Departments in College of Education
honor outstanding graduates

      April 29, 2005 -- Four departments in the College of Education at Arkansas State University recently recognized their most outstanding graduates during Convocation of Scholars honor ceremonies, according to Dr. John Beineke, dean of the college.

      In the Department of Teacher Education, the award recipients and their degree programs were Sara Armstrong of Jonesboro, early childhood education, and Melissa Cureton of Jonesboro, middle level education.

      The Department of Psychology and Counseling recognized Natalie Burkhart of Pine Bluff as the most outstanding graduate of the bachelor's degree in psychology program.

      The Department of Health, Physical Education and Sports Sciences presented its top awards to Julius Jackson of Memphis, Tenn., BSE, physical education; Lori Pennington of Jonesboro, BS, health promotion; Joshua Drummond of West Plains, Mo., BS, athletic training; Jennifer Kate Fox of DeWitt , exercise science; and Alex Wyatt of Paragould , sports management.

      The Department of Educational Leadership, Curriculum and Special Education award winners and their degree areas included: Deborah Smith of Marmaduke, EDS, educational leadership; Lea Erby of Pineville, MSE, curriculum and instruction; David V. Powell of Thayer, Mo., MSE, educational theory and practice; Bobette Ray of Newport, MSE, gifted education; and Martha Tolson of Jonesboro, special education. Myleea Hill of Paragould and Dilok Phanchantraurai of Marion, who are completing a doctorate in educational leadership, received the Eugene W. Smith Point of Excellence Awards.

      Departmental awards are given in each degree program, based on scholarship, leadership and service to the department.

      Outstanding alumni who were recognized by the various programs were: Dr. Diana Julian of Benton and David R. Powell of Paragould, educational leadership; Lori Laman of Cave City, curriculum and instruction; Roger Eveland of Pocahontas, gifted education; and Kelly Green of Jonesboro, special education.

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Localizing information for local news media:

Natalie Burkhart's grandparents are George and Faye Burkhart of Pine Bluff.

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