Sycamore Educator Spring 2008 - Bayh College of Education

Indiana State UniversityIndiana State UniversitySycamore EducatorSycamore EducatorCollege of Educationhttp://coe.indstate.edu 1

Indiana State UniversitySycamore EducatorThe Sycamore Educator MagazineVolume 6, Number 1, Spring 20082 Message from the Dean3 Mission StatementChronicle of HigherEducation Ranks ISUDepartment in Top 10Nationally4-5 Endowment Feature6-7 Project PRE Update8 National DistinctionPromising Scholars inEducation9 Sommers Speaks AboutFuture to School Principals10-13 University Hall Feature14-15 Hines Medal; Principal ofthe Year16 Sycamore Educator’s Day17 Leadership Hall18 Early Childhood CenterEarns NationalAccreditation19 Dr. Henry Feature20 Homecoming21-22 Alumni Notes23 Faculty and Staff NotesCollege of Education, Office of theDean: Dr. Brad Balch, dean;Dr. Rebecca Libler, associate dean;Dr. Susan Powers, associate dean;Karen O’Rourke, director ofdevelopment; Jean Cantrell,development assistant.Writer: Jennifer Sicking. Photographers:Tony Campbell and Kara Berchem.Send changes of address or commentsto the Sycamore Educator Magazine,College of Education, Indiana StateUniversity, Terre Haute, IN 47809;812-237-8727; http://coe.indstate.edu.A Message from Dean BalchOn behalf of the College of Education at IndianaState University, I extend to you warm greetings. Ithas been an exciting year for the College; especiallyin terms of our mission: To prepare, promote, andadvance educational and human service professionalsfor a diverse and ever-changing world. We beganthe academic year with the announcement that ourteacher preparation programs were recognized bythe University President, Lloyd W. Benjamin III, asa Program of National Distinction; an honor sharedamong only two programs campus wide for achievinga national reputation of quality. Later in the year,excellence was again validated when the Departmentof Educational Leadership, Administration, andFoundations was selected by The Chronicle of Higher Education as ranking 8 th in thenation for faculty scholarly productivity. Furthering our mission, educational outreachefforts continue among practicing educators and human service professionals. Oneexample is this year’s third consecutive Counselor Day on Campus, featuring Dr. PeggyHines, Director of the National Center for Transforming School Counseling. This onedayspring event offered guidance and counseling professionals insight into the manyopportunities at Indiana State University as well as professional development withlicensure renewal opportunities for participants.This issue showcases the future home of the College – University Hall. This facilitywas also known as the Laboratory School. The school closed in 1992 after almost 60years of providing K-12 educational excellence. University Hall is currently the largeststate-funded project in the University’s history. The approximate $30 million renovationproject began last year with an expected completion date of May 2009.The Chronicle (10/20/06) noted that a “sustainable” facility promotes the concept ofmeeting present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirown needs. A “sustainable” facility also preserves the environment, stimulates economicgrowth, and improves society by helping people. Clearly the renovation of UniversityHall accomplishes these concepts. In particular, the newly enclosed atrium will serve as afocal point for University Hall. The atrium will be an open-air plaza for students, faculty,and staff to gather and features dining services and a street-scape atmosphere.A second feature centers on the remodeled 445-seat auditorium, which captures thenostalgia of the 1930s combined with state-of-the-art theatre features.Additional renovations include faculty offices on the third floor for all departments,13 classrooms, plentiful media and technology services, and comprehensive clinicfacilities to serve the needs of all learners from both K-12 and higher education settings.As you peruse this year’s magazine, I hope you will share in my deep pride drawnfrom our excellent students, faculty, staff, alumni, friends, and external stakeholders. Ourfuture remains bright and hopeful.Thank you for your ongoing support of the College. With best wishes, I remainVery truly yours,Bradley V. BalchDean2 http://coe.indstate.edu

College of Education MissionTo prepare, promote, and advance educational and human serviceprofessionals for a diverse and ever changing world.Core Values:Honesty—We have integrity and are trustworthy, ethical and fair.Collegiality—We enjoy being a collaborative team in a positiveenvironment that communicates well and works together for thegreater good of all.Caring for Others—We are compassionate and supportive ofothers.Responsibility—We are dedicated, dependable and hard working.Student Success—We bring to bear scholarship, professionalism,respect and high expectations for all students.Openness to Change—We prize creativity and support continualimprovement.Social Justice and Diversity—We work to create environmentsthat support and enable all members of our community to thrive.Conceptual Framework: Becoming a CompleteProfessionalThe overarching theme of Indiana State University’seducator preparation programs is “Becoming a CompleteProfessional.” Initially adopted in 1991, today our themeencompasses three broad areas that recognize essential areas ofthe work of an educator:• Educator as Expert or Mediator of Learning,• Educator as Person, and• Educator as Member of Communities.The word complete in the title acknowledges that, to betruly successful, an educator must be effective in all three ofthese areas. Similarly, the word becoming is included in thetitle because new graduates, alumni, and our faculty are neverfully finished with their learning in their profession as a teacher,counselor, school psychologist, speech language pathologist,principal, or superintendent.The component “Educator as Expert or Mediator ofLearning” deals with an educator’s professional skill as a mediatorof students’ learning and/or of the progress individuals make inachieving their potential. The component “Educator as Person”represents the traits and dispositions that make a successfuleducator justifiably respected and emulated by students. Thecomponent “Educator as Member of Communities” reflects thenecessity of contributing to the various communities of whicheducators, as professionals, are members. To be proficient, aneducator cannot simply be skillful as a mediator of learning orsimply be respected and emulated by students or simply be acontributing member of relevant communities. Instead, a trulysuccessful educator must at the same time be a competent expertor mediator of learning, a person committed to social justice andviewed as worthy of respect and even emulation by students, anda contributing member of the communities in which educators areexpected to function.Indiana State UniversitySycamore EducatorChronicle of Higher EducationRanks ISU Department inTop 10 NationallyThe Chronicle of Higher Education recently ranked IndianaState University’s Department of Educational Leadership,Administration, and Foundations in the top 10 of faculty scholarlyproductivity.“This is very affirming,” said Joshua Powers, associateprofessor and chairperson of the Department of EducationalLeadership, Administration, and Foundations (ELAF). “Ourdepartment has always prided itself on being engaged as scholarsand as practitioners providing real support to the field.”ISU ranked eighth out of 375 universities that offer adoctorate in ELAF and was the only university in Indiana in thetop 10 for that field.“The Chronicle's recognition of the ELAF Department'sscholarly productivity is a sound affirmation of faculty efforts forthe past several years,” Brad Balch, College of Education dean,said.In measuring each department member’s productivity,the Chronicle looked at books published, journal publications,citations of journal articles, federal-grant dollars awarded, andhonors and awards.“ELAF faculty have been particularly engaged in writingbooks and monographs in our department, the majority towardpractitioners,” Powers said, “a scholarly orientation thatmakes sense given our institutional mission as a regional stateuniversity.”One department member who has produced numerous booksand is a noted speaker is Todd Whitaker, who has written bookssuch as “Seven Simple Secrets: What the Best Teachers Knowand Do” and “Dealing with Difficult Parents (and With Parents inDifficult Situations).”Mary Howard-Hamilton, a professor of ELAF, is anothernoted speaker and author within the department. She haspublished more than 75 articles and book chapters and is an expertin multicultural issues in higher education, student developmenttheories, feminist theory and therapy and consultation.Balch has also published books entitled: “Preparing aProfessional Portfolio: A School Administrator’s Guide” and“Transformational Leadership and Decision Making in Schools.”Faculty members, including Powers, have been a part ofbringing in grants totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars intothe university.Powers said each of the 12 members of ELAF’s faculty isactively pursuing scholarly work.“This recognition validates the alignment of scholarlypriorities among faculty members with essential department,college and university missions,” Balch said about the ranking.“Coupled with an equally strong commitment to teaching andservice, the Chronicle's ranking serves as a pre-eminent testamentto the quality of faculty in the ELAF department.”Written by Jennifer Sicking, assistant director of media relations.http://coe.indstate.edu 3

Indiana State UniversitySycamore EducatorEndowments Promise Bright FutureMaking a difference in the lives ofstudents is the heart of education.Students in the College of Educationat Indiana State University experience thatdifference through thoughtful programming,quality instruction, and the financial supportof alumni and friends. It is this support,much of which comes from endowed fundscreated in honor or memory of educators,faculty, alumni and friends, which continuesto make ISU and the College an affordable,viable opportunity for those who want tostudy in and make their way in educationtoday.Just as education makes a differencein lives, so do donor-funded endowments,which can be the lifeblood of the College.Providing additional opportunities forothers to become teachers was why SusieDewey, BS40, decided to create a newendowed fund in the College this winter.“We need to attract good quality people toeducation…and foster their dedication tothe field,” said Dewey, who taught 43 years,“I loved the kids and enjoyed the teaching.I felt there was a real need for additionalscholarships now…the families needthem…the profession needs them.”Honoring her mother, Suzanne WilsonMcKowen, BS57, recently established theJuliette Phillip Wilson Endowed Scholarshipin the College of Education. “My mother’sgreatest joy was to see both of her childrengraduate from Indiana State University.”McKowen explained that althoughher mother had been a good student, shelived during a time when her family felt itwould be best for her to leave school andlearn a trade. However, Mrs. Wilson alwaysbelieved that her children and grandchildrenshould go to college. “This scholarship willcarry on the dream she had for her childrenand all her family,” said McKowen.Endowed funds provide for new andinnovating programming and open doorsto the many bright, talented students whohave chosen to become educators. Endowedfunds last in perpetuity, helping others farinto the future and remembering those thatthe scholarships memorialize.“Indiana State felt like the rightchoice,” said freshman Emily Schepers, anelementary education major from Ferdinand,IN, who noted that she chose ISU because ofits small size, personal attention, proximity,and the scholarship assistance she received.“I feel that scholarships have providedme with an enriched and fulfilling collegeexperience,” she said. “I can focus moreheavily on my studies and also have timeto become involved in various schoolorganizations such as the area governmentfor my residence hall, the honors program,and the Indiana State Education Association(ISEA).”Emily received the Teresa BrooksMemorial Scholarship, an annuallyawarded fund that will become an endowedfund through a bequest from family andfriends. The scholarship memorializesTeresa Brooks, who was killed in a tragicautomobile accident during her junior yearat Indiana State. She was an educationmajor, and through this scholarship, herfamily and friends pay tribute to her life.Endowments are funds that have beencreated to honor or memorialize individualsproviding for the future of educational,programmatic or faculty support for theCollege. These funds can be created with aminimum contribution of $20,000. Multiyearpledges and bequests may also beused to establish new funds. Awards fromendowed funds are made annually from theinterest of the fund investments.One of the benefits of an endowedfund is that it continues to grow over time.Additional gifts may be made to these fundsat any time by faculty, staff, alumni andfriends who wish to honor or memorializeindividuals. Fund honorees and theirfamilies are notified of all new gifts made tothe funds.The following list is composed of allendowed funds that the College currentlymaintains. Although many of the funds arescholarships, there are also graduate studentawards, faculty awards and funds thatprovide programmatic support listed as well.You may also find these scholarshipsonline at http://coe.indstate.edu.College of Education Endowed FundsR. Elwood and Juneth S. Adams Memorial FundRay Asbury ScholarshipBradley and Tonya Christman Balch Faculty Development ScholarshipMarilyn C. Brummett Memorial FundElisha A. Bourn Scholarship in EducationDKG-Beta Omicron Chapter FundPatricia J. Drake Memorial ScholarshipRuth Ann Bourne Elrod Scholarship in EducationMarian George Memorial Teaching ScholarshipJan Gorrell McCarthy Program Development Fund in Early ChildhoodNorma Grosjean Scholarship in EducationNorma Grosjean Graduate Assistantship in EducationRay and Adelaide Hahn Memorial ScholarshipR. W. Holmstedt Distinguished ProfessorshipRobert and Marjorie Jerry Travel ScholarshipDr. Gail Huffman-Joley ScholarshipVivian L. Jones and Daisy Marvel ScholarshipPaul A. Kinser Faculty Development Award in EducationDr. Herbert J. Klausmeier Scholarship in EducationArthur Lucas and Cora L. Chestnut FundHilda Maehling Memorial ScholarshipMcKinney Educational ScholarshipElliott and Estelle Nelson and Family ScholarshipMadonna Owen and Linda Owen ScholarshipCatherine Polson Education ScholarshipScoop Fund for Elementary Education4 http://coe.indstate.edu

David and Miriam Turney Education EndowmentPansy Beatrice Bryant Walker Memorial ScholarshipRichard Willey Memorial Faculty Development FundDr. Robert O. Williams PDS Educators Service AwardRuth Zenor and Helen Zenor Brez ScholarshipBlumberg Center Endowed FundsFannie Blumberg Memorial in Special EducationBenjamin Blumberg Memorial FundWilliam Littlejohn Professional Development AwardCommunications Disorders, Counseling, and SchoolPsychology Department Endowed FundsBecker School Psychology AwardBonnidell Clouse Research AwardLiam K. Grimley Professional Development AwardBarbara Kane Award in Educational and School PsychologyMerle M. Ohlsen ScholarshipStella Ringer Memorial ScholarshipMargaret L. Rowe ScholarshipHannah Schlueter Memorial ScholarshipCheryl Slaughter Memorial ScholarshipEdward C. Roeber Memorial ScholarshipDr. Kenneth Walker Outstanding Educational Specialist AwardCurriculum, Instruction, and Media TechnologyDepartment Endowed FundsHelen Layman Dix Memorial ScholarshipWilburn Elrod Secondary Education FundJoan Jacob Award for Excellence in Secondary EducationDavid W. Pease AwardVan Til Graduate Student Award in WritingEducational Leadership, Administrations, andFoundations Department Endowed FundsDr. Dale Findley Professional Development AwardDr. Alfred L. and Juanita L. Harding and Family ScholarshipLeland D. “Bill” Melvin Memorial FundEdgar L. Morphet Research Scholarship in EducationAnita and David Pankake ScholarshipFred A. and Joyce E. Snyder AwardFred Swalls Award in Educational Administration*Dr. Gregory R. Ulm Endowment in EducationalLeadershipIndiana State UniversitySycamore EducatorElementary, Early and Special Education DepartmentEndowed FundsMaflda Brooks Memorial ScholarshipMichael and Mary Blackwell Scholarship in Elementary EducationChapman Endowment for Education*Susie Thurman Dewey Scholarship in ElementaryEducationNorma L. Reynerson Davies Scholarship Award inElementary EducationMargaret Ann Gantner ScholashipVanita Gibbs Endowed ScholarshipLela Meres Gill Memorial ScholarshipISU Early Childhood Education EndowmentSylvia Laska Memorial ScholarshipIsrael H. and Amanda L. Love Memorial ScholarshipJean Vrydagh Luce EndowmentJohn Luce Endowed AwardLinda Owens Parker ScholarshipDr. Doris Williams Outstanding Student Teacher inSpecial EducationIone Shaul Nehf Memorial ScholarshipDonald and Joyce Ottinger AwardMartha Pearman Sharp Endowed Scholarship*Martha Pearman Sharp Endowment for the Integrated ArtsOtto J. Shipla EndowmentLloyd N. Smith Memorial Scholarship in Elementary EducationEdgar M. Tanruther Scholarship*Juliette Phillip Wilson Endowed Scholarship inElementary EducationMary E. White Elementary Teacher Scholarship* Newly Established EndowmentsTo make a contribution to any fund listed here, please contactKaren O’Rourke, director of development, College of Education,812-237-8727 or by email at korourke1@indstatefoundation.org.http://coe.indstate.edu 5

Partnering to Reform Education:A Project PRE UpdateA Teacher Quality Enhancement(TQE) Grant awarded to ISU by the U.S. Department of Education is changingthe face of teacher education programsat ISU, as well as impacting learningenvironments for K-12 students. Nowin its fifth year, Project PRE: Partneringto Reform Education has involved over50 faculty and staff across the campusand hundreds of teachers in K-12schools involved in the ISU ProfessionalDevelopment School Partnership (PDS).The grant allows faculty, preserviceteachers, and school partners time toexplore best practices and discover newways of working together to preparenew teachers for successful teachingcareers in the schools of tomorrow. Thiswork is resulting in the opportunity forour teacher candidates to be immersedin deeper and richer clinical experienceswithin a professional developmentschool. It is also bringing about changesin curriculum and sequencing of thatcurriculum across both elementary andsecondary teacher education programs.Funding from Project PRE alsosupports multiple strands of professionaldevelopment for inservice teachers andprincipals, all of whom are challengedby the need to meet new state academicstandards, higher accountability atthe federal and state level, morediverse learners, new technology,and changing demographics. Theprofessional development takes manyforms including Mentor TeacherPreparation Workshops, a SummerTeacher Academy, Principal LeadershipInstitutes, presenting alongside ISUfaculty at national conferences related totheir content area or PDS partnerships,and grants provided to each PDS forschool-based professional developmentaligned with school improvement goals.In the summer of 2007, 175 K-12 teachers participated in the fourthSummer Teacher Academy. Eachsummer, the focus is on deepeningteacher knowledge and acquisition ofnew teaching strategies in a contentarea, following Indiana’s textbookadoption cycle. In addition, otherworkshops focus on topics identifiedby teachers as having a high priority,such as Behavior Management, criticaland creative problem solving, andtechnology infusion into teaching.Teachers from the PDS Partnershipwho participate earn graduate creditor CRUs for license renewal, as wellas a stipend. All the professionaldevelopment is leading to improvedlearning environments for K-12 studentsand their teachers.Preparing PDS principals fortheir changing roles in leading aprofessional development school thatworks in concert with ISU to preparenew teachers is another priority ofProject PRE. The Principal LeadershipInstitute now has two components:an Aspiring Leaders Institute andPDS Principal Development. Bothcomponents are directed by the teamof Steve Gruenert, assistant professorin Educational Leadership and KarenGoeller PHD92, deputy superintendentof the Vigo County School Corporation.Each program meets six times duringthe school year. PDS faculty liaisonshave been encouraged to join in thePDS Principal Development workshopsto gain a deeper understanding of theprincipal’s role and current issuesimpacting each school. The 2007-2008 series is focused on instructionalleadership, and the combination ofpracticing principals and faculty liaisonsmakes for lively and rich discussion ofthe selected books and journal articles.Another aim of the grant is toinfuse technology into the teaching andlearning process. Several integratedworkshops have been included in theSummer Teacher Academy. This year,technology consultants and Ken JanzPHD05, director of the Center forInstruction, Research, and Technology,are working with PDS principals and6 http://coe.indstate.edu

their school improvement committeesto design and deliver specializedworkshops at each school.Although numerous changes areoccurring in the Teacher EducationProgram, nothing is generatingmore excitement than the pilot of anew professional semester prior tostudent teaching. For elementaryand special education students, theTOTAL (Teachers of TomorrowAdvancing Learning) Semester allowsthem to intern with a master teacherin a PDS. The interns take their coremethods classes (reading, languagearts, math, social studies, with scienceto be added in Fall 2008) on campuseach Monday, and then spend all dayin a single classroom the rest of theweek with a master teacher who hasreceived training and is designated asa “coaching teacher.” The intern startsout observing and performing manyof the duties of a teaching assistant,gradually assuming more responsibilityfor teaching and behavior managementas the semester progresses. During thesecond half of the semester, the interntakes responsibility for one subjectduring each of four focus weeks.Students report being able to see theconnection between the theories andmethods they are being exposed to onMondays with what is happening inthe classroom. Coaching teachers saythe experience is good for everyone– they try to model their best strategies,the interns have the opportunity fora rich immersion into the classroomand the whole life of the school, andthe children in the classroom get moreindividualized attention. Parents areexcited because they see the benefit totheir children of having two adults inthe classroom. PDS principals whoseschools are part of the TOTAL pilot likethe idea of another trained pair of handshelping classroom teachers deliver theircurriculum, as opposed to the old “pullout”model of early field experiencewhich was viewed as an interruptionto the classroom curriculum and ascheduling burden for all involved.One principal stated her goal now is tohave an intern in every classroom! Atthe end of the first semester pilot, everyintern exuded confidence in their abilityto have a successful student teachingexperience.Secondary programs are alsoexperimenting with a professionalsemester prior to student teaching byIndiana State UniversitySycamore Educatorcollaborating with content methodsfaculty in four different colleges(CAS, COB, COT, NHHS) to createan extended block of time for studentsto be placed with a coaching teacherin their content area in a local highschool. Content methods faculty andprofessional pedagogy faculty arerevamping their courses together tocreate space for richer and deeper fieldexperiences, giving the opportunityfor students to spend three hours a dayfor approximately eight weeks pairedwith a master teacher. Math educationstudents were the first to pilot the newconcept, followed by social studieseducation in the spring semester. All5-12 licensure areas plan to adopt thismodel by Fall 2009, with K-12 licensureareas of music, art, and physicaleducation currently studying how toadapt the model for their programs.After four years of collaborationamongst the College of Education, theCollege of Arts and Sciences and othercolleges housing secondary educationprograms, and our partners in K-12, ourrelationship, commitment, and abilityto, together, produce the best possibleteacher for tomorrow’s schools havestrengthened exponentially! And,we are all truly partners in creatingrich learning environments for K-12students.Written by Dr. Becky Libler, associatedean, College of Education.For licensing information,contact Education StudentServices in theCollege of Educationat1-812-237-3131http://coe.indstate.edu 7

Indiana State UniversitySycamore EducatorCollege of Education, Program of NationalDistinctionTeacher education has been recognized this year by IndianaState University as one of two Programs of National Distinctionfor achieving a national reputation for the quality of work andreflecting the values of Indiana State while meeting state andnational needs.The program, along with other honoree financial services,fosters appreciation for the quality of the University’s academicprograms and the accomplishments of faculty, students andalumni, while externally communicating the University’s pride tostakeholders, promoting public awareness of specific outstandingaccomplishments and inviting investment in the institution. Eachprogram will receive $350,000.Promising Scholars in EducationFour individuals were named Promising Scholars in theCollege of Education, part of an Indiana State effort to become thebest University of its kind in the Midwest. Each year, this honor isgiven to educators that have not yet attained the rank of professor,but have demonstrated a commitment to meaningful research thathas the potential to benefit the state and nation.The program is designed to helpattract and retain exceptionally qualifiedfaculty by providing support for scholarlyresearch early in their careers. EachPromising Scholar receives research grantsof up to $15,000.Hema Ganapathy-Coleman,assistant professor, educational and schoolpsychology, was honored for her work on“At the Interface of Beliefs, Resources,and School Networks: Family Perspectiveson Educational Outcomes.”Against the backdrop of educationalresearch that overwhelmingly focuseson quantitative test-and-assess factors,this project draws upon more texturedsources to identify key non-academic,non-quantifiable variables that impacteducational outcomes for publicelementary school students. Theseinclude caregiver diaries, an inventoryof children’s resources, indepthinterviews with parents, and ethnographicobservations. These qualitativemethods will be used to determine whatrelationships, social networks, and resources account for a child’seducational achievement.Vicki Hammen, assistant professor, communicationdisorders, was chosen for her research on “Voice Problems inBeginning Teachers: A Multi-Dimensional Approach.”Voice disorders are an occupational risk for thoseinvolved in classroom teaching. This project will employ amultidimensional, three-tier model using impairment, disabilityand handicap to predict the risk of developing a voice disorder.The investigation seeks to determine if questionnaires, acousticanalyses, and aerodynamic measures can characterize voiceproduction in beginning teachers; and whether the instrumentaltechniques can predict potential voice problems in these teachers.Christine MacDonald, associate professor, educationaland school psychology, and Dr. Bridget Roberts-Pittman,assistant professor, educational and school psychology, received agrant for their work on “ISU Student Experiences of Bullying.”While bullying among school-aged children has beenstudied extensively, very little is known about the presence oroutcomes of bullying college students. This project has severalobjectives, including surveying undergraduate students abouttheir experiences with bullying, the impact such experienceshave on their willingness to continue attending college, and theirresponses, if any, to the bullying. With the popularity of Internetsites for communication among younger adults, the project willalso survey specifically the use of technology in bullying, called“cyber-bullying.”Promising Scholar Dr. Hema Ganapathy-Colemanis researching key variables that impact educationaloutcomes for public elementary schools. ThePromising Scholars program provides supportfor scholarly research to help attract and retainexceptionally qualified faculty at ISU.8 http://coe.indstate.edu

Indiana State UniversitySycamore EducatorSommers speaks about the future for school principalsMary Kay Sommers, president of the National Association ofElementary School Principals, spoke to current and future schoolprincipals and administrators about the journey of leadership.“The future is not a future thing,” said Sommers, who is onleave from her position as an elementary school principal in FortCollins, Colo. “It’s actually today. The ideas of tomorrow aregoing on somewhere in the world.”Sommers, who graduated with her bachelor’s degree fromIndiana State University, said it was “indescribable” to return toTerre Haute.“It’s indescribable when I haven’t been here for 30-plusyears,” she said about her return to speak to ISU Department ofEducational Leadership, Administration, and Foundations aboutfederal policy issues. “It opens doors that I haven’t thought aboutfor years.”Sommers selected ISU for her bachelor’s degree because ofits strong education program.“It gave me such a strong foundation,” she said. “It helpedme to make a commitment to teaching children, not just teachingcontent.”Joshua Powers, chair of ISU’s Department of EducationalLeadership, Administration, and Foundations, said it was a joyhosting Sommers for her first visit back to Indiana State in 30years.“She has made quite a mark in education. Having her here toadvise us on the preparation of tomorrow's principals and to speakto the Terre Haute educational community about school leadershipwas wonderful,” he said. “With luck we will have her back tohelp us celebrate the opening of the new College of Educationbuilding.”In the future,principals couldbe working moreas chief learningofficers instead ofdisciplinarians,Sommers said.“You couldbe working totallyon instruction andlearning,” Sommerssaid. “It’s alreadyhappening in Australia,it’s happening in theU.K. and it’s happeningin some places in theUnited States.”Also as classroomsshift culturally,students will look lesslike those teaching andleading them, Sommerssaid. That meansprincipals will need tobecome more culturallyaware and should visit the homes of their students.Principals also must take more of an advocacy role for theirschools.“We need to talk about the story of education,” she said.In the past, Sommers said teachers didn’t have to worry aboutconvincing lawmakers of anything, all teachers had to do was toteach. Those days, she said, are gone.“We have to be advocates for the school and children in ourschools,” she said.That includes making their voices heard at the highest federallevels.“People at the federal level are making decisions, but they’renot hearing our stories,” said Sommers, who has testified beforeCongress on the No Child Left Behind Act and the need forreform in high stakes testing on behalf of 30,000 elementaryand middle school principals across the country. “Legislators aresaying they’re not hearing from principals, they’re not hearingfrom teachers.”The problem with the future, Sommers said, is a personcannot predict it.“But what we can do is create it,” she added. “All we have todo is stand up and tell what you need. Tell your story.”Written by Jennifer Sicking, assistant director of mediarelations.http://coe.indstate.edu 9

University Hall:A Building Rebornfor Education10 http://coe.indstate.edu

After closing its doors to educating local elementary schoolstudents in 1992, Indiana State University’s LaboratorySchool, now known as University Hall, is undergoinga renovation to house the college that turns out teachers andadministrators.The building was at one time home to K-12 students.State High, which educated the upper grades, closed in 1978.The middle school grades werediscontinued in 1990-91. Then theschool closed for good in 1992after almost 60 years of educatingstudents.“Each loss was painfuland regretted by much of thecommunity,” said Stanley Evans,who taught at the school and nowis an ISU associate professor ofEnglish.Greg Ulm, who was principal atthe school and now an ISU facultyemeritus, recalled the feelings of lossat the school’s closing.“I realized how significant thework of the Laboratory School hadbeen for many years, the exceptionalfaculty, the many students whocontributed to and grew from theexperience and the many collegestudents who gained insight intoteaching and loving all kinds ofstudents,” he said. “It was clear thatall we had done to sustain this workhad not been successful in the manner in which we had hoped. Italso seemed important to honor our shared memories and to workto heal our grief and sorrow.”University Hall was a building reborn in 2006 when itbecame the largest state-funded project in the university’s historyas officials sought to renovate it for the College of Education. TheState Budget Committee approved the release of $26.88 million inbonding authority for the project. The remaining $2.92 million ofthe project will be paid for out of university funds.“It’s symbolic that we’re moving into a building that’s wholeintentional purpose was to meet the clinical teaching and learningneeds of our program, which still remains our very identity,” saidCollege of Education Dean Brad Balch.Ulm said the move also provides an opportunity for thecollege to experience other growth.“For me, our return to a site where we make something newof our history is also an opportunity for our college to considerhow we might be different in how we think, work together, teachand nurture our students and one another,” he said. “It would notbe enough for me to just move my stuff. I think I would want tomove myself to be something more, different, making change thatgains new opportunity.”The $29.8 million renovation project began in June with aninterior demolition of the building. Work crews now are paintingclassrooms and offices within the building. Steve Culp, IndianaState University construction manager, said the renovation projectIndiana State UniversitySycamore Educatorshould be completed in May 2009 and in use for the fall 2009semester.Since 1976, the College of Education has been housed in a15-story former residence hall. The College of Business, locatedin the adjoining tower, will move into the downtown FederalBuilding, and the twin towers will be razed. The moves areexpected to save the university and the state about $900,000 eachyear in repair and rehabilitationcosts, with additional savingsexpected in utilities.In addition to the classroomsand offices throughout the building,two amenities will bring addedattraction to the building.Culp called the atrium a“focal point” for University Hall.The open-air plaza encircled byUniversity Hall will be turned into asteel and glass enclosed atrium withnine 30-foot by 18 ½ foot skylightsalong with climate control andirrigation systems.“It will be 72 degrees all yeararound,” Culp said.Faculty members signed steelbeams that cranes then lifted intoplace to form the framework for theatrium’s glass ceiling in November.The second amenity involvesa remodel of the hall’s auditorium,which will combine the technologyof the new with the 1930s’ aesthetic.“This is another focal point,” Culp said as he looked aroundthe water-damaged auditorium. “It has been vacant for a longtime.”That part of the project calls for refurbishing woodworkand plaster throughout what will be a 445-seat auditorium withDr. Greg Ulmstands justoutside thedoor to the oldLab School, ofwhich he was thelast principal.Renovations ofthe building arecurrently underwayto make itthe new home forthe College ofEducation.http://coe.indstate.edu 11

Indiana State UniversitySycamore Educatorbalcony. Culp said theatrium and auditoriumwere major projectswithin the renovation.Staff offices havebeen configured intosuites of four. WhileCulp noted the rearoffices are smaller, theydo have windows thatshowcase universitylife outside the college.The front two offices inthe suite have windowslooking into the hallway.One person willhave a special office,which has a greenhouseattached.“This is a relativelysmall office, but thismakes it much larger,”Culp said. “It will havea new framework, newglass and French doors.It’s very structurally sound. Once it’s finished, it will probablybe the nicest office on campus.”In addition to offices for College of Education facultyand staff inside the historic building, the hall will include 13classrooms with the latest technology and two mock classroomsfor students to practice teaching. Data and electrical outlets willbe spaced throughout the classrooms for students’ use.“No student will be more than six feet away from anelectrical outlet to recharge a computer,” Culp said.From arched doorways to original stairwells, Culpsaid the goal is to keep historic aspects of University Hall,which was built for $1 million and opened in 1935. It is nowlisted on the Indiana Division of Historic Preservation andArcheology’s historic sites and structures list. A Works ProgressAdministration grant allowed the building of an additional wingthat housed the Sycamore Auditorium and gymnasiums.Arched ceilings throughout the building’s corridors alsogive the building a sense of history.“It will give it a more period look,” Culp said. “It neverhad arched hallways. We’re putting that in as an added bonus.”Another bonus for University Hall are the murals by TerreHaute native son and well-known muralist Gilbert Wilson. Onemural depicts a scene from Utopia to Armageddon, while thesecond is of a sunburst with two hands reaching toward it. Themurals, located in the building’s entryway, have been protectedwith plywood for the duration of the renovation project.Throughout its changing history, education has been a partof University Hall as much as its bricks and mortar.Ulm described the school as a place where students fromdifferent backgrounds found a culture of acceptance, highexpectation and opportunity.“The school was a welcoming and engaging place,” hesaid. “There were so many chances for children to grow,Your Lab School stories,photos wantedDid you attend Lab School…teach in the Lab School? TheCollege of Education is currently collecting stories, pictures andartifacts about the Lab School at Indiana State University, andwould like to invite you to participate in the project.There is no doubt that education has helped to defineIndiana State, and that the Lab School was a significant part ofthat. In recognition of the institution’s educational foundation, theCollege is working to capture the past through stories of alumniand faculty. This history will be displayed in the newly renovatedUniversity Hall, formerly the Lab School, in a historical timeline.The timeline will show significant events in education,and will incorporate the true stories of individuals who spenttime learning and teaching in the building. What better way foreducation students to learn about the history and traditions oftheir own institution, while looking to the future of educationhere in Indiana.The project is being led by Greg Ulm, emeritus facultyof educational administration, and the last principal of the LabSchool. Committee members include: Louise Clark, Bob Clouse,Sonnie Crawford, Susan Davis, Stan Evans, Vanita Gibbs, BeckyLibler, Jim Mullican and Karen O’Rourke.For more information about the project or to send yourstories contact, Karen O’Rourke at 812-237-8727, korourke1@indstatefoundation.org, or in the mail to College of Education,Indiana State University, Terre Haute, IN 47809.12 http://coe.indstate.edu

some of the exceptionalexamples include earlychildhood development,art, instrumental andvocal music, physicaldevelopment, reading andliterature, theater, servicelearning, social learningand social activism, giftededucation, science andmathematics, technology,practical arts and learningto live with othersdifferent than you.”That educationresulted in students readyfor the world as they leftthe Laboratory School.“There is a historyof our graduates that isboth valuable because ofextraordinary achievementand exceptional becauseof ordinary achievement,that is, the ability tocontribute as a citizen andFaculty and staff of the College pose with the large crane used to lift steel beams for the newly coveredatrium in University Hall.member of our society in ways that are ordinary yet essential tothe welfare of our communities.”The same could be said for the College of Education as itprepares teachers and administrators to lead classes and schoolsas they leave University Hall in 2009. The college’s frameworkcarries values such as caring for others, openness to change, socialjustice and diversity and responsibility.“I seek to find it in myself, I look for it in my faculty andstaff, but I think it’s also exemplified in our teaching and learningin the classroom, and we find those things in our graduates,”Balch said.Written by Jennifer Sicking, ISU assistant director of mediarelations.Drawing of the newly enclosed atrium, a focal point of the remodeledstructure.http://coe.indstate.edu 13

Indiana State UniversitySycamore EducatorStudent who struggled with reading earnshighest GPA honor at ISUIn second grade, Amanda Wilsonstruggled with her reading.Years later, she isn’t struggling anymore.Wilson was the sole Hines MemorialMedal winner for Indiana State University’swinter commencement. Theaward, named for LinnaeusNeal Hines, who served asuniversity president from1921 through 1933, is givento the graduating seniorwith the highest grade pointaverage.The Fort Wayne nativesaid she did her part to earnher grades by studying andcompleting projects to thebest of her ability. She alsoacknowledged the part thatothers played in her success.“I really have my family,friends and professors to thank for theirsupport and encouragement while at ISU,”she said.When Wilson decided to study educationat ISU, she said it seemed like a natural fit.“After some reflection about my ownstruggles learning to read in second grade, Idecided that I wanted to help students whohave a hard time learning because a teacherdid the same thing for me, and I am sograteful,” she said.Wilson said herstruggles stemmed froma learning environmentthat didn’t help her tobe successful. However,when she moved toIndiana and beganattending a new school,her second-grade teacherspent time with herduring recess and sheoccasionally received helpfrom the special educationteacher.“By the end of secondgrade, I was beginningto read,” she said. “I was never labeled ashaving a learning disability because I justneeded more direct instruction than wasgiven to me in kindergarten and first grade.Reflecting back, I am so very grateful thatthose teachers gave me the intervention IAmanda Wilsonneeded to get me on track to be successfulthroughout my schooling.”Wilson decided to study education atISU because she said she was impressedwith its teaching program.“I was also interested in the opportunityto double major in both special educationand elementary education, and ISU was oneof the only schools I found offering a duallicensure program at the time,” she said.Wilson also completed the teachingEnglish as a second language programwhile at ISU. She hopes to be hired for aspecial education teaching position in theIndianapolis area.Wilson was recognized during IndianaState’s winter commencement.Written by Jennifer Sicking, assistantdirector of media relations.Making math available to all: Professor helps to develop software forvisually impairedIndiana State University associate professor Elizabeth Joneshas spent the past seven months working to make math accessibleto all students.Jones, an associate professor of mathematics and computerscience, took a sabbatical for the fall and spring semesters towork as a consultant with ViewPlus Technologies, a companythat creates hardware and software for the visually impaired inCorvallis, Ore.John Gardner, a physicist who went blind as an adult, startedthe company to create products that would help the visuallyimpaired overcome obstacles in the way of education. Afterreceiving a National Science Foundation small business grant tocreate math software for students, he contacted Jones to serve asthe math educator on the project team.“I feel very lucky to be doing this,” Jones said, adding that ithas been an “amazing” experience.“It’s made me think a little more about how to make mathavailable for all students,” she said. “As a mainstream matheducator, when I’m making curriculum, there are things that I justdon’t think about. Now, it’s on my radar and I’ll pass it on to mystudents before they’re thrown into it.”Currently, many visually impaired children are taught mathusing an abacus, Jones said.“We’re trying to move away from the abacus and get blind kidsdoing arithmetic the same way as sighted kids,” she said.With 75 percent of the visually impaired children inmainstream classrooms, Jones said it was also important todevelop math programs that could be used by all students. Theprogram they developed uses all three ways people learn: sight,hearing and touch.Through technology, a computer provides the voice forthe typed words and figures that are on a computer screen.An embosser creates print outs, with not only Braille, but alsographics that the students can feel.“The blind can touch it,” she said. “It can also be used by thelearning disabled who can see and feel it.”Students can take the printed page and place it on a touch pad,which is connected to the computer.14 http://coe.indstate.edu

Indiana State UniversitySycamore EducatorCochren receives Principal of the Year AwardISU alumna Carolyn Cochren, MS81,PHD00, was selected as middle schoolPrincipal of the Year in Indiana.Cochren, principal at PrincetonCommunity Middle School, was selectedfor the award because of her work tochange the curriculum to support studentneeds. She was also recognized for herwork to seek grant funding and encourageher staff to do the same. She received a$40,000 SINE grant to implement a ModelSchool Program for Problem Solving, andwas also awarded a $15,000 grant from theWelborn Baptist Foundation to purchaseheart monitors for the school's physicalfitness program. Over the course of threeyears, Toyota Corporation has providedgrants totaling $26,500 for remediationprograms, a renaissance program, andphysical fitness program. In addition,several teachers at the school have beenawarded grants for further education intheir content areas.When she joined Princeton MiddleSchool in 2003, putting together a publicrelations marketing plan for the schoolwas first on her agenda. She felt it wascritical to gain the support and trust of herstaff members so that they could showthe community that the school had anoutstanding and dedicated staff, studentswho wanted to learn, and an administrationwilling to work with students and staff tobe successful.Each year, the Principal of the YearAwards are given statewide to threeindividuals, one from each level, highschool, middle school, and elementaryschool. Cochren was one of 325 potentialmiddle school candidates.ISU alumni who received the Principalof the Year regional awards were: JamesChurch, Greencastle High School,Carolyn Cochren, Princeton CommunityMiddle School; Tom Galovic, WhitelandCommunity High School; Denise Jacobs,Carmel Middle School; Jeffrey Jerrels,North Daviess Junior/Senior HighSchool; Rhonda Majors, Clinton CentralElementary School; Tammy Roeschlein,Chauncey Rose Middle School; JohnWilliams, Carmel High School.IndianaSuperintendentsHonoredThe Indiana Association of PublicSchool Superintendents honors eightdistrict level leaders by region every yearfor their leadership and achievements inadvancing the needs of education in theircommunities. This year’s winner fromSouthwest District VII was ISU alumBrad Schneider, MED96, EDS02, ofWarrick County School Corporation.“They can touch on the printed page and the computer willvoice what it is,” she said.The developed program focuses on addition, subtraction andmultiplication. Future editions will focus on division, fractionsand eventually higher levels of math.“Right now, we’re focusing on the lower levels of math,” Jonessaid. “If they don’t get the lower levels, they won’t be able to usehigh-level math.”While the goal is to have the technology available for schoolsin the fall, Jones said it also could be used at home as well.“We’ve tested it with mainstream students,” she said. “It willbe tested on the visually impaired in April. We would like it towork for everyone from blind and deaf students to the gifted andtalented.”Written by Jennifer Sicking, assistant director of media relations.Keynote Speaker, Dr. Peggy Hines ,Director, National Center for TransformingSchool Counseling, spoke at the 2008annual Counselor Day on Campus about“Transformed K-12 School Counselors:Ensuring College and Career Success for AllStudents.” This is the third year for this event,which draws school counselors from aroundthe state and Illinois.http://coe.indstate.edu 15

Sycamore Educator’s DayThe annual Sycamore Educator’s Day offered teachersthroughout the state a chance for renewal and rejuvenationthrough innovative programs and a full day of sessions oncampus at Indiana State. Dr. Thomas Moore, a nationallyrecognized early childhood consultant, author, and children'srecording artist, who earned a master’s degree in educationin 1988 and a doctoral degree in education in 1991 fromIndiana State, presented a lively and interactive key noteaddress. Teachers attending the program had the chance to beselected to receive one of four scholarships offered annually.This year’s Sycamore Ed Day will be November 1, 2008.16 http://coe.indstate.edu

Indiana State UniversitySycamore EducatorHall Focuses on Educational Leadership Cultivated at ISUIndiana State University’s College ofEducation has long focused on leadership,now officials plan to showcase it.“Leadership is integral to today’sschools and colleges and to the future ofeducation,” said Josh Powers, chairpersonof the Department of EducationalLeadership, Administration, andFoundations. “Leadership has been thestrong focus of the College of Educationfor decades.”On the second floor of UniversityHall, which is being renovated tohouse the College of Educationand will open in 2009, one wing– Leadership Hall – also will act as ashowcase for those who have excelledin providing leadership at schools,colleges and universities.“There will be a place tohonor current students and alums onachievements they have had,” Powerssaid.In conjunction with thedevelopment of Leadership Hall,a capital campaign kicked off inNovember with a goal to raise$150,000, Danyelle Ard, assistantdirector of annual giving for the ISUFoundation, said. As of April, givinghad totaled more than $70,000. Thecampaign continues until UniversityHall opens in the fall of 2009.In addition to housing thedepartment of educational leadership,Leadership Hall also will be the homefor the North Central Association andthe new Center for Pedagogy. Thehall also will have the only balcony accessLeadership Hall Steering Committeemembers have volunteered their timeand talents to help design the project,plan events and solicit gifts. Thankyou for leadership and service!Mary Ann Hanner ‘94Tina Holland ‘03Joyce Fulford ‘70Charles LepperTerry McDaniel ‘73Alex Herzog ‘95Joseph Shultz ‘97to the atrium, which is a centerpiece of theUniversity Hall project.“It will have an exhibit about thecreation of the department with K-12,higher education and student affairs,”Ard said about other Leadership Hallcomponents. “It will bring them alltogether.”The hall will be named for RobertBoyd, ISU associate professor ofeducational leadership and director ofadministrative placement, in recognition ofhis dedication to the educational field andthe preparation of administrative leaders.“He is a long-time member of theeducation community and has been a partof our faculty for many years,” Powerssaid.Boyd started in education in 1965and spent the past 20 years with ISU.“I believe that the long history ofthe department of educational leadershipat ISU and its contribution to the manyschool administrators across Indianaand many states in the U.S. will beappropriately acknowledged by the creationof the Leadership Hall,” he said. “I washumbled and thrilled to have my nameused to represent the hundreds of schoolleaders that have experienced ISU. TheRobert Boyd Leadership Hall will reallymean educational leadership for all of ourgraduates.”Of the money raised, 25 percent willbe directed toward scholarships, includingthe Gregory Ulm Endowment in EducationLeadership. Ulm is a professor emeritusof the department. The scholarship wouldprovide assistance to students in theleadership program.Donations may be made bycontacting Ard at 812-237-7609 or atdard@indstatefoundation.org. Donationsalso may be made through the foundation’swebsite at www.indstatefoundation.org.For more information contact, JoshuaPowers, at (812) 237-2900 or at jpowers@indstate.edu.Written by Jennifer Sicking, assistantdirector of media relations.http://coe.indstate.edu 17

Early Childhood Center EarnsNational Accreditation“The ISU Early Childhood Education Center’s NAEYC Accreditation is asign that they are a leader in a national effort to invest in high-quality earlychildhood education, and to help give all children a better start.”The Early Childhood Education Center at Indiana Statethis past fall was one of the first early childhood programsto earn accreditation from the National Association forthe Education of Young Children (NAEYC) – the nation’sleading organization of early childhood professionals.The center is affliliated with the ISU College ofEducation, and provides care and education for childrenages 6 weeks – 5 years in both full day and part daypreschool programs. The full day program is located inUniversity Apartments at 200 Farrington St., while theshorter day preschool program is currently located inFranklin Elementary School.“We’re proud to have earned the mark of qualityfrom NAEYC, and to be recognized for our commitmentto reaching the highest professional standards,” said GailGottschling, program director. “NAEYC Accreditationlets families in our community know that children inour program are getting the best care and early learningexperiences possible.”To earn NAEYC Accreditation in the new system,the Early Childhood Education Center went through anextensive self-study process, measuring the program andits services against the 10 new NAEYC Early ChildhoodProgram Standards and more than 400 related AccreditationCriteria. The program received NAEYC Accreditation afteran on-site visit by NAEYC Assessors to ensurethat the program meets each of the 10 NAEYCprogram standards. NAEYC-accredited programsare also subject to unannounced visits during theiraccreditation, which lasts for five years.In the 20 years since NAEYC Accreditationwas established, it has become a widely recognizedsign of high-quality early childhood education.More than 11,000 programs, serving one millionyoung children, are currently accredited by NAEYC– approximately eight percent of all preschools andother early childhood programs. “The new NAEYCAccreditation system raises the bar for preschools,child care centers and other early childhoodprograms,” said Mark Ginsberg, Ph.D., executivedirector of NAEYC. “The ISU Early ChildhoodEducation Center’s NAEYC Accreditation is a signthat they are a leader in a national effort to invest inhigh-quality early childhood education, and to helpgive all children a better start.”18 http://coe.indstate.eduThe NAEYC Accreditation system has set voluntaryprofessional standards for programs for young childrensince 1985. As of September 2006, the Association’s revisedprogram standards and criteria have introduced a newlevel of quality, accountability, and service for parents andchildren in child care programs. The new standards reflectthe latest research and best practices in early childhoodeducation and development. NAEYC is committed toutilizing the newest studies and analysis on positive childoutcomes to ensure young children continue receiving thehighest-quality care and education possible.The NAEYC Accreditation system was created in 1985to set professional standards for early childhood education,and to help families identify high-quality preschools, childcare centers and other early education programs.To earn NAEYC Accreditation, a program mustmeet each of the 10 NAEYC Early Childhood ProgramStandards. Programs are accredited by NAEYC for a fiveyearperiod.For more information about the Early ChildhoodEducation Center’s programs, or to schedule a tour, contactthe center at 812-237-2547, or visit them online at www.indstate.edu/ecec.Early Childhood Specialist Andrea Henderson works with a preschooler inthe ISU Program at Franklin Elementary School.

Indiana State UniversitySycamore EducatorHull, Ken, BS81 became SpeedwaySchools Superintendent in August2007. He brings to the position strongcommunication skills and knowledge ofschool finance. He and his wife TamaraBS81, have two children. Tamara works forPike Township Schools.Pride, Murray, MS83 was selected asIndiana Association of Public Schoolsuperintendents District IV “Superintendentof the Year” for 2007.1990’sHadley-Aikman, Sarah, BS90, MS94is conference program chair for the 88thannual Association of College UnionsInternational (ACUI) conference, March16-19 in New Orleans, LA. Sarah is thedirector of the student union at NorthernKentucky University.Jordon, Tim, BS92, BS94 and his wifeRaye welcomed their first child, a son,Luke Melvin on May 26, 2007. Tim wasalso recently hired as Athletic Director atEdinburgh Jr. – Sr. High School for the2007 – 2008 school year.Rosemary BS54 and John Turchi host Dr. Balchin Charleston, South Carolina.Janiak-Fenton, Julie, MS93 accepted theTRIO Student Support Services Directorposition for the University of WisconsinColleges in July 2007. Her home campusis still UW-Rock County where sheoversees the TRIO SSS programs at UW-Barabo, US-Marathon, and UW-Waukesha.They serve 450 students throughout thefour sites.Nowak, Meg, MS93 adopted a baby girlfrom Vietnam last January. You can visittheir blog about the adoption and raisingAva Linh at www.avalinh.blogspot.com.Miklozek, Heather (Dalton), BS98, MS02had a baby girl on October 3, 2007. Hername is Adelaide Louise Miklozek. Theproud father is Frank Miklozek III.Owen, Heather, BS98, MA00, MS04 is onthe conference program team for the ACUIconference. Heather is the director ofstudent activities and recreation at PurdueUniversity.Todd, Verl, MS03 a member of FLORIDASADD for the past three years, receivedthe Who’s Who of Prevention LeadershipAward for his outstanding work with youngpeople across the state of Florida.Smith, Tieree, MS06 recently appeared onthe front page of the Lincoln Journal Starnewspaper as an influential leader and rolemodel. She was recognized by the NAACPfor outstanding leadership at NebraskaWesleyan University, where she serves asthe director of multicultural programs andservices. She was also recently appointedto the university’s Higher LearningCommittee, which is conducting a selfstudy for accreditation.Buxton, Jasmine H., MS07 and Clay,Jasmine P., MS07 co-presented “Nooses,Ethnic Parties and Mandatory DiversityPrograms, Oh My!: A look at the currentcultural status of the African Americancollege student” at the First Annual Big 10Conference on Black Student Leadershiphosted at The Ohio State University,January 25 – 28, 2008.Retired Dean Bob Williams visits with Dr. Balchin Hilton Head, South Carolina.Brighton, Ken, PHD93 Professor ofEducation at Johnson State College hasbeen honored with the “Chris StevensonAward for Outstanding Service to MiddleLevel Education.” The award waspresented by the Vermont Associationfor Middle Level Education. This awardis named after retired University ofVermont Professor, Chris Stevenson, whois a founding father of the middle schoolmovement and a well-known advocate andscholar concerning middle level issues.2000’sDewan, Mary Ann, PHD00 was namedassistant superintendent for the MSD ofWayne Township in Indianapolis. MaryAnn will be responsible for elementaryprograms.Whitlow, Kelly (Knue), BS01 andScott Whitlow, BS02 of Terre Haute, INwelcomed their second daughter, MiaChristine, in November 2006. They have athree-year-old daughter, Claudia Alexis.Duan, Xin-Ran, PHD03 has taken theposition of Dean at Holyoke CommunityCollege in Massachusetts. HCC is theoldest community college in Massachusettswith a student population of 10,000 whichincludes many international students. Thecollege has over 100 programs.22 http://coe.indstate.eduMary Cahill BS68, MS71 chats with Dr. Balchin Naples, FL during a recent visit.

Indiana State UniversitySycamore EducatorFaculty and Staff NotesPearman Sharp, Martha, BS39 passed away May 11, 2007.Martha served as a faculty member in music education at ISU fornearly 25 years from 1950 to 1974. Her influence also extendedto young children during the time she spent as a supervisor ofmusic in public schools in Indiana and Illinois. Martha supportedEarly Childhood Education through endowed funds, which is alegacy that will support children and the joy of learning far intothe future.Aaron, P. G., professor, Department of CommunicationsDisorders and Counseling, School, and Educational Psychology,retired.Gilman, David, BS55, passed away June 13, 2007, in TerreHaute, IN. Gilman started his teaching career at ISU in 1967. Aprolific writer, he authored over 500 articles and research reportsand conducted collaborative research projects or served as aresearch consultant for over 450 agencies and school systems.He was the recipient of the Caleb Mills Award for DistinguishedTeaching in 1973, the Theodore Dreiser Award for DistinguishedContributions in Research and Creativity in 2003 and received theUniversity Service Award 2003.DeFrance, Robert, BS72, MS73, MS74, assistant professor,Department of Curriculum, Instruction, and Media Technology,retired.Isbell, Elaine, student support specialist, Education StudentServices, retired.Jerry, Marjorie C., BS47, MS51, passed away on March 14,2008. Marge taught home economics at ISU from 1966 to 1985.She, along with her husband Bob, served in a volunteer capacityas representatives of the ISU School of Graduate Studies, visitingcolleges and universities throughout the Midwest, and establishedthe Marjorie and Robert Jerry Travel Scholarship at ISU. She andBob enjoyed national and international travel, including trips toevery continent.Ohlsen, Merle passed away February 26, 2008 in Savoy, IL.He was the Holmstedt Distinguished Professor of Guidance andPsychological Services at Indiana State University from 1969to 1981. He wrote numerous professional books, primarilyfocused on group counseling. The Merle Ohlsen Scholarship Fundcontinues at Indiana State in his memory.Swarens, Darrell, BS67, MS70, assistant professor, Departmentof Elementary, Early, and Special Education, retired.Thacker, Della, associate professor, Department of Curriculum,Instruction, and Media Technology, was recognized with theCaleb Mills Distinguished Teaching Award for 2007-08.Send us your updates!Let the College know what’s happening in your life—did you get a promotion, have a baby, authora book? Send your emails to Jean Cantrell at gcantrell@isugw.indstate.edu. We’ll include yourinformation in the next issue of the Sycamore Educator!You can also find helpful information on these web sites:Update your alumni information (job title, address, phone and email changes) atwww.indstate.edu/alumni/chng_add.htm on the Alumni Office web site.To make a gift online today, go to www.indstatefoundation.org/GivingOnline.aspx.Your support can help make a difference in the life of a future educator!Find out what’s happening in your College!Visit us online at http://coe.indstate.edu.http://coe.indstate.edu 23

Student profile:Lauren AtheyJunior, Elementary and Special Education MajorTerre Haute, Ind.Recipient of the Ray and Adelaide Hahn MemorialScholarship and the John R. Luce Endowed Scholarship“Growing up, I had many wonderful teachers who really made a difference in my life.Being a teacher that all the students look up to and being able to make an impact inchildren’s lives, is why I want to be a teacher. I chose to attend Indiana State University,because I knew the College of Education had a great program. Now, after three years, Iknow I made the right decision!”COLLEGE OF EDUCATIONNon-ProfitOrganizationU.S. PostagePAIDTerre Haute, IndianaPermit No. 48College of EducationIndiana State UniversityTerre Haute, IN 47809