Food for Thought: Fueling Students' Minds
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Food fuels the mind just as much as the stomach, something that motivated GovState's College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) to launch its "Food for Thought" project. An initiative created by CEHD Dean Shannon Dermer and supported by the Office of the Provost, "Food for Thought" recognizes students' need for healthy food or fuel to perform academically. Continue reading here.
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Learning More About Native American History
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Drawing for her own roots, Dr. Lisa Pennington is organizing a workshop and Sweat Lodge Ceremony for the GovState community to help dispel some myths people may have about indigenous people and their culture.
Part Native American from one side of her family, Dr. Pennington has always been passionate about indigenous histories and making sure those stories are told accurately. Continue reading here.
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Creating Learning Communities Where All Can Thrive
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In an effort to create more inclusive communities that value and support everyone, GovState's College of Education and Human Development will host a Collective Equity Workshop for all faculty and staff. Offered with the generous support of the Office of the Provost, the workshop will be led by Dr. Sonja Hollins-Alexander, Associate Vice President of Professional Learning Design and Strategy for Corwin Publishing, who will engage attendees in developing an awareness of the collective equity framework and the knowledge and skills needed to implement culturally fortifying practices. Read more here.
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Family Development Center Book Drive, 2024
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Encouraging imagination and creativity, says GovState Provost Beverly Schneller, is what's so important about reading and why the Family Development Center is hosting its second annual book drive to foster Junior Jaguars' love for reading.
The book drive also seeks to collect arts and crafts supplies for the FDC children, who are endlessly curious and creative. Read more here.
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Southland History Collective: Preserving History One Piece at a Time
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Since receiving a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion mini-grant in September for their project, the Southland History Collective, Governors State University Professors Drs. Lisa Pennington and Megan VanGorder have been building a team and mapping a plan to bring this collective to life.
At this point, a team of historians, teacher educators, librarians, and students has been established to work together to find the best methods for creating a sustainable collective...Continue reading here.
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Governors State Student Inspires Revolutionary Leadership
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A former U.S. Marine, retired UPS manager, and entrepreneur Richard "Rocky" Caylor recently talked with Governors State University (GovState) faculty, staff, and supporters about developing leaders during an alumni event hosted by the College of Education and Human Development.
Caylor's emotional presentation of personal anecdotes provided lessons that not only shaped his leadership style but also his guiding principles...Continue reading here.
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Leonis S. Wright: Helping Her Students Help Others
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After working with children in the foster care system early in her career, Governors State University (GovState) professor Leonis S. Wright developed a desire to assist children and adolescents with their daily academic and social/emotional challenges.
Today, she believes she can make an impact when her students become effective school counselors...Continue reading here.
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CEHD Launching Research Associate Development Program for Undergraduates
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Governors State University’s (GovState) College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), under the leadership of Drs. Alli Cipra and Matthew Cooney, are starting the Research Associate Development (RAD) Program to engage the College's undergraduate students in more research opportunities.
RAD meets a need highly requested by CEHD faculty, which is to get students involved in research activities to advance their studies and to prepare for application to, and success in, graduate school...Continue reading here.
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Governors State University's College of Education is now the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), better reflecting the variety of programs offered. The CEHD's Division of Education will also be known as the Division of Education and Leadership. "Adding 'Human Development' acknowledges the mental health programs we offer and adding 'Leadership' to our Division of Education brings awareness to our master's and doctoral programs," explains CEHD Dean Shannon Dermer...Continue reading here.
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At first glance, it’s easy to see why Dr. Patricia Robey, (’94, ’97, ’03), stands out as a Governors State University alumna. She's earned three degrees and a full professorship and chair position to epitomize academic and career success.
Robey was honored at the annual Distinguished Alumni Reception and Show in October 2022, for her contributions to counseling, psychology, and education. There were 220 nominations for six awards presented at the red carpet event and Robey received 19 nominations for the Distinguished Alumni Award representing the
College of Education and Human Development
...Continue reading here.
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For Michael Mahoney, three degrees weren’t enough to prepare him for his career in mental health counseling, education, and leadership. So he found his way to Governors State University (GovState) to complete a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision (CES), which prepares experienced counselors for opportunities in higher education and advanced clinical practice in professional counseling and supervision.
Mahoney sought to gain the credentials and educational experiences he needed for his practice as a mental health therapist...Continue reading here.
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Staying close to home and playing collegiate soccer while also preparing to become a teacher were top priorities for Zoie Langlois. Now she’s ready to attain her goal of teaching at an elementary school.
As Langlois graduates with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary education, she reflects on her decision to attend Governors State University (GovState) and her journey to prepare for a career in education...Continue reading here.
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After losing both parents to the effects of depression and alcoholism as a teen, Dr. Tim Pedigo wanted to learn more about the workings of his mind.
He found his way to meditative practice which has helped him immensely throughout his life. As he learned more about mindfulness himself, Pedigo also started researching and teaching the subject to learn more about self-care practice and share its benefits with others...Continue reading here.
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March 13, 2023
A Kentucky native, Dr. Amy Vujaklija was first charmed by the beautiful landscape showcasing signature sculptures on Governors State University’s (GovState) summer campus. Even the weary Paul Bunyan made Vujaklija smile when she first arrived on campus in 2016 as a program coordinator.
Now the Director of Educator Preparation, Accreditation, and Assessment in the College of Education and Human Development, as well as a professor and podcaster, Vujaklija teaches pre-service teacher candidates in middle and secondary English education methods in the College of Education and Human Development.
The endless opportunities for professional growth continue to inspire Vujaklija, along with the faculty and staff's positive attitudes. Now she makes every effort to share her pride by increasing GovState's visibility to the community...Continue reading here.
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March 8, 2023
Words to describe her heartbreak and pain escaped Governors State University’s (GovState) Dr. Figen Karadogan when she heard the news about the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, a natural disaster that took more than 50,000 lives.
Karadogan immediately began trying to get in touch with her family who still lived in Turkey, while simultaneously looking up any information she could find about the areas impacted. As the images came up, she couldn’t believe what she was seeing and couldn’t stop the thought, “they’re gone, they’re gone,” from running through her head.
As a feeling of helplessness began to set in after 30 to 45 minutes of calling her family with no luck, Karadogan was relieved to reach her family members, one by one, and learn that they were all safe and far away from the impacted site...Continue reading here.
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February 8, 2023
Governors State University (GovState) College of Education and Human Development's "Teaching and Learning" Podcast has curated episodes to feature in its 28 Voices of Black Excellence. Within this podcast series are a range of powerful educators and engaging topics that bring attention to the field of education and also elevate the importance of diversity and inclusion. There are interviews from local, national, and international guests on topics such as historical and cultural identities, community engagement, restorative justice, and leadership. It showcases inspiring interviews from some of GovState’s very own, including Dr. Cheryl Green, Dr. Phyllis West, and Dr. Crystal Harris...Continue reading here.
"Teaching and Learning" podcast episodes can be found here.
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January 18, 2023
The exterior of the unusual-looking concrete building on the Governors State University campus does not do justice to the sunlit, bright, and cheerful classrooms and spaces that make up GovState’s Family Development Center. The FDC is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children and has three main programs, Early Head Start, Preschool For All, and afterschool childcare, offering much-needed quality care and services to the greater GovState community. Space is available for all programs....Continue reading here.
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December 9, 2022
“Love” is the College of Education and Human Development's (COE) theme for this academic year amid challenges that have taken a toll on everyone’s physical and mental well-being since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. COE Dean, Dr. Shannon Dermer, decided that love was a topic that she would interweave throughout the events and activities of the year. “During COVID, people experienced a lot of separation issues, anxiety, trauma, loss, etc.,” says Dean Dermer. “Love, or a secure attachment, has long been known as a protective factor for children and adults. It contributes to a sense of wellness, belonging, and security.”...Continue reading here.
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November 15, 2022
Governors State University's Journal of Applied Disciplines (JAD) was recently launched to fill a void in academic publishing. It was important to founder Dr. Alli Cipra, Associate Professor in GovState's Division of Psychology and Counseling, to “create a space for faculty, researchers, and students who don’t have access to pay for journals,” she explains...Continue reading here.
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October 13, 2022
With the highest new student enrollment since 2012, the Educational Administration (EDAD) program at Governors State University, (GovState) is proud to announce that sixteen new EDAD students have earned nearly $221,000 in scholarships to pursue their career goals of becoming school principals.
During the Fall 2022 semester, the EDAD program enrolled fifty-five new students in three cohort groups to pursue the Master of Arts Degree in Principal Leadership—a degree for educators to prepare for school leadership roles such as principals, curriculum directors, and department chairs...Continue reading here.
September 14, 2022
Dr. Eman Tadros has a lot to say. The Governors State University Assistant Professor is passionate about her work, her field, and her students, and she spends the vast majority of her time in service to all three. She talks quickly, with intent, wanting you to understand the importance of her research topics, the need for more funding and additional studies, and the regard she has for her students.
As a child, she loved law shows and thought she would like to be either a lawyer or a therapist. Ultimately, in her unique way, she chose both. Dr. Tadros is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, an MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) Certified Practitioner, and an American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) Approved Supervisor. The law? It is incorporated into her work through her extensive research on incarcerated individuals, especially regarding their relationships – with their spouses, co-parents, children, parents, siblings, etc...Continue reading here.
GovState Launches Free Substance Use Disorder Training
September 14, 2022
Many healthcare disciplines interact with individuals with various substance use disorders and don’t realize it.
“They begin to wonder why the clients do not respond to treatment plans quite the way they should,” said Nancy Burley, University Lecturer in the Department of Addiction Studies and Behavioral Health at Governors State University (GovState). “An occupational therapist or physical therapist might find their client has fallen again or complains of increased sleep or anxiety. Asking the right questions and being able to help the patient or client identify their problems can help create better outcomes.”
To that end, GovState is working to increase the number of health practitioners who are trained in recognizing those disorders with a free virtual course...Continue reading here.