
January 2025
College of Education & Professional Studies Newsletter
Textbook proposal recently accepted for publication
Congratulations to Drs. Brandon and Krista Gilliland, Dr. Russell Hammack, and Dr. Ahmad Alhammouri on their recent publication acceptance.
The textbook proposal titled, Research Methods for Educators: A Teacher’s Guide to Educational Research and Data Collection, has been officially accepted for publication by Cognella.
They are thrilled about the opportunity to contribute to the academic resources available to educators and researchers. Tentatively scheduled for publication in December of 2025, the textbook will serve as a valuable tool for teachers seeking to enhance their research skills and effectively utilize data in their educational practices.
Robotics in the classroom
Dr. Alhammouri recently conducted a robotic session with some of the awesome kids at Kitty Stone Elementary School.
Snow Day 2025
On January 10th, snow blanketed the South, and our CEPS faculty, staff, and students shared photos from their fun-filled, snow-covered day.
SAEA
For more information regarding SAEA, please contact Dr. Kyoko Johns.
Dr. Dryden receives recent abstract acceptance
Congratulations to Dr. Torsten Dryden on his recent abstract acceptance.
Dr. Dryden presented, "The clock and the mind: A qualitive exploration of intermittent fasting and its perceived impact on mental health in adulthood", at the 3rd Annual Student Success Summit here at Jax State. This was held on February 4, 2025, at the Houston Cole Library.
Congratulations, Dr. Dryden!
Gilliland elected Vice President of the Alabama Council for the Social Studies
Dr. Brandon Gilliland was recently elected as the new Vice President of the Alabama Council for the Social Studies. This council serves as the state affiliate of the National Council for the Social Studies.
Congratulations, Dr. Gilliland on this huge accomplishment!
Technology in Motion
Jax State Technology in Motion has an exciting new TEAMs approved professional development day planned. Check out Ozobot in the Classroom: TEAMS on March 20, 2025, at the Jax State Regional Inservice Center (RIC) from 8:00-3:00pm. The first 30 teachers to register and attend will receive their own Evo Entry Kit at the session.
Register on PSPL: https://alsde.truenorthlogic.com/.../presentRegist.../522871
This is a great opportunity for science, math and computer science teachers to get 6hrs of TEAMs pd credit.
Mrs. Aimee Weathers wins Magis Research Award
Congratulations to Mrs. Aimee Weathers on winning the Magis Research Award. She will be attending The Show- AI Revolution Conference in San Diego in April.
The Magis Research Award recognizes excellence, promise, and potential in graduate research projects while supporting studies that align with core values of service, academic rigor, and ethical inquiry. The award seeks to advance knowledge in education and healthcare fields, encouraging students to pursue high-impact research. Each year, $2,000 is awarded to one graduate student to support their scholarly endeavors.
Cocky's Cafe
Attention all students and faculty! Cocky's Cafe re-opens on February 5th! Once again, our Hospitality and Culinary Management students will be selling lunches at CEPS. Please scan the QR code below to order.
You may order for as many dates as you like. Lunches are $10. Cash payments will be accepted at pick-up. There are a limited number of lunches available, so order soon!
Dr. Best and her students have worked very hard to open Cocky's Cafe. They are excited for this great opportunity and appreciate your support of the program.
STEAM Summer Camp Opportunity
Attention Jax State College of Education and Professional Studies (CEPS) Students! Looking for a fun and rewarding summer opportunity? Apply to be a student worker for the 2025 STEAM Summer Camp funded by the Alabama Department of Education!
For more information scan the QR code below or contact Dr. Alhammouri at aalhammouri@jsu.edu
Content Block
Content Block students dug deep into the Mathematics Standards and presented what each grade addresses during the school year.
Great job, everyone!
FEATURED STAFF MEMBER OF THE MONTH
Ms. Kirsen Gardner
Kirsen Gardner is the Administrative Assistant for the Office of Clinical Experience at Jax State University. A Helena, AL native, she earned her bachelor’s degree in early childhood and Elementary Education from Jax State in 2023 and is currently pursuing her master’s degree to further her expertise in education and administration.
During her time at Jax State, Kirsen was a student-athlete on the Women’s Track and Field team, competing in shot put and hammer throw. Her experience as a collegiate athlete instilled in her a strong work ethic, perseverance, and teamwork—qualities she now applies in her professional role.
Kirsen previously worked as a Graduate Assistant in the Office of Field Experience, where she gained valuable experience in coordinating clinical placements, supporting faculty, and assisting students through their educational journeys. Known for her strong leadership, adaptability, and attention to detail, she thrives in roles that require organization and collaboration.
Beyond her work at Jax State, Kirsen is also passionate about coaching. She serves as a throws coach for Jacksonville High School’s Track and Field team, where she enjoys mentoring young athletes and sharing her knowledge of the sport. In her free time, she loves baking and reading, finding joy in both creativity and continuous learning.
Kirsen is excited to continue growing in her role and contributing to the success of Jax State University’s future educators.
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Sara Rogers
Our January Student Spotlight comes to us from a small town called Geraldine in DeKalb County, Alabama. There, Ms. Rogers attended a K-12 school and graduated at the top of her class during COVID in 2020. From there, she moved to Jacksonville to attend Jax State University. Ms. Rogers completed her undergraduate in 2024 with honors in psychology and is continuing down the path of Clinical Mental Health Counseling for her graduate program. She is expected to graduate next year.
Professionally, Sara is employed as a High Intensive Care Coordinator at a community mental health facility, committed to making a change in the lives of this small community.
Ms. Rogers’ life consists of what you would expect from a forest-dwelling idealist. She spends a lot of quality time outdoors skating, working towards finishing a novel when she has the time, and perpetuating a cycle of joyous mischief in the lives of her friends and family.
Sara’s ultimate goal in life is to leave more kindness behind when she is gone than when she arrived and to spend her time on earth giving more than she could receive. Her advice for anyone and everyone would be to spend more time looking at the nature around us and remember how small we truly are. There’s nothing more precious in life than realizing how precarious it all is and loving it anyway.
Congratulations, Sara, on all of your accomplishments. CEPS wishes you the best in all of your endeavors!
CONGRATS TO THE CEPS OUTSTANDING FACULTY, STAFF, AND STUDENTS FOR JANUARY
Outstanding Faculty Nomination
Kimberly Warfield
Tancie West
Aimee Weathers
Jill Marsh
Cynthia Connor
Cindy Pair
Connie Stancil
Brandon Gilliand
Outstanding Staff Member Nomination
Vicki Trammell
Outstanding Graduate Student
Sara Rogers
Chelsa Morris
Daniel Harris
Outstanding Undergraduate Student
Madison "Maddie" Amberson
Brittany Battle
John Osborne
Taylor Carden
Jayden Davidson
Kaylee Hill
Haleigh Molock
Tori Wilkinson
Anna Thacker
Dylan Randall
January Birthdays
Angie Roberts
Wendy Stephens
Erica Hardy
Kyoko Johns
Tarmen Siaway
Heather Smith
Angela Guess
Nicolette Zarzabal
#cepsducks
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