Faculty and staff of the CEPS welcomed Freshman to campus during Freshman Connection. Students participated in a scavenger hunt to locate educators and members of our CEPS Team. This was a fun afternoon for everyone.

Cocky joined in on the fun of welcoming students to campus during our Freshman Connection event

Jax State celebrated the grand opening of its new state-of-the-art Dining Hall with a ribbon-cutting ceremony this month. Replacing the 62-year-old Jack Hopper Dining Hall, the modern facility features expanded seating, a variety of food stations, and a welcoming environment for the entire campus community.

The Early Childhood Block kicked off the semester this week, and we're thrilled to welcome all the new faces into the Teacher Education Program!

"Extra! Extra! Read all about it!"

Look what was recovered in our archives!!!

From Editor in Chief to Alabama State Superintendent, Dr. Eric Mackey continues to make a positive impact in not only his community, but also statewide.

Ms. Erica L. Hardy, MBA

CEPS Complex Pod 1 Suite 108D

256-782-5056

elhardy@jsu.edu

Ms. Erica L. Hardy—a resident of Gilbertown, AL (Choctaw County)—is the Instructor and Program Chair for Fashion Merchandising in the Department of Career Technical Education and Professional Studies in the College of Education and Professional Studies.

Ms. Hardy graduated cum laude with her Bachelor of Science degree in Apparel Merchandising, Design, and Production Management with a concentration in Apparel Design and Production Management and a minor in Business from Auburn University and Phi Kappa Phi with her Master of Business Administration from Auburn University Montgomery. She is currently pursuing her Alternative Class-A Master’s degree in Secondary Education at Jacksonville State University to earn her teacher certification in Family and Consumer Sciences Education.

Prior to accepting employment with Jax State, Ms. Hardy worked in the apparel, banking, retail, food service, and entertainment industries—working for companies such as Mizuno USA, Dillard’s, the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, and BET Networks. In addition to being a full-time faculty member, she continues to work as a fashion designer specializing in women’s wear and athletic apparel and is an entrepreneur/small business owner.

Ms. Hardy was named the 2024 Alabama Association of Teachers of Family and Consumer Sciences Post-Secondary Teacher of the Year at the ALACTE Summer Conference and will represent the state of Alabama at the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) Region II conference in 2025 where she will compete against post-secondary educators from the

Bahamas, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.

Organizations:

Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE)

Alabama Association for Career and Technical Education (ALACTE)

Alabama Association of Teachers of Family and Consumer Sciences (AATFCS)

Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi (ΦKΦ)

Spirit on Mountain Street was held this month. This event is always a fun way to bring the City of Jacksonville together every year. Vendors, food trucks, and public gathered together for a night of fun and excitement. The festivities ended with entertainment by artist Niko Moon.

An interactive Science Demo Show with Southern Research Content Block recently delved into the exciting world of elementary outreach experiences. Aspiring teaching candidates had the opportunity to participate in an engaging and educational Science Demo Show. The interactive show, a highlight of the outreach program, allowed candidates to explore the fascinating different states of matter and their unique interactions. Through hands-on activities and demonstrations, participants gained a deeper understanding of fundamental scientific concepts.

Please contact Dr. Christie Calhoun for more information

We had some CEPS members who recently welcomed little ones to the family. Courtney Christopher welcomed Baby Levi, Hanna Madrigal welcomed Handsome Beckett, and Jill Marsh welcomed her beautiful granddaughter, Charlie Kay.

It's almost time to kick off the 2024-2025 football season. Please see the link below to purchase tickets.

Please contact Mrs. Penny Lane for inquiries regarding tutoring services that are available in the CEPS Learning Resource Center.

Jax State's Regional Inservice Center hosted the Alabama Reading Initiative State-wide Meeting this month. Thank you to President Killingsworth, Dean White, Dr. Melanie Glover, and Bonnie Short for warmly welcoming everyone!

Every Child. Every Chance. Every Day.

These educators LIVE this mantra.

Dr. Barbie Norvell's class connects developmentally appropriate materials to Alabama Standards. It's always great to incorporate fun in the classroom.

August Outstanding Faculty Members

Dr. Jennifer Troncale

Dr. Brandon Gilliland

Mrs. Aimee Weathers

August Outstanding Staff Members

Lynn Steward

Martha Dingler

Kelsey Blair Sims

August Outstanding Undergraduate Students

Kristen Armstrong

Taylor Barksdale

Happy Birthday to our CEPS employees who celebrated in August!

Jasmine Prater

Kimberly Warfield

James McGahey

Ahmad Alhammouri

Cynthia Connor

Lauren Shirey

Russell Hammack

Shana Smith

Liza Hallsten

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