Departments in College of Education
honor outstanding graduates

May 12, 2006 -- 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 Amber Ulmer of Batesville, early childhood education, and Karla Baker of Paragould, middle level education.

The Department of Psychology and Counseling recognized Alexandra N. Ramsey of Jacksonville as the most outstanding graduate of the bachelor's degree in psychology program. Her emphasis area was interdisciplinary family studies.

The Department of Health, Physical Education and Sports Sciences presented its top awards to Shane Wright of Hernando, Miss., BSE, physical education; Meredith Green of Pine Bluff and Jennifer McClatchy of Southaven, Miss., BS, health promotion (tie); Robert Whitman of Trumann, BS, athletic training; Aaron May of Bentonville and Monte Douglas of Chandler, Okla., BS, exercise science; and Jacob Small of Paragould, BS, sports management.

The Department of Educational Leadership, Curriculum and Special Education award winners and their degree areas included: Merlina McCullough-Philippine of Salem, EDS, educational leadership; Teresa Hendrix of Trumann, MSE, educational leadership; Jill Roach of Mountain Home, MSE, curriculum and instruction; Keri Gabric of Mountain Home, MSE, educational theory and practice; Christy Binns of McGehee, MSE, gifted education; and Bridgitte Southern of Marion, MSE, special education. Crystal Machado of Pakistan, a doctoral student in educational leadership, received the Eugene W. Smith Point of Excellence Award.

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. Aaron Hosman of Paragould, educational leadership; Mary Beth Wyatt of Calico Rock (Mountain View School District), curriculum and instruction; Darlene Black of Newport, gifted education.

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