June 2025
College of Education & Professional Studies Newsletter
2025 STEAM Camp
The CEPS held the annual STEAM Camp this past month. From solving escape room puzzles that sent students on a campus-wide hunt for items to making biscuits and sausage gravy with smoothies, there was fun and excitement for all.
This year's camp was awesome, and we look forward to next year!
Gilliland's have article published in the Oregon Journal of the Social Sciences
Dr. Brandon Gilliland and Dr. Krista Gilliland, Assistant Professors in Teacher Education, recently had an article published in the Oregon Journal of the Social Sciences entitled, "Fostering Connections: Strategies for Building Rapport in the Social Science Classroom."
Teachers who build a solid, positive rapport with students are likely to see an increase in student scores and students are more likely to be engaged in lessons taught in that classroom. In a world where communities often challenge the content taught in a social studies classroom, it is important for students to feel safe and connected with the teacher who is teaching content that is often seen as controversial. Strategies for improving rapport include creating a student-centered classroom, allowing students to ask thought-provoking questions, and purposefully working to build student-teacher relationships by listening and being a positive role model.
Congratulations to you both on this huge accomplishment!
7th Annual Alabama Conference on Grading and Assessment for Learning
Field & Clinical Experiences Director, Adam Clark, presented at the 7th annual Alabama Conference on Grading and Assessment for Learning.
The College of Education and Professional Studies was a sponsoring organization this year.
The conference was convened at Guntersville High School and featured a keynote address by Mr. Mike Ruyle of Marzano Resources.
Mr. Clark had the privilege of accompanying a group of our teacher candidates to the conference, where they enjoyed an enriching and valuable learning experience.
Regional Inservice Center
Educators from across our region stepped out of the classroom and into the world of industry to explore how workforce skills, STEM innovation, and soft skill development are shaping Alabama’s future.
CEPS Associate Dean, Dr. Nilufer Guler, had the pleasure of speaking during one of the sessions.
Together, we’re building bridges between schools and industries, ensuring students are better prepared for college, career, and life.
Child Development Center
The little ones always enjoy summertime at the CDC!
FEATURED FACULTY MEMBER OF THE MONTH
Dr. Wendy Stephens
Our featured faculty member for the month of June is Dr. Wendy Stephens. Dr. Stephens received her Ph.D. in Information Science from the University of North Texas. Before joining the faculty in the School of Education at Jax State in 2015, she worked as a high school librarian and a library systems consultant. Dr. Stephens serves on several national boards, including the United States Board on Books for Young People and the Library of Congress Teaching with Primary Sources advisory board. She has National Board Certification in Library Media, which she renewed in 2018.
FEATURED STUDENTS OF THE MONTH
2025 STEAM Camp student workers
Brilee Bryant
Macey Martin
Kalaya Williams
Lillie Nichols
MacKenzie Fleming
Anna Worthy
Mallory Gilbert
Kadence Logston
Bailey Young
Caelyn Stedham
Amber Floyd
Rudi Barnette
Kaylan Ladosky
Abigail Roper
Emma Dalton
Jax State students served as co-teachers at the Summer Scholar STEAM Camp for students in grades 1 through 8. Throughout the week, they helped lead engaging lessons in science, technology, engineering, art, math, and nutrition while working alongside faculty members.
These future educators took on real classroom responsibilities by guiding small groups, managing routines, and supporting creative projects. The experience gave them a chance to apply what they’ve learned in their coursework while building confidence for their future classrooms.
The week would not have been successful without them. They did a fabulous job and brought so much energy each day!!
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CEPS OUTSTANDING FACULTY, STAFF, AND STUDENTS FOR JUNE!
Outstanding Faculty Member Nominations
Jessica Cannon
Krista Gilliland
Outstanding Staff Member Nominations
Martha Dingler
Angie Roberts
Krystal Cochran
Kelly Murray
Annaleigh Harris
Outstanding Undergraduate Student Nomination
Anna Worthy
Outstanding Undergraduate Student Nomination
Ashlynn Abernathy
June Birthdays
Jennifer Troncale
Valerie Curtis
Kelsey Blair
Jill Marsh
Valerie Wheat
Penny Lane
Lynn Steward
Annaleigh Harris
Ellen Harner
Cerilla Roe
Raven McDaniel
Melody Paquette
Brittany Craig
Jason Cole
CEPS DUCKS
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION & PROFESSIONAL STUDIES
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

