September 2022

The Alabama Commission on Higher Education has cleared the way for Jacksonville State University to offer its third doctoral degree, the Doctor of Education (EdD) in educational leadership.

The interdisciplinary degree program is designed to foster creativity and diversity of thought among scholars working in or studying the field of education. It will prepare educational leaders in P-12 schools, postsecondary education and other educational/community settings.

"The approval of the EdD in educational leadership exemplifies the state's confidence in JSU's ability to produce educational leaders at the highest level of preparation," said Dr. Kimberly Gaiters-White, dean of the College of Education & Professional Studies "Our faculty and staff are excited for the opportunity to expand educator preparation beyond P-12 and assist in the preparation of educational leaders for our post-secondary institutions in the state and beyond."

Pending approval from the university's accrediting body, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), the university will begin enrolling students in Spring 2023. The 60-hour degree program will consist of coursework in four areas: 18 hours in educational foundations and environments, 18 hours in research and inquiry, 18 hours of electives and six dissertation hours. The hybrid program will be delivered 90 percent online, built around the needs of working professionals.

"This doctorate builds on the quality education programs for which JSU is known to deliver, and will offer a terminal degree option requested frequently by our graduates," said Dr. Christie Shelton, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. "This is such an exciting time for the College of Education and Professional Studies as they continue to advance degree opportunities for the area."

The degree will become the third doctoral program offered by Jacksonville State. In 2010, the university established its first doctorate degree, the Doctor of Science in emergency management, followed by the Doctor of Nursing Practice in 2017. Admission requirements and enrollment information will be available following SACSCOC approval, which is expected within a few months.

Jacksonville State University’s expanded Child Development Center is celebrating its one-month milestone! We have children ranging in age from 2 months to turning 5 in our infant through 4-year-old Alabama First Class Pre-K Classrooms. Our amazing teachers have worked hard to create safe, loving classrooms that are building strong foundations for learning. JSU’s CDC is a vision of President Killingsworth’s and represents the tremendous support from across campus. This venture has touched on so many areas including facilities, grounds, finance, human resources, financial aid, UPD, technology, academic affairs, and development.

The Department of Family and Consumer Sciences and College of Education and Professional Studies are thrilled to offer this outstanding childcare center to faculty, staff, JSU students, and the community. The classrooms showcase children’s art and developmentally appropriate projects they are working on to engage their curiosity. Our new playground is a favorite spot for them. Playing under the shade of a decades old oak tree you will find many happy, loved children daily.

The CDC also serves as a lab experience for FCS and education students. JSU lab students are in classrooms working with the children daily. Our teachers model researched based instructional practices for the lab students who assist the teachers with lessons. This hands-on teaching model is incredibly beneficial for them and builds their foundation for good teaching practices.

We appreciate our CDC families entrusting us with their little ones every day. They are in the hands of great teachers and administrators who love their children and what we are building at the CDC. Let’s Grow Gamecocks!

*Permission to use children photos granted.

Hi! My name is Hunter Bussey!

I am currently 21 years old, and I live in Gadsden, Alabama. I am married to my high school sweetheart, Lexi. We have two fur-babies Shadow (cat) and Parker (dog).

I am majoring in Early Childhood/Elementary Education-with graduation right around the corner in Spring 2023! I have always wanted to be a teacher since I was young. I often get asked why I want to become a teacher, and I have many responses, but my main reason is to be there for my students and walk with them as they learn, explore, and grow. I strive to make a difference in the world with everything I do, so what better way than by teaching the next generation of kiddos!

I chose JSU because of the well-known education that they deliver! My entire life, I have heard about JSU Education Program and knew that I wanted to be a part of it.

I have enjoyed myself as I have gone through the education program. I have been given many opportunities to learn and develop as an educator such as becoming LETRS and Google Educator Certified, participating in AMSTI trainings, Practicum Experiences, and so much more! JSU and the School of Education Professors provided their education students with many opportunities to learn how to make an impact within their classrooms! One thing that this program has helped me find is my passion for technology! I look forward to implementing many 21st Century Technology skills in my classroom and plan on continuing my education with an instructional technology focus.

Two quotes that describe my goal as an educator and that I hold dear to my heart are:

•”It’s not about being the best in the world, it’s about being the best for the world” -Clint Pulver (Be A Mr.Jensen)

•”Every child deserves a champion – an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection, and insists that they become the best that they can possibly be.” -Rita Pierson

*Mr. Bussey is pictured with Early Childhood Education faculty member, Mrs. Aimee Weathers

Please join the CEPS in congratulating Dr. Stacie Wolbert, who will be serving in the role of interim Associate Dean for the College of Education and Professional Studies. We appreciate her willingness to serve and lead the unit's assessment/accreditation activities.

Students in the FCS 232 Textiles class have jump started the semester by driving into the thrilling world of textiles. During these first few weeks of the Fall semester, the students have discussed the various stages of the textile global complex, different natural fibers in both the cellulosic and protein subcategories, and the types of manufactured fibers including manufactured cellulosic, synthetic, and manufactured inorganic fibers. They have also evaluated the different spinning methods used in the production of manufactured fibers such as melt spinning, dry spinning, wet spinning, gel spinning, and emulsion spinning. Additionally, students have reviewed several key federal U.S. legislative acts regarding fiber identification, care labeling, flammable fabric usage, fur fiber identification, and others.

Students pursuing degrees in FCS concentrations for Merchandising, Education, and Dietetics worked together in teams to prepare for their first exam by using their cell phones to play a trivia game their instructor—Ms. Erica Hardy—created on the Kahoot website for them. The students took to creative, interactive, online learning by collaborating to answer questions related to content from each chapter. They were awarded “points” for answering questions quickly and correctly, which led to some friendly competition and trash talk.

When asked if the Kahoot trivia game was helpful in preparing them for the exam and if they would want to continue exam preparation in the manner, the students replied, “Yes!” Some were disappointed to not be able to finish the game and wanted to continue playing after class had officially ended.

I am from Anniston, Alabama. I received my BA in Visual Arts from Tulane University in New Orleans, LA. I received my MS in Counselor Education from Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, AL. I received my Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, AL. I am a member of Chi Sigma Iota Counseling Honor Society and Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society.

I am a Full Professor in the Counselor Education program at Jacksonville State University, having worked there for over ten years. In addition, I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) for the State of Alabama. I have worked in the mental health field as an instructor and as a counselor for over fifteen years.

Regarding research interests, I have completed, written articles, and presented results of research studies on sexual identity development in African American men, safe-sex practices, microaggressions in everyday life, mental health issues relative to older adults, the scrutinization and regulation of mainly African American hair, and the effectiveness of multicultural literacy with children of color.

I am a former co-host of a podcast, The Thoughtful Counselor. I was interviewed about my research and then asked to become a host. I have interviewed guest on topics ranging from mental health issues related to older adults, the ongoing Civil Rights Movement focusing on Black Lives Matter, self-care for women who are counselors, issues pertaining to African American hair, law enforcement and mental health, community involvement in multiculturalism, and incorporating C.S. Lewis’ philosophy of religion in counseling.

Regarding hobbies, I draw, paint, and love to play the piano. I love to ride my bike. Before covid, I loved to garden and cook. Past covid, not so much. Right now, I’m writing an article manuscript on hair regulation and am completing a full manuscript for the next great International novel.

Congratulations to Dr. Ahmad Alhammouri! His manuscript entitled "How High is the Rainbow? Using Technology to Enrich Student Engagement in Mathematical Modeling" has been accepted to be published in the Journal of the Association of Mathematics Teachers of New Jersey (AMTNJ). The article investigates the height of the rainbow that visited JSU campus last spring.

The article abstract: In this article, we will show how using the TI-nspire CX CAS can enrich student engagement in mathematical modeling by allowing students to explore various mathematical representations for the same real-world scenario.

The scenario that was investigated: The Rainbow visited the Jacksonville State University campus. Assuming the Rainbow goes right over/through the large building (Houston Cole Library) in the picture, how high is the Rainbow? Justify your answer using mathematics.

Email: bohannon@jsu.edu
Website: https://www.jsu.edu/education/index.html
Location: 92 Trustee Street, Jacksonville, AL, USA
Phone: 256-782-8200
Twitter: @JSU_SoE