2020

Honors Celebration

[please use the arrow keys to move

Through slides REPRESENTING each of the scholars.]

Welcome to The Bagwell College

OUTSTANDING SCHOLAR AWARD

Each year, faculty in the

Clarice C. & Leland H. Bagwell College of Education select

outstanding students from our programs to receive the

Outstanding Scholar Award

based on distinguished achievements in the major field including an

exceptional GPA, and notable accomplishments in extracurricular,

civic, or professional activities.

OUTSTANDING SCHOLAR AWARD

Students who receive the Outstanding Scholar Award

select one faculty member to honor who has had a significant

impact on their academic experience.

This honor provides students with an opportunity

to demonstrate their respect and appreciation for faculty

who have influenced their learning in ways that

will inspire their careers for years to come.

OUTSTANDING SCHOLAR AWARD

An Honors Celebration is held during the spring of each year

in which the Outstanding Scholar Award recipients

and their chosen faculty members are honored.

Due to the pandemic we were not able to have an

event on campus this year, therefore we have prepared a

presentation to honor

each of these exceptional scholars.

Table of Contents by Degree/Award

Bachelor of Science

Master of Arts in Teaching & Master of Education

Education Specialist

Education Doctorate

Outstanding Dissertation Award

[Please use arrow keys to move through the slides.]

OUTSTANDING SCHOLAR

AWARDS

Bachelor of Science [B.S.]

B.S., Early Childhood EducationBirth - Kindergarten

Christy Southerland

Ms. Southerland made the Dean’s List every semester. She enjoys spending quiet time at home and researching activities to help children excel.

She selected Dr. Doug Bell as her faculty honoree because he makes learning interesting and engaging, and he teaches techniques that are practical and purposeful.

Ms. Southerland was honored to receive this recognition “This award shows that the dedication, long hours, and hard work was meaningful and worthwhile. It gives me added confidence as I step into a new role in life,” she said.

Ashley Janey Sadler

Ms. Sadler graduated Magna Cum Laude and was on the Dean’s List and the President’s List several times. She presented research titled “Invisible Mirrors & Cracked Windows” at the KSU Symposium of Student Scholars.

Her most memorable educational experience was the Study Abroad Program in Italy. “Learning about new cultures and experiencing different perspectives are aspects that I believe will allow me to better appreciate my students’ unique backgrounds and culture,” she said.

Ms. Sadler selected Dr. Sohyun An as her faculty honoree because “she is an excellent professor who is dedicated to ensuring that her students are able to expand their mindset and develop socially just perspectives in a positive learning environment.”

B.S., Elementary Education

Chelsea GeorgeB.S., Elementary Education

Ms. George graduated with Summa Cum Laude honors. “As a first-generation college student, I have pushed myself to become a scholar. Receiving this award means that underprivileged individuals, like myself, have the opportunity to succeed and receive acknowledgement for their excellence and achievements,” she said.

Ms. George enjoys learning languages, playing soccer and singing.

She selected Dr. Stacy Delacruz as her faculty honoree because she is “one of the most impactful, practical professors I have ever had.” Chelsea said that everything she learned in Dr. Delacruz’ class had a direct application that she can use in her own classroom.

Courtney JonesB.S., Elementary Education

Ms. Jones graduated Summa Cum Laude with a 4.0 grade point average. While at KSU, she was a member of Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Society and served as a peer mentor for the Odyssey Peer Mentoring Program.

She selected Dr. Roberta Gardner as her faculty honoree because she taught Courtney how to make learning experiences relevant, meaningful and engaging for diverse learners.

Ms. Jones enjoys sewing, baking, spending time with family, and holding board game nights with friends. Her most memorable experience at KSU was her first visit to the Universal Design Lab where she was “amazed at the assistive technology available to help students with different abilities and needs.”

Elizabeth DillardB.S., Middle Grades Education

Ms. Dillard is a first-generation college student who graduated Summa Cum Laude with a 4.0 grade point average.

She was treasurer and co-president of the Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society and a member of Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society and Gamma Theta Upsilon International Honor Society of Geography. As a dual enrollment student in 2016, she was a finalist of the Emerging Writers Contest and was published in a KSU textbook.

Ms. Dillard selected Dr. Vince Kirwan as her faculty honoree because he taught her to focus on the ‘why’ the mathematics worked, not just the ‘how.’ “He pushed us to achieve as much as we could … and helped guide my thinking,” she said. “He was modeling the best practices we were being taught, not just explicitly saying.”

Brittney Leigh-ScottB.S., Secondary Education

Ms. Leigh-Scott graduated Magna Cum Laude and was on the Dean’s List and the President’s list many times. When she is not in the classroom, she enjoys attending concerts, plays, and movies.

She selected Dr. Belinda Edwards as her faculty honoree. Throughout her two years at KSU, Dr. Edwards “went above and beyond to ensure that I am properly prepared to become an educator.”

Ms. Leigh-Scott’s college experience was not typical. She made many sacrifices to ensure that receiving her degree was the top priority. She said that “receiving this honor is a reminder of why I made those sacrifices, and it allows me to see I made the right choices.”

OUTSTANDING SCHOLAR

AWARDS

Master of Arts in Teaching [M.A.T.]and

Master of Education [M.Ed.]

.

Adam Ray YoungbloodM.A.T., Secondary Education

Mr. Youngblood graduated Summa Cum Laude with a 4.0 grade point average. His under-graduate degree was in Environmental Economics and Management, and his M.A.T. concentration was in mathematics.

He selected Dr. David Glassmeyer as his faculty honoree because he had a huge impact on Adam’s teaching style. “Dr. Glassmeyer focuses on teaching through puzzles and complex problems to develop a deeper understanding of mathematics that I have incorporated in my teaching,” he said.

When not in class, Mr. Youngblood enjoys hiking and photography. His most memorable experience at KSU was when Dr. Wendy Sanchez had his cohort intentionally affirm each other as teachers.

Domitila EsserM.A.T., Special Education

Ms. Esser graduated Summa Cum Laude with a 4.0 grade point average. She loves hiking, exploring caves, bike riding, reading books, and finding fun activities to introduce to her students.

She selected Dr. Kathleen Brennan as her faculty honoree because she showed unwavering positive support. “She exemplified the genuine, caring teacher connection that we wish to provide to our students,” Ms. Esser said.

Ms. Esser has a “fundamental desire to be the best possible person that I can and help as many people as possible.” She takes her job seriously and wishes to perform her duties with grace and excellence.

Tara RichM.Ed., Early Childhood Education

Ms. Rich graduated Summa Cum Laude with a 4.0 grade point average. During her time as a student, she also worked toward earning reading, gifted, and leadership endorsements. In addition to teaching fourth grade, Ms. Rich is a Microsoft Innovative Educator and a Seesaw Certified Educator.

She selected Dr. Sohyun An as her faculty honoree because she is an inspiration to her students. Dr. An and Ms. Rich collaborated on a book chapter and they serve as educational advisors to the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center.

Her most memorable experience at KSU was during the TOSS program when she learned that education would be her life-long passion.

Tara SwinsonM.Ed., Educational Leadership

Ms. Swinson is a seventh-grade science teacher in Augusta, GA. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from the M.Ed. program with a 4.0 grade point average. While at KSU, she was inducted into the Golden Key Honor Society and the National Society of Leadership and Success. She currently has a leadership role in the Junior League of Augusta.

She selected Dr. Nicholas Clegorne as her faculty honoree because of the positive influence, knowledge and support he provided.

Receiving this award “provides reassurance that not only am I in my destined field, but I have truly gained knowledge and experiences that can be beneficial to my future stakeholders,” she said.

Kayla-Danielle MurphyM.Ed., Instructional Technology

Ms. Murphy is a Summa Cum Laude graduate with a 4.0 grade point average. She is proud to say that through the implementation of her M.Ed. Capstone Project, she was able to help her students increase their academic performance on Social Studies assessments by 37%.

She chose Dr. Tiffany Roman as her faculty honoree because her guidance played a key role during the Capstone Project. “I am in awe of the professionalism, strength, and empathy Dr. Roman showed throughout this experience,” she said.

Ms. Murphy is an Adult Advisor and Trusted Adult for Sources of Strength. She is the founder and director of the Drama Club at Smitha Middle School, and she was admitted to the Cobb County Teacher Leader Academy for 2020-2021.

Heather StechlyM.Ed., Secondary Education

Ms. Stechly is a Summa Cum Laude graduate who also completed the Tier 1 Leadership Certification while maintaining a 4.0 grade point average in her M.Ed. program. A founder of the Math Education Graduate Student Association at KSU, Ms. Stechly recently moved from being a classroom teacher to a district-level instructional coach.

She selected Dr. David Glassmeyer as her faculty honoree because she admires his desire to continually learn more about the best ways to teach mathematics to our students.

In her spare time, Ms. Stechly enjoys doing DIY renovations and she loves learning. She’s excited to take what she has learned at KSU to continue to grow in her profession.

Emily DraperM.Ed., Special Education

Ms. Draper graduated Summa Cum Laude with a 4.0 grade point average while teaching and working as a GRA [graduate research assistant].

She selected Dr. Melissa Driver as her faculty honoree because of her passion and her knowledge of special education. “She was a mentor who taught me so much throughout my GRA work,” Emily said.

Ms. Draper’s most enjoyable experience at KSU was learning in mixed-reality simulations in the AVATAR lab.

She enjoys coaching softball at her high school, crafting, and being a mom to her baby girl.

Kara Marie MalloryM.Ed., Teacher Leadership

Ms. Mallory is a Summa Cum Laude graduate with a 4.0 grade point average. She works at the Georgia Cyber Academy where she was voted 2020 Most Outstanding Teacher of the Year. She was honored to meet with Richard Woods, Georgia Superintendent of Schools, to model virtual education.

She chose Ms. Jordan Cameron as her faculty honoree because she was a positive light in her life. “She modeled what I hope I am as a teacher and leader,” she said.

Ms. Mallory has completed five half marathons. When she taught at Riverwatch Middle School, she coached the cheerleading squad that placed first in the State Cheerleading Competition.

Stephanie C. Guzmán M.Ed., TESOL [Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages]

Ms. Guzmán believes that teachers are entrusted with the most precious thing in life: children. She enjoys advocating for students, connecting with their families, and building relationships with those who are from diverse backgrounds.

The field of TESOL is grounded in inclusion, compassion and encouragement. “Dr. James Gambrell personifies these characteristics and that is why he is my faculty honoree,” she said.

Ms. Guzmán has moved from the classroom to the District MTSS [Multi-tiered System of Supports] Coordinator where she promotes cultural understanding and sensitivity, supports students and families, and provides professional development for teachers.

OUTSTANDING SCHOLAR

AWARDS

Education Specialist [Ed.S.].

Jeannine RiceEd.S., Curriculum & Instruction

Ms. Rice graduated Summa Cum Laude. Last year, she was selected Teacher of the Year for the Morgan County School District. She enjoys being with her family, volunteering in her community, and brainstorming ways to make learning relevant to students.

Dr. Shannon Tovey is her faculty honoree. “Dr. Tovey was flexible and trusted me to be professional,” she said. “Her ability to teach with specific examples changed the way I viewed online learning and helped me transition to being an online teacher for my 5th graders.”

Ms. Rice said the Ed.S. program helped her become a more thoughtful, more reflective teacher. To that end, she is leading a pilot pro-gram in which science and social studies are the foundational focus for reading, writing and math.

Ed.S., Educational Leadership

Mr. Hooper is the principal and superintendent of the Odyssey Charter School in Newnan, Ga. He worked in the private sector for Fortune 500 companies before beginning a career in education as a technology teacher.

He selected Dr. David Buckman as his faculty honoree for his outstanding leadership throughout the program.

During the last five years, Mr. Hooper has taken Odyssey Charter School from CCRPI scores of 58 to a middle school score of 88 in 2019 with a 97% attendance score and two consecutive years of 100% in “Closing the Gap” scores.

Mr. Hooper is a licensed Level 2 High Power Rocket builder. He builds rockets over 8 feet tall that travel over 10,000 feet of altitude.

Scot T. Hooper

Ashley Favors-DanielsEd.S., Teacher Leadership

Ms. Favors-Daniels is the first person in her family to earn an Education Specialist Degree. She was the 2018-19 Teacher of the Year at Osborne High School in Cobb County.

She selected Dr. Raynice Jean-Sigur as her faculty honoree because she was a great advisor throughout the Ed.S. program and provided excellent advice.

Ms. Favors-Daniels most memorable experience at KSU was participating in the Urban Education Program during her undergraduate experience.

Her hobbies include exploring food from different cultures and traveling internationally.

Sandra Yvonne LakeEd.S., Instructional Technology

Ms. Lake was the 2016-17 Teacher of the Year at Brumby Elementary School where she is the K-5 Tech/STEM Coach. She completed the Ed.S. program Summa Cum Laude, not surprising since she was the Lesley University Valedictorian for the M.Ed. In Technology program.

Dr. Jo Williamson is Sandra’s faculty honoree. Sandra calls her “the Mary Poppins of ITEC, firm but kind.” She said Williamson ‘tricks’ you into thinking your work is fun, and she has a carpetbag full of tricks!

Ms. Lake enjoys artistic activities, especially with a Glowforge 3D laser cutter. She serves as Vice President of the Brumby School Foundation and is a Cobb STEM Teacher Leader alumnus.

Monica Benetta MorallEd.S., Secondary English

Ms. Morall maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA in her master’s and specialist programs while working a full-time and a part-time job. She is a 23-year veteran secondary education who teaches at a non-traditional high school that specializes in meeting the needs of students who are at risk of not earning a diploma.

Dr. Jennifer Dail is her faculty honoree because her coursework and activities were practical, and she was consistent and supportive while maintaining rigor, especially during the pandemic.

Ms. Morall created a new curriculum for the Simon Youth Foundation satellite campus for her school that opened in 2018 at Sugarloaf Mills Mall, where she teaches an online, self-directed learning language arts class each evening.

OUTSTANDING SCHOLAR

AWARDS

Education Doctorate [Ed.D.].

Lisa A. MooreEd.D., Educational Leadership

Dr. Lisa A. Moore is a Summa Cum Laude graduate who is very active in her community. She currently serves as Vice President of the Georgia High School Association, and won the 2017 Leadership Award from BUY Cobb, and the 2017 Service Award from her sorority.

She selected Dr. Sheryl Croft as her faculty honoree because she “listened and supported me with best practices to achieve my personal learning goals.”

Her most memorable experience at KSU was participating in the Yellowstone Project, an immersive experience in which she spent 10 days in Yellowstone National Park to broaden her knowledge. “That learning process challenged me to become a more critical and progressive thinker,” she said.

Kelly Pilgrim CassidyEd.D., Instructional Technology

Dr. Cassidy has received numerous awards for her academic achievements at KSU. She graduated Summa Cum Laude, is a member of the Golden Key International Honor Society and has been selected several times for the National Dean’s List.

Dr. Julie Moore is her faculty honoree because of her “intelligence, kindness and encouragement.” Dr. Moore showed “dedication and leadership that I will treasure,” she said.

Kelly has served as an Advanced Placement Workshop Leader for the Georgia Department of Education and currently serves on the board of the Georgia Association of Teacher Educators. She works as the Curriculum Director of Georgia STEM. She is a bibliophile, kayak and hammock enthusiast, and never passes up an opportunity to get a good shot with her Canon DSLR camera.

Alecia P. HagbergEd.D., Secondary Education

A Summa Cum Laude graduate, Dr. Hagberg has been teaching for 27 years. She has been nominated for Teacher of the Year several times and twice was the runner up for that award.

She chose Dr. Michelle Head as her faculty honoree because “she has been my greatest supporter, outside my family, during my time at KSU.” Dr. Head showed great support and caring, not just for academic pursuits, but also for personal highs and lows. “I value her insight and friendship,” she said.

Alecia is a part-time KSU instructor for the Elementary and Early Childhood Education Department. She is a Dalton High School soccer fan and a “chain reader,” always having three books downloaded on her Kindle. She loves her family and their three dogs and has re-read and re-watched the Outlander series many times.

Osman KhanEd.D., Special Education

Dr. Khan is a Summa Cum Laude graduate who started his KSU journey in 2007 as an under-graduate, returned for his M.Ed., and was awarded the education doctorate this year.

Dr. Melissa Driver is his faculty honoree because she believed in him and was an inspiring mentor. He describes her as a “superwoman – a mom, a scholar, and an outstanding dissertation chair.”

Osman enjoys spending time outdoors. Since 2012, rock climbing has been a passion of his and he is sport climbing certified. He enjoys working on vintage motorcycles. This year, he enrolled in a woodworking class and has built a bench and a DIY stand up desk for his computers. His love of music is expressed playing the guitar, bass, drums, and keyboard.

Carolynn B. StoddardEd.D., Teacher Leadership

Dr. Stoddard said that the best way to support and serve her diverse student population and her colleagues was to be as educated as possible. This doctoral program completes her fifth degree, and she has also earned four endorsements.

She selected Dr. Raynice Jean-Sigur as her faculty honoree because she is “the most charismatic, energetic, knowledgeable, and authentic person I know.”

Dr. Stoddard’s motivation as a teacher is focused on being a leader and advocate for her students and fellow teachers. She is energized about being the type of leader who builds a positive school culture that aligns with the goals of all stakeholders.

Join us as we honor

Dr. Ashley Mounts-Gray,

winner of the 2019

OUTSTANDING

DISSERTATION AWARD

And Her Dissertation Chairperson,

Dr. Raynice Jean-Sigur

OUTSTANDING DISSERTATION

AWARD

The Bagwell College of Education Outstanding Dissertation Awardis presented annually to a doctoral student who has earned the Ed.D. and whose dissertation exemplifies high quality empirical

educational research, informs educational policy and/or practice, and embodies the purpose of Bagwell’s Ed.D. degree. This award

recognizes an outstanding dissertation completed during the previous two calendar years (January 1, 2017-December 31, 2019).

The faculty member who chaired the dissertation committee of the award winner is also recognized for their leadership and guidance

through the dissertation process.

Dr. Ashley Mounts-GrayDissertation Title: Views from the Black-board: Exploring Perspectives of Co-Teaching in Elementary Mathematics Class

Dr. Ashley Mounts-Gray is an educator, a mentor, an innovator, a counselor and a lifelong learner. She is a devoted wife and dog mom.

She received her masters, specialist, and doctorate degrees from KSU. Her dissertation examined the perceptions and experiences of elementary mathematics teachers and special education teachers regarding the co-teaching model.

Dr. Raynice Jean-Sigur was Ashley’s dissertation chair and became her biggest advocate, for which Ashley is profoundly grateful.

To Ashley, this honor confirms her obligation and strengthens her commitment to continue shaping young minds, showing them the power of tenacity, determination and a strong work ethic. She is humbled by receipt of this honor.