students were challenged to

design a prototype of a multifunctional tool that

could be used in space or for space exploration

(Rapidly Prototyped Tool Challenge, or RaPTC).

The community college students were designing

an airlock system that would help mitigate the dust

problem associated from traveling from a planet

(such as Mars) and entering space again (Space

Habitat Airlock Challenge, or SHAC).

The teams did all of their collaboration for the

designs online. They formed groups, created a team

name and designed the entire challenge and the

final presentation in a virtual environment. Students

from the School of Mechanical and Aerospace

Engineering at OSU reviewed the submissions and

chose the winners.

The winning team in the RaPTC Challenge,

Orbit Outlaws, included five high school students

who were part of the INSPIRE Project, one of the

NASA Education Projects previously administered

at OSU.

In the SHAC Challenge among community

college students, the vote was very close, and Team

JMJ Innovations and runner-up Team Falcon both

joined Orbit Outlaws in receiving a trip to Johnson

Space Center in Houston in June, which was the

first in-person meeting for the students.

Expanding ExplorationOSU and NASA team up for competition open to high school and community college students

PHOTO: COURTESY

Students observe Mission Control at the Johnson Space Center in Houston.


College of EducationNews & NotesOSU’s top student-athletes are education majors

College of Education students Oklahoma State wrestler Chris Perry and equestrian rider Jenna Blumer are the 2013-14 OSU Student Athletes of the Year.

Perry, a Stillwater native, was a senior on the 2013-14 wrestling squad and wrapped up his career with his second-consecutive national title at 174 pounds He graduated in May 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in education.

A three-time All-American, Blumer of Spring Brook, Pa., was a senior on the 2013-14 reining team, ending the season with a 12-3 record and three Most Outstanding Performer awards. Blumer is in the College of Education’s 4+1 special education program. Her undergraduate program is elemen-tary education, and she is pursuing a master’s degree.

Gleason takes top award at freshman colloquium Macy Gleason, a secondary science education major from Mannford, Okla., received the Best Overall

Presentation Award at the 2014 OSU Freshman Research Scholars Colloquium. Gleason presented “Impact of a Science Methods Course on

Pre-Service Teachers’ Understanding of Nature of Science.” Dr. Julie Angle served as her project mentor.

Leisure graduate student wins national scholarship

Hailey Doss, master’s student in leisure studies, received a national award from the Freeman Tilden Scholarship program of the National Association of Interpretation.nding contribution to the field of interpretation.

COE Certified Healthy Members of the dean’s staff accept the distinction of being an Oklahoma State University Certified Healthy Department from OSU Chief Well-ness Officer Suzy Harrington (center) on behalf of Dean Pamela “Sissi” Carroll and the College of Education.

Sanders named outstanding leader

Jennifer Sanders, associate professor in the College of Education’s School of Teaching and Curriculum Leadership, is the recipient of the OSU Division of International Studies and Outreach’s 2013-14 Outstand-ing Faculty Study Abroad Leader. A member of the reading and literacy faculty, Sanders annually leads a service learning travel course to Belize. Koch receives APA Presidential Citation

The American Psychological Association presented a Presidential Citation to Julie Koch for her dedica-tion to the professional development and training of future psychologists. Koch, an associate professor, serves as training director for the Counsel-ing Psychology Ph.D. program in the College of Education.

Assistant professor develops MudU

Tim Baghurst, assistant professor in health and human performance,

developed Mud University, an obstacle-course mud run for children between the ages of 6 and 13. More than 500 children participated in the

inaugural event at Stillwater’s Lake McMurtry in April, and more than 800 in the fall encore.

State honors Ausburns’ work Occupational education professor

Dr. Lynna Ausburn and adjunct professor Dr. Floyd Ausburn were honored with a commendation from Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin and a legislative citation from Sen. A.J. Grif-fin for their outstanding contributions to educational research and to the mentoring and success of graduate students at OSU.

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Jacobs is APA fellowSue Jacobs, the Myron Ledbet-

ter and Bob Lemon Counseling Psychology Diversity Professor, was named a fellow in the American Psychological Association’s Divi-sion 17, the Society of Counseling Psychology. Faculty, staff receive excellence awards

Hugh Crethar, associate professor and the Jacques Flanery Com-munity Counseling Endowed Profes-sor, received the Faculty Leadership and Service Excellence Award.

Lydia Wang, associate professor in Teaching and Curriculum Leader-ship, was presented with the Faculty Research Excellence Award.

Juliana Utley, associate profes-sor and the Alice Phillips Endowed Professor in Elementary Education, got the Teaching Excellence Award.

Amber Grim, administrative assistant in the School of Educa-tional Studies, and Candace

Thrasher, manager of education outreach, received the 2014 Frank and Carol Morsani Outstanding Staff award.

6 educators retireIn May, the College of Education

honored six individuals who retired in 2014: Lynna Ausburn, profes-sor in occupational education; Don

Boswell, associate professor in coun-seling; Barbara Carlozzi, associate professor in counseling; Kathryn

Castle, professor in curriculum stud-ies and Watson Chair in Education; Sandi Ireland, graduate studies specialist; and Katye Perry, associate professor in Research, Evaluation, Measurement and Statistics.

Bert

Jacobson was promoted to Regents Profes-sor. He is also the M.B. Seretean Endowed Profes-sor in Wellness.

Promoted from associate professor to professor were: John Romans, applied health and educational psychology; and John Foubert, educational studies.

Promotions from assistant professor to associate professor (action grants

tenure) were: Chad Depperschmidt, educational studies; Julie Koch, applied health and educational psychology; and Tami Moore, educa-tional studies.

In addition, assistant professors Kimberly Davis, teaching and curriculum leadership; Seung Ho

Moon, teaching and curriculum leadership; Katherine Curry, educa-tional studies; Ben Solomon, applied health and educational psychology; and Jennifer Volberding, applied health and educational psychology, have been reappointed.

Faculty promotions and reappointments

Partnering with Envoy AirlinesThe Aviation and Space Program signed a memorandum of agreement with

Envoy (formerly American Eagle) Airlines, offering undergraduate students and flight instructors early access to employment opportunities with the company. While pursuing a degree, students can apply and interview with the company. Requirements include Instrument, Commercial (multiengine), and CFII certificates, and a 3.0 grade point average in aviation coursework with a 2.5 GPA overall. Individuals selected are offered a contract to become an Envoy employee and placed on the path to becoming a pilot for the airline. Benefits include a $10,000 signing bonus/scholarship, medical benefits, 401(K), travel, training and career opportunities for a two-year commitment.

Chief flight instructor Mark Uhlman (standing, from left); flight program manager Lance Fortney; aviation student Garrett Quinby; (seated, from left) head of Educational Studies Jesse Mendez; Envoy Airlines’ Nick Brice; and Associate Dean Bob Davis look over the agreement with OSU.


The College of Education is part of OSU’s Grandparent

University, a program that brings together alumni with

their grandchildren for a fun, educational experience

on the Sti l lwater campus each summer. For more

information on the program, visit orangeconnection.org/

gpu.

Generations United

Oklahoma State UniversityCollege of Education329 WillardStillwater, OK 74078-4033

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P A I DSTILLWATER, OKPERMIT NO. 191

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