June 2026 Recap

Please join us as we celebrate the EdD Program on being invited to join the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED). A very special thanks goes to Dr. Brandon Gilliland for taking the lead on completing the application, and to Dr. Guler for assisting.

A special thanks also to the members of the EdD Task force for working diligently this year to restructure the program and move it to a level worthy of the Carnegie honor.

Lastly, thanks to President Killingsworth and Provost Shelton for supporting the vision of the leadership initiatives implemented in the CEPS this year, including the EdD Task Force!

EdD Task Force Members:

Nilufer Guler

Tammie Brown

Christi Trucks

Russell Hammack

Justin Parker

Linda Mitchell

Torsten Dryden

Teresa Gardner

Cynthia Connor

Brandon Gilliland

Aimee Weathers

Cytique Davis

Christie Calhoun

Barbie Norvell

We are pleased to announce that Testing Services has been approved to administer Praxis® examinations. This approval allows us to expand our testing services and provide a convenient local option for individuals pursuing educator certification and related professional goals.

Two days. Two venues. A dozen industry partners. Hundreds of conversations. And one powerful reminder of why this work matters.

The 2026 Classroom to Career Summit wrapped up last month, and what an incredible experience it was.

A special thank you to our planning committee- Valerie Curtis, Andrea Taylor, Lisa Smith, Abby Howle, Kayla Bowman, Laurel Harp, Hailey Ridgeway, Sherita Hayes, and Lisa Morales. Your dedication, hard work, and attention to detail are the reason events like this come to life so successfully.

Thank you also to Dr. Chris Crawford for delivering a keynote that truly inspired the room and challenged us to think differently about the future of education and workforce development. The room.

To our VEX Cohort graduates — we are incredibly proud of your accomplishments and are excited to see the impact you will make in your schools, community, and careers.

Most importantly, thank you to the educators who showed up, stayed curious, and embraced every opportunity to learn, connect, and grow. You do one of the most important jobs there is, and you deserve every investment we can make in supporting your success.

Thank you for making the 2026 Classroom to Career Summit a meaningful and memorable event. We look forward to continuing this work together.

Professional Counseling & Leadership Professor, Dr. J. Todd McGahey, recently authored an article on school violence that hits close to home. The article was published in the Georgia School Counselors Association Beacon Journal and highlights an issue of critical importance to schools, counselors, and communities.

Congratulations, Dr. McGahey, on this outstanding accomplishment and meaningful contribution to the field. We are proud to celebrate your scholarship and the impact of your work.

Challenger Learning Center welcomed friends from JSU Technology in Motion and Robotics camp this past month. Visitors played with Micronauts and Rocket Rangers! It might have been raining outside, but these smiles were shining bright!

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Candice Byers on being selected as a Longview Foundation Global Teacher Education Fellow.

Congratulations, Dr. Byers, on this huge accomplishment!

A Special Thank You to a Future Science Leader!

The Lab in Teacher Education extends its sincere appreciation to Jax State alumnus, Evan Waters, currently a Biomedical Sciences Pre-Dental Graduate Student at Barry University, for his generous donation of a centrifuge to The Lab.

The Lab serves as a hands-on learning environment where pre-service science educators develop laboratory skills, engage in scientific inquiry, and gain experience using authentic scientific equipment that they can one day incorporate into their own classrooms.

This donation will provide future science teachers with additional opportunities to engage in meaningful laboratory experiences while strengthening STEM education at Jax State.

Evan’s contribution is especially meaningful because he and Dr. Ashley Turner previously worked together through teaching and research experiences at Jax State. Seeing former students continue their educational journeys while investing in the next generation of educators is a powerful testament to the lasting impact of mentorship, collaboration, and scientific inquiry.

Thank you, Evan, for investing in future science teachers and helping us expand opportunities for hands-on learning. We are proud of your continued success and grateful for your support of science education at Jax State!

The CEPS wrapped up Jax State's Summer STEAM Camp this past month.

Campers spent their final morning on wrapping up classes on campus and the afternoon celebrating with a parent showcase open house.

We were thrilled to have 100% parent participation as students proudly shared the projects, activities, and new skills they learned throughout the week. Seeing their excitement and confidence made for the perfect ending to an incredible camp.

Thank you to our students, families, faculty, and staff for making this week so special. We had an amazing time learning, creating, exploring, and growing together.

We're already looking forward to next year and can't wait to see you again!

Ahmad Alhammouri

Nilufer Guler

Niki Peel

Anne Schmaeling

Trey Marshall

Jaidyn Gossett

Jesse McKenzie

Matt Mitchell

Jennifer Troncale

Brittany Craig

Jason Cole

Ellen Harner

Lynn Steward

Valerie Wheat

Jill Marsh

Valerie Curtis

Annaleigh Harris

Cerilla Roe

Email: amroberts@jsu.edu
Website: https://www.jsu.edu/education/index.html
Location: 115 College Street Southwest, Jacksonville, AL, USA
Phone: 256-782-8200
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JSUEducation/
Twitter: @JSU_SoE