By Tessa Chilton
As another academic year concludes, the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) takes pride in celebrating the achievements of our graduates. These remarkable Cardinals have demonstrated dedication, resilience and passion throughout their academic journeys.
Congratulations to the class of 2024!
Brennen Campbell, MEd in Counseling & Personnel Services in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMH)
2024 Outstanding Graduate Student & Banner Bearer for the CEHD
During Campbell’s course of study, he contributed to two important research studies in counselor education that have resulted in three publications under review, while also volunteering his time at Bridgehaven Mental Health Services, where he has been offered a full-time position.
In accepting his Outstanding Graduate Student Award, Campbell remarked, “As we transition into the next phase of our lives, it is our time to foster a community — one that embraces our differences and makes greater efforts to dismantle obstacles that hinder success. We owe it to ourselves to practice what we’ve learned at UofL: To be aware of our impact on others — both positive and negative — and ask how we intend to do better for the community. And we have the responsibility to support those who are marginalized and ensure that they are treated with the respect that they deserve. We have been given the tools to continue building our community — let’s get to work.”
Shelbi Adams, BS in Elementary Education
Magna Cum Laude
A single mother from Louisville, KY, Adams has worked tirelessly since 2017 to achieve her degree. She found invaluable support in the Multicultural Teacher Recruitment Program (MTRP) during her college journey. Adams discovered the Option 9 program through Stefanie Wooten-Burnett at an MTRP event and it has greatly impacted her experience as an incoming teacher. She looks forward to applying her knowledge in a first-grade classroom at Carter Elementary after graduation.
Silver Beaty, MA in Higher Education Administration
Outstanding Military Student in Higher Education Award
After graduation Beaty plans to continue her work in the Montana Army National Guard as an Army ROTC Instructor at the University of Montana. She also intends to pursue a doctorate in the field of higher education or organizational leadership. Silver's most important experience in the CEHD was working with the Master Educator Course (MEC) practice fellowship team, led by Kelli Peck Parrott. This experience brought together a group of strangers who became friends, supporting each other through challenges and forming lasting bonds. She considers it a privilege to have worked with such dedicated individuals.
Annie Brandel, BS in Elementary Education and Moderate to Severe Disabilities (MSD)
Outstanding Undergraduate Student in MSD
After graduation, Brandel is excited about her future as an elementary MSD teacher in Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS). Throughout her time in the CEHD, Brandel has had countless positive experiences, from Friday classes with Mary Elliott to student teaching rotations. Her favorite memories involve the laughs and hugs shared with her students, highlighting the deep connections she has formed during her academic journey.
Taylor Despain, MEd in Counseling & Personnel Services in College Student Personnel (CSP)
Outstanding Graduate in CSP Program Award and the CSP Peer Leader Award
After graduation Despain plans to work as a Financial Aid Counselor with Spalding University’s Office of Financial Aid. During her time in the CEHD, she completed internships that allowed her to make meaningful connections with students and learn under inspiring supervisors who continue to motivate her.
Abdon Garay-Briones, MA in Higher Education Administration with a certificate in Organizational Change in Higher Education
Outstanding Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Outreach in Higher Education Award
After graduation, Garay-Briones will attend the Command and General Staff College and travel with his family. Reflecting on his time in the CEHD, Garay-Briones fondly recalls watching a UofL basketball game with multiple students from the MEC. He also values the feedback he received from professors during class.
Ray Gonzalez, MEd in Counseling & Personnel Services in CSP
Gonzalez fondly recalls the welcoming environment she experienced when she first met people from her cohort. Coming from a different program, Gonzalez appreciated the kindness and support, which helped her navigate her entrance into the world of student affairs. Her time in the CEHD has been marked by meaningful connections and valuable experiences that have prepared her for her future career.
Rebecca Hicks-Hawkins, EdD in Educational Leadership and Organizational Development
Hicks-Hawkins plans to continue working JCPS and aspires to become an administrator. She also looks forward to beginning teaching classes at a university. One of the most meaningful aspects of her time in the CEHD has been the personal connections she has made with members of her cohort. She values the friendships she has formed and is grateful for the support and camaraderie she has experienced throughout her academic journey.
Drew Kratche, MEd in Counseling & Personnel Services in CMH
Kratche plans to start working at a private practice in Columbus, Ohio after graduation. One of the most meaningful aspects of his time in the CEHD was building relationships with those in his cohort. These connections have been instrumental, and he looks forward to carrying these experiences into his future career.
Alisia McClain, PhD in Educational Leadership and Organizational Development
Dissertation Award for Community-Engaged Research
After graduation, McClain plans to continue her work in increasing diversity and a sense of belonging for underrepresented groups within the field of computer science. She is particularly focused on her nonprofit, TECH-Nique, which she founded. Reflecting on her time in the CEHD, McClain recalls how she unexpectedly found a personal connection with her identity in the field of academic research, thanks to “Black Feminist Thought” by Patricia Collins (1990). This book was transformative for her in her doctoral journey and sustained her through several major life changes. This connection to her work inspired her to continue contributing to discussions about diversity in technology.
Patricia Nyalwal, MEd in Counseling & Personnel Services in CSP
CSP Community Engagement Award
Nyalwal’s time in the CEHD has been filled with many memorable experiences, including sharing personal updates with her cohort, speaking in a UofL Alumni support video, serving as the president of Organization Assisting and Serving International Students and Scholars (OASIS) and accepting the Outstanding International Student and Scholar Center Award. She is grateful for the opportunities she has had and looks forward to continuing her academic and professional journey.
Taylor Rose-Dougherty, PhD in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in Languages, Literacies, Cultures, and Communities
Dean’s Citation Award
Rose-Dougherty has accepted a position as an Assistant Professor of English (English Education) at Utah State University. She is grateful for the opportunity to have taught multiple courses in the Department of Elementary, Middle, and Secondary Teacher Education, where she met, worked with, and learned alongside creative and talented teacher candidates. This experience has been instrumental in shaping her academic journey.
Carrie Wade, EdD in Educational Leadership and Organizational Development
Wade intends to continue in her current employment, utilizing the knowledge and skills she has gained to excel in her role. She is eager to share her research findings and take on new opportunities that arise. Wade began her studies in 2020, during the onset of the pandemic, however she expresses that program leadership ensured that her cohort received the best experience possible. One defining moment was co-authoring an article with Mary Brydon-Miller and several of colleagues, related to their experiences with action research during the pandemic.
Aslean Hoskins White, EdD in Educational Leadership and Organizational Development
Outstanding Doctorate of Education Student Award
After graduation Hoskins White will return to her position as Assistant Principal at Brenda Cowan Elementary School. Reflecting on her time in the CEHD, Hoskins White mentioned the significance of presenting at Spring Research Conferences, which helped prepare her for her first national speaking opportunity. These experiences have been instrumental in her growth as a leader.
Stephanie White, PhD in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in Mathematics Education
Dean’s Citation Award
After graduation, White will teach Geometry and Algebra II at Grace James Academy of Excellence in JCPS. One of the most significant personal connections she has made during her time in the CEHD is with Susan Peters. Peters' support and guidance have been invaluable to White, especially during challenging times. White feels privileged to have worked alongside Peters and credits her with inspiring her to complete her research despite the obstacles she faced.
About the College of Education and Human Development:
Founded in 1968, the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) is a vibrant community that prepares students for leadership in a variety of metropolitan settings including schools, public and private corporations, and governmental agencies.
CEHD embraces the University's mission to advance the intellectual, cultural, and economic development of our diverse communities and citizens. Our commitment to student success is unparalleled as we promote the highest levels of learning and social, emotional, and physical health and well-being for all children, individuals, and families.