CANTON, Mo. — 91ֱ�� inducted Wes Lukoshus ‘74 and Kristen Harmon ‘92 into the 91ֱ�� Dept. of Education Hall of Excellence during a ceremony on April 14 on the C-SC campus.

Lukoshus enjoyed a distinguished 43-year career in journalism, public relations, and higher education administration, including 32 years with the Purdue University system. He retired as assistant vice chancellor of marketing and communication at Purdue University Northwest, where he played a key role in institutional growth and strategic communications.

Harmon is a deaf professor of English at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. A respected scholar, writer, and educator, she has published peer-reviewed scholarly articles, book chapters, anthologies, short stories, and narrative non-fiction. She teaches a wide range of courses in media, writing, literature, and composition and rhetoric. 

“We are pleased to recognize Wes and Kristen this year. They exemplify the transformative power of education and the enduring impact of 91ֱ��,” said Dr. Cindy Whiston, associate professor of education and associate division chair of the Business, Education, Art, and Media Division. “Their achievements, leadership, and dedication to their fields serve as an inspiration to our students and reflect the excellence we strive to cultivate at C-SC.”

The Education Hall of Excellence recognizes Culver-Stockton alumni who have demonstrated outstanding achievement, leadership, and dedication to the field of education.

For more information about Culver-Stockton’s education major, visit /majors/education/.

Accredited by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, the online program allows candidates to work full time in a classroom while completing their coursework. Once enrolled, candidates are immediately eligible to be hired by school districts. The program is designed for working professionals, with all classes offered online and asynchronously. Students can begin at five different points throughout the year and can complete the certification in as little as one year, though most finish in 18 to 24 months.

“The teacher shortage crisis continues to impact schools across Missouri and the nation, particularly in rural communities,” said Cindy Whiston, associate professor, chair of the education department, and director of student teaching at 91ֱ��. “Our program offers schools a vital resource by enabling them to hire qualified candidates while those candidates complete their training. This helps fill classroom vacancies quickly.”

Whiston explained those enrolled in C-SC’s ALT certification program bring diverse professional experiences into education, enriching classrooms with real-world perspectives. She added that one of the aspects that makes Culver-Stockton’s program unique is faculty members’ personal connection to students.

“We combine support, along with affordability and flexibility, with the rigor needed to prepare successful educators. This program helps passionate individuals make the transition into teaching while ensuring schools receive the qualified educators they urgently need.”

Learn more about Culver-Stockton’s ALT Teacher Certification program via C-SC’s Master of Education webpage at /master-of-education/.

The program, a partnership between C-SC’s Education Department and local school districts, provides C-SC education students with engaging, hands-on, experiential learning opportunities. According to Assistant Professor of Education Lindsay Uhlmeyer, Culver-Stockton students work together to envision the themes for each day, plan the lessons and learn what is age-appropriate, and practice the projects in advance.

“We are grateful to the Community Foundation, as well as the Lewis County Endowment Fund Council, for this award. The grant makes it possible for us to continue this important program without passing costs on to families,” Dr. Uhlmeyer explained. “It allows us to provide educational enrichment and childcare at no cost to parents, while also giving our preservice teachers valuable classroom experience with faculty support. We hope to continue to give back to our community and to continue to grow this program.”

Since its start, the program has partnered with the Canton R-V School District. Thanks to this funding, it will expand this year to include students from Clark County R-1, Palmyra R-1, and Lewis County C-1. Each STEAM Day features subject-based lessons, movement activities, campus tours, and collaborations with other C-SC departments. Past activities have included chemistry demonstrations and financial literacy lessons. (The program was recently featured in the Missouri State Teachers’ Association magazine, see .)

Paige Corbin, a C-SC Education student who participated in past STEAM Days, said the program has given her valuable experience in learning behavior management, lesson planning, and how to work with students in different age groups.

“It just gives me that confidence, and I feel good about going in and being able to lead a group of 20 kids,” Corbin said. “It reassures me that I’ll do fine in the classroom on my own because I’ve had so many opportunities through STEAM Days.”

C-SC has recently renovated two classrooms to create a more child-friendly learning environment, anticipating continued growth in the number of participants. With the expansion to multiple districts, the program is expected to serve more children than ever before.

Those interested in enrolling students in upcoming STEAM Days at 91ֱ�� can learn more and register at .

For more information about the 91ֱ�� Education Department, visit /majors/education.

Photo caption: L to R: Kent Embree, program officer, Community Foundation; Pat Benson, chair, Community Foundation Board of Directors; Dr. Lindsay Uhlmeyer, assistant professor of education, 91ֱ��; Dr. Lacy Harrison, assistant professor of education, 91ֱ��; and Catherine Meckes, CEO, Community Foundation.

Bill Bass ’95
William (Bill) Bass attended Culver-Stockton from 1991 to 1995, graduating with a degree in English education. He spent the early part of his teaching career in middle and high schools and served as a soccer coach. He earned a master’s degree in instructional technology with an emphasis in instructional design and holds a post-master’s certificate in online learning.

Bass currently serves as the Innovation Coordinator for Instructional Technology, Information, Library Media, and Federal Programs in the Parkway School District in St. Louis, Missouri. In this role, he leads the district’s library and instructional technology programs, oversees grants and federal programs, and creates conditions to foster district-wide innovation in classrooms.

Throughout his more than 20-year career in education, Bass has held roles as a middle and high school English teacher, technology integration specialist, instructional coach, adjunct professor, graduate course designer for an edtech master’s program, and educational consultant. As a
speaker, writer and professional developer, he focuses on systemic and sustainable technology integration at all grade levels, working to empower both students and teachers through authentic learning experiences.

He has received several honors, including the ISTE Making IT Happen Award, the Divergent Award for Excellence in Literacy in a Digital Age Research, recognition as one of NSBA’s “20 to Watch” EdTech Leaders, and Teacher of the Year at Hazelwood East High School. Bass has served as past president of the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Board of Directors, and as a member of the Executive Committee for the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE). He frequently consults with edtech startups and national organizations, and is an international presenter and speaker, collaborating with educators around the globe.

Bass has authored numerous articles and book chapters, as well as four books: From Inspiration to Red Carpet (ISTE, 2012), Digital Reading: What’s Essential in Grades 3–8 (NCTE, 2015), and two editions of Leading from the Library (ISTE, 2019).

Kurt C. Schuett ‘97
Dr. Kurt C. Schuett attended 91ֱ�� from 1993 to 1997, graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English with Secondary Education. At C-SC, he was an active participant in campus life, playing baseball and holding leadership positions in Greek life as vice president and alumni chair of Lambda Chi Alpha, as well as serving on the interfraternity council.

Schuett received numerous honors during his time at Culver-Stockton, including the Myron F. Johnson Award, the Shannon Hall Award, the Lambda Chi Alpha Highest GPA Award, and the Guy Cooper Poetry Award. He earned a master’s degree in education in 2009 and a doctorate of education in 2021. In 2020, he was inducted into the National Society of Leadership and Success at Concordia University Chicago.

He began his teaching career at Clark County R-I High School in Kahoka (MO), where he taught English and German and coached multiple sports, including softball, baseball, basketball and track. He later returned to the Chicagoland area and has taught English at East Leyden High School since 2000. He also teaches AP Research as part of the College Board’s AP Capstone Program and serves as an adjunct professor at Concordia University Chicago.

Since 2005, Schuett has served as the head varsity softball coach at Leyden, where his teams have set school and state records and earned multiple championships. He is particularly proud that 60 of his former players have gone on to compete in collegiate softball while earning degrees—seven of whom began their journeys at 91ֱ��.

Schuett was named the Illinois Coaches Association Softball Coach of the Year in 2024 and previously coached a team that earned national recognition from ESPN as a Fab 50 Girls Softball Team in 2012. In addition to his achievements as an educator and coach, he is an accomplished writer, with widely published short stories and poetry. He was nominated for the Pushcart Prize and is the author of the dystopian novel Insurgency and the academic book Beyond Digital Distraction: Educating Today’s Cyber Student (Palgrave Macmillan, 2024).

The 91ֱ�� Education Hall of Excellence award has been given annually to alumni who have distinguished themselves professionally in the field of education, brought honor to 91ֱ�� and/or made significant contributions to the college and/or their community. The award was established in 2007.

About 91ֱ��
91ֱ��, situated on 140 acres in Canton, Missouri, atop The Hill overlooking the Mississippi River, was founded in 1853 by members of the Disciples of Christ Church. Today, more than 1,000 students from around the world shape their futures in academic excellence with opportunities in 80 majors and minors, five graduate programs, 21 NAIA inter-collegiate athletics, 35 diverse student organizations, and many campus-life events.

According to Ugly Me’s description on Amazon, the book was inspired by real students and their real-world struggles.

“It’s a raw, powerful, and unforgettable journey inside the mind of a child who feels lost, broken, and unworthy of love. Through the [main character’s] eyes, readers experience the heartbreaking reality of trauma, bullying, and self-doubt—but also the small moments of hope that can change everything,” notes the Amazon blurb.

“We are thrilled to have J.E. Stamper join us for this spring’s Education Mini Conference,” said C-SC Associate Professor of Education Cindy Whiston. “His work resonates deeply with young readers, and his message of perseverance and self-worth aligns perfectly with the values we seek to instill in our students.”

The Education Mini Conference is a semi-annual event designed to provide future educators and students with opportunities for professional development, networking, and engagement with impactful voices in education. This spring’s conference will include a series of interactive activities and break-out session discussions aimed at enhancing the learning experience for all attendees.

About 91ֱ��
91ֱ��, situated on 140 acres in Canton, Missouri, atop The Hill overlooking the Mississippi River, was founded in 1853 by members of the Disciples of Christ Church. Today, more than 1,000 students from around the world shape their futures in academic excellence with opportunities in 80 majors and minors, five graduate programs, 21 NAIA inter-collegiate athletics, 35 diverse student organizations, and many campus-life events.

“As the demand for skilled professionals in criminal justice and education continues to rise, 91ֱ�� remains steadfast in its commitment to prepare students for meaningful careers. We are excited to offer accelerated programs designed to fast-track students toward success in these vital fields,” said 91ֱ�� President Lauren Schellenberger.

Students in the accelerated programs can earn their degrees in just three years—allowing them to enter the workforce or pursue graduate studies sooner. These programs are designed to provide immersive, hands-on experiences at an expedited pace. With integrated internships,
real-world learning opportunities, and a strong focus on career preparation, the programs distinguish themselves as a premier pathway for motivated students seeking a fast-tracked, high-quality education.

The accelerated Criminal Justice Program path will have the key focuses of law enforcement, legal studies, corrections, and community advocacy. The Department understands the high demand for qualified criminal justice personnel needed in the tri-state region, as well as across the United States. To accommodate this demand, the C-SC Criminal Justice Program is offering an accelerated track for their traditional undergrad Criminal Justice degree.

“The opportunity for a traditional C-SC student to finish their undergrad degree within three years gets them into the workforce to take advantage of the demand in the criminal justice fields across our great country,” 91ֱ�� Professor Seth McBride explained. “It also lessens the financial burden of the student for completing their degree in three years, compared to four years.”

The second accelerated program launched focuses on addressing the critical teacher shortages impacting schools nationwide. With a growing need for qualified educators, the Education program is designed to prepare future teachers to meet the needs of today’s classrooms. Students can choose from several specializations, including elementary, secondary, and special education, ensuring they are equipped to serve a variety of educational needs. The program’s structure emphasizes practical experience, giving students the opportunity to engage in classroom settings early on, and supports their development through rigorous coursework.

”The accelerated program to prepare students to become teachers will prepare future educators with the tools they need to be a transformative and effective teacher through experiential learning courses,” said Professor Cindy Whiston, Education Department Chair. “This focus on both the practical and academic aspects of teaching makes Culver-Stockton’s Accelerated Education Program a valuable stepping stone for those passionate about shaping the future of education.”

Enrolling in either accelerated program offers students a unique opportunity to jump-start their careers while streamlining their path to graduation. By reducing the time required to complete a degree, these programs help lower overall educational costs, making a high-quality education more accessible and financially efficient.

Additionally, students who participate in our accelerated offerings have the unique opportunity to fast-track their careers through 91ֱ��’s innovative 3+2 approach. This enables students to earn a Master’s degree online after just three years of undergraduate study. It will enhance their professional growth and open doors to advanced career opportunities.

The new accelerated programs will officially launch in Fall 2025, offering prospective students an expedited path to earning their degrees in criminal justice or education. Interested students can apply through the 91ֱ�� admission portal or request more information (admission@culver.edu) to learn about specific enrollment requirements and the program’s unique features.

Contact the Marketing & Public Relations Office, at pr@culver.edu or 573-288-6000, ext. 6728, for more information.

About 91ֱ��
91ֱ��, situated on 140 acres in Canton, Missouri, atop The Hill overlooking the Mississippi River, was founded in 1853 by members of the Disciples of Christ Church. Today, more than 1,000 students from around the world shape their futures in academic excellence with opportunities in 80 majors and minors, four graduate programs, 19 NAIA inter-collegiate athletics, 35 diverse student organizations, and many campus-life events.

This comprehensive conference will provide mental health professionals, educators, and other human service helping professionals an opportunity to deepen their understanding of complex trauma and explore practical, evidence-based interventions. Attendees will gain valuable insight into the neurological, physiological, and psychological effects of trauma, and learn how to apply effective strategies for supporting those impacted by trauma—especially vulnerable populations such as immigrants, refugees, and individuals experiencing systemic trauma.

The event will feature a keynote address by Angel Knoverek, PhD, LCPC/LPC, ACS, on the impact of complex trauma, followed by three rounds of breakout sessions led by experts in the field, including Lindsey Knochel, MSW, LCSW, and Karen C. Simms, MFT. Session topics include: Complex Trauma & Neurobiology, Evidence-Based Strategies to Support Parents, Complex Trauma in Immigrant & Refugee Families, Complex Trauma, Schools, and Learning, Supporting Parents Who Experienced Intergenerational or Systemic Trauma, Complex Trauma and Substance Use, Complex Trauma and LGBTQ+ Youth and Provider Bias, Implicit Racism, & White Privilege. The day will conclude with an inspiring session, When Hurts Heal: A Message of Hope and Resilience, presented by Karen C. Simms, MFT, Director of Trauma & Resilience Initiative, Inc.

91ֱ��’s Director of Counselor Education, Dr. Angel Knoverek, serves as the Director for the States of Missouri (91ֱ��, Canton, MO) and Illinois (Mindshift Center, Quincy, IL) Complex Trauma training Consortiums. Dr. Angel Knoverek states, “It’s a great resource to have this level of expertise in our local tri-state community, especially to develop our helping professionals’ knowledge and best practices to work with individuals who have experienced complex trauma.”

Registration for the event can be found online at bit.ly/cts_2024. The event is $45 per general registration. General registration includes lunch and a certificate of attendance. Registration is free for C-SC students. Professionals in mental health, human services, and education are encouraged to register early to secure their spot for this important event. For more information or to register, visit bit.ly/cts_2024 or contact Dr. Melissa Holt at mholt@culver.edu or 573-228-6417.

Students at Culver-Stockton are among only a handful of cohorts at colleges and universities across the state who are being trained as part of their undergraduate coursework. The participants in the course supplement their learning by working directly with practicum students in kindergarten and second grade through a partnership with Canton R-V. “LETRS ® has provided me with knowledge that not only allows me to teach students to read but also makes the process so simple. It broke down complex practices and concepts into easy-to-apply instruction backed by research,” stated Eva Manuel, Culver-Stockton education major. “I found myself reevaluating everything I had thought I knew about reading instruction and rebuilding that knowledge with researched backed practices that will only benefit my future students.” C-SC students work with these young learners to improve critical language and literacy skills while gaining valuable experience in a mutually beneficial relationship.

C-SC faculty members Dr. Cindy Whiston, Professor Lacy Harrison, and Dr. Lindsay Uhlmeyer completed LETRS ® Vol. 1 training during the 2022-23 school year and are on track to complete Vol. 2 in May 2024. Uhlmeyer has been trained as a LETRS ® Vol. 1 facilitator and will train the undergraduate students.

For more information about 91ֱ�� and this program visit the education major page. Admissions questions can be directed to the admission department, 573-288-6000 or admission@culver.edu.

The day’s events included Q&A with education majors, breakout sessions focusing on financial literacy, transformations in elementary classrooms, a brain architecture game, and C-SC master’s programs. This year’s book club roundtable discussion focused on “Ugly Me” by J.E. Stamper. A teacher of record panel discussion was also a session students could choose to attend.

Each year, the mini-conference also hosts a Hall of Excellence Ceremony, where during lunch, a distinguished educator is honored. This year’s award was given posthumously to Culver-Stockton Alumnus and former C-SC faculty member, Ann (Stow) Hammer ‘72. Ann’s husband and children were in attendance to accept the award in her honor.

Ann attended Canton High School and earned her teaching degree from 91ֱ�� in 1972. The well-loved educator taught elementary school before going on to finish her master’s degree in education at Northeast Missouri State (now Truman State University) and became an elementary principal at Canton R-V in 1982. Ann was a natural leader and born administrator. In 1991 her administrative ability was on full display as she was honored as Missouri’s National Distinguished Principal in Washington DC. After serving for many years at Canton R-V Schools, she earned her specialist degree in education from Southwest Missouri State (now Missouri State University) and took on an entirely new administrative role as superintendent of Wellsville Schools in Wellsville, MO.

After retiring from Wellsville Schools, she looked forward to time spent away from school buildings; however, being the kind of woman who had trouble sitting still, she quickly found her way back to her alma mater and began to pass on her love of teaching to education students at 91ֱ��. In 2006, Ann came to Culver-Stockton as a professor of education and director of student teaching.

From 2010 to 2014 she also served as chair of the division of education and applied arts. In the interest of enlivening the education program and improving student experiences, she requested and received funding for two important education department projects: an Education Technology Lab and a Simulated Education Classroom.

She continued to bring vitality and experiential learning to education students in many creative ways. The highlight of such efforts was her students’ giving presentations at two notable
education venues. At the conference of The Association of Middle School Level Education in Portland, Oregon, her students gave creative presentations on “Middle School in High Definition” and “Middle School—There’s an App for That.” At the conference of The Missouri Middle School Association, Professional Development, her students gave presentations on “Middle School in High Definition” and “Middle School Students in Professional Learning Communities.”

She worked hard for her students’ success and in 2012 received the Advisor of the Year award from 91ֱ��. When Ann first entered classrooms at Culver-Stockton, students respectfully called her Dr. Hammer. She readily informed them that she did not have a PhD. Thereafter when Ann introduced herself to new classes, she would say “Hi. I’m Dr…no.” From that time to her retirement from Culver-Stockton in 2015 and beyond, her students continued to affectionately refer to her as Dr. No.

Education students are encouraged to attend the entire day and will need permission from professors to miss classes and be responsible for any missed assignments.

Photo Caption: Keynote speaker Darrion Cockrell welcomes all to the event and inspires current and future students to ‘Be the change you want to see. This year’s Hall of Excellence award was given posthumously to Culver-Stockton Alumnus and former C-SC faculty member, Ann (Stow) Hammer ‘72. Ann’s family accepted the award in her honor. 

A breakout session is scheduled for 10:25 a.m. to 11:20 a.m. One session will include a poverty simulation in Dulaney Hall by Denise Damron of the United Way. Betsy Parrish will present a session about MakerSpace/project-based learning in room 302 of Henderson Hall, and a third session will be held by Kevin Hillman covering coaching and administration in room 308.

Molly Mitola, a C-SC English education alumna and school librarian, will discuss how banned books affect diversity and inclusion from 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Meaders Lounge. She will repeat the session from 1 p.m. to 1:55 p.m. in room 308 of Henderson. Both of these presentations will be eligible for ACE credit for students who attend. C-SC alumnus Jesse Uhlmeyer ’03, superintendent of the Canton R-V School District, will present a tour of the community from 12:20-1 p.m. and will repeat the session from 1:00-1:55 p.m. This session will include a school bus ride around the community and surrounding rural areas to discuss different types of living conditions and home environments experienced by rural students, as well as a discussion about the importance of understanding each student’s unique home environment.

Other presentations in a second breakout session from 1 p.m. to 1:55 p.m. will include talks from Quincy Public School officials Eryn Beswick, Lisa Otten, and Marilyn Smith, who will cover employment opportunities and interviewing in Dulaney Hall. Sgt. Devon Willis of the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office will deliver lockdown tips to attendees in room 302 of Henderson to prepare students for an emergency situation while they are observing or teaching in area classrooms.

Education students are encouraged to attend the entire day and will need permission from professors to miss classes and be responsible for any missed assignments.