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/.

The free event is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 26 from 3–5:30 p.m. in the Nichols Baseball Field parking lot on the Culver-Stockton campus.

Community members are invited to bring their children in costume for an afternoon of safe and festive fun. This is a Teal Pumpkin-friendly event; non-candy alternatives will be available.

For more information, contact Dr. Lacy Harrison, assistant professor of education, at lharrison@culver.edu.

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.

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.

For college students looking to fulfill degree requirements, or an adult learner seeking to enhance skills flexible summer class schedules are designed to accommodate busy schedules. In addition to in-seat classes, C-SC also offers numerous online classes and programs. “Our new Career Online Resources & Education (CORE) program offers non-credit online career-
building programs and skills-building courses,” stated Jay Hoffman, interim dean of graduate and professional studies. “With hundreds of topics from which to choose, the CORE program
offers an engaging online career development. All courses are taught by highly qualified instructors, provide discussion opportunities with other learners, and may be completed at the student’s pace.

Faculty and staff of C-SC are committed to the institution’s mission of preparing students of promise for a dynamic world through its experiential curriculum within a supportive learning community founded upon the best values of faith and the human spirit. Registration for C-SC summer classes is now open! Visit culver.edu to explore our course offerings or call 573-288-6000.

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.

Before the simulation, students in the CAST program prepare from various disciplines to work with children affected by traumatic events, including sexual abuse, physical abuse, and neglect. The curricula in these courses are aligned with the Zero Abuse Project, and C-SC faculty collaborate with the National Child Traumatic Stress Network on the case where vignettes are used.

“This mock house simulation is one of the highlights of the students’ experiences,” Dr. Angel Knoverek said.” Knoverek serves the College as the CAST Coordinator and Director of Counselor Education. She continued, “It’s interesting to watch them balance the excitement related to learning with the intense heaviness of the topic and details related to the child abuse case. The simulation also helps them understand the need for self-care when working with individuals who have experienced trauma.” The mock house simulation is a one-day event at 91ֱ��.

For more information regarding the CAST program at C-SC, contact Dr. Angel Knoverek at aknoverek@culver.edu or (573)288-6000 ext. 6452.

Under the guidance of Julie Straus, chair of the Business, Education and Law Division, the following Culver-Stockton students were added to Sigma Beta Delta in recognition of their high academic achievement and willingness to pursue a life of wisdom, honor, and aspirations:

Undergraduate candidates:

• Caitlin Carthy, a junior accountancy and finance major from New Baden, Ill.
• Lea Daniel, a senior accountancy and finance major from Everton, Mo.
• Jose Fernandez, a junior business administration major from Madrid, Spain.
• Christopher Ford, a junior finance major from Canton, Mo.
• Sailor Gengenbacher, a senior psychology and business administration major from Quincy, Ill.
• Alexander Gonzalez, a junior business administration and finance major from Cape Coral, Fla.
• Abigail Huber, a senior accountancy and finance major from Quincy, Ill.
• Dalton Myers, a junior business administration and marketing major from Quincy, Ill.
• Cassidy Navo, a junior finance and accountancy major from House Springs, Mo.
• Shanna Wemhoener, a senior business administration major from Quincy, Ill.
• Brooke Wilson, a junior accountancy major from Palmyra, Mo.

Master of Business Administration candidates:

• Megan Crawford, an MBA student with a specialization in management from Shelbina, Mo.
• Jessica Freels, an MBA student with a specialization in management from New London, Mo.
• Kyle Warning, an MBA student with a specialization in management and health care management from Quincy, Ill.

A formal induction ceremony, which will be conducted by chapter advisor Jim Cosgrove, professor of business administration, is scheduled for the fall.

Sigma Beta Delta was founded in January 1994 and established to honor students who have attained superior records in business programs in schools and colleges with regional accreditation. Membership in Sigma Beta Delta is the highest national recognition a business student can receive at a college or university with a Sigma Beta Delta chapter.

More than 400 chapters have been established in 47 states and internationally. Sigma Beta Delta has more than 80,000 members.

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Butler attended C-SC from 1974 to 1977, earning a bachelor of science degree in elementary education and minors in mathematics and French. She believes the education she received from Culver-Stockton provided a strong foundation for her long career.�� She first taught for six years in Highland, Ind.��During that time, she obtained a master’s degree in elementary education with an emphasis in language development. She earned a master’s degree in school administration several years later.

Butler transferred to Hammond, Ind., in 1984��to pursue her goal of working in an urban at-risk district. She taught kindergarten and pursued professional opportunities within the district. She was asked to lead a district language development team in 1989. After four successful years, she decided to return to the classroom.

Throughout her 28 years in the district, she held many positions focusing on students and families, including��instructional coach, Indiana mentor/presenter, assistant principal of curriculum and programs, grant writer, family liaison, RTI coordinator and data analyst, cadre leader for mathematics and literacy and Purdue student teaching placement and supervisor.

Many awards followed, but few were more meaningful than those providing for the students, families and teachers she mentored, such as the 1994��Purdue University Teacher in Residence, then Visiting Professor; LASS Literacy Coach Scholarship (two-year training program), Indiana Early Literacy Grant (funding leveled book rooms, teacher development and family programs); Hammond Education Foundation Grant (funding Harding student programs); and Community Grant (funding the development of “The Harding Book Nook,” allowing students and families to build home libraries).

Butler retired in 2012 and accepted an education specialist position with Pearson Services. She traveled the country for seven years sharing her passion with teachers. Now she implements her language development skills while digitally teaching students in China. Butler and her husband now reside in Bradenton, Fla., and they��have enjoyed travels to places such as the Cayman Islands, Mexico, Italy, Spain, Greek Islands and France.

Campbell received a bachelor of arts in history/political science from 91ֱ��, then received teacher certification in special education and started his teaching career as a special education teacher at Ozanam School in Grandview, Mo. He later moved to the Lee’s Summit School District in Lee’s Summit, Mo., as a special education teacher, where he taught at Pleasant Lea Middle School and Lee’s Summit West High School.

He received his master’s degree in education/secondary school administration in 2004 from the University of Central Missouri, then made the transition to administration in 2007 when he was named assistant principal and then principal in 2009 at Harrisonville High School in Harrisonville, Mo. While at Harrisonville High School, he was named the Greater Kansas City Metropolitan Principals Association Exemplary New Principal of the Year for the 2011-2012 school year.����He returned to the Lee’s Summit School District in 2015 as an administrator, then was named principal of Summit Ridge Academy, where he currently serves. He received his education specialist/school administration/superintendence certificate in 2017 from the University of Central Missouri.

He has been active with several professional organizations, including the Missouri Association of Secondary School Principals, the National Association of Secondary School Principals, the Greater Kansas City Metropolitan Principals Association (president-elect 2012-13 and president 2013-14). He received training in 2016 in trauma informed care from Truman Medical Centers – Center for Trauma Informed Innovation in Kansas City, Mo., and has been a strong advocate for trauma-informed schools by providing training and professional development on the topic in his district, state and region since that time.

Campbell��and his wife Angela (C-SC ’91-’93) live in Lee’s Summit,��Mo., and have two children. A son, Ashton Campbell, is attending Culver-Stockton and majoring in art education.

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.

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