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2013
The official magazine of the College of Education, Oklahoma State University
A Desire to Help
Measuring an Impact Top Teacher Talks
Jennifer Mayo is on a journey to improve people’s lives around the world
Mwarumba Mwavita’s way to measure learning is getting attention
Oklahoma’s Teacher of the Year Elaine Hutchison discusses education
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
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 S p e C i A l i S T
dorothy L. Pugh e d i T O r
Ross a maute A r T d i r e C T O r
Phil shockley gary Lawson p h O T O g r A p h e r S
michael Baker Beverly Bryant A S S O C i A T e e d i T O 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: 335 Willard Hall Stillwater, OK 74078-4033 (405) 744-8320. 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 $4,568/4m. 10/13. #4880
A Talk with an Oklahoma Teacher
of the YearOSU alumna Elaine Hutchison discusses
her role as the state’s education ambassador.
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 3
18 Freshman scholars 28 new Faculty members 30 top seniors 32 news & notes 36 in memory
OSU’s Aviation Students Are Flying High Students in the Aviation and Space program share how their internship experiences helped prepare them for their careers. Page 20
On THe COveR
2
A Method to Measure Student Growth
An assistant professor’s comprehensive model
is having an impact on Oklahoma and gaining notice around the U.S.
Questions About Space Answered
From ThereStillwater students
attend an OSU-hosted Q&A session with an
astronaut on the International
Space Station.
2410
Pursuing a Passion to Change the WorldJennifer mayo is on a journey to help improve people’s lives around the world.
Page 12
POrtrait by Phil ShOCklEy
M a G a Z i N E
Phil Shockley/UNiVeRSiTy MARkeTiNG
2013
The official magazine of the College of Education, Oklahoma State University
A Desire to Help
Measuring an Impact Top Teacher Talks
Jennifer Mayo is on a journey to improve people’s lives around the world.
Mwarumba Mwavita’s way to measure learning is getting attention.
Oklahoma’s Teacher of the Year Elaine Hutchison discusses education.
DO yOU knOw A
fUtUrE COwgirl
Or COwbOy?
PlEASE ShArE
with US COntACt
infOrMAtiOn fOr
Any POtEntiAl
StUDEntS. wE
will bE glAD
tO SEt UP
MEEtingS with
An ACADEMiC
COUnSElOr,
tOUrS Of thE
CAMPUS Or
OthEr ACtivitiES
tO hElP thEM
ExPlOrE MAjOrS
in thE COllEgE
Of EDUCAtiOn.
From the dean’s office
Hello from the osu campus at stillwater!
Our students cannot be that
involved without your support.
We awarded 181 scholarships this
academic year, thanks to the gener-
osity of our COE donors.
Like many other institutions, the
STEM areas (science, technology,
engineering, and mathematics) are
receiving a great deal of attention
in the College of Education and at
OSU. In this issue of Education, we
demonstrate how broadly we define
STEM to include literacy, aviation
and the health and human perfor-
mance areas, as well as science and
math. Please visit our new Center
for Research on STEM Teaching
and Learning (CRSTL) at our COE
website to learn about more of
our college’s STEM projects. And
while at the website, visit the new
Center for Educational Research
and Evaluation (CERE), which is
earning a statewide reputation for
helping school systems interpret
standardized test score data and
develop improvement plans, and
the Oklahoma Tourism and Recre-
ation Advisory Center (OTRAC),
which assists the state in determin-
ing where our greatest natural
assets are located.
While we have been busy teach-
ing and generating a record number
of grant proposals, students have
been representing us well within
the community. In 2012-2013,
255 of our prospective teachers
and school psychology students
worked in classrooms and schools
for approximately 170,000 hours
of public school-based experience.
In addition, 260 students spent
2,780 hours engaged in tutoring
Stillwater children in the Carol
and Randall White Reading and
Math Center on campus. And
57 therapeutic recreation majors,
featured in this issue of Education,
spent many hours serving Stillwater
Public Schools and the OSU Child-
hood Development Center/RISE
program with warm-water therapy,
while 41 athletic training students
provided services to schools, clinics
and hospitals, and 17 interns in
leisure and recreation management
supported the Stillwater’s Parks and
Recreation Department and other
services. Meanwhile, 175 students
enrolled in the professional pilot
program spent more than 7,500
hours in the air in our new Cessna
172s or the other planes at the OSU
COE Flight Center.
the 2012-2013 academic year was fast-paced in the college of education. our faculty and staff
focused on one guiding question: “is what i am about to do going to improve the world for a child,
teen, adolescent, adult, family or the environment?” to answer that, we sought collaborations
across programs, schools and the university to support areas that truly matter as we seek to
fulfill the land-grant mission of osu and the college of education.
We are pleased to shine a light
on the 2013 Oklahoma Teacher
of the Year, Elaine Hutchison,
an OSU alumna.
And speaking of those who teach,
we eagerly welcomed eight new
tenure-track faculty members this
fall and began a faculty development
program to support their success.
Our enrollments are strong
and our goals are set high, and
we welcome your insights, visits
and support. Thank you for your
continuing interest in the College
of Education at Oklahoma State
University, where we are proud to
be “America’s Brightest Orange!”
Warmest regards,
Dr. Pamela “Sissi” CarrollDean, OSU College of Education
PORTRAIT Phil ShockleyContaCt 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
elaIne hUtChISon was named the 2013
oklahoma Teacher of the year at a ceremony
at the State Fair of oklahoma last year.
2 0 1 3
2
When you came back to campus to speak at the College of Education’s annual Celebration of Teaching, you talked about what a big moment that was. Why? Can you describe those feelings?I grew up in a very small rural
community where everyone knew each other. In communities like that, the school is oftentimes the nucleus of the community. When my high school had to consolidate in 1992, I suddenly realized that there were no more “Ames Wildcat” homecomings or basket-ball games to attend. That was difficult to accept when you have lived in a community your entire life, and your school is a huge part of your identity. Oklahoma State University has always felt like another home to me. No matter how much the campus grows, I still feel like the campus and the people are comforting and personable. When you feel that special connec-tion to a place, you somehow want to give back. You want to leave a legacy. As the 2013 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year, I have very large shoes to fill. Sharing my passion for teaching and recruiting others as part of a purpose-driven mission is one of the ways that I feel that I can give back.
When I spoke at the Celebration of Teaching, all of those fond memories of my time here — the homecomings, Student Government Association, President’s Leadership Council, Eddie Sutton basketball — came flooding back to me. I didn’t want to suppress those feelings, but I
really wanted to take it all in that day and appreciate my love for my alma mater and my opportunity to give back at the same time.
Roughly how many presentations and events have you been involved with over the past year? What are some of your favorite experiences?This past year, I have given
approximately 35 presentations and have been involved with 31 in-state events and four national events.
This summer, I got to attend International Space Camp in Huntsville, Ala., with the other state teachers of the year and 10 international teachers from all over the world. We performed pseudo space simulations and missions and were immersed in several STEM activities. I enjoyed that so much because it was informal. I got to be a student for the week, and I love to learn new information. There was an intense appreciation of culture, knowledge and all of the geeky things I love, so it was the trip of a lifetime for me.
In April, for National Education Week, I traveled to Washington, D.C., where I was recognized at the White House by President Obama and Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. I am 43 years old and had never been to D.C., so you can imagine my awe. Being able to see history, art, architecture, museums, all of those “postcards” coming to life is a feeling I will never forget.
as the 2013 oklahoma
teacher of the year, oSU
alumna Elaine Hutchison
has spent the last year serving as the state’s ambassador of teaching, speak-ing to civic groups and educators across the state and beyond. Hutchi-son returned to Stillwater in April when she gave the keynote address at the College of Education’s Celebra-tion of Teaching.
Hutchison earned her bachelor’s degree in secondary mathematics education from OSU in 1992. She teaches at Fairview High School and Chamberlain Middle School as well as at the Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics Regional Center.
osu alumna named state’s teacher of the Year
top teacher
PhOTO oklAhoMA STATe DePARTMeNT oF eDUcATioN
Q&A
c o n t i n u e s
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
PhoTo PRoViDeD
You recently took Eskimo Joe’s teacher shirts to a national conference. How were they received? When I traveled to International
Space Camp, we were asked to bring token gifts from our state to share with the other participants. A huge thanks (goes) to Stan Clark of Eskimo Joe’s, who donated teacher shirts for all of the State Teachers of the Year and International teachers. These teachers loved the shirts, and I am sure that these shirts are now all over the world. Eskimo Joe’s helped me show the generous spirit of Oklahomans, and I am grateful for their help in this endeavor. One of the Space Camp administrators was from Stillwater! He wanted me to pick up some Eskimo Joe’s bacon cheese fries to send to him as well. I have explained Stan Clark’s significant contributions to education and to OSU, and many of the teachers have investigated Eskimo Joe’s on Facebook as a result.
What does it mean to you to serve as Oklahoma’s education ambassador?Serving as Oklahoma’s educa-
tion ambassador means that I get to share my passion for teaching with teaching interns, and perhaps “reignite” that love for the class-room for all teachers through a positive message.
How do you encourage fellow teachers? What would you say to the general public about the teaching profession?I think the most important
message I can share with Oklahomans is that teaching is a profession that blesses you with many rewards beyond any paycheck we could ever receive. It allows you to build relationships,
assist others in reaching their dreams, and know at the end of the day that what you do makes a difference. It is the one profession that makes all other professions possible. It is a profession that is not always easy, but is always worth it.
Additionally, I want Oklahomans to have faith in their teachers and schools. Our
universities are working very hard to develop their teacher preparation programs to ensure phenomenal teachers, but often-times they become discouraged by others outside the profession. Our teachers are working very hard to make our schools and future citizens strong. Teachers need to know more than anything else that people have faith in them and what
they do.
elaine hutchison took shirts from eskimo
Joe’s as token gifts for other teachers during
her week at the international Space camp.
2 0 1 3
4
STEM INITIATIVES | $5 MILLIONProducing educators in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects is a high priority for the College of Education. To enhance OSU students’ learning experiences, the College has an interdisciplinary emphasis to involve all academic colleges across the university. As one of 18 universities in the STEMx Consortium – a nationwide group working together to elevate STEM subjects – OSU is encouraging students to take an interest in these increasingly technical fields.
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
Your support will impact countless students of all ages and extend OSU’s land-grant mission to make education available to all those who seek it.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:DENISE UNRUHSenior Director of Development Oklahoma State University Foundation400 South Monroe | Stillwater, OK 74074phone: 405.385.5663 | [email protected]
Oklahoma State University is attracting
record support as the boldest higher-
education campaign in Oklahoma state
history continues. In a little more than five
years, tens of thousands of alumni and
friends have given to Branding Success:
The Campaign for OSU.
discover your orange passion
When School of Teaching and
Curriculum Leadership faculty
members Adrienne Sanogo, Sheri
Vasinda and Faryl Kander wrote
a grant proposal seeking funds
to purchase tablet computers to
use in their courses, they were
focused on more than simply
having the newest piece of
technology.
Describing their work as
“Changing the Landscaping
of Learning: New Times, New
Tools, New Thinking,” the trio
was more interested in the effects
of using tablets in one-on-one
tutoring as well as preparing
OSU pre-service teachers to
leverage technology to enhance
teaching and student learning in
future classrooms.
The proposal won a $48,000
grant from the OSU Center for
Innovation and Economic Devel-
opment as well as an additional
$5,000 Transforming Educator
Preparation grant from the Okla-
homa Commission for Teacher
Preparation, which deemed it an
innovative preparation project.
With funding secured, iPads
were purchased for students
enrolled in the Literacy Assess-
ment and Instruction and Teach-
ing Math at the Intermediate Level
courses. As part of the classes,
OSU pre-service teachers provide
math and reading tutoring each
semester to roughly 100 K-8
students through the Randall and
Carol White Reading and Math-
ematics Center in both Stillwater
and Tulsa.
Beginning last spring, OSU
students received an iPad to use
throughout the semester as both
an instructional tool in tutoring
sessions and as a resource in
their coursework.
“These new tools have so
much potential in differentiating
teaching and learning,” Vasinda
Preparing for 21st-century classrooms
Faculty members win grant for iPads to help students learn, teach
2 0 1 3
6
says. “At OSU, we want our pre-
service and in-service teachers to
think critically about technology
integration, carefully considering
how to support their students’
learning goals and needs.”
The faculty introduced a
framework for thinking about
technology integration called
TPACK (Mishra and Koehler,
2006). In this model, students
consider their children’s content
knowledge and pedagogical
knowledge when deciding to use
a technology tool.
“Teachers are also learners,
particularly in this project,”
Vasinda says. “This is an oppor-
tunity for OSU students to prac-
tice using emerging technologies
in a thoughtful, purposeful and
effective way.”
Faculty and pre-service teach-
ers explored many applications
to use in tutoring sessions during
the initial semester of using
iPads. For example, an app called
Educreations, which records
both voice and pen strokes at
30-minute intervals, was found
to be highly effective. The OSU
students use the information
from the recordings to determine
how their tutees understand
and process math concepts. It
also helps with assessment and
making instructional decisions.
According to Sanogo, the
students being tutored were
better engaged with the iPads,
compared with previous semes-
ters when iPads were not used.
Sanogo says one tutor had
a difficult time keeping her
charge engaged.
“She recorded the session and
sent it to me,” Sanogo says. “By
listening to the session, I was
able suggest strategies for [the
pre-service teacher] to use when
the student became off task.”
The feedback proved beneficial,
and the sessions went smoothly
after that. It was also helpful
that tutors shared each child’s
recording with their parents at an
end-of-semester conference.
Utilizing iPads in the
university course has increased
collaboration. OSU students take
pictures of their work to save to
digital notebooks. In class, when
a student shares a new invented
strategy on the SMARTboard,
classmates use iPads to take
pictures of the strategy for future
reference.
“I am learning more efficient
ways to teach mathematics and
share mathematical thinking by
using the iPad,” Sanogo says.
The learning and collaboration
are ongoing. Sanogo, Vasinda
and Kander continue to collect
data to determine best practices
in preparing high quality teachers
for 21st-century classrooms.
New iPads have made a difference
for oSU pre-service teachers
tutoring students through the
Randall and carol White Reading
and Mathematics center.
GARy lAWSoN / UNiVeRSiTy MARkeTiNG
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
Students in the College
of Education’s therapeutic
recreation program are gaining
invaluable, practical experience
while making a difference in the
lives of children and students
with disabilities through the
Warm Water Therapy Lab.
Therapeutic recreation uses
leisure activities to bring about
a social, emotional or cognitive
change in the individual and
his or her quality of life. The
warm water therapy course is
offered each semester to give
initial, hands-on experience and
exposure to recreation therapy.
During weekly sessions for
preschool children and Stillwater
Public Schools middle, junior
high and high school students,
OSU students work one-on-one
with clients at Total Health’s
warm-water therapy pool.
The 24-foot, above-ground
pool is 4 feet deep and heated
to about 80 degrees. Jonette
Passmore, a certified therapeutic
recreation specialist, instructs
the course. Passmore also holds
an aquatic therapeutic exercise
certification.
In the water, 50 to 90 percent
of body weight is lost, making
it possible for students to work
longer and more focused without
getting fatigued, Passmore notes.
“Studies show that 20 minutes
in the warm water is about the
same as an hour on land,” she
says. “When we get the kids in
for about 30-40 minutes, it’s like
they’ve done an hour to an hour-
and-a-half workout.”
Patients have varying diag-
noses of physical or intellectual
disabilities, and exercises and
activities are tailored to meet
patient’s developmental needs.
“We work with patients on
upper and lower extremity
strength, core, balance, socializa-
tion and ambulation. We incorpo-
rate cognitive activities. It’s also
peer interaction,” Passmore says.
The therapeutic recreation
bachelor’s degree includes exten-
sive field experience. Students
complete internships in clinical
settings during both the junior
and senior years. The warm
water therapy lab offers the
highly important initial, hands-
on practical experience that can
help a student determine if this is
a career field he or she would like
to pursue and better prepares
them for internships.
The course is designed to model
what health professionals are
osu students and their patients benefit in aquatic therapy lab
Wonders of Water
An oSU student works with a young
patient in the Warm Water Therapy lab.
2 0 1 3
8
doing in the field. OSU students
are required to write notes
about what they see. Patients are
assigned to the same OSU student
throughout the semester.
OSU students are creative in
working with students. Abby
Dankert, a therapeutic recreation
major from Broken Arrow,
Okla., was able to get one of her
student clients to talk.
“[One client] doesn’t like
to speak. We invented a game
where we put [adhesive] circles
on the walls [of the pool] with
words on them. I have her read
them. She talked to me for 30
minutes,” Dankert says.
Rona Tracy’s daughter Willa
began participating in warm-
water therapy when she was 18
months old. Today, Willa is 5
years old, and Rona marvels at
the progress she has made and
how it affects her daily life.
“My daughter has Down
syndrome and very low muscle
tone. She wasn’t walking when
we started [therapy]. It gave her
a way to be mobile and increase
muscle tone [helping her toward
walking],” Tracy says. “It’s a
great way for her to exercise
and she doesn’t even know she’s
doing it. She loves getting in the
water and the attention from the
[OSU] students.”
Many of the young children
are able to participate in the
program for four years and
the progress over time is
remarkable, Passmore says.
“We had a young man
who had a brain injury
at birth. He started
[the lab] when he was about 18
months old. He was not walking
or pulling up; he was doing a
little bit of scooting,” she says.
“Through the semester, we saw
progress. He worked on pulling
up. We worked on kicking and
having him stand up on the
steps. When you put somebody
in the water, that simulates walk-
ing. Just the very first semester
we had him in the lab, he started
pulling up at school and started
trying to walk. Now he walks
by himself, and he’s learning to
swim on his own.”
Dankert is excited to be part
of the lab and the therapeutic
recreation degree program.
“We’re really working with
social and cognitive things. We
really change the quality of life,”
Dankert says. “It’s just a great
opportunity and it’s awesome
seeing the changes in our
clients.” c h R i S T y l A N G
check out the video on oState TV:
bit.ly/1g77Rpc
Phil Shockley / UNiVeRSiTy MARkeTiNG
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
If you could ask an astronaut anything, what would it be?
“Do you ever have fears or get nervous about being in space?”
“What do you like most about being an astronaut?”
“Do you believe NASA will create technology that will allow humans to explore outside our solar system?”
Stillwater Middle School sixth-graders asked those ques-tions — and more — of Kevin Ford, commander of the Expedi-tion 34 Mission for NASA. Ford was aboard the International Space Station; the students were at the Wes Watkins Center on the Stillwater campus.
The OSU College of Education and NASA Education Projects teamed up to facilitate the unforgettable experience for the students, known as a downlink, in November. NASA selected only six downlink partners during 2012. In Stillwater, more than 400 students participated.
In preparation for the event, OSU faculty worked closely with Stillwater administrators and science teachers to plan a meaningful event. As part of a course, about 40 OSU teacher education students taught lessons about mass and weight in science classes.
sending Questions to space
space station astronaut piques — and satisfies — kids’ curiosity in nasa program at osu
2 0 1 3
10
MOrE infOrMaTiOn
The downlink was streamed live at www.ostate.tv; more than
6,500 unique users visited the site during that time. The downlink
program is archived, along with additional NASA educational content
suitable for teachers to use in classrooms.
Watch on WWW.ostate.tv
oSU’s longstanding relationship and important work with NASA:
bit.ly/HdUzbL
Watch the archive of the NASA downlink with expedition 34:
bit.ly/1hcTCOp
Classroom Extra: learn about astronauts and the international
Space Station: bity.ly/1al8DL6
“The purpose [of the down-link] is to use the International Space Station as an educational tool for students,” says Steve Marks, coordinator of OSU’s NASA Education Projects. “Hopefully, it gave students the chance to visualize what their future might be.”
In addition to the downlink, NASA education specialist Brian Hawkins spoke to the students, selecting a few to try on space suits and helmets and taste space food while on stage.
In all, students asked 16 ques-tions, watching Ford intently as he answered them from space. To conclude the downlink, he demonstrated zero gravity with a somersault, to the delight of a cheering audience.
c h R i S T y l A N G
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
A senior majoring in health education and promotion at Oklahoma State University, Jennifer Mayo’s journey to improve impoverished lives has taken her from southeast Oklahoma to remote villages in India and Africa.
At age 12 in Sulphur, Okla., she began saving for a trip to India. Neither Jennifer nor her mom can remember exactly what sparked her interest, but she was serious enough to open a bank account for the purpose.
where every woman put 50 cents into a pot. If a
farmer needed a new net, [the women] were able to
loan him the money he needed.”
Mayo lived in India until March 2012 before
moving to Ghana for two months. There, she lived
in a village accessible only by a two-hour ride. The
conditions there were dismal.
“There were children dying of malaria. The
water is bad, and there is no electricity. These
people live in mud huts. They are the poorest of the
poor and don’t have access to many things beyond
the basics like fruit and vegetables,” Mayo says.
While overseas, she discovered her passion for
health education. She learned about Oklahoma
State University’s health education and promotion
degree program in the College of Education and
began taking courses online. She returned to the
United States in April 2012 and moved to Stillwater
that fall to continue working toward her degree.
The lack of access to such basic needs as clean
water and health care, especially with the preva-
lence of disease, remained etched in her mind.
“When I got back, my mindset was constantly,
‘How can I change that?’”
Before long, she had an idea.
changing the Worldosu senior follows her passion to help improve lives
The TripAfter her first two years of college at different
universities in Oklahoma, Mayo decided it was
time to make the trip in September 2011. She
purchased an open-ended airplane ticket on a
Monday and left Saturday without even a detailed
plan of what she would be doing. Her focus was on
helping in any way she could and learning in the
process while sharing her Christian faith.
“I had always wanted to experience [India] and
figure out what I wanted to do,” Mayo says.
When she arrived, Mayo was offered help getting
acclimated from the Asian Rural Life Development
Foundation before she set out on her own. Mayo lived
in villages in the northeastern state of Assam, working
on many things, including water, agricultural, educa-
tional, health and Bible translation projects.
“Whatever a village needed, I did.”
Despite restrictions (local custom allowed her
to speak only to women) and limitations (no
knowledge of the language), Mayo still found ways
to help. For example, she led a group of women in
one village in establishing a loan group.
“[The women] didn’t know how to work for
themselves or save money. We set up a loan group
PORTRAIT BY Phil Shockley
c o n t i n u e s
2 0 1 3
12
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
The IdeaDuring Mayo’s “Health Behavior Theory” class,
taught by Chandra Story, a discussion centered on
condom manufacturing and how condoms
are marketed.
“I raised my hand and — I don’t know why
I said it — but I asked, ‘Do they make reusable
condoms?’ ”
As some classmates chuckled, Story said she did
not think so.
“She literally lit up as she started talking,” Crew
says. “Her passion was evident.”
Mayo shared her idea about the reusable condom.
“The idea seemed innovative, and it sounded like
something the Riata Center would be interested
in,” Crew says.
Crew encouraged Mayo to check into the Riata
Center for Entrepreneurship in the Spears School of
Business at OSU. Riata supports entrepreneurship
across disciplines at Oklahoma State.
clockWiSe FRoM
UPPeR leFT: The
residents at Pearl
house, a girls’
home in Africa that
Jennifer Mayo helped
establish, pose for the
camera; children in an
indian village hang out
by a water fountain;
children pack a school
in Ghana; a woman
who lost her leg sits
in Ghana.
oPPoSiTe PAGe:
Jennifer Mayo poses
with one of the
women she lived
among in Ghana.
PhOTOS COURTESY JeNNiFeR MAyo
“The more I thought about it, I realized it’s actu-
ally a good idea,” Mayo says. “Some people don’t
have access to getting a bulk number of condoms,
and they are going to [prioritize other things]
before contraceptive use.”
She did some online research and even called
manufacturer Trojan, which confirmed that a reus-
able condom was not on the market. Still, the idea
was set aside for awhile.
Later in the semester for a different class, Mayo
asked Michelle Crew, the College of Education’s
career services consultant, to review her résumé.
During their conversation, Crew asked her about
her experiences abroad.
Mayo followed through and visited with Craig
Watters, an entrepreneurship faculty member and the
center’s interim director, during the spring of 2013.
“I pitched the idea to him, and he immediately
loved it,” Mayo says.
Watters and Mayo visited with representatives of
OSU’s School of Materials Science and Engineer-
ing on the Tulsa campus, which offers educational
training opportunities for master’s and doctoral
degrees. Mayo became the first undergraduate in
the Riata Fellows Program, a universitywide entre-
preneurship initiative.
The team of engineers working on the mate-
rial includes Ranji Vaidyanathan, the Varnadow
Professor of Materials and Science and Engineering,
2 0 1 3
14
post-doctoral fellow Krishna Bastola and under-
graduate Trisha Buck.
The objective is to create a condom that is good
for around 100 uses. It would have to be boiled
for around 20 minutes after each use, but it would
not require a special cleaner. In late August, engi-
neers completed the first round of nearly a dozen
prototypes of material for the reusable condom,
producing some promising possibilities. Engineers
believe the material may have other uses as well.
The FutureThough there is a lot of work still to be done,
the project’s momentum continues to build. The
National Collegiate Inventors and Innovators
Alliance tabbed Mayo as one of just 22 University
Innovation Fellows from across the country. The
program says it “supports the next generation
of innovators striving to improve the lives of
underserved populations in developing countries
worldwide.”
“All I know is I’m trying
something and people are on
board. We are meeting a need for
somebody. I have a huge bucket
list, even if this doesn’t work
out,” she explains.
Mayo, who avidly watches
TED talks, was excited to be
afforded the opportunity to share
her project and message during
the TEDx OStateU event in
October 2013.
Mayo is set to finish her
coursework in the spring 2014
semester and will do a full-time
internship before graduating this
summer.
“The health education and
promotion program has really
helped me,” Mayo says. “The
faculty [members] have been
great about incorporating
international perspectives [into discussions and
curriculum].”
Mayo is clear that she prefers village life and
plans to go back after graduating.
“What I really hope to do is encourage people to
think outside of our American, Oklahoma box. I
want people to go and see for themselves. Seeing it
in person is different. It’s life-changing.”
SEE iT
Visit OState.tv to watch Jennifer Mayo’s presentation
at TeDx oStateU in october 2013.
The group is navigating through the patent process
for both the idea and the material.
“The focus is on people without access,” Mayo
says. “It’s not for novelty purposes; it’s for disease
prevention.”
Mayo has established a limited liability company
called Pearl Health, named for Pearl House, a girls’
home in Africa that Mayo helped establish. In addi-
tion to reusable condoms, Pearl Health is working
to create reusable catheters, gloves and other health
products for developing countries.
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
In an ideal world, Keith Reed
would pursue a master’s degree
in bicycling.
Reed, a resident of Perkins,
Okla., and a longtime employee
of Oklahoma State University, is
passionate about cycling and the
difference it has made in his life
over the last 10 years.
“It has been life-changing
for me,” Reed says. “It has
been important not only to my
physical health, but also for my
mental and spiritual well-being.
The more I do, the more neces-
sary it becomes for me.”
During the summer of 2011,
Reed pursued the lofty goal of
biking across North America.
The journey began at Acadia
Park in Bar Harbor, Maine, and
concluded 66 days and 4,138
miles later in Cannon Beach,
Ore. Along a route he planned,
Reed, Gena Wollenberg, an OSU
doctoral student in nutritional
sciences, and Anna Kinder
visited 13 states, a Canadian
province and numerous monu-
ments and parks.
“The experience was amazing.
We met and interacted with so
many people. We were treated so
well, invited to stay in the homes
of strangers,” Reed says.
“Even though I was a passion-
ate bicyclist before the cross
country ride, the trip really
helped me understand the poten-
tial for bicycling to enrich lives.”
Reed, who has a bachelor’s
degree from OSU and serves
keith Reed’s passion for two wheels spills over to boost stillwater
Bike Friendly
2 0 1 3
16
Maine provided the starting point for keith
Reed’s trek across on America on his bicycle
(inset). Photos include the starting point of
Acadia National Park (top left), lewiston,
Maine, (above) and an early sunrise along
the Maine coast (right).
PhOTOS COURTESY keiTh ReeD
as the horticulture educator
with the Cooperative Extension
Service for Payne County, soon
had an opportunity to make an
impact for bicyclists in his own
community.
Kevin Mussett, a longtime
Stillwater bicycling advocate,
approached Lowell Caneday,
OSU Regents Professor in leisure
studies, to ask for assistance in
securing bicycle-friendly status
for Stillwater. Caneday was
quick to make the connection to
Reed, who is pursuing a master’s
degree in the College of Educa-
tion’s leisure studies program.
As part of his creative
component, Reed compiled an
application on behalf of the
city of Stillwater to the League
of American Bicyclists’ Bicycle
Friendly Community program.
The program “is a tool for states,
communities, business and
universities to make bicycling a
real transportation and recre-
ation option for all people.”
A number of factors gelled
to move Stillwater forward as
a bicycle-friendly community.
While Reed was responsible
for compiling the 88-question
application, he is quick to point
out that the process required the
support of city and university
officials, including Stillwater
Mayor John Bartley and city
transportation director Jason
Peek, among others. The process
led to the formation of the Still-
water Bicycle Committee.
The League of American
Bicyclists awarded Stillwater
“Bicycle Friendly Community-
Bronze Level” status in the fall
of 2012. Stillwater is only the
third city in Oklahoma and one
of 259 nationally to achieve the
designation.
Many positive steps continue
to happen. OrangeRide, a new
bicycle rental program, is now
available at OSU, and a campus
bicycle committee has formed
at OSU as well. The city also
re-striped the roadway on Hall
of Fame Avenue near Boone
Pickens Stadium to include
bicycle lanes.
Reed is slated to complete his
master’s in May 2014. Though it
will not be in bicycle, the degree
is allowing him to focus on an
area he is most passionate about
in bicycling.
“The majority of the course-
work I have chosen has a signifi-
cant application to bicycling, much
more than I ever imagined when I
began the degree,” Reed says.
His work has affected the Still-
water community and bicyclists
for years to come.
“The BFC project was the
perfect opportunity for me to do
a small part to give residents of
this area a better chance to expe-
rience the power of a bicycle,”
Reed explains. c h R i S T y l A N G
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
GAbbY bAIRElementary education • First-generation college student
Tulsa • Jenks High School
On choosing OSU …
“Once I saw the passion that these professors and advisers have
for teaching and preparing educators, the decision was easy — I
knew OSU was the place where I belonged.”
On receiving the Thomas J. Smith Recruitment Scholarship …
“I had already decided to come to OSU when I received the
scholarship, but it was such an encouragement to me to know that I
had people who were supporting me outside of my family. The day I
found out that I was going to get this financial assistance to help me
reach my goal made me realize that OSU really wanted me to be a
part of its family.”
On her favorite part about being a freshman at OSU …
“My favorite part is the desire to learn that everyone seems to
have. When I sit in the classroom, the students want to be there; they
want to succeed. That changes the environment of the whole class-
room for the better.”
MATTHeW CHAMbeRlInelementary education and special education
Springfield, Mo. • Kickapoo High School
On choosing OSU …
“I chose the College of Education at OSU
because of all the schools I looked at, I knew Okla-
homa State University would give me the greatest
chance to reach my full potential as a teacher.”
On receiving the Thomas J. Smith Recruitment
Scholarship …
“Receiving the scholarship strongly influenced
my decision to come to OSU because it showed me
that the College of Education had confidence in my
abilities. Knowing the university trusted me meant
the world to my confidence.”
On his favorite part of being a freshman at OSU …
“In my short time at Oklahoma State University,
getting involved in activities such as flag football
and church to complement my class schedule has
been beyond wonderful.”
The College of Education emphasizes recruiting bright and talented high school students to pursue their degrees and
dreams at OSU. The Thomas J. Smith Freshman Recruitment Scholarship, established in 2011 by Jill and Jeff Hough, has
given the college another tool to reward and entice outstanding students and future leaders who plan to pursue a COE major.
Gabby Bair, Matthew Chamberlin and Macy Gleason all received the Smith scholarship. Kelsie Patterson is a Nationl Merit
Scholar. A peek at their thoughts, hopes and dreams:
introducing Freshman scholars
clockwise from left, Macy Gleason, Matthew
chamberlin, kelsie Patterson and Gabby Bair all
received oSU scholarships for their freshman year.
2 0 1 3
18
MACY GleASOnSecondary science education
Mannford, Okla. • Mannford High School
On choosing OSU…
“First, I was drawn to the College of Education
because of the personnel who work there. People
like [academic counselor] Leslie Evans, [prospec-
tive student services coordinator] Becky Wilber
and [associate dean for undergraduate studies] Dr.
Robert Davis made the decision process as enjoy-
able and smooth as possible. … They made me feel
like a valued member of their college before I ever
joined the OSU family.
“Furthermore, I chose OSU because it is a
world-class university with great credentials. … To
me, college was not just about getting a degree, but
also about gaining experiences that will grow me
as a person.”
On receiving the Thomas J. Smith Freshman
Recruitment Scholarship …
“Receiving the Thomas J. Smith Freshman
Recruitment Scholarship definitely influenced my
decision to attend OSU. Undoubtedly, this scholar-
ship helped my family and me out in a huge way
financially.”
On her favorite part of being a freshman at OSU…
“My time at OSU so far has been more enjoyable
than I could ever imagine. My favorite would prob-
ably have to be meeting such quality people. From
students to staff members to faculty, the people
at this great university have made my experience
incredible.”
KelSIe PATTeRSOnnational Merit ScholarSecondary education, mathematics
Flower Mound, Texas
Flower Mound high School
On choosing OSU:
“I visited multiple schools when
I first began the college-finding process, and at that
point, OSU was probably third on my list out of only
three. … However, as I spent more time in Stillwater
and with College of Education administrators, I fell
more and more in love with the university and with the
program. … Nowhere else did the dean of the college
stop by simply to introduce herself while I was in town.
Nowhere else could we laugh and joke while discussing
my options. Nowhere else were people so loving, caring
and willing to find their students the best road possible
in order to help them succeed.”
How did receiving the National Merit Scholarship influ-
ence your decision to come to OSU?
“While I was in love with the campus before I knew
for sure about the final scholarship offer, I would be
lying if I said that it had no impact on the matter. With a
sister in college and another in high school, scholarships
were essential to my decision. … The National Merit
Scholarship is a blessing to me and my family that I am
thankful for every day.”
On her favorite part of being a freshman at OSU:
“My favorite part has to be the camaraderie of every-
one here. … Here at OSU, we’re just one big family,
and that’s something that I would never give up for
anything.”
On choosing to pursue education as a major and career:
[After telling questioners her major:] “I got responses
of how I’m too smart to just be a teacher, or that that
profession did not make enough money to be worth it. …
What is wrong with having people who are intelligent as
educators? Aren’t those the people we should want teach-
ing our children? Teaching, helping and serving others
are all things that I am passionate about.”
TO dOnaTE
every day, donors affect the lives of students on the
oSU campus. Because donors alleviate some of the
financial burden of college, students have time to study
and interact with professors and fellow students. They
can study abroad and accept internships. And even
before students realize the vast impact of scholarships
on their lives, they know someone believes in them,
supports them, encourages them and welcomes them
into the oSU family. you can choose to be in that role for
an oSU student by starting a scholarship in the college
of education. contact Denise Unruh at the oSU Founda-
tion at 405-385-5663 or [email protected].
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
Invaluable practical and
internship programs are a hall-
mark of College of Education
programs, and the aviation and
space program is no exception.
It has built strong connections
with many industry leaders,
resulting in placement of its
students in internships with
those companies.
“We strongly support and
encourage student internships,”
says assistant professor Chad
Depperschmidt, who coordinates
the undergraduate aviation and
space program. “Internships
offer an exceptional opportunity
for students to expand their
knowledge, gain professional
experience and to network
within the industry. The avia-
tion program has longstanding
relationships with local, state,
national and international
companies and organizations,
which have provided excellent
pipelines for aviation students to
gain experience and professional
employment.”
Three aviation students have
agreed to share their experiences
in preparing themselves for
careers through their internships.
Stefan Ralston was fascinated by flight as a child
— and his interest didn’t dissipate as he grew up.
“Recent growth in corporate and manufactur-
ing segments [of the aviation] industry and the
prevalence of aerospace investment in Oklahoma
validated my decision to study aviation,” he says.
Ralston completed a Bachelor of Science in aero-
space administration and operations with an option
in aviation management in May.
While at OSU, Ralston won an international
internship with Lufthansa Technik in Hamburg,
aviation internships help prepare students for career opportunities
Flying High
stefan Ralston
Stefan ralSton won an internship with lufthansa Technik in Germany.
PhoTo PRoViDeD
2 0 1 3
20
PhoTo PRoViDeD
Germany, which offered him
an opportunity to develop his
German language skills.
During the summer of 2011,
Ralston worked in the corporate
aircraft division, where he was
able to gain a wide range of
experience. He developed monthly
controlling reports and gener-
ated diagrams, protocols and
standards in English and German.
Ralston analyzed global economic
currency trends concerning busi-
ness aviation. He collaborated
with international subsidiaries and
in the process, met representatives
from Germany, Switzerland and
the U.S.
“The internship definitely
enhanced my German language
skills and my ability to work in
a global setting,” Ralston says.
“I learned to better define my
career goals within a vast aero-
space industry.”
Ralston notes that he often used
his internship experience in class
discussions and related the course
material to his summer abroad.
Currently, Ralston is part of a
yearlong work and study abroad
program as part of a professional
student exchange in Germany.
Shasta Sheets grew up near
an airport and fell in love with
aviation at an early age. At OSU,
she majored in aviation manage-
ment, graduating in December
2012. She is now pursuing a
master’s degree in aviation and
space and an aviation security
certificate while working at
DeBee Gilchrist, an aviation law
firm in Oklahoma City.
During the spring of 2013,
Sheets had a fulltime intern-
ship at the Tulsa International
Airport with the Tulsa Airport
Authority’s marketing divi-
sion, which has been a strong
supporter of OSU’s aviation and
space program.
Sheets helped with customer
service issues such as check-in
at ticket counters during peak
hours. She also compiled market-
ing research for air service and
business development, and she
introduced school groups to
airport operations by leading
guided tours. Sheets’ duties also
included event planning, media
communications, the airport
volunteer program and conduct-
ing and tabulating customer
surveys for passenger feedback.
shasta sheets
ShaSta SheetS
spent the spring of
2013 as a full-time
intern in marketing at
the Tulsa international
Airport.
c o n t i n u e s
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
“I really learned how to be
comfortable and confident in a
professional office environment,
as well as how an airport works
and all of the manpower and
many different jobs it takes to
make an airport operational,”
she says.
Sheets says the opportunity
to network has opened her eyes
to new career plans: Meeting
a Federal Air Marshal Service
employee sparked her interest in
working for that agency.
“My coursework and experi-
ence definitely prepared me for
my internship. It was neat to take
what I have learned at OSU and
put it into action in an airport.”
Aviation runs in Heather
Rivera’s blood. Her grandfather
is a pilot, and her brother is an
aircraft mechanic.
“The first time my grandfather
took me up in his plane, it was
love at first flight,” Rivera says.
Rivera majored in aviation
management and obtained a
private-pilot certificate before
graduating in May 2013. She was
selected as one of the College of
Education’s Top 12 Seniors.
During the spring of 2013,
Rivera worked with Southwest
Airlines as a flight operations
safety intern.
At Southwest, Rivera worked
closely with the voluntary safety
programs and created educational
materials for pilots. One of
her favorite and most valuable
experiences was a business trip to
Seattle to discuss plans for a new
airplane with Southwest pilots.
“The internship was
completely unforgettable,”
Rivera says. “I met so many
wonderful people that taught me
so much about how Southwest
Airlines operates and succeeds.
The company is truly made of
the best people.”
Rivera earned an offer for a
full-time position upon gradua-
tion and is now a crew scheduler
with Southwest.
Heather Riveraheather rIvera turned her
internship with Southwest Airlines into
a full-time position after graduation.
PhoTo PRoViDeD
2 0 1 3
22
Teachers and students at South Lebanon Elemen-
tary School in Lebanon, Pa., wanted to help when
they saw the devastation left behind by the torna-
does that tore through Oklahoma in May.
Not knowing exactly what to do, teacher and
enrichment facilitator at South Lebanon Elemen-
tary John Mohn contacted the College of Educa-
tion Outreach office at Oklahoma State University.
He was unsure what kind of reaction he would get.
“As it turned out,” Mohn says, “I could not
have asked for a better response.”
Mohn and his colleagues and students at the
Pennsylvania elementary school collected new
and gently used books. The books were originally
earmarked for schools in Moore, but having reached
capacity on book donations, Moore recommended
Little Axe. More than 50 families in the Little Axe
area lost homes or sustained major damage.
In July, 62 boxes of books, weighing 2,496
pounds were delivered from Pennsylvania to Still-
water free of charge by R&L Carriers.
A few weeks later, staff from the College of
Education drove the books to Little Axe for the
final delivery.
Pennsylvania school sends boxes and boxes of books to oklahoma
Reaching out to Help
An elementary school in Pennsylvania
sent 62 boxes of new and gently used
books to areas in oklahoma that were hit
by tornadoes in May.
PhoTo PRoViDeD
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
educator’s method of measurement makes an impact on school district — and more
a model for student growth
A research model designed by Mwarumba
Mwavita is making a significant impact on one
Oklahoma school district and gaining notice
across the state and around the country.
Mwavita, an assistant professor in the Research,
Evaluation, Measurement and Statistics (REMS)
program and director of the Center for Educa-
tional Research and Evaluation, developed a
comprehensive model for mapping student achieve-
ment growth. His unique, big-picture approach
tracks student growth in a single school year and
considers a variety of factors that can influence
student achievement.
Mwavita has worked closely with administra-
tors, teachers and students in the Western Heights
School District, an independent school district west
of Oklahoma City, over the last four years, imple-
menting the model and analyzing the data to better
understand challenges and find effective solutions.
“Most studies have been working only on
mapping students’ growth from year to year,
[comparing] different students,” Mwavita says.
“For instance, a third-grade student in one school
year is compared to third-grade students in the next
class. The same students are not tracked over time.”
STORY BY chRiSTy lANG / colleGe oF eDUcATioN PhOTOGRAPhY BY GARy lAWSoN / UNiVeRSiTy MARkeTiNG
As part of Mwavita’s model, students are pre-
tested at the beginning of a school year, given a
medium test in the winter and finally a third test
in the spring. The test is standardized, computer-
ized and adaptive to individual ability. It has
been aligned with Oklahoma’s Priority Academic
Student Skills (PASS) test but can easily transi-
tion to the state’s new Common Core Standards.
The test is also diagnostic, revealing if a group of
students does not understand a concept.
“It helps enhance instruction, indicating what
teachers should focus on,” Mwavita says.
“This assessment model is data-based, but goes
well beyond the normal testing program,” says
OSU Regents Professor Dale Fuqua, also a profes-
sor in the REMS program. “It provides timely
feedback to both students and teachers.”
The immediate feedback motivates students,
helps them track progress and set goals. It is also
valuable for parents.
“Parents are well served by having immediate
results several times a year to inform their partici-
pation in decision-making and use of interventions
with students,” Fuqua says.
In the sophisticated system, all of the data
gathered is recorded and accessible electronically
c o n t i n u e s
2 0 1 3
24
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
“A beauty of the model is that you can see it is more accurate and fair for teachers. You can see growth even if [students] aren’t achieving at the average. Teachers are not ‘graded’ in the same way for
students who only spend two months of the year in their class. It truly looks at the impact the teacher has on the student in the time they teach them.”
— Mwarumba Mwavita
mwarUmba mwavIta has also helped out on a project to determine how to open the world of science to children who have autism.
by teachers and administrators. It has led to a
culture where Western Heights depends on data
for decision-making, and it has proven powerful
for teachers.
More and more, discussion about education
centers on evaluating teachers for effectiveness.
Mwavita has seen strong buy-in from Western
Heights’ teachers and students.
“We’re big believers in adaptive testing,” says
Western Heights Superintendent Joe Kitchens. “We
absolutely believe that it’s critical to know who
students are when determining whether a teacher is
successful or not.”
Teachers are trained on how to read the data.
They have instant access to the data, allowing
them to immediately respond by designing instruc-
tion to meet students’ needs.
“A teacher has these students for one year,”
Mwavita says. “Within that one year, you can
evaluate a teacher’s effectiveness [with] that test
after controlling for other variables such as initial
ability, parental involvement, whether they are in
special education classes or have free and reduced
[price] lunch status. If you put all of them into the
model and what will remain is not explained by all
2 0 1 3
26
of these other variables, we can use that residual
effect to predict the teaching impact.”
Western Heights had battled mobility, with
students entering and exiting the district through-
out the year. This drove the decision to test
students at the beginning of the year on all the
content that will be covered. It helps teachers know
where their students initially stand academically.
“Dr. Mwavita has been so critical in helping us
understand how to look at this data in a proactive
way, to use it in a proactive way,” Kitchens explains.
Another element of this model is creating and
supporting Professional Learning Communities.
The communities meet outside the normal school
day and formalize an opportunity to share infor-
mation among teachers, learn more about students
and identify how their needs can be met in the
classroom and beyond. Teachers are compensated
for their time and work.
“[Mwavita] has a great way with teachers,”
Kitchens says. “His ability to interact with them
in regard to what they see and what action they
may take, I think, may be the most important
thing of all. He has a unique capacity to put people
at ease and to have an open discussion about what
the real issues are and what can be done on behalf
of students.”
Mwavita came to Oklahoma State University
from Kenya to pursue a doctorate in educational
psychology, specializing in REMS. After complet-
ing his Ph.D. in 2005, he accepted a visiting assis-
tant professor position at OSU. He has also served
as Western Heights’ director of school improve-
ment and instructional research and continues to
support the district while working at OSU. His
research interests are focused on mapping student
achievement growth and improving student perfor-
mance and teacher education.
His work has been noticed nationally. He
communicates regularly with the U.S. Depart-
ment of Education’s National Center for Educa-
tion Statistics and has been asked to present at
professional development work-
shops, showcasing the work
with Western Heights in terms
of growth modeling and chang-
ing the culture of the school.
“It is not one size fits all, but
the principles of the model will
work across school districts,”
Mwavita says. “Each school
may have its own unique chal-
lenges, and the model will take
that into account.”
For instance, if a district has
many high-achieving students,
the model can help determine
how best to challenge them to
continue to accelerate and moti-
vate learning.
“A beauty of the model is that
you can see it is more accurate
and fair for teachers,” Mwavita
says. “You can see growth even
if [students] aren’t achieving at
the average. Teachers are not
‘graded’ in the same way for
students who only spend two
months of the year in their class.
It truly looks at the impact the
teacher has on the student in the
time they teach them.”
The work is a strong example
of the university’s land-grant mission being carried
out. Currently, Mwavita and his colleagues at OSU
have continuing conversations with other school
districts in the state as well as Oklahoma’s State
Department of Education.
“There is passion for making a difference in [the
schools] in the state. Our job is to be resourceful
to all stakeholders,” Mwavita says. “How can we
best serve the citizens of Oklahoma and be efficient
in making a difference in our schools?”
That’s the question that guides the work.
the Center for Educational
research and Evaluation (CErE)
is a self-supporting center that
provides methodological expertise
in research, evaluation, statistics
and psychometrics to support the
research, teaching and outreach
missions of Oklahoma State Univer-
sity with a major focus on support-
ing programs and initiatives that
benefit Oklahoma residents.
CErE supports faculty and student
research on campus by offering
consultation, tutoring and profes-
sional development services,
and external grant and contract
evaluation.
CErE also offers leadership in
effective evaluation and account-
ability models for K-12 education,
and support through in-service and
professional development for teach-
ers and school leaders in Oklahoma.
CErE also works with business,
industry and government sectors to
provide evaluation services.
mwarumba mwavita serves
as the CErE director and all rEMS
faculty, along with graduate assis-
tants, share in the center’s work.
For more information or
to request assistance, contact
Mwavita at 405-744-8929,
or at his office at 311 Willard Hall.
Center for edUCatIonal reSearCh and evalUatIon
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
JAson DeFreitAs
Assistant professor, exercise physiology
School of Applied health and educational
Psychology
Ph.D., University of oklahoma
Formerly at oU
Jason DeFreitas has a unique set of research skills that
will be beneficial in student mentorship. He has a clear
research agenda in muscular function and neuromuscular
adaptations during training with the ability to provide
immediate productivity and successfully disseminate his
work. His research matches well with the current activities
in the program’s exercise science lab.
Jennifer Job is highly accomplished and has demonstrated
scholarly activities in several publications and has shown
leadership in her field through a journal editorship and in
professional associations. Her experience and background
lend breadth and depth to an already strong curriculum
studies program.
JenniFer Job
Assistant professor, curriculum studies
School of Teaching and curriculum leadership
Ph.D., University of North carolina-chapel hill
Formerly at UNc
tonyA HAmmer
Assistant professor, counseling (oSU-Tulsa)
School of Applied health and educational Psychology
Ph.D., St. Mary’s University
Formerly assistant professor in counseling, University of houston-clear lake
Tonya Hammer brings considerable teaching experience
to the counseling psychology program and has an estab-
lished record of publications and presentations. She has a
strong interest in service and research collaboration and
a commitment to social justice perspectives and activities
consistent with other faculty in the program.
Jam Khojasteh will further strengthen the research, evalu-
ation, measurement and statistics program. He has already
demonstrated a collaborative spirit by contributing to an
OSU-OU research team through the Center for Educational
Research and Evaluation. A specialist in education statistics
and experimental design, he has served in the Office of Civil
Rights of the U.S. Department of Education and the National
Office for Research on Measurement and Evaluation Systems.
JAm KHoJAsteH
Assistant professor, ReMS (oSU-Tulsa)
School of educational Studies
Ph.D., University of Arkansas-Fayetteville
Formerly research assistant for the National office on Research on Measurement and evaluation Systems at University of Arkansas-Fayetteville
n e W F a c u L t Y m e m B e R s2 0 1 3
28
mwArumbA mwAvitA
Assistant professor, ReMS
School of education Studies
Ph.D., oklahoma State University
Mwarumba Mwavita has an exceptional blend of
strengths in evaluation methods and experience handling
school issues. He is a leader in school assessment and evalu-
ation at a time when teachers, principals and parents need
someone who is well versed in the research and theories to
translate them in a consumable way.
CHAnDrA story
Assistant professor, health education and promotion
School of Applied health and educational
Psychology
Ph.D., University of Tennessee-knoxville
Served as a visiting assistant professor
at oSU in 2012-13
Chandra Story has a broad academic background from
her doctoral work at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville,
so she is able to contribute to the health education and
promotion program in many areas. She is student oriented
and displays positive teaching practices. Initial research
projects have demonstrated her ability to collaborate with
Native American groups.
sHAneDrA nowell
Assistant professor, secondary social studies
School of Teaching and curriculum leadership
Ph.D., oklahoma State University
Formerly a visiting assistant professor at oSU in 2012-13
Shanedra Nowell integrates her classroom experience
with university teaching methods, using technology to
prepare students for teaching adolescents in today’s world.
She has a strong interest in examining contemporary issues
with students and colleagues and demonstrates interdis-
ciplinary strength through successful work with the OSU
Writing Project.
JAne vogler CrAgun
Assistant professor, educational psychology
School of Applied health and educational Psychology
Ph.D., University of Texas-Austin
Formerly an assessment specialist, center for Teaching and learning at the University of Texas-Austin
Jane Vogler Cragun has a sophisticated understanding
of research design with experience in both qualitative and
quantitative methods. She also brings experience teaching
master’s and doctoral courses and consulting with faculty
members about how to improve their teaching while serving
at the Center of Teaching and Learning at the University
of Texas-Austin.
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
miKAlA AnDersonBAcheloR oF ScieNce WiTh hoNoRS iN AThleTic TRAiNiNG
Anderson, a native of Lenexa, Kan., was active in Kappa Delta sorority, SPURS, Student Alumni Board, Education Student Council and
the Honors College Student Council. She was also inducted to Phi Kappa Phi and the Mortar Board Honor Society and has been a member of the President’s Honor Roll since 2009. She has been accepted into OSU’s College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Courtney bAKerBAcheloR oF ScieNce iN leiSURe STUDieS/TheRAPeUTic RecReATioN
Baker hails from Bixby, Okla. She held leadership positions in the Therapeutic Recreation Club, serving as president, the Native American
Student Association and the OSU Gates Millennium Scholars Association. Baker also served as student representative for the Therapeutic Recreation Association of Oklahoma and for the American Therapeutic Recreation Association. She received multiple College of Education scholarships and is a longtime volunteer for Special Olympics.
CHelseA gArCiABAcheloR oF ScieNce iN SecoNDARy eDUcATioN AND MATheMATicS
Garcia was selected an OSU Outstanding Senior. A standout on the Cowgirl softball team, she received the NCAA Elite 88 Award at the 2011 Women’s
College World Series and was a two-time Academic All-American. The Moore, Okla., native was active in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and volunteered her time with numerous community projects.
brooKe grittersBAcheloR oF ScieNce iN heAlTh eDUcATioN AND PRoMoTioN
A native of Pella, Iowa, Gritters was a thrower on the OSU track and field team. She earned first-team Academic All-Big 12 honors. She has volun-
teered to coach high school athletes in her hometown and with many projects in Stillwater. Gritters has also been active in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
emily HAnDyBAcheloR oF ScieNce iN SecoNDARy eDUcATioN/eNGliSh
Handy served as the College of Education Student Government Association senator and as vice president of events for Educa-tion Student Council.
She was also a member of Mortar Board and Order of Omega and involved in leadership positions with OSU Greek Life. The Tulsa, Okla., native was selected to complete her student teaching internship in Lakenheath, England.
Kim JoHnsonBAcheloR oF ScieNce iN eleMeNTARy eDUcATioN
Johnson, a native of Schertz, Texas, has served as a Stout Hall residential adviser. She is president of the Student Oklahoma Education Associa-
tion, historian for the College of Educa-tion Ambassadors and a member of both the OSU Academic Integrity Panel and the Cowboy Marching Band. Johnson is active with Campus Crusade for Christ and has been selected for multiple College of Education scholarships.
Each spring, the College of Education Student Affairs Committee selects the Top Senior students who have demonstrated
exceptional qualities of leadership, academic excellence, and service, and are eligible to graduate during the calendar year.
The 12 seniors selected represent all three schools and every undergraduate major in the College of Education.
top seniors recognized for 2013
2 0 1 3
30
Justin mCCubbinBAcheloR oF ScieNce iN SecoNDARy eDUcATioN/SociAl STUDieS
McCubbin is a member of Phi Alpha Theta, a national history honors society, and a recipient of multiple scholarships at OSU. The Ponca
City, Okla., native has been active in the U.S. Army Reserves, serving in Afghani-stan. He also received the Army Achieve-ment Medal.
lAuren mCintireBAcheloR oF ScieNce iN SecoNDARy eDUcATioN/eNGliSh
McIntire served as president and secretary of the College of Education Student Council. She was also president of Chi Omega. The
Grapevine, Texas, native was a member of Mortar Board and was recognized as an OSU Senior of Significance and top 15 Homecoming Royalty. McIntire completed her student teaching intern-ship in Lakenheath, England.
HeAtHer riverABAcheloR oF ScieNce iN AeRoSPAce ADMiNiSTRATioN AND oPeRATioNS, oPTioNS iN AViATioN MANAGeMeNT AND AeRoSPAce SecURiTy
Rivera served as president of OSU’s chapter of Women in Aviation. She was captain of the Cowboy Marching Band Color Guard and active in
Alpha Eta Rho aviation fraternity. She was also a resident adviser and Resi-dential Life Ambassador. The Yukon, Okla., native received multiple College of Education scholarships.
CHAllie sweeneyBAcheloR oF ScieNce iN PhySicAl eDUcATioN
Sweeney was active in the Physical Educa-tion Club and the College of Education Student Council, serv-ing as secretary, and with Students Today,
Alumni Tomorrow. The Apache, Okla., native was also a recipient of multiple College of Education scholarships and presented at the Oklahoma Association of Health, Physical Education, Recre-ation and Dance convention.
sAm wHitleyBAcheloR oF ScieNce iN eleMeNTARy eDUcATioN
Whitley was selected for and participated in the ExCEL, an intensive yearlong student teaching internship program. He also
served as counselor and member of the leadership team at Camp Barnabas. Whitley, from Broken Arrow, Okla., was involved with the College of Education Student Council and Campus Crusade for Christ.
ZACK wrigHtBAcheloR oF ScieNce iN SecoNDARy eDUcATioN SociAl STUDieS
Wright was selected as an OSU (top 40) Senior of Significance. He was a member of Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, served as treasurer of Phi Delta
Theta fraternity and competed as part of the OSU triathlon team. Prior to attend-ing OSU, Wright served in the Marine Corps, including two deployments to Iraq. The Tulsa, Okla., native completed his student teaching internship in Laken-heath, England.
outstanding graduate assistants honored
The College of Education annually
honors Outstanding Graduate Assistants
for excellence in teaching and service from
each of its three schools. The 2013 recipi-
ents of the award are:
misty steeleSchool oF APPlieD heAlTh AND eDUcATioN PSycholoGy
Steele is from Lindsay, Okla., and completed a doctorate in educational psychology in 2013. She served as a graduate teaching associate and graduate research assis-
tant in the College of Education.
HAnnAH yAuKSchool oF eDUcATioNAl STUDieS
Originally from Enid, Okla., Yauk completed a master’s degree in education technology with emphasis in library science in 2013. She was a graduate and teaching
assistant in the College of Education. She also received a bachelor’s degree in elemen-tary education at OSU in 2011.
melissA HulingsSchool oF TeAchiNG AND cURRicUlUM leADeRShiP
Hulings earned a doctorate in professional education studies, science education in 2013. She served as both a graduate research associate and a graduate teaching associ-
ate at OSU while pursuing her Ph.D. She is also a national board certified teacher.
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
college of educationnews & notes
A new minor study in coaching science is now available
to students at Oklahoma State University. Open to students
in any major program of study, the 18-hour minor provides
excellent preparation and credentials for coaching.
tim baghurst, assistant professor in health and human
performance in the College of Education, coordinates the
minor.
“We surveyed athletic directors at schools across the
state of Oklahoma, and overwhelmingly, they responded it
would be of benefit for coaches to receive coaching-specific
training during their degree program,” Baghurst says. “We
are excited to offer the coaching science minor and believe
it will improve the overall quality and effectiveness of
coaches.”
Many states require a coaching certification or endorse-
ment for coaching qualification. Completing the minor
should assist OSU graduates in landing coaching positions.
The minor includes coursework in athletic training, nutri-
tion, physical education, strength and conditioning, exercise
physiology and sport management.
For more information about the minor, contact Baghurst
at 405-744-4346 or [email protected].
The National Operating Committee
on Standards for Athletic Equipment
pledged an annual gift to support
the Dr. Donald Cooper (center front)
Endowed Scholarship in Athletic
Training at Oklahoma State University.
Cooper, now retired, was the long-
time athletic trainer and team doctor
for OSU Athletics. He helped start
NOCSAE and served as a longtime
member of its board. Cooper and his
wife, Dona, established the scholarship
in 1998 as a way to give back to OSU
and support future professionals in
sports medicine.
new coaching science minor offered
Cooper scholarship to get annual gift
COe makes top rankings
The college’s graduate programs are nationally ranked among the top
75 of Best Education Schools, according to U.S. News and World Report.
In addition, the occupational education graduate program is currently
No. 6 in the U.S. News rankings.
Ph
oT
o P
Ro
ViD
eD
Seated (from left) are Matt o’Brien, a member of the athletic training faculty; and Dr. Donald cooper and his
wife, Dona. Standing behind them are scholarship recipients emilie Troxell and Rebecca David.
2 0 1 3
32
Aric warren, associate professor,
received the National Athletic Trainers
Association’s Athletic Training Service
Award at the national symposium in
June. Warren also was selected by OSU
Mortar Board for the Golden Torch
Award.
Al Carlozzi, professor of counseling
psychology, received the President’s
Outstanding Teaching Award at OSU-
Tulsa. This award, the highest honor
for faculty at OSU-Tulsa, is presented
each year for outstanding contribu-
tions in service to students, classroom
performance and service to the campus
community.
sue Jacobs, the Myron Ledbetter
and Bob Lemon Counseling Psychol-
ogy Diversity Professor, has been
elected as a fellow in the American
Psychological Association’s (APA)
Division 17, the Society of Counsel-
ing Psychology. Fellowship in APA
requires that a person’s work has
had a national impact on the field of
psychology. For Division 17, fellows
are selected by peers, and the honor is
bestowed upon members whose contri-
butions are viewed as having enriched
or enhanced counseling psychology
well beyond the level of that normally
would be expected of a professional
psychologist.
susan stansberry, associate
professor in education technology
and associate director of the profes-
sional education unit, received the
OSU Fraternity and Sorority Affairs
Outstanding Faculty Award for
2012-13.
tim baghurst, assistant professor
in health and human performance,
was awarded the Betty Abercrombie
Scholar Award at the Oklahoma Asso-
ciation of Health Physical Education
Recreation and Dance Conference.
The award recognizes scholars who
have made and continue to make note-
worthy contributions to the scholarly
enterprise.
robert stiles Christenson, asso-
ciate professor in health and human
performance-physical education, is the
president of the Oklahoma Association
for Health, Physical Education, Recre-
ation and Dance.
tyler tapps, assistant professor
in recreation management, received
Northwest Missouri University’s
Outstanding Young Alumni Award.
He earned a bachelor’s degree at
Northwest Missouri in 2004 and
a master’s degree in 2006 before
completing his doctorate at Oklahoma
State University.
Kerri Kearney, associate profes-
sor in higher education, received the
Outstanding Faculty Award from the
OSU Center for Ethical Leadership.
Donna lindenmeier, associate
professor in leisure studies, received
the Outstanding Faculty Award in
Volunteer and Service Learning at
OSU.
tim Passmore, associate professor
in therapeutic recreation, was elected
a fellow in the National Academy of
Recreational Therapy.
mary Jo self, associate professor
in occupational education, serves as
president of the Association for Career
and Technical Education Research.
ed Harris, Williams Chair of
Educational Leadership, received the
College of Education’s International
Education and Outreach Award in
2013.
Faculty members win array of honors
lowell Caneday (left), OSU Regents Professor in leisure studies, received the
Distinguished Service Award from the Society of Outdoor Recreation Profession-
als. The award recognizes outstanding accomplishments in outdoor recreation,
research, planning, management and policy.
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
yoonJung Cho, associate professor
in educational psychology, and Carrie
Winterowd, professor in counseling
psychology, received the College of
Education’s 2013 Research Excellence
Award.
Online video series wins emmynAsA now, an online video series
for students, was honored with an
Emmy Award from the Lower Great
Lakes Chapter of the National Associa-
tion of Television Arts and Sciences for
production excellence in the category of
Informational/Instructional: Program/
Series or Special in 2012. NASA Now
is written, created and produced by
a team of Oklahoma State University
education and production specialists
located at several NASA Centers.
2013 grad helps with articleChris Armstrong, 2013 therapeutic
recreation graduate, published an
article in the summer issue of Stroke
Connection, a publication from the
American Heart Association and
the American Stroke Association.
Armstrong interned at Valir Physical
Rehabilitation Hospital in Oklahoma
City. He assisted his supervisor Marga-
ret Kierl on the article, which outlines
simple ways that recreation therapy can
assist in the recovery of stroke victims.
4 COe students named Seniors of SignificanceFour College of Education seniors
were selected as Oklahoma State
University Seniors of Significance for
the 2012-13 academic year by the
OSU Alumni Association. Kylie Ann
Castonguay, Chelsea garcia,
lauren mcintire and Zechariah D.
wright were recognized for excellence
in scholarship, leadership and service to
campus, bringing distinction to OSU.
Doctoral student wins $500 awardJon martens, a doctoral student
in occupational education studies was
awarded a Love of Learning Award
worth $500 from the Honor Society of
Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and
most selective collegiate honor society
for all academic disciplines. Martens
is one of 147 recipients nationwide
and plans to apply the funds toward
computer equipment to support his
doctoral dissertation.
stephen wanger (center), associate professor in educational leadership,
received the 2013 Regents Distinguished Teaching Award for the College of
Education.Wanger, who teaches in the higher education program, also received
the College of Education’s Teaching Excellence Award this year. With him are
professor Jesse Mendez, head of the School of Educational Studies, and Dean
Pamela “Sissi” Carroll.
toby brown, technology, was
selected as the Frank and Carol
Morsani Outstanding Staff Award
winner for the college.
Conference recognizes past, current studentsCurrent students and recent
graduates were recognized at the
2013 Association of College Person-
nel and Administrators Conference
in Las Vegas. lena Kavaliauskas
(Crain) was announced as Outstand-
ing Graduate Student. A pair of 2013
graduates, brian lackman and
michael Dupont, earned first place
in the Case Study Competition while
current students lacey Carnahan, ed
Pittman and Drew rizzo placed third.
In addition, 2010 graduate Amanda
Mollett was recognized as an Outstand-
ing New Professional.
2 0 1 3
34
The College of Education
inducted terry shaw and the
late Daniel selakovich into its
Hall of Fame in June, the 15th
class of inductees.
Shaw of Norman is a two-time
graduate of Oklahoma State
University, with a bachelor’s
degree in biochemistry (1968)
and an education doctorate
(1977). Shaw enjoyed a career
as an exceptional and innovative
science educator at the K-12 and
university levels. He was invited
to work on the development
team for the most widely adopted
hands-on science curriculum
in the country, the Full Option
Science System, and continues
to develop courses and provide
professional development for
FOSS in retirement.
Selakovich served as a professor
in the College of Education from
1963-1990. He received a bach-
elor’s degree in history from West-
ern State College in Gunnison,
Colo., in 1948, a master’s degree
in political science from Washing-
ton State University (1950), and a
doctorate in social science educa-
tion from the University of Colo-
rado (1962). At OSU, Selakovich
taught undergraduate courses in
social foundations of education
and social studies methods. He
also taught graduate classes in
the sociology of education and
directed the social foundations
program. He wrote seven books,
including The Schools and Ameri-
can Society, Social Studies for the
Disadvantaged and The Supreme
Court and Ethnicity in the
Schools. He died Dec. 26, 2003,
so his family accepted the Hall of
Fame induction on his behalf.
At the Hall of Fame event,
michael bradley and Dustin
Devers were presented with the
2013 Rising Star awards. Rising
Star awards are presented to
young alumni whose lives and
achievements demonstrate prom-
ise of future leadership and bring
distinction to the college.
Bradley graduated from OSU
with a bachelor’s degree in leisure
studies (2005) and a doctorate in
health, leisure and human perfor-
mance (2012). He currently serves
as an assistant professor at Eastern
Kentucky University. In 2011,
Bradley received the Outstanding
Graduate Student Award from
the National Recreation and Park
Association.
Devers earned a bachelor’s
degree in career and technical
education from OSU in 2009. He
is employed by the Oklahoma
Department of Career and Tech-
nology Education as a program
specialist: finance cluster team
leader, state Business Profession-
als of America and state DECA
adviser. In addition, Devers is a
small business owner, operating
Geekabytes LLC in Stillwater
since 2006, where he serves as
director of web and multimedia
services and computer/network
support specialist.
the College of Education encourages alumni and friends to submit nominations for the Hall of Fame and rising Star awards.
the deadline for nominations to be considered for the 2014 awards is Dec. 1, 2013. For more information on the Hall of Fame,
visit education.okstate.edu/coe-awards/hall-of-fame or on the rising Star award, visit education.okstate.edu/coe-awards/rising-star.
seeking nominations
college inducts 2 into Hall of Fame
terry Shaw (left) and beth SelakovICh, widow of Dan Selakovich
dUStIn deverS (left) and mIChael bradley
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
Longtime Stillwater teacher and
administrator and College of Educa-
tion alumna Edna Gladys Jungers
died March 23, 2013. She was 97.
She was born Feb. 4, 1916,
in Batavia, Wis., to Oswald and
Augusta Mehlos Voigt. She married
Capt. Richard Jungers at Fort
Monmouth, N.J., on Sept. 12, 1942.
Mrs. Jungers attended the Sheboy-
gan County Teachers College, the
University of Wisconsin and OSU,
where she completed bachelor’s
and master’s degrees in education
with emphasis in reading. She
continued her education in school
administration.
She and her husband created
the Richard P. & Edna V. Jungers
Endowed Scholarship, which helps
graduate students pursuing a degree
in either education administration or
curriculum development.
Mrs. Jungers served on the staff of
Stillwater Public Schools 21 years as
a classroom teacher, elementary princi-
pal, director of the Reading Improve-
ment Program, director of elementary
education and assistant superinten-
dent. She also worked with the Payne
County Sheltered Workshop, Big
Brothers and Big Sisters, Mayor’s
Community Service Committee and
Payne County Youth Services.
She presented programs on read-
ing at eight International Reading
Association conventions in the
United States and Vienna, Austria.
Mrs. Jungers held offices in many
professional organizations such as
the Oklahoma Reading Council
and International Reading Associa-
tion. She was elected to honorary
memberships in Delta Kappa Pi and
Phi Kappa Phi. She served as presi-
dent of Delta Kappa Gamma, Kappa
Kappa Iota, Phi Mu Alumni, the
OSU College of Education Alumni
Board and Stillwater Women’s Club.
Mrs. Jungers was also active in the
First United Methodist Church of
Stillwater, the Oklahoma Educa-
tion Association, Payne County
and Oklahoma Retired Educators,
AARP, Altrusa International,
Lahoma Club, Porcelain Artists of
Stillwater and Oklahoma, Phi Mu
sorority, GN Chapter of PEO, and
Business & Professional Women.
Some of her many honors include
Beta Sigma Phi Woman of the Year,
Volunteer Service award for Payne
Former OSU professor Alice
Claire Culotta Giacobbe, of Tulsa,
Okla., died March 28, 2013.
She was born in New Orleans and
received her bachelor’s and master’s
degrees from Virginia Commonwealth
University and her doctorate from the
College of William and Mary.
Besides teaching at OSU, she also
had been a special education teacher
with Henrico County Public Schools
in Virginia and a professor at North-
eastern Illinois University. She was
a loving wife, devoted mother and
grandmother, master teacher, patient
mentor and a great cook.
She is survived by her husband of
35 years, Dr. George A. Giacobbe;
her son, Nicholas Samuel Giacobbe
and his wife, Emilie Marie Schierloh
Giacobbe; grandson, Samuel Robert
Giacobbe; two brothers, Paul F.
Culotta and David W. Culotta;
and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her
parents, Samuel Ernest and Louise
Freeman Culotta.
— Richmond (Va.) Times-Dispatch
County Retired Educators, Exchange
Club Book of Golden Deeds Award
and Phi Mu National Outstanding
Achievement Award for Community
Service.
Much of Mrs. Jungers’ volunteer
service was with the Pleasant Valley
School project. She also tutored
local and international students,
volunteered at the Stillwater Medi-
cal Center, painted with oils on
canvas and porcelain, enjoyed
playing bridge and caring for her
grandchildren.
She was survived by her son, Dr.
Rick Jungers and his wife, Janette,
of Stillwater and their three children:
Matt Jungers, his wife, Megan
Miller Jungers, and their daughter,
Makinleigh, of Boston; Katie Jungers
Cuenin, her husband, Ari Cuenin,
and their daughter, Claire of Hous-
ton; and Becca Jungers of Conway,
Ark. She was preceded in death by
her husband, infant son, Dwight, her
parents, two brothers and a sister.
— Stillwater NewsPress
A l i C e g i A C o b b e
I n M E M O R Y
e D n A g l A D y J u n g e r s
2 0 1 3
36
Longtime OSU art education
professor Audrey Eleanor Oaks of
Midwest City, Okla., died Jan. 26,
2013. She was 87.
She was born April 30, 1925, in
Jamestown, N.Y., to Percy and Mable
Macey Oaks. She graduated from
Batavia (N.Y.) High School in 1943
and worked as a medical secretary for
a Batavia physician for several years
before attending Buffalo State Univer-
sity College for Teachers, where she
graduated with a bachelor’s degree
in art education. She was an art and
drafting teacher in the Attica, N.Y.,
school system from 1955-64. During
that time, she earned a master’s in
art education from the University
of Wisconsin. In 1964, she moved
to Stillwater to become an assistant
professor of art education at Okla-
homa State University while earning
her doctorate. Dr. Oaks retired in
1990 as an associate professor.
During her retirement years, she
was very active in the Payne County
Retired Educators Association, OSU
Emeriti Association, Oklahoma
Art Educators Association and the
National Art Education Associa-
tion. She was inducted into the OSU
College of Education’s Hall of Fame
in 2004. In 2008, she created an
art education professorship with a
$250,000 gift to OSU.
George A. Rowley of Edmond died
peacefully, surrounded by his loving
family, on Jan. 31, 2013. He was 85.
He was born at home on April 18,
1927, near Ringwood, Okla., and
married his high school sweetheart,
Alice Fern Doll, in 1946 follow-
ing his discharge from the Navy
in World War II. Dr. Rowley was
a loving and compassionate son
to his parents and a generous and
loving husband and father. He was
a hardworking, competitive, conge-
nial person who had many friends
throughout the country. He was a
people person and enjoyed spending
time with family and friends. He and
his wife traveled extensively through-
out the United States and abroad
after retirement.
He graduated from Ringwood
High School, received his bachelor’s
degree from Northwestern State
College in Alva, Okla., a master’s
from Philips University in Enid, and
a doctorate in education from Okla-
homa State University. Dr. Rowley
served as a teacher, coach, principal
and superintendent of schools in
Oklahoma, including stints at Black-
well, Perkins, Coyle, Crawford and
Edmond. He retired in 1988.
During his long and distinguished
career in education, Dr. Rowley
influenced and touched the lives of
countless students, colleagues and
community members. He received
many honors and accolades, includ-
ing induction into the OSU College
of Education Hall of Fame. He held
various offices and positions in the
American and Oklahoma Associa-
tions of School Administrators, and
the Oklahoma and Oklahoma
County Retired Educators Asso-
ciations. He was awarded the Very
Important Member honor by the
OCREA. Dr. Rowley was a valued
member of the Edmond community
and was named “Citizen of the
Year” by the Edmond Chamber of
Commerce in 1987. He served on
the Edmond Arts and Humanities
council, Friends of the Symphony
committee and chaired the YMCA
Sustaining Membership drive. Dr.
Rowley steered the growth of the
Edmond Public Schools with a
In 2008, due to declining health,
Dr. Oaks relocated to Midwest City
to be closer to family.
She was preceded in death by her
parents, a brother, Percy Oaks Jr.,
and two sisters, Muriel Stoops and
Beverly Nichols. She is survived by
her sister, Barbara Andrews, and her
husband, Gordon, of Del City, and
nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to the
Mable Marietta Macey-Oaks &
Percy W. Oaks Sr. Endowed Memo-
rial Art Education Scholarships at
Oklahoma State University.
— Stillwater NewsPress
steady and visionary hand from 1973
to 1988. In 2009, he was honored
by the Edmond Senior Community
Foundation as one of five Senior
Citizens of the Year. He was an
honorary lifetime member of the
Edmond Educational Endowment
and a longtime Presbyterian, attend-
ing and serving as deacon, elder and
member of various committees of
Presbyterian churches in Stillwater,
Blackwell and Edmond.
He is survived by the love of his
life, Fern; his sons, Jerry and his
wife, Linda, of Stillwater, Kenny
of Okmulgee, and Robert and
his wife, Karla, of Edmond; and
daughter Valli and her husband,
Gus Rallis, of Edmond. He is also
survived by six grandchildren, 14
great-grandchildren and many nieces
and nephews. He is also survived by
his sister, Peggy, and her husband,
L.M. Sullivan, of Edmond; and two
sisters-in-law, Willa Mae Rowley
and Mary Lou Rowley.
Contributions may be made to
the OSU College of Education for
scholarships in his memory.
— The Oklahoman
A u D r e y e l e A n o r o A K s
g e o r g e A . r o w l e y
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
Alumna Nancy O’Donnell was inducted into the Oklahoma
Educators Hall of Fame in 2013. In addition to earning a
master’s degree (1980) and a doctorate (1988) from OSU,
O’Donnell served as the College of Education’s director of
external relations. Also a member of the OSU College of
Education’s Hall of Fame, O’Donnell was the 1982 Oklahoma
Teacher of the Year and 1983 first runner-up to the National
Teacher of the Year.
alumna inducted into state Hall of Fame
Oklahoma State UniversityCollege of Education329 WillardStillwater, OK 74078-4033
NON-PrOFitOrGaNiZ atiONU.S. PoStaGe
P a I dStiLLWatEr, OKPErMit NO. 191
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Alumna Nancy o’Donnell (left), was inducted into the oklahoma educators hall of Fame in 2013. With her are her son charles o’Donnell Jr. (right) and 1990 oklahoma Teacher of
the year eugene earsom.