April 2026 Recap
College of Education & Professional Studies Newsletter
2026 CEPS Alumni Hall of Fame
The CEPS recently held the annual College of Education & Professional Studies Alumni Hall of Fame event. We enjoyed honoring alumni that were selected to be inducted into the 2026 CEPS Alumni Hall of Fame.
Mr. Jason Deason- Physical Education
Mr. Blair Callaway- Music Education
Dr. Tommy Turner- School Counseling
Dr. Jerry Kiser- Clinical Mental Health Counseling (not pictured)
Mr. Brandon Renfroe- Instructional Leadership (not pictured)
Mrs. Ashlee Hanvey- Instructional Technology
Mrs. Andrea Taylor- Library Media
Mrs. Lakeysha Monroe-Broxson- Child Development
Mrs. Sandra Langley- Business Marketing Education
Mrs. Patricia Daigle- Human Sciences
Mrs. Claire Chandler- Family & Consumer Science
Ms. Evelyn Fuller- Fashion Merchandising (not pictured)
Ms. Aubrey Mayweather- Hospitality & Culinary
Mrs. Fatima Wise- Special Education
Mrs. Candace Mobley- Early Childhood Education
Mr. Tim Young- Elementary Education
Ms. Robin Williamson- Secondary Education
Scottish Rite Award recipient- Mr. Brandon Renfroe (not pictured)
Congratulations to all of the inductees on this huge accomplishment!
CEPS Spring Commencement
Congratulations to all of the CEPS Spring 2026 graduates.
Preservice Teachers Present to Future Teachers of Alabama
Our preservice teachers had the opportunity to present their exemplary elementary impact studies to the Future Teachers of Alabama. Congratulations to Haley Allen and Hannah Hyde for being recognized for their outstanding work this semester in Content Block!
We are so proud of these students’ hard work and commitment to education. Keep up the great work!
Ozekin Receives United Campus Workers Award Nomination
Congratulations to our Graduate Assistant in the Accreditation, Certification, and Partnerships Initiatives (ACPI) Office, Tara Ozekin, on being nominated for the United Campus Workers Award at Jax State!
Your hard work, dedication, and commitment do not go unnoticed. We are very proud of you!
Welcome Future Gamecocks!
Clinical Experience Director, Adam Clark, along with Drs. Linda Mitchell and Christie Calhoun, recently visited local area schools where they welcomed future students to Jax States CEPS.
Congratulations to all on your future endeavors!
Early Childhood Block
Early Childhood Block hosted a math event at Leone Cole Auditorium.
Kindergarten students from Kitty Stone Elementary participated in hands-on math activities aligned with state standards. Our preservice teachers created engaging learning experiences!
JSTEAM students attended, observed the early childhood students in action, and participated with Dr. Alhammouri using rovers and drones.
It was a great day of learning
CEPS Faculty Members Receive Award Nominations
Congratulations to all of the CEPS faculty who received nominations for this year's faculty awards.
A special congratulations to Dr. Torsten Dryden for receiving the Provost's Excellence in Teaching Award.
Rep- "Present!"
Drs. Alhammouri and Hammack recently presented on their CEPS Leadership Fellow projects at the Extended Deans Council.
Congratulations!
Team Alhammouri & Weathers
Dr. Alhammouri and Dr. Weathers kicked off the after-school STEAM program at Dearmanville Elementary with a hands-on lesson for second grade students.
Students used Texas Instrument Rovers to learn the basics of coding and geometry. They programmed the rover to move forward, turn, and even create shapes like a square by using 90-degree angles.
It was exciting to watch students connect math concepts to real movement and problem solving. A great start to the program and a fun way to bring math to life for our young learners!
Penny Johnson Lane
June 26, 1964 – April 1, 2026
Remembering one of the College of Education & Professional Studies' very best.
CERI
ECE Block
Early Childhood Block wrapped up practicum with our “In Full Bloom” celebration.
It was a special time to reflect on how much our preservice teachers have learned and grown together this semester. From planning lessons to teaching in real classrooms, they have put in the effort- and it shows!
We had great conversations about their experiences, as well as the challenges and successes they encountered along the way.
Chi Sigma Iota Induction
Congratulations to all of the Professional Counseling & Leadership candidates that were recently inducted into the Chi Sigma Iota Chapter
Transition University
Transition University (TU) was honored with a Governor’s Proclamation recognizing its contributions through the Alabama Postsecondary Alliance for Intellectual Disabilities (APAID).
This recognition highlights TU’s role in advancing opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities across Alabama. APAID works collaboratively to support K–12 schools and families in preparing students for successful transitions beyond high school, advocates for policies that strengthen access to inclusive postsecondary education and promotes the expansion of meaningful college and career pathways.
The proclamation underscores the statewide impact of these efforts and affirms a continued commitment to increasing access, equity, and independence for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Skyla Kepple, Trey Marshall, and Elizabeth Brown proudly represented the Special Education Department at the Jax State University Student Symposium, where they delivered a presentation on the Transition University (TU) program.
Their professionalism, preparation, and strong communication skills were evident throughout, and they did an excellent job showcasing the impact and value of TU.
Teacher Candidates in the Special Education Department recently hosted an exciting and impactful Transition University (TU), creating a meaningful, hands-on learning experience for everyone involved. TU gives future educators the opportunity to plan and teach lessons to college-age peers with intellectual disabilities, all while engaging in a full day of preparation that includes lesson design aligned with Alabama State Department of Education Transition Standards and a campus field trip. This spring, approximately 50 K–12 students and 15 teachers from 10 schools participated in the experience.
Collaboration truly shines during TU. Teacher Candidates work alongside students from Delta Zeta, Zeta Tau Alpha, Nursing, and Disability Resources to create a dynamic Career Fair for participants. Adding to the experience, Dr. Brian F. Geiger of The Horizons School in Birmingham led a workshop titled "Teaching About Personal Safety When Using Technology" for teachers and paraprofessionals.
Just as important, Teacher Candidates take time to reflect and grow. Using the Praise–Question–Polish approach, they engage in meaningful conversations about what worked, what could be improved, and how students responded. TU continues to be a unique and rewarding experience that brings people together, builds real-world skills, and highlights the power of teamwork in preparing the next generation of educators.
CONGRATS TO THE OUTSTANDING CEPS FACULTY, STUDENTS, AND STAFF FOR APRIL
Outstanding Faculty Member Nominations
Shakenya Burch
Michael Nytz
Torsten Dryden
Kim Mitchell
Jennifer Troncale
Shana Smith
Ashley Turner
Outstanding Staff Member Nominations
Krystal Cochran
Martha Dingler
Anne Schmaeling
Outstanding Undergraduate Student Nomination
Chasidy Thomas
Outstanding Graduate Student Nominations
Robert Thomas
Justin Croley
April Birthdays
Martha Dingler
Tara Hood
Jennifer Ray
Diane Best
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
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