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 newly elected officers—Dr. Angel Knoverek (President), Dr. Mark Vander Ley (Treasurer), and Danielle Hamilton, MA (Secretary)—are all 91ֱ�� faculty members. Together, they bring extensive academic and clinical expertise to their leadership roles, and their efforts reflect the college’s deep commitment to community engagement and mental health advocacy.

“By strengthening the counseling profession, MCA will enhance the quality of mental health services available to individuals and families, contributing to healthier and more resilient communities,” said Dr. Knoverek, who is also a licensed counselor for more than 25 years.

Knoverek first identified the need to revive the MCA while advising students in Culver-Stockton’s new Master of Arts in Counseling (MAC) program. After reviewing Missouri licensure regulations and learning that the MCA had disbanded, she and her colleagues began a year-long effort to bring the association back to life.

The MCA is now fully operational and working in collaboration with other state branches in the Midwest Region to offer continuing education opportunities and support for professional counselors.

Adding a creative and interdisciplinary dimension to the project, the association’s branding was developed by Victorya Knoverek, a senior at 91ֱ�� majoring in both graphic design and psychology. Victorya, who is also a first-year student in the MAC program, chose the MCA branding as her senior graphic design capstone project, taught by C-SC faculty member Sally Kintz.

Her work is now being used across MCA’s social media platforms and official correspondence,
with plans to implement the branding across the organization’s website in the near future.

“We’re proud that the relaunch of the MCA is not only faculty-led but also features the creative work of one of our outstanding students,” Vander Lay added. “Victorya’s interdisciplinary perspective has given the association a fresh and professional visual identity as we reconnect with counselors across Missouri.”

The Missouri Counseling Association’s mission is to promote the development of professional counselors, provide advocacy in the field, and raise awareness around ethical and culturally inclusive best practices. Its vision is to enhance the quality of life for Missourians by supporting the counseling profession.

For more information or to set up an interview with one of the faculty team, contact C-SC Marketing & Public Relations at 573-288-6000, ext. 6728, or via email at pr@culver.edu.

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.

This collaboration establishes a unique “3+1” program allowing students to earn their bachelor’s degree from 91ֱ�� after three years of undergraduate coursework, and the first year of the DPT program at Clarke University. Students who continue into the graduate program can participate in the “3+3” pathway, enabling them to earn their Doctorate of Physical Therapy in just two additional years, for a total of six years.

Participating in this partnership will provide students with a competitive admissions advantage, an accelerated timeline to earn their DPT, and a smooth transition between programs.

In this agreement, two qualified 91ֱ�� students will be guaranteed seats in Clarke University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program each year. Additional Culver-Stockton students who meet the program requirements will receive priority consideration for admission.

“Collaboration of this kind is what higher education is all about,” said Brad Kruse, Professor and Chair of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Clarke. “The partnership with 91ֱ�� not only ensures greater access to education for students, but trains exceptional practitioners that will benefit the health and wellness of communities near and far.”

“I am thrilled about the articulation agreement between 91ֱ�� and Clarke University,” stated Interim Dean of Graduate and Professional Studies Dr. Jay Hoffman. “This partnership opens up new pathways for our students, enhancing their educational and career opportunities while reinforcing our commitment to academic collaboration and student success.”

For more information, visit or contact admission@culver.edu.

About Clarke University
Founded in 1843 by the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Clarke University is located near the Mississippi River in Dubuque, Iowa. The University believes learning is lifelong and life-changing. Our community inspires intellectual curiosity, cultural engagement, professional preparedness, spiritual exploration, and a commitment to contributing to the common good in a global society. Academic offerings include over 45 undergraduate majors and minors, 10 pre-professional programs, and five graduate degree programs.

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.

The healthcare management certificate offers a specialized curriculum designed to prepare professionals for leadership roles in the rapidly evolving healthcare sector. This program includes courses that form a comprehensive foundation for aspiring healthcare managers, providing them with the strategic, financial, and human resource management skills needed to excel in leadership positions within the healthcare industry.

“These courses are crafted and taught by experienced professionals who understand the demands of today’s industries,” stated Interim Dean of Graduate and Professional Studies Dr. Jay Hoffman. “This ensures that students gain practical, applicable skills that are immediately relevant to their careers. With asynchronous online classes, students can study on their own schedule, making it easier to balance work, life, and education.” Investing in a graduate certificate can enhance a person’s career trajectory, increase their earning potential, and provide skills to lead and innovate within the chosen field.

Credits earned from C-SC online graduate certificates can be applied to a future graduate degree, providing a seamless pathway to further education. Despite being online, students will experience the close-knit community and support that Culver-Stockton is known for, with faculty and staff dedicated to student success from enrollment through graduation.

For more information and to enroll, visit culver.edu/ogc or contact the admission office at 573- 288-6000.

The programs were developed by Dr. Angel Knoverek ‘93, who serves the College as an Assistant Professor of Psychology. Knoverek has a rich history as a licensed professional counselor and focused on childhood trauma for nearly 30 years before joining the Culver-Stockton faculty as an educator. Knoverek shared, “I’m very excited to have the opportunity to develop the Master of Arts in Counseling and look forward to advancing our students in their livelihoods as professionals, caring individuals, and contributors to their communities.” Graduates of the C-SC Master of Arts in Counseling program will gain unique experiences to transform their careers and the lives of clients they serve.

91ֱ�� will hold an informational session regarding the MAC program in the near future. For information regarding that event, financial aid for the degree program, or admission requirements, please contact C-SC Admission at 800-573-1883 or online at culver.edu/MAC.

Dr. Jay Hoffman, Department Chair of Athletic Training & Health Sciences at C-SC says athletic trainers will need the advanced degree to excel in their field and this partnership will financially reward the students. Hoffman stated, “Athletic Training is one of the fastest growing healthcare professions in the nation, and this partnership will allow students to matriculate even sooner into their healthcare career.”

This partnership opens the opportunity for students at Westminster College to be on the same accelerated masters track as those attending 91ֱ��. For incoming first-year students at C-SC, they complete their entire coursework in five years and graduate with a Master’s in Athletic Training (MAT). The Westminster + C-SC agreement allows Westminster students to complete three years of undergraduate courses on their campus and then transfer to C-SC to complete their studies and confer a MAT degree. These courses include a variety of clinical experiences in both athletic and hospital settings. The skill-based opportunities provided to the students at C-SC will take place within the medical communities of Canton, Hannibal and Quincy.

Culver-Stockton’s MAT is a nationally ranked program, seated at #11, where 100% of graduates passed the Board of Certification exam on their first attempt in the last three years. In addition, all MAT graduates at C-SC attend professional conferences or participate in public relations and professional advocacy events at the state, district or national levels. Graduates are entering the workforce with the degree they need to excel in their profession and their investment will pay dividends. Hoffman exclaimed, “Obtaining a master’s degree in five years represents a substantial tuition savings and an extra year of income that can be worth approximately $70,000 for these focused and conscientious students!”

HLGU will provide a stream of high quality students to a C-SC program that already boasts a 100% first-time pass-rate and job placement rate over the past three years. The quality and consistency of the program will provide excellent career prospects for these students in a booming athletic training job market. The Bureau of Labor & Statistics announced recently that there is a projected 22.8% increase in athletic training jobs over the next 10 years.

Athletic trainers, who are often confused with personal trainers, are actually certified and licensed health care professionals who collaborate with physicians to provide preventative services, emergency care, clinical diagnosis, therapeutic intervention and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions in physically active populations. Rapid growth of athletic trainers in the secondary school setting means students are much more familiar with the profession, creating a strong area of interest for students seeking careers in sport and medicine.

HLGU Chair of Exercise and Sport Science, Clay Biggs, stated, “We are excited about providing our graduates with another option to continue their education and pursue an advanced degree. The background that students receive in HLGU’s Exercise Science degree will complement the MAT program at C-SC very well.”

The Master of Athletic Training students will complete two years of graduate study, including a variety of clinical experiences in both athletic and hospital/clinical settings, that will hone their knowledge and skills in the Canton, Hannibal, and Quincy medical communities.

Contact Dr. Jay Hoffman at jhoffman@culver.edu or Clay Biggs at cbiggs@hlg.edu for additional information, and follow program updates at www.culver.edu/mat/ or on X @CulverMAT.

The Master in Education degree program is tailored for practicing teachers in the classroom. The classes are offered in 8-week terms during the fall, spring and summer semesters. The program is designed to be completed in two years but students who want to accelerate that can take a full-time course load and complete it in as little as a year. The uniqueness of the program stems in the objective of continuing to grow classroom teachers professionally for the challenges and opportunities in education. The coursework is intended to be applied to the profession in the classroom at the same time.

Dr. Diana King, Chair of the Master of Education program and lead on this initiative, said, “The process has taken several years but that ensures the program is well developed, has the necessary support, and truly fills a need. I am very excited to finally have the green light to start the M. Ed. and provide an opportunity for teachers to take that next step in advancing their careers. This program not only offers the convenience of online learning at a comparable cost to other institutions, it offers the same quality of instruction and faculty/student interaction that everyone has come to expect from Culver-Stockton.”

Tuition discounts are already available for C-SC alumni and the program plans launch an Educational Partnership with school districts for teachers to receive a tuition discount. C-SC is now taking applications for admission into the program; the application is free and there is no GRE requirement. Students must provide official transcripts from their undergraduate program, teacher certification test score (they must hold state teacher certification), philosophy of education statement and three professional references.

There will be a kick-off reception to celebrate the new program on Thursday, June 22 from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Electric Fountain Brewing Company, located at 104 North 6th Street in Quincy, Ill. Anyone interested in learning more about the program are invited to attend. Those interested in the program can find out more about the M.Ed. at www.culver.edu/graduate.