Alumni

This annual recognition honors the fastest-growing businesses owned or operated by UGA alumni.

Alumni Antavious Coates (B.S.F.C.S. ’09, M.S. ’11) and Peyton Fraser (B.S. ’14, B.S.Ed. ’14) were recently named to UGA’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2024.

In total, 34 members of the Georgia athletic community will compete for 20 different nations across 10 different sports.

Benjamin Boudreaux (Ph.D. ’22), an alumnus of the College’s doctoral program in kinesiology, was profiled in Autism Parenting Magazine for promoting living a healthy lifestyle with autism and type 1 diabetes.

Pam Aderholt Morris (B.S.Ed. ’79) graduated with a degree in early childhood education and taught for more than 30 years.

The University of Georgia’s 2024 Bulldog 100 list honors nine alumni from the College. The winners were measured by their business’s compounded annual growth rate over a three-year period.

The 40 Under 40 program celebrates the personal, professional, and philanthropic achievements of UGA graduates who are under the age of 40.

Jere Chang (M.Ed. ’99, M.Ed. ’05) strives to be the LGBTQ+ representation she didn’t have growing up.

An alumnus and current doctoral student in the College’s Department of Educational Psychology were recognized by the National Association of School Psychologists and the National Council on Measurement in Education.

Doctoral student Catherine Citta (B.S.Ed. ’14, Ph.D. ’24) was recently selected as a 2023 Public Policy Fellow by the Joseph P. Kennedy Foundation.

Marjory Vazquez (Ph.D. ‘19), alumna of the counseling psychology doctoral program, discussed her psychology practice and time at UGA in a story from Shoutout LA.

A new book by associate dean Edward Delgado-Romero aims to inspire a new generation of mental health researchers and practitioners to engage with Latinx communities.

The scholarship offers Zaria Hart (B.S.Ed. ’26), who plans on attending physical therapy school after graduation, the opportunity to focus on her studies rather than her finances.

Alumni Kenneth Johnson, Jr. (B.S.Ed. ’05, Ph.D. ’24) and Andrew Rasmussen (B.B.A. ’05, M.Ed. ’09) were recently named to the University of Georgia’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2022.

Horizons at UGA, a six-week summer learning program, welcomed 30 students from Barnett Shoals Elementary School to kick off the program’s first year in Athens.

Dr. Anastasia Fischer (M.A. ’96) was recently named president of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).

Birma Gainor (Ph.D. ’10) was recently appointed full-time director of Counseling and Psychological Services at Clemson University.

Oksana Lushchevska (Ph.D. ’16) writes and translates children’s literature that brings awareness to the war in Ukraine and advocates for peace.

Academic advisors Emily Robinson and Debbie Hargrave were recently recognized by UGA for their exemplary work with transfer students.

Colonel Kevin Bigelman (Ph.D. ’09) and Colonel Nicholas Gist (M.Ed. ’03, Ph.D. ’13), alumni of the Department of Kinesiology, lead the Army’s newest health initiative focused on reducing injury and improving soldier readiness.

A new research paper co-authored by Patrick O’Connor, professor in the Mary Frances Early College of Education’s Department of Kinesiology, details the effects on marathon run performance when taking place on daylight saving time transition days.

Several alumnae of the Mary Frances Early College of Education edited and contributed to a new handbook, “A Handbook on Counseling African American Women: Psychological Symptoms, Treatments, and Case Studies.”

Vicki Hale (M.Ed. ’18), a graduate of the Mary Frances Early College of Education’s TESOL and World Language Education certificate program, has been selected for the 2021-22 English Language Fellow program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State.

Demetrius D. Smith, an alumnus of the Mary Frances Early College of Education’s department of counseling and human development services, was recently named associate vice president for student affairs at the University of Georgia.

Brian Tromp, an alumnus of the department of kinesiology, recently received the Islamic Medical Association of North America Scholarship. Tromp is one of five scholarship recipients selected out of more than 1,600 applicants.

Congratulations to Eric Gray (B.S.Ed. ’04), Willie Mazyck (B.S.Ed. ’04, M.Ed. ’06, M.B.A. ’14) and Cara Simmons (A.B. ’03, MEd ’07, Ph.D. ’18) for their personal, professional and philanthropic achievements.

Edudawgs competing this summer include hammer thrower Denzel Comenentia; swimmer Chase Kalisz; triple jumper Keturah Orji; tennis player Ellen Perez; long jumper Chanice Porter; and golfer Sepp Straka.

Kathleen McGovern, an alumna of the College’s department of language and literacy education, was selected by the U.S. Department of State for a six-week English Language Specialist project.

Congratulations to Rachel Florence (BSED ’05), Kelly Chasteen (BSED ’00), Matthew Ades (AB ’94, MED ’96), Christy Shadday (BSED ’93) and Denise Emami (BSED ’97, MSW ’00).

Alumna DeLauren Olivia Davis (M.Ed. ’20) received her master’s degree and a student emergency scholarship during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks to the scholarship, Davis could focus on graduating and completing her studies.

Laine Bradshaw (B.S.Ed. ’07, M.Ed. ’07, Ph.D. ’11), Brittany Kisner (B.S.Ed. ’07), and Samantha Livingstone (B.S.Ed. ’05, M.Ed. ’08) were named to UGA’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2020 for their personal, professional and philanthropic achievements.

Stephanie Toliver (Ph.D. ’20) received a 2020 National Council of Teachers of English Cultivating New Voices Fellowship to support her research with Black girls and speculative fiction texts.

Laura Bierema, a professor in the department of lifelong education, administration and policy, will serve as the incoming president of the Academy of Human Resource Development.

Stephanie Jones and Hilary Hughes, faculty members in the College’s department of educational theory and practice, participated in UGA’s Ask Me Anything series on Thursday, May 21.

UGA Mary Frances Early College of Education alumni and staff are working together to produce face shields for local medical professionals.

This year, seven graduates of the College and a professor emeritus received 2020 Distinguished Alumni Awards to recognize their career achievements and community leadership.

The University of Georgia held a ceremony Tuesday to celebrate the naming of the College of Education in honor of Mary Frances Early, UGA’s first African American graduate and a pioneering music educator.

The University of Georgia’s Bulldog 100 list honors five alumni from the College of Education. The winners were picked from more than 500 nominations.

The University of Georgia Graduate School honored 10 graduates for achieving exceptional success in their professional careers and in service to their community.

The University of Georgia’s College of Education will be named, effective February 2020, to honor one of the state’s pioneering educators—Mary Frances Early, UGA’s first African American graduate.

Kelli Bivins (M.Ed. ‘02, Ed.S. ‘11) and Elaine Dasher (M.Ed. ‘96) will build relationships with teachers in different countries and harness international perspectives in their classrooms.

Two researchers with ties to the University of Georgia’s College of Education believe that amplifying the voices of underrepresented communities is the key to collective healing during times of disaster and traumatic stress.

Judi Wilson (MEd ‘93, EdS ‘95) will provide a strategic vision for the College’s academic and professional development programs and work with faculty to establish new programs in support of interdisciplinary research.

Colin Muething (BSEd ‘07, MEd ‘09), Cindy Quinlan (BBA ‘02, MEd ‘03, EdS ‘09) and JaNaè Taylor (MEd ‘03, PhD ‘07) exemplify leadership in their industries and communities and uphold the Pillars of the Arch.

Daniel Kirk (PhD ‘08) previously served as dean and professor of education at American University of Ras al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates, as well as associate dean and professor at the National Defense College in Abu Dhabi.

Chelsea Sexton (BSEd ‘14), a teacher at Kennesaw Mountain High School, connects science content with topics that directly affect her students’ lives.

Jamie Rife (MED ‘08) connects unmet student needs with community members who want to help.

‘I can’t imagine not teaching’ says the retired professor, who continues to work with UGA students and faculty.

Whether it’s through hands-on activities or digital tools, educators are re-shaping the way classroom lessons are delivered to 21st-century students.

Developed by faculty in the Department of Kinesiology, a simple test using light waves is having a ripple effect among alumni who now use it.

Online degrees such as the BSEd in Special Education help students like Frederick Mohl increase their classroom expertise.

New technologies—from social media to podcasts to teletherapy—are moving discussions about mental health into the mainstream.

Allison McNeece might have taken a longer path to becoming a teacher, but she’s a better educator because of it.

But thanks to their preparation at the UGA College of Education, alumni are flipping classrooms and creating student-led lessons on a global scale.

For Jimmy DeLoach (B.S.Ed. ‘82), there is a difference between being a teacher and being an educator.

Mariana Souto-Manning (BSEd ‘01, MEd ‘02, PhD ‘05) wants us to rethink how we’ve structured teacher education.

Jamie Calkin started out with a passion for science education, but his doctoral program opened doors to a new career outside the classroom.

May’s Amazing Student, Cassandra Koes, was introduced to the UGA campus before most other freshman were even moved in, arriving early for cheerleading tryouts.

From January 2018 until now, there have been at least 30 separate incidents of “curriculum violence” taking place in schools, according to a College of Education alumna.

Educational policy faculty member Elizabeth DeBray will be among the featured speakers at a national symposium next month marking the 65th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education.

Seven graduates of the University of Georgia’s College of Education will be recognized for their career achievements and community leadership at the College’s 14th annual Distinguished Alumni Awards Dinner on April 5.

Dr. Larry Gerstein (M.A. ‘76, Ph.D. ‘83) received the American Psychological Association’s 2019 Award for Distinguished Contributions to the International Advancement of Psychology.

Weeklong preview event for fans offers opportunities for UGA sport management students.

Even in retirement, Sylvia Hutchinson, one of the two recipients of this year’s President’s Medal, continues to give of her time and talents to the University of Georgia.

What started out as an academic writing group evolved into something so much more for three alumnae navigating and exploring their professional and personal identities in higher education.

Athens women bond over four decades of memories and a shared love of education.

Linda Purvis received an award from the UGA College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences for her dedication to building the poultry science program at the University of North Georgia.

Rebecca Fatima Sta. Maria (PhD ‘00), an alumna of the College of Education, became the first woman appointed as executive director of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Secretariat.

Three alumni of the College of Education’s department of counseling and human development services were recently honored by the Georgia School Counselors Association.

Tom Poland (MEd ‘75), author of several books on South Carolina, received the Order of the Palmetto in recognition of his lifetime service, achievements and contributions to the state.

Allison Moran (M.Ed. ‘91) and Frank Ros (M.Ed. ‘84) received the 2018 Alumni of Distinction Award from the University of Georgia Graduate School.

Kinesiology master’s student Keturah Orji was named Woman of the Year during a reception Sunday evening; she is the second College of Education alumna to receive the honor.

Recently, the work of Susan Nelson (M.Ed. ‘15), school nutrition director for Baldwin County Schools, has paid off in the form of the platinum-level Golden Radish Award for the district.

Dan Silk’s career in law enforcement spans decades and continents.

Joy Bradford, an alumna of the College of Education and a licensed psychologist, was recently featured on Forbes.com to discuss her mental health podcast and passion for promoting mental wellness in black women.

The Gibbes Museum of Art and its member auxiliary group Society 1858 will name Leo Twiggs (Ed.D. ‘70) the winner on Monday when it announces the results of its annual juried competition.

Tameka Rish and Michael Williams were recently named to the University of Georgia’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2018.

Christy Sutton (MEd ‘12) was one of only two elementary teachers in Georgia to receive the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.

Doctoral student’s path is ‘purely distillable to just loving language and seeing it in everything,’ she says.

With a background in counseling psychology, LaKeisha Gantt (MED ‘03, PHD ‘10) adds a new perspective to the Clarke County School Board.

Kakali Bhattacharya, an alumna of UGA’s College of Education, received the Scholar of Color Mid-Career Contribution Award from AERA for her contributions to education research and development.

Doctoral candidate Claudette Tucker received 2018 Mary Frances Early Scholarship to support research in mathematics education.

New need-based program also includes summer experience, experiential learning and mentorship.

Cristalís Capielo is among the next generation of researchers at the forefront of Latino psychology.

Education is a tradition in the Coleman and Sanders families. Now, alumni who came to UGA as graduate students show how the experience elevated their own lives.

The superintendent of Gwinnett County Public Schools since 1996, J. Alvin Wilbanks has spent more than 50 years in education.

Jessica DeCuir-Gunby (MA ‘00, PhD ‘03), a professor of educational psychology at North Carolina State University, received the 2018-2019 Outstanding Research Award from NC State’s Alumni Association.

Emily Wallace is fulfilling a freshman-year promise by speaking in front of 4,000 people at Convocation.

Catherine Bradshaw turns data on bullying into positive solutions.

A childhood passion for swimming turned into an Olympic medal for third-grade teacher Kristy Kowal.

The next generation: A growing number of veterans now call the College home.

Betty Hooks Underwood’s visits to her daughter while she was attending college helped change the course of she and her husband’s lives.

Brent Hardin, director of adapted athletics for the University of Alabama, is passionate about equity in athletics.

Zelha Tunç-Pekkan recently received the 2018 Science Academy Award for Young Researchers to enhance her studies on children’s construction of fractions and its relationship to algebra.

Two UGA College of Education alumni recently received tenure and were promoted to the position of associate professor at Clayton State University in Morrow, Georgia.

Six graduates of the University of Georgia’s College of Education will be recognized for their career achievements and community leadership at the College’s 13th annual Distinguished Alumni Awards Dinner on April 6.

Brian Culp (B.S.Ed. ‘99, Ph.D. ‘05), a professor at Kennesaw State University, will receive the E.B. Henderson Award at the 2018 SHAPE National Convention in Nashville, Tennessee.

Dr. Eliza Belle (Ph.D. ‘09) was recently named director of psychology and behavior science for Alabama’s Department of Mental Health.

Ryan Akers (PhD ‘07), an associate extension professor in the School of Human Sciences at Mississippi State University, recently received the 2017 Federal Emergency Management Agency’s national award for Outstanding Achievement in Youth Preparedness.

The ninth annual Bulldog 100 list honors seven alumni from the University of Georgia College of Education. The winners were picked from more than 500 nominations.

Three professionals connected with the University of Georgia College of Education were recently appointed or reappointed to the state’s board overseeing licensure and regulation of speech-language pathologists and audiologists.

Four alumni of the College of Education were appointed by Gov. Nathan Deal earlier this year to state-level boards.

Julia Clark (MEd ‘68) was featured in Rutgers University Graduate School of Education’s 2017 Impact Report for her contributions at the National Science Foundation.

Heather Vaughn (EdS ‘17), an assistant director of advanced academics at the University of Texas at Austin High School, received the 2017 Master’s and Specialist Award from the National Association for Gifted Children.

Lindsey Arize and Andrea Rowe, both first-grade teachers and mentor teachers for UGA students, are finalists for the annual Teacher of the Year award.

Amber Simmons (PhD ‘12), an English teacher at Brookwood High School in Snellville, Georgia, was one of only 15 winners nationwide to receive the 2017 National Council of Teachers of English High School Teacher of Excellence Award.

Gregory Spillers (PhD ‘17), director of the Pre-Health Advising Office at UGA, was recently honored with the Lightbulb Award for his innovative ideas and creative solutions to improve student services.

Leo Twiggs (EdD ‘70), an alumnus of the College of Education and a celebrated batik artist, has earned two of South Carolina’s highest honors.

Nine alumni of the College of Education were recently named to the University of Georgia’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2017. This is the highest number of alumni from the College named to the list since the program began in 2011.

Tinisha Parker (B.S.Ed. ‘00, Ed.S. ‘07, Ph.D. ‘13), coordinator of advising and counseling for Gwinnett County Public Schools, began her one-year term July 1.

Dr. Cristalis Capielo has been selected to be a Leadership Fellow to the Council of National Psychological Associations for the Advancement of Ethnic Minority Interests, representing the National Latina/o Psychological Association.

The first-ever awards program honors a College alumna, while a new partnership with UGA houses the Scholars’ archive.

Experiences as a newcomer to the United States help connect this future TESOL teacher to her students.

Heather Higuera is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education.

Several alumni and faculty members were recently recognized by the American Educational Research Association for their significant contributions to the field of education.

Retired faculty spotlight: Fifty years ago, the landscape of mathematics education was undergoing a transformation. And professor Jeremy Kilpatrick was there to help make it happen.

Whether it’s through his day job or a weekend hobby, Logan Smalley surrounds himself with tales that spark learning and inspiration.

Kelsey Brown is graduating with a dual degree in communication sciences and disorders and theater.

Daniel Schoon is graduating with a dual degree in mathematics and mathematics education.

Former doctoral student Elizabeth Hathaway shares one of her memories from the Ramsey Center.

Leo Twiggs’ paintings tell stories about injustice throughout the South and around the world.

Travels abroad have taught Sarah Marie Catalana that sometimes the best way to help teachers is arriving with an open mind.

You have to look at the opportunities, and that’s what I did

What I’ve learned is not to enable but to empower

I like to build people up

If I didn’t try, I’d always regret not trying

Picking up a pamphlet can change your life

Whether it’s writing education policy or working to make products safer, Inez Tenenbaum serves for the good of the children.

Retired faculty spotlight: Former faculty member always had a love of art.

Retired faculty spotlight: Former faculty member continues to pursue passions for educational access

Ten COE graduates and friends were recognized for their career achievements and community leadership at the College’s 12th annual Distinguished Alumni Awards Dinner.

Associate professor Hillary Steiner was recently honored for her commitment to student-focused research on effective teaching.

Alumnus returns to give next Lewis Lecture this month.

Fadia Nasser-Abu Alhija, the first Israeli Arab woman to be appointed an associate professor at an Israeli research university, evaluates student achievement and the structural validity of measures and tests.

During his fourth season coaching the Buffs, Mike MacIntyre (M.Ed. ‘91) led the University of Colorado to a 10-2 overall record and an 8-1 conference record, securing the Pac-12 South Division title.

John David Wicker (M.Ed. ‘97), whose appointment at SDSU started Nov. 28, most recently served as the senior associate athletic director for operations at Georgia Tech.

So Mi Kim and Michael Hannafin were awarded the Outstanding Journal Article Award from the Association for Educational Communication & Technology (AECT).

The annual recognition notes the fastest-growing businesses owned or operated by UGA alumni.

College of Education alumna Cheryl Harris was recently appointed to Georgia’s Statewide Independent Living Council.

Exercise and sport science major Creedence Riblett will address classmates during the ceremony at 2 p.m. Dec. 15.

Linda Purvis, a doctoral student in the department of mathematics and science education, is a lecturer at the University of North Georgia.

In it, Tim Mullen (PhD ‘06) explores the consequences of the teacher accountability movement and offers alternatives.

She joins undergraduate commencement speaker Jon Meacham, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and journalist.

R. Steve McCallum (PhD ‘79) and Alvetta P. Thomas (EdD ‘04) were among eight honored with the school’s 2016 Alumni of Distinction Award.

Tita Lovell was recently awarded the New Teacher Assistance Grant from Georgia Power to purchase materials and supplies for her high school classroom.

Triple Dawg researches new ways to diversify classroom experiences and support academic success in young students.

Darius Phelps was honored by the Georgia Association on Young Children for his exemplary work with children and commitment to the field of education.

A College of Education alumna has been honored for her contributions to foreign language education in Georgia.

Kimberly Buice and Sydney Laseter were among 19 University of Georgia students and recent alumni who received Fulbright awards.

Kappa Delta Pi, an international honor society in education at the University of Georgia, recently elected a new president and leadership council to help foster excellence in education.

College of Education alumna Paige Cole, a teacher at North Oconee High School, was recently named the district’s Teacher of the Year.

Alumna and assistant professor Stephanie Jones was selected as a new Mellon Faculty Fellow for applying and including diverse backgrounds and perspectives to learning, scholarship and service.

Teacher Rebecca A. Hendrix wrote this essay to demonstrate the concept of a theme to her sixth-grade students at Ashworth Middle School in Calhoun, Georgia.

Three undergraduate students in the University of Georgia College of Education were honored with the UGA Presidential Award of Excellence for their outstanding academic achievements.

Over 400 graduates of the University of Georgia College of Education walked across the stage at the Classic Center during the College’s Spring 2016 Graduation Convocation ceremony.

Anna Williams was recently recognized for her excellence in advising undergraduate students on class selection and course of study.

Chelsea Walker, a graduate student clinician at UGA’s Speech and Hearing Clinic, was recently elected president of the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association.

Hoffa discusses the hardships he faced growing up and the lessons he learned as a student athlete.

Andy Plemmons’ biggest goal as a school library media specialist is to empower student voices.

Kazuya Takahashi, an alumnus of the University of Georgia’s College of Education, was selected as a top 10 finalist for the prestigious Varkey Foundation Global Teacher Prize for his innovative work in the classroom.

Nine COE graduates and friends were recognized for their career achievements and community leadership at the College’s 11th annual Donor Appreciation and Alumni Awards Dinner.

Caroline Noyes will oversee all assessment processes at the University of New Orleans and provide College units with high-level administrative oversight.

Tom Poland’s latest book, ‘Georgialina,’ reflects on early days and stories from Georgia, South Carolina.

COE alumna Cindy Quinlan was recently named the 2016 ACTE Teacher of the Year for her commitment and dedication to the improvement of technical education.

Brother and sister pair Michael Cook and Jennifer Cook Edwards credit their success to sibling rivalry and a passion for technical education.

Qualities of tenacity, doggedness are what separate humans from artificial intelligence, professor and Founder’s Day lecturer says.

Julia Clark, a three-time Distinguished Alumni Award recipient, has received an award from every institution from which she has earned a degree.

The teachers received the 2015 Georgia Power New Teacher Assistance Grant to help purchase books, computers and other supplies for their classrooms.

Nearly 100 newly minted graduates of the University of Georgia College of Education walked during the College’s convocation ceremony on Dec. 18.

This year’s winners with College of Education ties include BOS Staffing, Breda Pest Management, Hairbow Supplies Etc., Social Empowerment Center and Southern Tradition Tailgating.

A recent graduate student at the College of Education has been recognized for her work in the field of educational measurement.

College of Education alumna named Newton County Teacher of the Year

Capt. Jared Smith, who is pursuing an online master’s degree in education, was recently named the inaugural director for the Youth ChalleNGe Academy set to open on the grounds of the former Central State Hospital.

Carolyn Stone is a seventh-grade teacher at Greenbrier Middle School near Augusta, Georgia.

Sara Hendley made a promise to herself to run 30 miles on her 30th birthday.

Joyce Alexander, (‘90 MEd, ‘92 PhD) is now the dean of the College of Education and Human Development after years teaching at Indiana University-Bloomington.

The College of Education is proud to claim two of the four finalists for Georgia’s 2016 Superintendent of the Year award as alumni.

Cara Turano (BSEd ‘01) is among the winners of the UGA Alumni Association’s 2015 40 Under 40 list.

Since its creation in 2009, We’re hEAR For You—a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on raising awareness for noise-induced hearing loss—has distributed over 300,000 pairs of earplugs to the general public.

Among the 319 teachers employed by Forsyth County this fall, 13 of them are new graduates of the University of Georgia College of Education

The National Association for Gifted Children recently elected two alumni of the Department of Educational Psychology to leadership roles.

A lot of her friends were going off to law school and not getting jobs, but Cheryl Stanga knew she had to get a job and think about improving or changing her career.​

Juggling homework, lesson plans, and volunteer work sets Ana Martinez up for her career

Living in Germany didn’t stop Emily Heath LaFon from getting her MEd in educational psychology.

The work of Debbie Mitchell, agriscience teacher at Clarke Middle School in Athens, was included as part of a column in the Washington Post online about sustainability efforts at the school.

Alumni news: Marsha Thomas (BSEd ‘88) will be the next principal at Stroud Elementary School in Athens.

Alumni news: Melissa Varley (EdD ‘01) was recently named the superintendent of the Florham Park School district in New Jersey.

Alumni news: Hillary Meeler (BSEd ‘02) has been named the new principal of Honey Creek Elementary School starting this fall.

Alumni news: Tom Poland (MEd ‘75) is a featured columnist for the Edgefield Daily in Edgefield, South Carolina.

College of Education alumni had a chance to hobnob in New York City in advance of the Peabody Awards with a reception at ABC studios.

A doctoral graduate’s work in teaching students to analyze different forms of text has landed her an award, a presentation at an upcoming conference and a journal article.

College of Education graduate thinks critically (and lyrically)

North Oconee County High School’s Tim Griffeth (BSEd ‘04, MAL ‘10) is named Oconee County Teacher of the Year, reports an October 14 Athens Banner-Herald story. Griffeth earned a bachelor’s degree in recreation and leisure services from the College of Education.

A University of Georgia College of Education graduate has been nationally honored for his creation of a Mississippi State University Extension Service youth initiative aimed at preparing communities in Mississippi for disasters.

COE graduate Justin Lane puts his classroom skills to use in special education research.

Alumna Zhen Chai, an assistant professor in the department of special education and communication disorders at New Mexico State University, was among only three faculty members campus-wide to receive a 2014 Launch Grant of up to $25,000.

The Georgia Children’s Chorus recently named Carol Reeves (MMEd ‘92) its full-time artistic director, a title she has held on a part-time basis previously, reports a September 18 Oconee Enterprise story.

COE alumnus David C. Mosely (BSED ‘65, MED ‘72) has been appointed to Albany Technical College’s Board of Directors, reports a September 16 Albany Herald story.

College of Education alumna Dionne Cross Francis was recognized for her work at the 2014 Women of Color STEM Conference.

Each year, the University of Georgia Alumni Association honors 40 alumni who have made an impact in business, leadership, community, educational and/or philanthropic endeavors. Members have demonstrated dedication to UGA and its mission of teaching, research and service. We are proud to highlight Bynikini Frazier, a 2008 graduate, and Eric Wearne, a 2002 graduate, both named to the 2014 class of the Alumni Association’s 40 Under 40.

UGA alumnus and award-winning Georgia educator Ian Altman (AB ‘04, MED ‘06) posts a blog in the August 14 Washington Post listing “seven things teachers are sick of hearing from school reformers.”

Christine Rienstra Kiracofe (MA ‘00, EdD ‘04) an associate professor at Northern Illinois University in the School of Law and College of Education, was recently featured on the NIU College of Education’s website.

Retiring Day School teacher Carol Liberman (BSED ‘67)UGA has been selected as a finalist to represent the Houston Astros as the Teacher of the Year at the 2014 Major League Baseball All-Star Game at Target Field in Minnesota next month, reported the Jewish Herald Voice.

Gwinnett County School Superintendent J. Alvin Wilbanks (BSED, ‘64 MED ‘68) writes an essay in the June 16 Atlanta Journal Constitution about the importance of leadership and collective responsibility in raising student achievement.

Madison Brett (BSEd ‘14), who received her bachelor’s in early childhood education in May, will compete in the 2014 Miss Georgia Pageant in Columbus June 18-21. Brett won the title of Miss Conyers in February, reported a June 9 story in the Swainsboro News.

Randy Kamphaus (PhD ‘83), Distinguished Research Professor in the department of counseling and psychological services at Georgia State University, has been named dean of the University of Oregon College of Education, it was announced June 6.

Cindy Bazell (BBA ‘02, MEd ‘08, EDS ‘09), who teaches business education courses at Brookwood High School in Gwinnett County, was recently named top teacher in her field by the Georgia Marketing Education Association.

The Atlanta Journal Constitution profiles Rome native and Triple Dawg Mike Buck as he runs for state school superintendent. Beck earned bachelor, master’s and Ph.D degrees in education from the University of Georgia.

A College of Education faculty member, staff member, student and an alumna—Bettina Love, Elizabeth Brantley, Megan Pendleton and Lora Smothers—were among 17 people and groups who shared ideas and performances at the University of Georgia’s second annual “TEDxUGA” event.

Candace Maddox, a program coordinator in the College of Education, was one of three people to receive the Leslie K. Bates Medal of Excellence during the multicultural services and programs Senior Leader Reception on May 9 at the Richard B. Russell Building Special Collections Libraries.

Two College of Education alumni – Nick Crowder and Hyunjin Son – were among the 10 finalists for the 2015 Georgia Teacher of the Year, State School Superintendent John Barge (EdD ‘04) announced in a press release on April 7.

Clarke County Teacher of the Year and COE alumnus Aaron Jongko (BSED ‘08, MED ‘09) paid tribute to nearly two dozen other top Clarke County teachers in the room during a speech at a Rotary Club of Athens meeting Wednesday, a story in the March 20 Athens Banner-Herald reported.

Fred Prasuhn (Ph.D. ‘11), an instructional designer for Western Governors University, recently published an article in the American Journal of Distance Education.