News archive

WMU enrollment is up in teacher preparation programs - Oct. 18

Schoolcraft community schools walk to WMU - Sept 26

2019 Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology faculty publications and presentations roundup - Sept. 11

2019 CECP Awards Reception - Aug. 8

Craig appointed to Michigan Board of Counseling - April 5

December 2018 CECP doctoral graduates - Dec. 20

Dr. Jennifer Foster publishes two book chapters on child abuse - Dec. 6

Dr. Mary Anderson publishes chapter in career counseling textbook - Oct. 17

Two CECP faculty members have chapter published in Multicultural Issues in Counseling - Oct. 10

2018 Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology faculty publications and presentations roundup - Oct. 10

Two faculty receive 2018 CEHD Distinguished and Emerging Scholar awards - Oct. 1

WMU faculty, staff and students featured in Journal of College Access - July 3

Joseph R. Morris endowed professorship in race and psychology established - May 10

McLaughlin publishes article in The Journal of Humanistic Counseling - April 18

Burns wins outstanding scholar award from The Professional Counselor, publishes again - April 17

Counseling Psychology Ph.D. student receives diversity award - Feb. 26 

Three members of CEHD community shine in 2018 excellence in diversity awards - Nov. 30

CECP faculty and doctoral students present at national conference - Nov. 7

Assistant professor has three papers published - Nov. 7

Assistant professor has article published in national journal - Nov. 6

2017 Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology faculty publications and presentations roundup - Nov. 2

WMU professor helps revise counseling psychology model training program - Oct. 10

CECP faculty receive appointments - Oct. 9

Two faculty receive CEHD Emerging and Distinguished Scholar awards - Sept. 29

Dr. Beverly Vandiver honored for research relating to ethnic minorities - Aug. 7

Dr. Beverly Vandiver to be awarded the 2017 Distinguished Career Contribution to Research award from Division 45 - June 16

Dr. Stephanie Burns & graduate student Gayle Garcia publish journal article in the Journal of Employment Counseling - June 12

2017 CECP Award Recipients - May 29

CECP Professor serves on Sage Publications editorial board - May 8

WMU will award honorary degree to Antonio Flores - April 14

Assistant Professor publishes journal article in Journal of Counselor Leadership and Advocacy - April 5

Prominent psychologist to deliver lecture in honor of James Croteau - April 3

CECP Assistant Professor and graduate students publish article on career development - Feb. 3

CECP Assistant Professor travels to Bangalore to provide workshops - Dec. 22

Associate professor presented with NAACP Humanitarian Award - Nov. 18

CECP professor discusses her research regarding child discipline in African American families - Sept. 23

Counseling psychologist and faculty member Dr. Croteau passes away- Sept. 22

CECP Faculty Continue Work with KPS - Sept. 14

Student Affairs in Malaysia - July 13

Rehabilitation Counseling program students and faculty meet with Senator Stabenow - April 22

2016 CECP Awards Reception - April 21

Professor of counseling psychology presents paper in Brazil - April 20

Rehab Counseling ranked among top 50 in U.S. News Ranking - April 15

Professor Receives Lambda Leadership Award - April 15

Dr. Phillip Johnson Publishes Article in Journal of Counseling & Development - April 4

Counseling Psychology Student has Article Accepted for Publication - April 4

Professor Joins Local Musicians for Performance at Kalamazoo Institute of Arts - Feb. 10

Assistant Professor Publishes Journal Article - Feb. 3

Dr. Jennifer Foster Works to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse - Jan. 27

Two CECP Professors Deliver Culturally Responsive Education Training to KPS - Jan. 27

Adkison-Johnson Conducts Psychoeducational Parenting Group Project - Jan. 27

Vandiver is the Incoming Editor of the Journal of Black Psychology - Jan. 20

Assistant Professor Receives Inaugural Fellowship - Jan. 15

Clinical Mental Health Counseling Student Wins Fellowship from National Board - Jan. 26

Dr. Jennifer Foster's Article on Research on Child Victims of Sexual Abuse Featured in Counseling Today - Jan. 27

Dr. Carla Adkison-Johnson Presents at 2015 ABA Midyear Meeting - Feb. 6

Assistant Professor has Article Published in National Journal - April 1

2015 Awards Reception - April 16

Faculty Member has two Articles Accepted for Publication - April 27

Faculty Member Gives Keynote Address for Induction Ceremony for Honor Society - April 30

Dr. Janee Steele and Dr. Glinda Rawls publish in Counselor Education and Supervision - July 1

Three WMU professors Awarded U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Grant - Aug. 26

Associate Professor Presents at Three National Conferences Summer 2015 - Sept. 30

Assistant Professor has Journal Article Published - Oct. 7

Associate Professor has Article Published in National Journal - Oct. 21

Course developed by faculty member featured at White House College Opportunity Day of Action - Dec. 4

Counseling Psychology Faculty and Students Attend American Psychological Association Convention - Nov. 17

Department Awarded $999,782 Rehabilitation Counseling Grant - Nov. 13

CECP Presents at Conference - Nov. 12

Faculty Members Published in APA Handbook - Nov. 12

Alumnus has Article Appear in Journal - Nov. 12

Faculty members have manuscript accepted for publication - Nov. 12

New WMU counseling course lauded at Harvard-White House session - Aug. 5

Department Hosts International Visitors - July 21

Students and Graduates Recently Published - July 18

CECP congratulates the newest Mu Beta Members - May 30

Hovestadt Co-presents at Conference and Accepts Board Appointment - April 22

2014 Awards Reception - April 17

Burns Co-presented Interactive Webinar and will be Featured Speaker - April 15

Adkison-Johnson to Present at National Child Welfare, Juvenile and Family Law Conference - April 10

Wiebold Appointed to Michigan Council for Rehabilitation Services - April 10

Craig Elected President-Elect - April 9

Professor named fellow - Feb. 17

Faculty member conducts webinar - Feb. 12

CHAIR ELECTED TO BOARD - Oct. 11

Dr. Patrick Munley, Professor and Chair of CECP, has been elected Chairperson of the Michigan Board of Counseling.

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR HAS BEEN SELECTED AS AN EMERGING LEADER FELLOW FOR 2013 BY THE ASSOCIATION FOR COUNSELOR EDUCATION AND SUPERVISION - Oct. 11

Dr. Stephanie Burns, Assistant Professor of Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology, has been selected as an Emerging Leader Fellow for 2013 by the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES).  The Emerging Leaders program is designed to help new professionals enhance the diversity and vitality of ACES leadership and provide an overview of ACES leadership opportunities and American Counseling Association leadership opportunities. In addition, Dr. Burns received the American Counseling Association – Midwest Region Branch – Best Innovative Practice Award for 2013, and was appointed to the Editorial Board of the Journal of Employment Counseling (official journal of the National Employment Counseling Association (NCEA), a division of the American Counseling Association). NCEA was founded in 1966 to implement solid and practical interventions to enhance employability and long term employment.

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR HAS BEEN APPOINTED TO THE EDITORIAL BOARD OF THE JOURNAL COUNSELING AND VALUES - Oct. 11

Dr. Jennifer Foster, Assistant Professor of Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology,   has been appointed to the Editorial Board of the journal Counseling and Values.  Counseling and Values is the official journal of the Association of Spiritual, Ethical, and Religious Values in Counseling (ASERVIC), a division of the American Counseling Association.  The mission of Counseling and Values is to promote free intellectual inquiry into spiritual, ethical, religious, and value domains of counseling.

PROFESSOR RECEIVES A $34,000 SUBGRANT AWARD TO WORK ON THE LEGACY TOGETHER PROJECT - Oct. 11

Dr. Beverly Vandiver, Professor of Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology, has received a $34,000 subgrant award from Penn State University for the fall 2013 semester to work on the Legacy Together Project.   This is an applied research project to understand how to help afterschool programs promote citizenship, skills, and positive youth behavior that may ultimately lead to preventing delinquency and substance abuse. Afterschool programs can provide a safe place for youth in their communities, and when run well, they can help youth avoid drug abuse, delinquency, and teen pregnancy.  This project is expected to help find and validate tools that can be used effectively to understand and improve afterschool settings; and if successful, an afterschool program manual and training will be developed.

PROFESSOR APPOINTED TO BOARD - Oct. 11

Dr. Lonnie Duncan has been appointed to the Kalamazoo Public Schools Board of Education and will serve on the board through 2014.

PROFESSOR IS APPOINTED TO THE EDITORIAL BOARD OF THE NEW JOURNAL PSYCHOLOGY OF SEXUAL ORIENTATION AND GENDER DIVERSITY - Oct.11

Dr. James Croteau, Professor of Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology, has been appointed to the editorial board of the American Psychological Association Division 44, the Society for the Psychological Study of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues, new journal Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity. This scholarly journal is dedicated to the dissemination of information in the field of sexual orientation and gender diversity, and is a primary outlet for research as it impacts practice, education, public policy, and social action.

PROFESSOR RECEIVES 2013 AWARD FOR SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION TO SOCIAL JUSTICE AND ADVOCACY BY THE AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION - July 31

Dr. James Croteau, professor in Western Michigan University's Department of Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology, has been selected as a recipient of the 2013 Award for Significant Contribution to Social Justice and Advocacy by the American Psychological Association’s Division 17 Section for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered Issues. The award honors a professional who has made significant contributions to the field of counseling psychology and to the LGBT community by implementing intervention efforts such as prevention, training, programming, direct service or application of the science of psychology to public policy and advocacy. This award is dedicated to persons who exemplify the practice of counseling psychology by engaging in actions to change systems as a means to advocate for LGBT people. The award is to be presented in August at this year’s APA Convention in Honolulu.

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF COUNSELOR EDUCATION AND COUNSELING PSYCHOLOGY AWARDED GRANT - July 31

Dr. Mary L. Anderson, assistant professor of counselor education and counseling psychology at Western Michigan University, has been awarded a $10,000 grant through the Michigan College Access Network. She will begin her work during the 2013 summer II session on the development of a course that prepares secondary school counselors in training to work with secondary students in the area of post-secondary education. This new course will emphasize the role of the counselor in building a school’s college-going culture and systematically preparing all students for post-secondary education, especially students from low-income families and those who are first in their family to go to college. This course will include didactic, hybrid (online and in-person) and experiential learning. The overall goal is to prepare school counseling students in college and post-secondary readiness, both through instruction, and through active participation in diverse, low-income schools with first-generation college students.

DR. JERRY MCLAUGHLIN HAS ARTICLE IN PRESS IN THE JOURNAL OF SYSTEMIC THERAPIES - May 16

Dr. Jerry McLaughlin, faculty specialist in Western Michigan University's Department of Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology, has an article in press in the Journal of Systemic Therapies. The article is titled “Post-structuralism in group theory and practice.” The work contrasts structuralist and post-structuralist modes of group therapy theory and practice, and details some post-structural ideas that seem most promising in terms of enriching group theory and practice.

CECP STUDENTS HONORED AT 2012-13 GRADUATE COLLEGE HONORS CONVOCATION - April 25

Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology Graduate Teaching Effectiveness Award

Maime L. Butler, master's level

Mark S. Barajas, doctoral level

Branson L. Boykins, doctoral level

Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology Graduate Research and Creative Scholars Award

Gayle L. Garcia, master's level

Ricky J. Pope, doctoral level

ANNUAL COUNSELOR EDUCATION AND COUNSELING PSYCHOLOGY AWARDS PRESENTED - April 11

Western Michigan University counselor education and counseling psychology students honored during an awards reception Thursday, April 11, at the Bernhard Center included the following.

Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology Alumni Scholarship

• Anel Arias, doctoral student

• Starr D. Bull, master's student

Robert and Diane Betz Award for Doctoral Studies in Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology

• Laura Ann Kellicut, doctoral studies in counselor education

• Mark Steven Barajas, doctoral studies in counseling psychology

Kenneth Bullmer Scholarship for Doctoral Students in Counseling Psychology

• Vanessa Ruth Laurent

Alan and Kristin Hovestadt Outstanding Student in Marriage and Family Therapy Award

• Stephanie Witteveen

Arthur and Margaret Manske Outstanding Master's Student in School Counseling

• Kasey L. Hagler

Outstanding Master's Student in Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology

• Stephanie Witteveen

Thelma M. Urbick Outstanding Doctoral Student in Counselor Education Award

• Ashley J. Wildman

Outstanding Doctoral Student in Counseling Psychology

• Deidre P. Begay

Outstanding Alumni Award

• Shawn Allan Bultsma

DOCTORAL STUDENTS RECEIVE AWARDS - Nov. 21

Angela Garrison and Brian Littleton, doctoral students in counseling psychology in Western Michigan University's Department of Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology, have been selected as recipients of the 2012 American Psychological Association Dissertation Research Award. The APA Dissertation Research Award program is intended to encourage excellence in dissertation research in psychological science by assisting science-oriented doctoral students with research costs. The award of $1,000 is to be used to help offset their dissertation research costs. Brian's dissertation is titled, "African American men's health: Regulating race-related stress through cognitive flexibility." Angela's dissertation is titled, "Testing a Model of Maladaptive Perfectionism and Depressive Symptoms: The Roles of Emotional Disclosure, Emotion Regulation Strategies, Adult Attachment, and Shame."

COUNSELING PSYCHOLOGY IN AGING AND MENTAL HEALTH - Oct. 22

Drs. Jody Tomko and Patrick Munley, professor and chair of Western Michigan University's Department of Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology, have published a research paper in Aging and Mental Health. The article is on predicting counseling psychologists attitudes and clinical judgments with respect to older adults. Tomko is a graduate of the counseling psychology doctoral program and the research is based on her dissertation under the supervision of Munley. Currently, Tomko is employed as a psychologist with the VA Pittsburgh Health Care System.

PROFESSOR PUBLISHED IN THE FAMILY JOURNAL - Oct. 22

Dr. Carla Adkison-Bradley, professor in Western Michigan University's Department of Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology, had a paper published in the October 2012 issue of The Family Journal on "Postadoption Services Utilization Among African American, Transracial, and White American Parents: Counseling and Legal Implications." The study explored the extent of the use of non-financial support services such as participation in support groups and individual or family counseling by African-American, transracial and white-American adoptive families. Implications for family counselors are discussed.

CECP STUDENTS PRESENT AT AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIUATION CONVENTION - Oct. 4

Western Michigan University counseling psychology doctoral students presenting at the American Psychological Association Convention in August 2012 included the following.

Katherine Colles

• Colles, K. L. N. (2012, August). Remedies to Ethical Concerns in Consultation Services. Poster session presented at the American Psychological Association Convention, Orlando, Fla.

• Morris, J. R. & Colles, K. L. N. (2012, August). University School Training Model: Counseling Services in an Urban School District. Poster session presented at the American Psychological Association Convention, Orlando, Fla.

Lindsey Dollar, Amber Larson and Raymond Sheets

• Dollar, L. N., Larson, A. L., & Sheets, R. L. (August, 2012). Advocating for LGBT youth: Connecting and networking with educational and community resources. Roundtable presented at the 120th annual convention of the American Psychological Association, Orlando, Fla.

Brian Littleton

• Reid, L.M., Ghosh, A., Sinha, A., Littleton, B. P., & Duron, K. (2012, August). Impact of sociocultural factors on depression in older Hispanic adults. Poster presented at 120th American Psychological Association Convention, Orlando, Fla.

Angela Garrison

• Garrison, A. M., Kahn, J. H., & Sauer, E. M. (2012, August). Emotional avoidance and rumination mediate the relation between adult attachment and disclosure. Poster presented at the 120th annual meeting of the American Psychological Association, Orlando, Fla.

COUNSELING PSYCHOLOGY PROFESSOR AND ALUMNA COLLABORATE - Sept. 10

Drs. Kara Wolff and Patrick Munley have published an article on “Exploring the relationships between white racial consciousness, feminist identity development and family environment for white undergraduate women” in the College Student Journal. Wolff is a graduate of Western Michigan University's counseling psychology doctoral program and the research is based on her dissertation under the direction of Munley.

RESEARCH IN THE COUNSELING PROFESSION - Aug. 30

Dr. Carla Adkison-Bradley was selected to be a theme session presenter for Chi Sigma Iota, an international honors society for professional counselors and counselor educators, at the American Counseling Association 2013 Conference. The presentation, titled “The disciplinary practices of African American mothers and fathers: Engaging in culturally responsive research,” will discuss the results of a mixed-method research study of child disciplinary strategies used by African American parents. CSI Day 2013 events will be held in Cincinnati, Ohio, during the ACA Convention March 20-24, 2013.

DEPARTMENT ALUMNA NAMED HEAD SOFTBALL COACH AT KALAMAZOO COLLEGE - July 17

Sue Mattice was introduced as Kalamazoo College's head softball coach July 17.

Mattice comes to Kalamazoo College from Grandville High School where she served as varsity softball coach from 1999 to 2007 and 2010 to 2012. Mattice led the Bulldogs to conference championships in 2001 and 2011, district championships in 2003 and 2004, and a regional championship in 2003. She had 11 consecutive winning seasons and 11 consecutive academic all-state teams, and was named district coach of the year in 2003 and 2004.

Mattice is a 1986 graduate of Hillsdale College, where she majored in health and physical education. She was a four-year starter in softball (second base, shortstop) and basketball at Hillsdale while serving as team captain in both sports her senior year. Mattice earned a master’s degree in counselor education and counseling psychology at Western Michigan University in 1994. Mattice will continue in her role as a counselor at Grandville High School, a position she has held since 1994.

"I thoroughly enjoyed my coaching experience at Grandville High School and was blessed to coach such great players and people," Mattice said. "I am honored to become a part of the Kalamazoo College family and to take on this new endeavor. I have been impressed with the academic standards at K and the commitment to the student-athletes, and am very excited to lead the Hornet softball team and work to build success within the program."

COUNSELOR EDUCATION AND COUNSELING PSYCHOLOGY STUDENTS HONORED AT AWARDS RECEPTION - June 12

Western Michigan University counselor education and counseling psychology students honored at an awards reception Thursday, April 12, included the following.

Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology Graduate Teaching Effectiveness Award

• Garrett Brookmyer

• Raymond Lione Sheets Jr.

Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology Graduate Research and Creative Scholars Award

• Angela Marotta Garrison, doctoral level, all University

• Brian Doane, doctoral level, department

Robert and Diane Betz Award for Doctoral Studies in Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology

• Reuben Maina Mwangi, doctoral studies in counselor education

• Lindsey Dollar, doctoral studies in counseling psychology

Robert O. Brinkerhoff Scholarship for Human Resources Development

• Mauricio Nuno Muzevuca

Kenneth Bullmer Scholarship for Doctoral Students in Counseling Psychology

• Branson Lamar Boykins

Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology Alumni Scholarship

• Raymond Leoine Sheets Jr., doctoral student

• Jasmin McKinney, master’s student

Alan and Kristin Hovestadt Outstanding Student in Marriage and Family Therapy Award

• Lauren D. Cooper

Arthur and Margaret Manske Outstanding Master’s Student in School Counseling

• Chelsey M. McConn

Outstanding Master’s Student in Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology

• LeAnne Jansen

Thelma M. Urbick Outstanding Doctoral Student in Counselor Education Award

• Allison E. Buller

Outstanding Doctoral Student in Counseling Psychology

• Sheryl Kelly

Outstanding Alumni Award

• David K. Duys

WMU STUDENTS AND FACULTY PRESENT AT GREAT LAKE REGINONAL COUNSELING PSYCHOLOGY CONFERENCE - June 6

Western Michigan University students and faculty from the Department of Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology presented at the Great Lakes Regional Counseling Psychology Conference held March 22-23 at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind. CECP student presenters are highlighted in bold. The conference theme was, "Searching for Cultural Understanding: An Intentional Focus on Diversity, Social Justice, and Internationalization." The Great Lakes Conference is the longest running yearly regional conference (25 years) associated with Division 17 (Counseling Psychology) of the American Psychological Association. WMU's counseling psychology program hosted the conference in 1991, 1997, 2003 and 2008.

• Career Decision-making Needs of Sexual Minority College Students: Implications for Career Counselors

  Amber Larson, Mark St. Martin, Rommel Johnson, Glinda Rawls, and Hartini Rahman

• The Changing Understanding of Racial Categorization 

  Mark S. Barajas, and James Jobe

• Creating a Culture of Success for African American Counseling Psychology Doctoral Students

  Ricky Pope, Vanessa Laurent, Shaakira Jones, Walter Malone, and Erin Jenkins

• Cross-Cultural Replication and Validation of a School-Based Resiliency Measure 

  Mark S. Barajas, and Brian R. Stewart

• Do the Right Thing: Challenging Hegemony and Praxis of Counseling Training

  Lonnie Duncan, and Beverly Vandiver

• Exploring Client and Therapist Attachment within the Counseling Process 

  Kathryn Wierda

• Fostering Resilience as a Protective Factor in a Campus-wide Suicide Prevention Program

  Hartini Abdul Rahman

• Help-Seeking Attitudes among African American and Latino Communities: Implications for Mental Health Professionals

  Krystelle Jean-Michele, and Laura A. Pacheco 

• Heterosexist Microaggressions in the World of Work: Implications for Sexual Minority Individuals

  Lindsey Dollar, and Raymond L Sheets, Jr. 

• Impact of Attachment Experiences on Psychological Resilience 

  Laura Pacheco, and Brian Doane

• Supervisory Working Alliance and Nature of Supervision as Predictors of Counselor Burnout

  Garrett V. Weatherhead, Lindsey N. Dollar, and Angela M. Garrison

• The Impact of Institutional Racism and White Supremacy on Help-Seeking Attitudes: A Look at Stigma and Cultural Mistrust 

  Krystelle Jean-Michel, Katherine Colles, and Deidre Begay

• The Role of Attachment in Work and Career 

  Molly Beagle, Kathryn Wierda, and Brian Littleton

• Women of Color and Racial Microaggressions in the Workplace: An Intersection Between Racism and Sexism

  Deidre Begay, Erin Jenkins, and Sophia Rath-Targowski

• Working with your bicultural clients: Beyond “Where are you from?”

  Hartini Abdul Rahman

DEPARTMENT OF COUNSELOR EDUCATION AND COUNSELING PSYCHOLOGY RECEIVES DIVERSITY AWARD - March 22

Western Michigan University's 2012 Excellence in Diversity Awards Committee has chosen the Department of Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology as a winner in the College/Department category. They have won the Excellence in Diversity Award for their outstanding contributions toward diversity and inclusion here at WMU.

The award will be presented at the second annual Excellence in Diversity Awards program being held from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 11, in the Bernhard Center's East Ballroom.

DOCTORAL STUDENT EARNS THREE GRANTS - Jan. 19

Counselor education doctoral student Allison Buller has received three grants—two external and one internal—to support her dissertation research. The award grants are as follows:

• NCACES Research Grant 2011, $1000

• Western Michigan University Research Grant 2011, $1000

• CACREP Research Grant 2012, $522

The title of Allison’s dissertation is, "Exploring the Experiences of Counselor Educators Recognized for Their Excellence in Teaching." This dissertation will engage counselor educators identified as excellent teachers in an examination of the meaningful experiences that contributed to their development as faculty in counselor education.

DOCTORAL CANDIDATE PRESENTS AT MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPISTS CONFERENCE - Dec. 20

Bradley Hinman, doctoral candidate in Western Michigan University's Department of Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology, presented at the national conference of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists in September 2011. He also presented at a roundtable at the Association of Counselor Education and Supervision in October 2011.

COUNSELOR EDUCATION AND COUNSELING PSYCHOLOGY STUDENTS AND FACULTY PRESENT AT APA CONFERENCE - Oct. 28

Students and faculty from Western Michigan University's Department of Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology recently presented at the 2011 American Psychological Association conference held in Washington, D.C. They included the following.

• Amos, B., Coker, K., & Perry, D. (2011, August). Applying culturally competent group approaches to work with African American and Latino adolescents in juvenile justice settings. Paper presented at the 119th annual convention of the American Psychological Association, Washington, D.C.

• Duncan, L. E., Morris, J., Jenkins, E., Boykins, B., Littleton, B., & Kelly, S. (2011, August). White counseling students perceived skills and knowledge to work effectively with African American men. Poster presented at the 119th annual convention of the American Psychological Association, Washington, D.C.

• Duncan, L. E., Morris, J., Jenkins, E., Kelly, S., Littleton, B., Boykins, B., & Begay, D. (2011, August). White counselor trainees perceived ability and comfort in working with African American clients. Poster presented at the 119th annual convention of the American Psychological Association, Washington, D.C.

• Larson, A. L., Martin, D., Rutt, B., & Kerr, B. A. (2011, August). Personality, vocational interests, and values of highly imaginative adolescents. Poster presented at the 119th annual convention of the American Psychological Association, Washington, D.C.

• Littleton, B. P. (2011, August). Cognitive Behavior Therapy with African American men. Poster presented at the 119th annual convention of the American Psychological Association, Washington, D.C.

• Nisley, E., & McDonnell, K. A. (2011). Counseling professionals’ attitudes toward transgender people and responses to transgender clients. Poster presented at the 119th annual convention of the American Psychological Association, Washington, D.C.

• Sheets, R. L., & Dollar, L. N. (2011, August). Creating and maintaining an LGBT counseling group on a university or college campus: The benefits and the challenges. Roundtable presented at the 119th annual convention of the American Psychological Association, Washington, D.C.

• Tomko, J. K., & Munley, P. H. (2011, August). Predicting counseling psychologists' attitudes and clinical judgments with respect to older adults. Poster presented at the 119th annual convention of the American Psychological Association, Washington, D.C.

WMU COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT WELL-REPRESENTED AT INTERNATIONAL SELF RESEARCH CONFERENCE - Sept. 26

Western Michigan University and the College of Education and Human Development were well-represented at the International SELF Research Conference this summer. This gathering of researchers in education and social psychology was held in Quebec City, Canada. Heather Highhouse, Department of Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology, and Dr. Allison Kelaher-Young, Department of Teaching, Learning and Educational Studies, presented findings from a study of self-determination, pre-service teacher beliefs, and the decision to enter the teaching profession. Bethany Warnaar and Joshua Bench, Department of Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology, working with Dr. Jeffrey Jones, Department of Teaching, Learning and Educational Studies, reported on psychosocial outcomes that result from participation in community service and social action.

PROFESSOR MARY LOUISE ANDERSON'S TEXT ON COUNSELING ADULTS IN TRANSITION PUBLISHED - Sept. 23

Dr. Mary Louise Anderson, assistant professor of school counseling at Western Michigan University, has had a new book published. The text, Counseling Adults in Transition, was released in August by Springer Publishing. It is the only textbook explicitly designed to address counseling with adults who are coping with individual, relationship and work transitions, and integrates the basic tenets of adult development with therapeutic practice. It is based on Schlossberg's theory of transitions, a new process and content model that offers effective techniques for helping adults to understand and successfully navigate normal life transitions.

GOVERNOR APPOINTS COMMISSIONERS - Sept. 12

Western Michigan University's Jeorge Fierro, director of outreach and special programs for Extended University Programs, and Patrick Munley, chair of counselor education and counseling psychology, have been named to state commissions by Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder.

Fierro was selected to serve on the Hispanic/Latino Commission of Michigan, which is dedicated to developing a unified policy and plan of action to serve the needs of Michigan’s Hispanic and Latino communities. He was appointed to a three-year term that expires Dec. 10, 2013. Munley was selected to serve on the Michigan Board of Counseling, which licenses and oversees the practice of counseling in Michigan. He was appointed to a four-year term that expires June 30, 2015.

DOCTORAL STUDENTS PRESENT AT ANNUAL AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION CONVENTION - Aug. 29

Western Michigan University counseling psychology doctoral students Raymond Sheets Jr. and Lindsey Dollar recently offered a roundtable presentation at the annual American Psychological Association convention in Washington, D.C. This presentation focused on the benefits and challenges involved in the creation, recruitment, and facilitation of LGBT counseling groups on college and university campuses. In attendance were doctoral students, college and university staff psychologists, and faculty, all of whom openly dialogued about their personal experiences in running such groups.

ANNUAL DEPARTMENT AWARDS PRESENTED - May 23

Western Michigan University's Department of Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology presented its annual awards during a reception April 14. Recipients included the following students.

Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology Graduate Teaching Effectiveness Award

• Tiffany Lee

Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology Graduate Research and Creative Scholars Award

• Angela Garrison, doctoral level

• Bethany Warnaar, master's level

Robert and Diane Betz Award for Doctoral Studies in Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology

• Daniel Romero, doctoral studies in counselor education

• Raymond Sheets, doctoral studies in counseling psychology

Robert O. Brinkerhoff Scholarship for Human Resources Development

• Victoria Sanderson

Kenneth Bullmer Scholarship for Doctoral Students in Counseling Psychology

• Angela Garrison

Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology Alumni Scholarship

• Lacretia Dye, doctoral student

• Sarah Simons, master's student

Arthur and Margaret Manske Outstanding Master’s Student in School Counseling

• Jennifer Riha

Outstanding Master’s Student in Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology

• Zita Hardenberg

Thelma M. Urbick Outstanding Doctoral Student in Counselor Education Award

• Brad Hinman

Outstanding Doctoral Student in Counseling Psychology

• Abbie Van Der Wege

Outstanding Alumni Award

• Joe Horak

PROFESSOR, STUDENTS HAVE ARTICLE PUBLISHED IN MICHIGAN FAMILY REVIEW - May 11

Department of Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology Professor Gary H. Bischof, counseling psychology doctoral student Mark Barajas, and marriage, couple and family counseling master's students Bethany Warnaar and Harkiran "Nina" Dhaliwal recently had an article published in the Michigan Family Review. "Thematic Analysis of the Experiences of Wives Who Stay with Husbands who Transition Male-to-Female" is a qualitative analysis of the experiences of the wives of 14 male-to-female transsexuals appearing in Virginia Erhardt's 2007 book, Head over Heels: Wives Who Stay with Cross-Dressers and Transsexuals.

FACULTY, STUDENTS PRESENT AT ANNUAL MICHIGAN ASSOCIATION FOR MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY CONFERENCE - May 2

Department of Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology faculty and students presented at the Michigan Association for Marriage and Family Therapy annual conference in Lansing in mid-April. Bradly Hinman, doctoral student in counselor education, conducted a workshop on "Interventions to Treat and Reduce Internet Pornography's Impact on Adolescents."  Presenting posters were master's students April Oglesby and Anna Proulx, on "Considerations for Treating PTSD in African-American Families," and counseling psychology doctoral student Brian Doane and faculty member Dr. Gary Bischof, on "Handling Secrets in Couple Therapy."

STUDENTS PRESENT AT COUNSELING PSYCHOLOGY GREAT LAKES CONFERENCE - April 4, 2011

Counselor education and counseling psychology students presented at the Counseling Psychology Great Lakes Conference 2011 Progress in Science and Practice April 1-2 at Indiana University in Bloomington, Ind.

We invite you to take a look at some of the recent posters from the Division 17 Great Lakes Regional Conference. Posters and a complete list of the WMU related presentations and presenters are featured in the display cases on the first and second floors of the Sangren Hall atrium, near the elevators.

Presentation formats were posters, roundtables and symposia. 

More information

STUDENTS RECEIVE RESEARCH AND CREATIVE SCHOLARS AND TEACHING EFFECTIVENESS AWARDS - March 31

The College of Education and Human Development had two all-University recipients from the Department of Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology for the Graduate College’s Research and Creative Scholars and Teaching Effectiveness awards. These are competitive awards that are selected by the Graduate Studies Council.

Bethany Warnaar, marriage, couple and family counseling master’s program, earned a master’s-level research award. She has done research primarily with with Gary Bischof and Jeff Jones and also some with Gary Miron.

Tiffany Lee, counselor education doctoral program, earned a doctoral teaching award. She recently defended her dissertation and has been teaching in the SPADA program the past few years.

HELMEKE AND BISCHOF CONTRIBUTE TO COUPLE THERAPY HANDBOOK - March 28

Part-time Department of Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology faculty member Karen B. Helmeke and Professor Gary H. Bischof recently published a chapter titled "Couple Therapy and the Integration of Spirituality and Religion" in the second edition of the Handbook of Clinical Issues in Couple Therapy. This chapter traces the history of the integration of spirituality and religion in couple therapy and offers suggestions and resources for clinical application. This second edition, edited by Joseph Wetchler, provides more in-depth and updated chapters, extending the initial book that was also published as a special issue of the Journal of Couple and Relationship Therapy.

DOCTORAL STUDENT RECEIVES INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF ADDICTIONS AND OFFENDER COUNSELORS SCHOLARSHIP - March 9

Counselor education doctoral student Tiffany K. Lee has been named one of the two recipients of a 2011 International Association of Addictions and Offender Counselors Graduate Student Scholarship, which will be presented at the annual IAAOC Breakfast at the American Counseling Association Convention in New Orleans March 26.

Fall 2012 newsletter

Fall 2011 newsletter

Fall 2010 newsletter

Fall 2009 newsletter

Generous donors make it possible for students to see the world - Nov. 19

Lawrence library revamps reading with library upgrade - Oct. 31

OCL alumna named HR business partner for company acquired by Toyota - Oct. 29

EMR student selected to join Education Testing Services training - Sept. 25

Dr. Wanda Hadley to be featured on panel at the 2019 Symposium on Learning Disabilities - Sept. 17

ELRT alumna named Michigan Board of Education picks Michael Rice as State Superintendent - June 3

ELRT alumna earns one of nation's highest honors for art educators - May 24

Education Leadership, Research and Technology alumus picked as interim superintendent - May 14

Students find springboard to success at WMU - April 19

Education Leadership, Research and Technology professor receives emerging scholar award for community college research - April 15

Dr. Louann Bierlein Palmer and Dr. Ramona Lewis take students to Ontario for study abroad experience - April 12

ELRT alumna named South Central College Vice President of Student and Academic Affairs - Feb. 6

ELRT alumnus selected for Innovative Educator Corps - Dec. 12

ELRT professor and advanced doctoral student published in premier journal - Nov. 28

Student earns El Concilio's 2018 Quetzalcoatl Award and selected Top 50 Latinas in Michigan - Nov. 9

ELRT wins most donors by department for WMU Giving Day 2018 - Oct. 30

Two faculty receive 2018 CEHD Distinguished and Emerging Scholar awards - Oct. 1

Dr. Spybrook to be keynote speaker at EARLI - Aug. 17

Student earns APPAM award - July 9 

CEHD alum named associate vice president - April 18

Veteran educator, prolific researcher named ACE fellow - April 5

Assistant professor selected as reviewer for state systemic improvement plans - April 2

Student earns awards from national, state recreational sports groups - March 5

Gothberg to deliver keynote address at transition conference - Feb. 28

Archer appointed assistant editor of college student affairs journal - Feb. 28

Dr. Patricia Reeves and Dr. Jianping Shen selected as Distinguished Research and Creative Scholarship awardees - Dec. 18

Three members of CEHD community shine in 2018 excellence in diversity awards - Nov. 30

Associate professors co-edit special issue of international journal - Nov. 17

Three professors to be honored with Distinguished Teaching Awards - Oct. 5

CEHD faculty awarded $12.5 million grant from US Department of Education - Sept. 29

Two faculty receive CEHD Emerging and Distinguished Scholar awards - Sept. 29

Educational leadership alumna named fellow and receives grant - Sept. 28

Professors awarded Institute of Education Science grant - Aug. 22

Alumna Lisa Williams recently appointed to the WMU Alumni Association Board of Directors - July 26

Honors Society Features ELRT Alumna's Work - June 6

Newly designed program in organizational change leadership offered - May 25

Amy Koning, graduate of Educational Leadership, steps up to dean of workforce development - April 19

Dr. Brett Geier's 2016-17 publications; additional article set to publish spring 2017 - March 30

Dr. Jianping Shen selected as a Distinguished Grant awardee - Feb. 28

Alumni Dr. Joshua Merchant named Buena Vista University President - Feb. 21 

Carla Postell one of eleven educators chosen for the Gerstacker Fellowship - Feb. 9

Alumna Lisa Williams selected for Gerstacker Fellowship program - Jan. 10

Associate Professor Invited as University of Nebraska’s Featured Guest - Dec. 2

Assistant Professor to be Honored at National Conference - Oct. 14

Two CEHD Faculty Members Recognized for Research - Oct. 9

Alumni Ranked in Most Influential People in Healthcare List - Sept. 16

Associate Professor Awarded National Science Foundation Grant - Sept. 14

New Orchard View Schools Superintendent - Sept. 11

Alumni Named Director of Multicultural Student Engagement at Wayne State - Sept. 4

UNCW Names Rigoberto J. Rincones-Gómez Assistant Provost of the Office of Institutional Research and Assessment - Sept. 4

Educational Leadership Alumna Named Hazel Park High Principal - Sept. 4

Two Educational Leadership Grants Held One-Week Summer Conference for About 200 School Leaders - Aug. 26

Associate Professor Begins Fellowship in the Fall - Aug. 5

Department Explores Studying Abroad in Malaysia - June 8

Doctoral Student Winner at WMU Research Event - April 30

Higher Education and Student Affairs Student Presents New Research - April 10

Higher Education and Student Affairs Student Presents at National Convention - April 9

Higher Education and Student Affairs Graduate Students have Paper Published - April 7

Educational Leadership Student Wins WMU’s Highest Graduate Award - April 7

Organizational Learning and Performance Alumna has Article Published - April 2

Department Newsletter - Spring

Faculty Member Honored by Association - March 25

HESA students take first place at GVSU Leadership Summit - Feb. 25

Department Launches New Program in Dominican Republic - Jan. 22

Associate Professor to be on Team that Evaluates National Program - Jan.21

Organizational Learning and Performance Masters Students Place Second in Competition - Jan.21

Associate Professors Collaborate on Newsletter Article for Association - Jan.16

Two Alumni Ranked in Most Influential People in Healthcare List - Dec.13

Department Hosted Statewide Conference in Fall - Nov.13

Spybrook awarded three-year grant - Aug. 21

A wholesome appreciation - July 28

Alumnus named Martin School District superintendent - July 17

Department welcomes Dominican Republic administrators - July 16

Department hosts school administrators from the Dominican Republic - May 21

Mansberger assumes new WMU role - Feb. 6

Faculty member named Graduate College Faculty Fellow - Feb. 5

Miron named one of most influential education scholars - Jan. 30

FIRST ANNUAL DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP, RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY INTERNATIONAL STUDENT WELCOME RECEPTION - Dec. 4

This semester the department welcomed their international students from a variety of countries with a well-attended International Student Welcome reception. This reception was for the department's graduate students and many nationalities were represented on Sept. 12.

The students had the opportunity to talk with one another and meet and mingle with faculty members. This new event is something the department plans to throw for many years to come. The feedback from both students and faculty was very positive both on the event and the food!

JOURNAL PUBLICATION - Dec. 4

A recent graduate from WMU’s educational leadership Ph.D. program, Dr. Ewa Urban, along with her advisor, an educational leadership, research and technology faculty member, Dr. Louann Bierlein Palmer, recently had an article accepted for publication in the Journal of Studies in International Education. This article describes the results from a cross-sectional survey examining the perceptions of undergraduate and graduate international students enrolled at a public university in the Midwest, regarding international students’ perspectives on how their university engages them as cultural resources, and how such engagement might impact students’ perceptions of the value they receive from U.S. higher education. 

This study offers some areas of potential interventions that can help higher education leaders systematically address some contextual factors and ultimately positively impact the learning outcomes of all students. Adopting a more systemic approach to campus internationalization can enhance international students’ perception of the value of their U.S. educational experience. Integrating inter cultural perspectives into classes, purposefully creating multicultural groups and teams for class projects, and encouraging American students to get to know their international peers and learn about their countries and cultures, can do this. 

A very important aspect of engaging international students as cultural resources is creating an environment where domestic and international students have abundant opportunities for interactions and feel comfortable sharing information about their respective backgrounds. Reciprocal cultural learning is undoubtedly beneficial for both international and domestic students, but for such learning to take place, meaningful cross-cultural interactions need to be encouraged and supported by higher education institutions. Although cross-cultural interactions occur mostly at the personal and informal level, the institutional level is the most crucial in creating the structures to facilitate increased interactions between international and domestic students. 

Such changes can positively affect international students’ perceptions of U.S. higher education and increase their professional and personal outcomes. Ultimately, meaningful engagement of international students as equal partners in the internationalization of U.S. campuses can contribute to the recruitment and retention of international talent to positively impact institutional internationalization efforts. 

The study identifies multiple areas of opportunities for higher education to facilitate international students’ active contributions to the university’s strategic goal of global engagement and internationalization while also positively impacting the manner in which international students perceive their higher education experience.

These findings enrich existing literature about international students’ professional and personal expectations and outcomes by providing specific examples of the areas in which students benefit the most and the least, as well as suggesting potential areas of students’ experiences that can be impacted to increase their personal and professional gains.

Book information: Urban, E. L., and Bierlein Palmer, L. (in press). International Students as a Resource for Internationalization of Higher Education. Journal of Studies in International Education.

ALUMNA NAMED TO NASPAA - Nov. 20

An educational leadership graduate, Dr. Barbara Liggett, has recently been named to the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration’s Executive Council. Liggett is an associate professor and director of the School of Public Affairs and Administration here at Western Michigan University.

After leadership positions at WMU since 1980 that include associate vice president of human resources, executive advisor to the president and associate to the vice president of business and finance, she joined the WMU faculty. Her current research and consultation work focuses on ethical decision-making in public and nonprofit organizations. She has been serving as director of WMU’s School of Public Affairs and Administration since 2010, after a one-year interim director position.

Liggett also has the highest certificate of human resources, a senior professional, signifying demonstrated strategic mastery of human resources.

EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP TEAM RECEIVES NEW GRANT - Nov. 13

On Sept. 27, 2013, the U.S. Department of Education announced a new, nearly $5 million grant to Western Michigan University's educational leadership team to continue to improve the line of work with school principals, with even a sharper focus on student achievement. The new project will be led by Dr. Jianping Shen, Dr. Nancy Mansberger and Dr. Walter Burt, joined by other faculty members and consultants. The project, supported by the U.S. Department of Education School Leadership Grant Program, will be from 2013 to 2018.

FACULTY COORDINATOR AWARDED GRANT FOR RESEARCH - Oct. 21

Dr. Ramona Lewis was awarded an internally funded grant for $1,875 for her research on Experiences of African American older adult learners.

PROFESSOR SELECTED AS PEER REVIEWER FOR "DISTRICT RACE TO THE TOP" COMPETITION - Oct. 17

Dr. Louann Bierlein Palmer has once again been selected by the U.S. Department of Education to serve as a peer reviewer for the second round of the “District Race To The Top” competition. She had also previously served in this role for both rounds of the “State Race To The Top” competition.

EVALUATION, MEASUREMENT AND RESEARCH PROFESSOR AMONG THE MOST INFLUENTIAL EDUCATION SCHOLARS IN THE NATION - July 1

A June 2013 national study of education scholars prepared by EdWeek and the American Enterprise Institute rated Professor Gary Miron, evaluation, measurement and research,  among the most influential education scholars in the nation. He was the highest ranked education professor in Michigan and had the second highest ranking in the Midwest. This ranking is based on how often a scholar's body of research is cited by other academics and the national media.

2013 RHSU Edu-Scholar Public Presence Rankings

EVALUATION, MEASUREMENT AND RESEARCH GRADUATE NAMED PRINCIPAL AT GRAND RAPIDS AREA SCHOOL - June 18

Dr. Manuel J. Brenes has been named principal of San Juan Diego Academy, a Grand Rapids area K-8 Catholic school that meets the needs of Latino immigrant children. Brenes earned a Ph.D. in evaluation, measurement and research from Western Michigan University in 2012.

ABC News article: San Juan Diego Academy names new principal

PROFESSOR LEAD EDITOR OF NEW BOOK - April 22

Gary Miron, professor in educational leadership, research and technology, was lead editor of a new book titled "Exploring the School Choice Universe: Evidence and Recommendations." The National Press Club in Washington, D.C., held a symposium in connection with the launch of this new book which was televised by CSPAN.

HIGHER EDUCATION AND STUDENT AFFAIRS LEADERSHIP MASTER'S STUDENTS WIN CASE STUDY - March 19

Four master’s students in the higher education and student affairs leadership program within the Department of Educational Leadership, Research and Technology won first place in the 12th annual Virtual Case Study Competition from The Journal of Technology in Student Affairs. Jaclyn Rivard, Meredith Atchison, Kira Dow and Emily Lott presented on the topic of using social media.

View the team's presentation

ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP AND PERFORMANCE STUDENTS COMPLETE CAPSTONE - March 19

Last fall, the WMU board of trustees approved changing the name of the human resources development master’s program in the Department of Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology to the Master of Arts in leadership for organizational learning and performance. In addition, the program has moved to the Department of Educational Leadership, Research and Technology. The curriculum was refined and the name changed to reflect contemporary practice in the field. December of 2012 was the first graduating class in the new program. The following are capstone projects that OLP students completed this semester. 

• A Process Improvement Project: Cross Functional Billing Processes in a Nationally Recognized Insurance Company, Doni B. Robertson, December 2012. 

• Implementing Employee Onboarding and Student Orientation Programs: An Analysis of Change Management, Project Planning, and Program Design, Carrie Rhein, December 2012.

• New Hire Orientation Transformation: An evaluation of the New Hire Training Program and Recommendations for Improvement, Britany Depore Levin, December 2012.

• Behavior Based Interviewing: The Key To Selecting Highly Qualified Staff, Gaoqi Hu, December 2012. 

• Designing and Implementing an Evaluation Plan for a Physician Leadership Program, Thomas B. Morley, December 2012.

GRADUATE STUDENT AND FACULTY MEMBER TO PRESENT - Feb. 26

Carl Westine, interdisciplinary program in evaluation graduate student, and Dr. Jessaca Spybrook, assistant professor of educational leadership, research and technology, will be presenting a paper at the upcoming meeting for the Society for Research on Educational Effectiveness. The paper, "Improving the Design of Science Intervention Studies: An Empirical Investigation of Design Parameters for Planning Group Randomized Trials," is the funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation.

SPYBROOK TO CONDUCT HALF-DAY WORKSHOP - Feb. 19

Dr. Jessaca Spybrook, assistant professor of educational leadership, research and technology, will be conducting a half-day workshop, "Optimal Design Plus Empirical Evidence," at the annual meeting of the Society for Research on Educational Effectiveness in March. Spybrook is a co-author of the Optimal Design software and documentation that will be featured in the workshop.

DOCTORAL STUDENT AND PROFESSOR TO PRESENT AT CONFERENCE - Feb. 19

Dr. Dave Louis, assistant professor in the Department of Educational Leadership, Research and Technology, and doctoral student Scott Michel will be presenting at the American Association of Blacks in Higher Education in Atlanta this February. The presentation addresses the experiences of black and white faculty as they mentor students of other ethnicities. The presentation is an extension of their article entitled "Frantz Fanon ambivalence revisited in America’s faculty: Narratives of black and white faculty struggles with cross cultural mentoring" which was published in the winter 2013 issue of the National Journal of Urban Education & Practice.

THREE EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP STUDENTS' WORK IN PRESS - Jan. 15

Three doctoral students in educational leadership have one journal article and two book chapters in press and three AERA presentations accepted.

Three doctoral students in educational leadership—Mr. Izumi Musashi, who just graduated in December, and Mr. Jiangang Xia and Mr. Xingyuan Gao, who are current doctoral students—have one journal article and two book chapters in press, and three papers accepted for presentation at 2013 AERA.  

Izumi, M., Shen, J., Xia, J. (in press). Determinants of graduation rate of public alternative schools. Education and Urban Society.

Xia, J., Shen, J. and Cooley, V.E. (in press). Coherent curriculum. In J. Shen & V. E. Cooley (Eds.), A resource book for improving principals' learning-centered leadership. New York, N.Y.: Peter Lang Publishing.

Gao, X., Xia, J., Shen, J., Ma, X. (in press). Participation in and reflection on a quality improvement system: Perspectives from practitioners. In Shen, J., Ma, X. et al., Quality rating and improvement system for early care and education: Development, implementation, evaluation and learning. New York, N.Y.: Peter Lang.

Xia, J. (accepted). Is educational evaluation a profession yet in China? A brief review. Paper to be presented at the 2013 annual meeting of the American Education Research Association, April 27‒May 1, 2013, San Francisco, Calif.

Xia, J., Izumi, M., and Shen, J. (accepted). What influences teacher job satisfaction in public alternative schools? A multi-level study using SASS 2007-08. Paper to be presented at the 2013 annual meeting of the American Education Research Association, April 27‒May 1, 2013, San Francisco, Calif.

Gao, X., Shen, J., and Xia, J. (accepted). Is there an association between data-informed school-level improvement efforts and data-informed instruction at the classroom level? A test of the theory "school as a loosely coupled organization." Paper to be presented at the 2013 annual meeting of the American Education Research Association, April 27‒May 1, 2013, San Francisco, Calif.

EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP AND HIGHER EDUCATION AND STUDENT AFFAIRS LEADERSHIP MASTER'S STUDENT RECOGNIZED - Nov. 12

The National Association of Campus Activities Mid America Region recognized educational leadership-higher education and student affairs leadership second year master's student, Emily Lott, as the 2011-12 Outstanding Graduate Assistant. Emily received her award at the annual regional convention held in Grand Rapids. Emily holds a graduate assistantship at Kalamazoo College in student activities. The Outstanding Graduate Student Assistant award recognizes a student within a higher education graduate program who has made substantial contributions to the NACA Mid America region, while continuing to maintain their responsibilities to the institution and program board that they advise. This student must demonstrate the desire to pursue a career in student affairs.

SPYBROOK AWARDED $27,000 CONTRACT - Oct. 23

Jessaca Spybrook, assistant professor in evaluation, measurement and research, was recently awarded a $27,000 contract from the University of Chicago. The contract is part of a grant from the William T. Grant Foundation. The purpose of the project is to improve studies of the impact of group level interventions on program quality and youth outcomes. Spybrook's primary role is the development and support of the Optimal Design Software, a program for calculating statistical power for single level and multilevel studies.

BEACH RECEIVES EMERGING LEADER AWARD - Oct. 22

Dr. Andrea Beach has been recognized with an Emerging Leader Award from the American Association of University Administrators. Beach is an associate professor of educational leadership, research and technology and directs WMU's Office of Faculty Development. She was nominated by Provost Timothy Greene.

EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR APPOINTED VICE PRESIDENT OF REL MIDWEST BOARD - Oct. 15

Walter L. Burt was recently re-appointed to serve a two-year term on REL Midwest Board of Directors. REL Midwest is part of a network of ten regional educational laboratories funded by the U. S. Department of Education's Institute of Education Sciences. Each REL serves a designated region of the country and focuses on the national priority of helping states and districts use data and analysis to address important policy and practice issues with the goal of improving student outcomes. REL Midwest serves the educational needs of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin. American Institutes for Research administers REL Midwest.

The REL Midwest Board of Directors met on May 8 and reviewed the Year 1 scope of work as recently approved by IES. The 28-member board includes the region's chief state school officers; researchers; teachers and representatives of institutions of higher education, educational service agencies, and professional and community organizations. Elected to serve as board president was Jason Glass, director of the Iowa Department of Education and Walter L. Burt, associate professor of Educational Leadership at Western Michigan University, was elected to serve as its vice-president.

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR RECEIVES EMERGING LEADER AWARD - July 27

Dr. Andrea Beach, Associate Professor and Director of Faculty Development received the AAUA Emerging Leader Award. Beach will be awarded at the AAUA Leadership Seminar to be held at Delaware Valley College, Doylestown Pa., Friday-Saturday November 2-3, 2012. This award is made on the basis of Beach's CV and the excellent letter of nomination by Academic Vice President and Provost Timothy Greene.

TWO GRADUATE STUDENTS RECEIVE WMU SUSTAINABILITY GRANT - June 19

Two College of Education and Human Development graduate students in the educational leadership-higher education and student affairs leadership program received a $4,878 grant from the WMU Student Sustainability Grant Program. Meredith Atchison, from Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Izaak Blankenstijn, from the Netherlands, received the grant for Carbon-Neutral USB-Drives. 

"Students receive funding for sustainability projects" news article

DOCTORAL ALUMNA APPOINTED ASSISTANT PROFESSOR - May 30

Educational leadership doctoral alumna (2012) Jill Van Hof has been announced tenure-track assistant professor at Nebraska Wesleyan University. She'll be teaching with the elementary education faculty for the teacher preparation programs. This coming semester she has been assigned to teach human development and learning, U.S. foundations in education, a student-teaching seminar and the supervision of student teachers.

CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION AWARD GOES TO ALUMNUS - May 11

The Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals announced that their Career Technical Education Administrator of the Year is Ryan Rowe, principal of the Lenawee Intermediate School District TECH Center. Prior to going to the LISD TECH Center, Ryan was Assistant Principal of Onsted High School and Principal of Onsted Middle School.

Rowe is a true life-long learner and a role model for his own young children, students, and staff. His education includes a Master of Arts degree in educational leadership in 2004, a Specialist of Arts degree in educational leadership in 2009, and he began his doctoral program in educational leadership in the fall of 2010 here at WMU. Beyond college, Rowe has attended conferences and workshops to continue to expand his knowledge and skills in both CTE and leadership. He consistently collaborates with many groups throughout the county, region and state on CTE initiatives.

FACULTY AND GRADUATE STUDENTS PRESENT PAPERS AT CONFERENCE - April 17

In March, Dr. Robert Leneway presented a paper that was co-authored with Dr. Warren Lacefield and educational technology graduate student’s Spencer Carr and David de la Rosa entitled: "Administrative and Demographic Factors Related to Teacher’s Confidence and Competency in Using Technology," at the 2012 Society of Technology in Education in Austin, Texas. This paper contained results of four years of survey data collected in part on teacher’s readiness to use technology in the classroom at four WMU GearUp grant supported school districts in Michigan and Ohio. After the presentation this paper was invited for publication in the SITE publication Journal of Technology in Teaching. 

Leneway and Dr. Sharon Peterson presented a paper at this same 2012 SITE conference on "Differences in Help Seeking Strategies Used by Online vs. Face-to-Face Instructed Pre-service Teachers."

FACULTY MEMBER PRESENTS AT MICHIGAN ASSOCIATION OF COMPUTER USERS IN LEARNING - April 16

Dr. Robert Leneway gave a well-attended presentation at the 2012 Michigan Association of Computer Users in Learning in Grand Rapids. The presentation was titled, "A Look at How Technology Can Support Marzano's Seven Principles of Schools that Work."

PROFESSOR AWARDED GRANT - Jan.6

Dr. Jessaca Spybrook, assistant professor in evaluation, measurement and research, was recently awarded a $25,000 Officer's Discretionary Grant from the WT Grant Foundation. The purpose of the funded project is to track research evidence from the completed randomized trials launched by the Institute of Education Sciences. The results from the study will help further our understanding of how research evidence from experimental studies is disseminated.

PROFESSOR FACILITATES DISCUSSION AT CONFERENCE - Jan. 4

Dr. Walter Burt, associate professor facilitated a discussion at the National Alliance of Black School Educators' Annual Conference held in New Orleans, La. in November 2011 entitled: Surviving in Turbulent Times: A Recapitulation of Success Strategies Incorporated by School Superintendents in Three Mid-size Urban School Districts.

PROFESSORS HAVE ARTICLES PUBLISHED - Jan. 4

Drs. Walter L. Burt and Dennis McCrumb from the Department of Educational Leadership, Research and Technology had an article published titled; Tenure of African American Superintendents in Michigan School Districts: A Forty-Year Recapitulation of the Michigan Experience. The article appeared in the summer issue of the Journal of the Alliance of Black School Educators.

WMU enrollment is up in teacher preparation programs - Oct. 18

Schoolcraft community schools walk to WMU - Sept 26

Demand for youth-serving professionals sparks new CEHD programs - July 12

Fashion startup focused on sustainability wins WMU's business pitch competition - March 15

Addition of workforce education and development major and minor rounds out program offerings at WMU - Feb. 5

Fall 2018 Dietetics news round-up - Jan. 22

Fall 2018 Fashion Merchandising and Design news round-up - Jan. 22

Fall 2018 Family Science news round-up - Jan. 22

New CEHD Agreement Awards Qualifying Michigan High School Students College Credit for Career and Technical Education Courses - Jan. 10

Alumna Diana Hernandez recognized for leadership - Nov. 16

FCS student encourages Kalamazoo to "Keep Smiling!" with apparel - Nov. 12

WMU to expand offerings in youth and community development - Aug. 10

WMU student aims to clean up the fashion industry - July 23

Students honored for entrepreneurial innovation - May 8

Three members of CEHD community shine in 2018 excellence in diversity awards - Nov. 30

Dietetics student receives Research and Creative Activities Scholarship - Nov. 15

Two incoming CEHD students are winners of the Medallion Scholarship - July 27

Denise Dunn recognized by The Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness - June 12

Newman Civic Fellow from WMU receives additional honor - June 8

WMU Interior Design Students Place at MSU Design Charrette - April 4

Alumna Angela Harness designs Colorado Springs office space - Feb. 3

Christine Robinson and Dr. Richard Zinser beginning new positions - Jan. 18

FCS Chair Gary Bischof presenting for honors college deanship - Oct. 28

FCS faculty member Dr. Duncan Lane has article in Journal of Marriage and Family Review - Sept. 30

Dietetic students place first and second in poster competition - Aug. 9

Little Dresses for Africa - April 15

Dean Li Attends Meijer Alumni Breakfast - Feb. 26

Dietetic Interns Receive Student Sustainability Grant - Feb. 3

Fashion Merchandising and Design Professor has Article Published in National Journal - Jan. 27

Family Studies Graduates with National Honors - Dec. 18

Interior Design Student Organization Sends Armed Forces Holiday Greetings - Dec. 9

Family Science Student Organization Members Named Winners in the 2015 Family Life Education Month Contest—Dec. 7

Family Studies Student Wins WMU Study Abroad Photo Contest—Oct. 27

Professor Publishes Second Edition of Serving Military Families - Oct. 21

Alumna Interviewed After Dietetic Internship - Oct. 21

Family and Consumer Sciences 2015 Newsletter is Released - Sept. 8

Professor Emerita Has Second Book Published - June 17

Graduate of the Career and Technical Education Program Develops Prosthetic Arm with 3-D Printer - June 17

Professor Named Editor of Primary Journal for Career and Technical Education Research - Feb. 4

Dietetic Interns Awarded Sustainability Grant Funds - Jan. 23

Textile and apparel studies student wins national scholarship - Nov. 13

Student Receives Scholarship from Foundation - Sept. 25

Interior design student wins national scholarship - Aug. 4

CTE faculty members secure federal grant - July 17

FCS students win regional competition for 2nd consecutive year - July 16

Dietetics Students Compete in Poster Contest - June 3

Family Studies Faculty Member Awarded New Writers Fellowship - May 29

FS Students win contest - Feb.5

Professor Awarded Inaugural Grant - Jan. 30

Student wins $5000 scholarship award - Jan.30

TEXTILE AND APPAREL STUDIES WELCOMES 9 INTERNATIONALS TO WMU - Dec. 5

The Textile and Apparel Studies faculty recently welcomed nine women from Bangladesh, Myanmar, and India to the WMU campus.  The visitors are apparel and design professionals visiting the US as part of the State Department’s International Visitor’s Leadership Program (ILVP). The program arranges short-term visits by emerging professionals in their field to experience the US firsthand and cultivate relationships with their American counterparts. Faculty and ILVP participants toured WMU apparel and interior design facilities, and shared higher education training models and industry trends in the US and in visitor countries.

FCS STUDENT STARTS NEW STUDENT ORGANIZATION: THE STUDENT DESIGN SHOWCASE - Dec. 5

Sarah Lyons, a Textile and Apparel Studies student in the Family and Consumer Sciences department has always shown much promise amongst her peers and instructors.  After winning Best Apparel Construction in the MODA fashion show in the fall of 2012, winning first place at the Fashion on the Shore Runway Event in St. Joseph, Michigan, and a summer internship at Kleinfeld Bridal, where TLC films the program Say Yes to the Dress, Sarah did not stop.

Lyons returned to WMU this fall with a full schedule.  In between classes, finishing her application to FIT in New York City, and working she became a founder of a new student organization named Student Design Showcase.  The Student Design Showcase helps young fashion designers develop skills outside of the offered classes.  As the secretary Lyons helps students broaden their skill set by planning workshops, running design challenges, and planning an end of the year design showcase.  She’s even created a new line for the March 2014 showcase.

The new student organization shows as much promise as its founder, Sarah Lyons and the College of Education and Human Development congratulate Sarah on all of her hard work.

FCS PROFESSOR TAKES SABBATICAL TO STUDY VOCATIONAL EDUCATION IN UKRAINE - Dec. 4

Dr. Rick Zinser, a professor in the Family and Consumer Sciences department, recently took a sabbatical to study vocational education in Ukraine.  He was interested to find out how the education system had changed in Ukraine since independence from the Soviet Union.  This exploratory study used the ethnographic research framework.

Zinser was able to visit seven cities and conducted interviews at 29 educational institutions. While doing so, he found an interesting mix of traditions from the soviet era and modern European practices.

Also in his findings was a “generation gap” within the society between those who were educated under the old and new systems, which made for interesting discussions. Zinser speaks highly of the people he worked with while in the Ukraine, stating that overall “it was a great experience.”  Zinser is still in the process of analyzing and writing the results, which will be published in a variety of formats for different audiences.

NEW ONLINE PEER REVIEW JOURNAL LAUNCHING ONLINE: GRANDFAMILIES: THE CONTEMPORARY JOURNAL OF RESEARCH, PRACTICE AND POLICY - Nov. 14

Current faculty members Dr. Andrea Smith of TLES and retired Chair Dr. Linda Dannison of FCS have been the primary WMU faculty behind launching a new online peer review journal.  GrandFamilies: The Contemporary Journal of Research, Practice and Policy will be housed in the WMU’s Scholar Works and is being produced by the National Research Center for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren and is a collaborative initiative between Georgia State and Western Michigan universities.

The journal went live on November 7, 2013, and is accepting manuscript submissions for the first edition.  The first publication is scheduled for late February or early March. Email completed manuscript submissions or questions to Deborah Langosch, co-editor of GrandFamilies.

TEXTILE AND APPAREL FACULTY MEMBERS PRESENT AT NATIONAL RESEARCH CONFERENCE - Oct. 23

Three Textile and Apparel faculty members recently presented their research and creative work at the International Textile and Apparel Association’s annual conference in New Orleans, Louisiana. Nicole Eckerson exhibited her creative work, Structured Elegance, a 2-piece couture-inspired silk suit in the juried design exhibition. Kelly Weathers and Dr. Barbara Frazier presented Engaging Fashion Majors in the Community: Outcomes of a Service Learning Project, which described a high school mentorship program in Textile and Apparel Studies. Dr. Frazier also presented Shifting Paradigms: Competencies for 21st Century Retail/Merchandising Graduates, which reported results of a national survey identifying employers’ views on skills that university graduates need for career success in the retail industry.

The International Textile and Apparel Association is a professional organization whose members include educators and professionals dedicated to advancing excellence in education and scholarship in the textile and apparel discipline.

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR CO-WROTE ARTICLE PUBLISHED IN CHILD & FAMILY SOCIAL WORK - Oct. 21

New Assistant Professor Sherria Taylor co-wrote an article, “The roles of social support and family resilience in accessing health care and employment resources among families living in traditional public housing communities” that has been published in scholarly journal: Child & Family Social Work.

PROFESSOR APPOINTED TO NATIONAL TEACHING STANDARDS BOARD - Sept. 25

A professor at Western Michigan University has been appointed to the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, serving as a member of the committee that will revise the Career and Technical Education Standards.

CTE PROFESSOR SELECTED AS VISITING SCHOLAR - April 16

Dr. Adam Manley, assistant professor of career and technical education, has been selected as a visiting scholar for the 2013 National Training Institute's program for industrial and technical teacher educators and trainers. The National Joint Apprenticeship and Training committee for the Electrical Industry hosts the summer training institute. The visiting scholar program was established in 2006 to recruit outstanding industrial and technical education professionals to teach at the summer institute.

INTERIOR DESIGN STUDENTS VISIT HERMAN MILLER - March 28

Interior design students enrolled in Beth Jarl’s Studio III class recently visited Herman Miller's corporate headquarters buildings. The class toured the manufacturing floor of the Green House where they saw task seating being made. They also visited the newly renovated design yard that uses the canvas furniture system, which the students are assigned to apply to their current assignments this semester. This trip was planned as part of the research phase of the office design project.

Herman Miller is a 100-year-old-plus furniture company that places great importance on design, the environment, community service, and the health and well-being of our customers and our employees. Innovative ways to improve the performance of our customers’ organizations have become our hallmark. Their award-winning furniture and related services and technologies are available through dealers and retailers around the world.

OUTSTANDING CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION RESEARCH JOURNAL ARTICLE AWARD - Jan. 15

Dr. Adam Manley, Assistant Professor in Career and Technical Education (CTE), recently received The Outstanding Career and Technical Education Research Journal Article Award. This is an award granted by the Association of CTE Research (ACTER). The journal is the top research journal in the CTE field. It is an honor bestowed to one individual each year.

DIETETICS PROGRAM REACCREDITED - Nov. 29

The undergraduate Didactic Program in Dietetics and the graduate Dietetics Internship program received re-accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) for 10 years.

FACULTY MEMBER APPOINTED TO CERTIFIED FAMILY LIFE EDUCATOR ADVISORY BOARD - Nov. 29

Bryce Dickey, family studies faculty specialist II, has been elected to a three-year term on the Certified Family Life Educator Advisory Board. This board develops and implements policies regarding the promotion and advancement of the profession of family life education and the CFLE program at the National Council on Family Relations. Western Michigan University is the only institution of higher education in the state of Michigan to have approved CFLE programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels.

FACULTY MEMBER IN DIETETICS PUBLISHED - Nov. 19

Ghada Soliman coauthored the following in press article, which has been accepted for publication in Acta Virologica, 2012; 56(3): 235-40. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and other risk factors in hepatocellular carcinoma.

FAMILY STUDIES FACULTY PRESENT AT SYMPOSIUM - Nov. 19

Family studies faculty members Bryce Dickey, Linda Dove, Dr. John McElroy and Dr. Karen Blaisure presented a symposium entitled, "Function and value of advisory boards for academic programs" at the annual conference of the National Council of Family Relations in Phoenix, AZ in early November.

GRADUATE STUDENT AMBASSADOR ANNOUNCED - Oct. 31

Ben Williams (BA, Family Studies 2011), current graduate student in family studies, has accepted the position of Graduate Ambassador to the College of Education and Human Development.

INTERIOR DESIGN STUDENTS COLLABORATE TO REDESIGN KANLEY CHAPEL - Oct. 29

As the Junior Interior Design students returned to the fall 2012 semester, their first studio project was a collaborative effort with WMU's, Kanley Chapel. Chris Sligh, Director, Student Activities and Leadership Programs, asked the Junior class to design an environment that was inviting for students of all faiths to come study, participate in bible studies and many other individual and group activities. Sligh wanted the program rooms to be flexible to meet the needs of the different activities that take place throughout the day. The students were to consider acoustics, storage and style to improve the function of the space.

 This project is the first time many of these students have used their education outside of the classroom environment. The students successfully demonstrated many skills they have learned in the Interior Design program. In three weeks, the fourteen students prepared design concepts, space plans, perspective drawings, color renderings, and construction documents. They selected furniture and finish materials and presented their solutions to the Kanley Chapel staff. 

The project is now complete in the classroom, but a team of students will continue to work with Sligh in the Design Development phase, to finalize a solution that can be implemented through WMU’s Facilities Management office.

MANLEY CONDUCTING RESEARCH

Adam Manley, assistant professor of career and technical education had a research paper accepted by Youth Education and Employment in Russia and Abroad, a new journal that deals with emerging issues in CTE in Russia, where they are undergoing a major evolution in CTE; the research involves understanding how to teach career and employability skills to youth.

In addition, Manley also recently signed a data sharing agreement with the Illinois Education Research Council (IERC) housed at Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville. This involves helping analyze data related to the out-migration of high school graduates. Illinois ranks second regarding the number of high school graduates that leave the state to go to college elsewhere. They are trying to determine why this is occurring. Manley and colleagues have already submitted a research paper to AERA that analyzes some peripheral data.

FRAZIER RECEIVES GRANT FROM THE NORTH CENTRAL REGIONAL CENTER FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT - Aug. 23

Dr. Barbara Frazier, Family and Consumer Sciences, received a $20,000 grant from the North Central Regional Center for Rural Development to examine the use of social media in small rural businesses. Dr. Frazier and colleagues Dr. Leslie Stoel, Ohio State University and Dr. Linda Niehm, Iowa State University, will conduct interviews with rural business owners who are seen as leaders in social media use to promote their businesses. The goal of the project is to develop a model of diffusion/adoption processes to identify factors that favor social media adoption by rural businesses. Case studies concerning best practices in social media by rural entrepreneurs will also be developed and disseminated through the national extension website.

FCS 5340 CONSUMER BEHAVIOR IN THE FASHION ENVIRONMENT - Aug. 23

This fall, students enrolled in FCS 5340 Consumer Behavior in the Fashion Environment will be working with senior executives from Target Corp. on a case study project. The case study was developed as a way to collect creative ideas that will enable the firm to better serve their customers. Students enrolled in the course will work in teams to conduct research and apply course concepts to suggest solutions that will assist Target in improving their customer service in an increasingly multi-cultural environment. Target executives will be working with the class during the semester to provide context and guidance for the project. Target is generously offering $2500 in scholarship awards to teams presenting the best case study.

MANLEY AWARDED GRANT - July 25

Dr. Adam Manley, Assistant Professor in Career and Technical Education was awarded a $14,000 grant in June from the Michigan Department of Education. Dr. Manley will be developing a professional development and teacher video series.

WEBBER ARTICLE PUBLISHED - July 18

Dr. Caroline Webber had an article published in Michigan Good Food: "Dietetic Interns Ask, What Is Good Food?"

ZINSER VISITS SIBERIA - June 5

Dr. Richard Zinser, Associate Professor of Career and Technical Education, Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, visited the cities of Tomsk, Yurga, and Kemerovo in south-central Siberia to meet with colleagues at vocational centers and technical colleges.

The purpose of the trip was to establish relations with a consortium of educators to exchange information about technical education, and to explore the possibility of hosting Russian faculty and students at WMU. Zinser made several presentations about vocational education in America and toured 6 institutions to learn about the Russian system.

They plan to send several administrators here in the fall to discuss future projects. According to Zinser, "the trip was great, except that it takes 4 airplanes through 11 time zones to get there!"

NATIONAL COUNCIL ON FAMILY RELATIONS CHOOSES BOOK - May 30

The National Council on Family Relations has chosen Serving Military Families in the 21st Century by Karen Blaisure, Tara Saathoff-Wells, Angela Pereira, Shelley MacDermid Wadsworth and Amy Laura Dombro as the NCFR book club "read" for the summer. 

Order Serving Military Families in the 21st Century

COLLEAGUES INTERNATIONAL WORKING WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE - May 30

Colleagues International is a Kalamazoo organization that works with the US Department of State to bring international professionals into the Kalamazoo area to form relationships, meet professional goals and get to know local families. The organization is completely dependent upon local volunteers to continue the excellent reputation of providing hospitality to international guests.

Susan Larner (retired RD/CDE) and office volunteer at Colleagues International was preparing for a group of Legislative Fellows from India, Nepal and Sri Lanka. One guest was Hindu and the other two Muslim when the thought came that this would be a wonderful opportunity for a student dietitian to have a cross-cultural experience in learning about religious food guidelines and provide information to the local families that provide a home for the international guests. At the same time an office open house was being planned and the food needed to be in keeping with the religious preferences of the international guests.

CI thanks WMU's students for the support they received. With the support of the Muslim Student Association and the staff of Zooroona's, Courtney Fitzpatrick, Etta Gaddis, Kate Jawoszek and Tracey Tang gathered needed information for the host families to help make for a successful office party. CI looks forward to partnering with WMU's student nutrition consultants on future projects.

COMMERCIAL INTERIORS DESIGN CHALLENGE - May 30

Students enrolled in FCS 3590, Studio III Commercial Interiors, had a design challenge assignment in April. Newman IT, a computer service and web design company based in Kalamazoo, asked Interior Design students to develop a collaborative work environment using Haworth's Reside/Beside/Belong product.

The competition required teams of students to design an environment that inspires creativity that creates a high-energy atmosphere and allows for casual, informal interactions between employees. Students were required to design in a way that reflects sustainably. Pictured are Alison Mulder and Charity Lyn Brown, the winners of the competition. Each received a Haworth task light for their winning designs.

DANNISON COMPLETES PROGRAM REVIEW - April 9

Dr. Linda Dannison, chair of the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences recently completed a program review for the Department of Human Development and Family Studies for Purdue University, Calumet. Dannison was also invited to present a Plenary Session titled "Supporting Relative Caregivers: Successful Programming Strategies" at the Rocky Mountain Conference on Aging in April in Loveland, Colorado. 

BLAISURE CO-AUTHORS, SERVING MILITARY FAMILIES IN THE 21ST CENTURY - April 2

Family and Consumer Sciences professor Dr. Karen Blaisure co-authored, Serving Military Families in the 21st Century, published April 2012. This text introduces readers to military families, their resilience and the challenges of military life.

Personal stories from active duty, National Guard, reservists, veterans, and their families, from all branches and ranks of the military, and those who work with military personnel, bring their experiences to life.

The authors of the book are: Karen Blaisure, Tara Saathoff-Well, Angela Pereira, Shelley MacDermid Wadsworth, and Amy Dombro.

PRESENTATION AT THE 2012 MICHIGAN DIETETIC ASSOCIATION ANNUAL CONFERENCE - March 27

Senior dietetics majors Dana Porter and Erika Ford had an abstract accepted for presentation at the 2012 Michigan Dietetic Association Annual Conference that will be held at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center in East Lansing on April 24-27. The title of their poster presentation is "Consumer Preference of Peanut Butter Cookies Made with Peanut Butter Alternatives."

CHAIR ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT - March 22

Dr. Linda Dannison, chair of Family and Consumer Sciences will retire from WMU June 30, 2012 after 31 years of service. 

Linda was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan and earned a bachelor’s degree in Family and Consumer Science Education from Western Michigan University. She holds a master’s degree in Family and Child Development, and a Ph.D. in Adult and Occupational Education from Kansas State University. She is a Certified Family Life Educator specializing in parenting education.

Linda began her career teaching in high schools in Michigan and Kansas, after earning her doctorate she began teaching in family and consumer science education at North Dakota State University. She joined Western Michigan University as an assistant professor in 1981. She taught undergraduate and graduate courses in Effective Parenting, Adult Child Relationships, Human Sexuality and Later Life Family Relationships. She served as chair of Family and Consumer Sciences from 1990 to 2012.

Linda is the author of numerous articles, chapters and books on kinship care. She has developed educational programs, resources, videos, and training programs to support multigenerational families and is a co-director of the National Center for Research on Grandparents Raising Grandchildren. She has co-authored The Second Time Around: Grandparents Raising Grandchildren and Grand Ideas for Grand Kids. Her research appeared in the International Journal for Education Policy and Leadership, Health Communication, Intergenerational Programming Quarterly, Journal of the American Dietetic Association, Children and Schools, Contemporary Education, International Pediatrics, Journal for Specialists in Group Work, Childhood Education, Human Ecology Review, Initiatives, Journal of Sex Education and Therapy, and Family Relations. 

Linda received the Espirit de Corps Award from the College of Education and Human Development, the WMU Family and Consumer Sciences Alumni Academy Award, the Michigan State Kalamazoo County Extension Support Award, and the Phoenix Award from the National Parents’ Day Coalition. Linda was also granted Fulbright Senior Specialist awards, lecturing on Kinship Care issues in Norway at the University of Tromsoe and at Oxford, Keele, and Northumbria Universities in England. She also lectured in Latvia for the U.S. State Department. 

Future plans include spending much more time with her wonderful husband Martin. He will also be retiring from the WMU’s College of Aviation. They have children and grandchildren who live in Boston, Nashville, Fairbanks and England and plan on enjoying frequent visits. Additionally they are looking forward to sailing adventures in the Caribbean and Lake Michigan, cruising the U.S. in their 5th wheel, and opportunities for skiing and walking vacations.

There will be a retirement reception honoring Linda on Tuesday, April 10th from 3-5 p.m. Students, alumni, colleagues and friends from the community are welcome to attend the reception in the Trimpe Multicultural Center on WMU’s campus.

NEW OUTREACH PROGRAM STARTED - March 14

The Student Dietetic Association has started a new outreach program this academic year of 2011-12 in the Edison Neighborhood of Kalamazoo. Headed the SDA President, Elizabeth Quemada, with aid from Susie Zammit, Secretary, and member Stephanie Adams, the SDA has begun to teach nutrition classes to 2nd through 5th graders from The Tree of Life Elementary School in the Edison neighborhood. Tree of Life is a young Christian elementary school in the Kalamazoo area. They focus on an affordable Christ centered education, which is usually hard to find. Adam Sterenberg, the principal of Tree of Life, approached the SDA about holding nutrition classes early last summer and they gladly accepted. Teaching the class of 12 students has been an amazing experience for all of the members involved. They have gone over the basic food groups, serving sizes, Choose My Plate, and have just recently started going over each vitamin starting with vitamin A. The kids are always excited to see the SDA when they visit every Friday. It is a great opportunity to be a part of a blossoming community and an influence in children’s life.

SOLIMAN INVITED TO BE KEYNOTE SPEAKER - March 13

Dr. Ghada Soliman, Assistant Professor of Dietetics, is invited to be the keynote speaker for the Michigan Dietetic Association's annual conference to be held in East Lansing, Michigan on April 27, 2012. The Title of her talk is "Management of Obesity from Genetics and Signal Transduction to Intervention and Follow-up."

‘EXPOSED’ RECEPTION - March 12

Thank you to everyone who came out and showed support to five of the graduating Interior Design Seniors during their ‘Exposed’ reception Friday, February 17.

The show displayed work that the seniors have completed while in the Interior Design Program over the last four years. 
Pictured are Interior Design graduating seniors Riley Walters, Amanda Peck, Kimberly Porco, Carly Zagorski and Renee Gahn pictured with President John M. Dunn.

WMU enrollment is up in teacher preparation programs - Oct. 18

2019 Distinguished and Emerging Scholars Award - Oct. 1

Schoolcraft community schools walk to WMU - Sept 26

Sport management students help create homecoming experience - Sept. 16

Professor serves as Co-Pi on grant to study better long cane design and biomechanics for blind cane users - Feb. 26

Dr. Suzan Ayers featured as speaker at PETE and HETE conference - Nov. 8

CEHD professor emeritus, chair of Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, passes - Oct. 23

Dr. Sandra Vamos featured by the Global Health Literacy Academy for health literacy month - Oct. 18

Young health wellness ambassadors are helping families in the community - Aug. 13

Cheatham appointed associate provost for budget and personnel - June 22

The quiet ascent of Cody Piechocki, head baseball coach of KVCC and the Kalamazoo Growlers - June 21

HPHE honors alumni for 17th year - April 18

Richard F. Raklovits, associate professor emeritus of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, passes away - Feb. 5

Honoring a Bronco legend: Manny Newsome #5 - Jan. 25

Berkey receives award from midwest SHAPE America - Oct. 24

Longtime CEHD professor emeritus, Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, passes away - Sept. 29

Dr. Miller elected to a second three-year term as NSCA Vice President - July 19

Physical Education graduate publishes book, 'Stop Bullying Yourself' - July 13

Dr. Jody Brylinsky honored as coaching educator - June 1

Alumnus Authors 'Five Cents;' Eighth Book - Feb. 28

HPHE professor named President of the Faculty Senate - June 13

PEK Manages the Special Olympics Michigan Unified Basketball State Finals - April 4

Dr. Michael Miller Honored with Outstanding Educator Award - March 9

CEHD Departments attend the National Day of Service - Feb. 3

Two HPHE Alumni and Sturgis High School Employees are Recipients of National Award - Jan. 27

Three Faculty Members Have Manuscript Accepted for Publication by National Journal - Dec. 7

Athletic training program achieves second place at MATS quiz bowl - Nov. 18

Family Studies Student Wins WMU Study Abroad Photo Contest - Oct. 27

Sport Management Student Completes Internship of a Lifetime - Oct. 12

Two CEHD Faculty Members Recognized for Research - Oct. 9

Graduate Named America's Best Adapted Physical Education Teacher of 2015 - Sept. 23

M.A. Coaching Sport Performance Featured by National Council for Accreditation of Coaching Education - Sept. 14

Professor Receives Scholarly Contribution Award - July 30

Professor Invited to be External Reviewer - July 16

Alumni Academy Awards - May 15

Associate Professor's Children Give Scholarship - May 7

Kristy Pagan Inducted Into Alumni Academy - April 28

HPHE faculty member wins national award - Feb. 11

Coaching sport performance program has been reaccredited - Feb. 5

Department chair to receive award - Jan. 7

Exercise science well represented at MWACSM fall meeting - Nov. 26

Alumna clinches victory in state House race - Nov. 26

Faculty member presents in a symposium at the Annual Association of Applied Sport Psychology conference - Nov. 13

Miller elected to NSCA board of directors - Nov. 7

Miller named chair of committee for National Athletic Trainers' Association - Aug. 4

Exercise science alumni named NDC strength and conditioning coach - July 16

Community health education candidates shine in National Certification Examination - Feb. 6

Faculty member presents in Croatia - Feb. 17

SENIOR AWARDED MAC SCHOLARSHIP - Dec. 5

Taylor Cutajar, a senior in the athletic training program has recently won the Mid-American Conference Sports Medicine Association Memorial Scholarship for 2013! The scholarship is a great honor and the Department of Human Performance and Health Education along with the College of Education and Human Development congratulates Taylor!

Taylor has also just recently returned from his NFL student athletic training internship with the Cleveland Browns and also recently became the first student of the 2013-14 undergraduate athletic training program to pass the Board of Certification exam.

TWO STUDENTS RECEIVE MAHPERD STUDENT HONOR AWARDS - Dec. 5

Charlynn Blumberg and Jessie Burton recently received the Michigan Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance Student Honor Awards representing Western Michigan University at the MAHPERD State Convention held in Lansing, Michigan, on Nov. 14-16, 2013. Both are physical education majors and school health education minors and will be intern teaching in spring 2014. Active members of the Epsilon Alpha Chapter of Phi Epsilon Kappa, both students have also been awarded HPHE scholarships. Congratulations!

SERVICE LEARNING PROJECT - Nov. 22

The recreation/sport programming class performed a service-learning project called "Bike Cruise" in addition to Ovarian Cancer Awareness event.

Each year the HPHE 3710 Recreation/Sport Programming Class performs a service-learning project during the fall semester. For the past four years the class has planned and administered the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail Fall Color Bike Cruise. This years 5th annual cruise added Ovarian Cancer Awareness to the event by working with the West Michigan Cancer Center to help make families aware of this disease, a form of cancer that often goes undetected and is very deadly to women.

This event, which was held on Oct. 13, featured three prominent Kalamazoo organizations all sponsoring a family friendly, healthy event for the entire community: Kalamazoo County Parks, West Michigan Cancer Center and Western Michigan University. The success of this year’s event was much greater than past years with 250 people registered prior to the event.

OFFICE COORDINATOR IS AN ACCOMPLISHED FREELANCE WRITER - Oct. 21

Julie Ford, office coordinator in HPHE, is an accomplished freelance writer and has had three articles and an essay published in the fall 2013 edition of Michigan HOME and Lifestyle magazine.

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR LEADS GROUP OF STUDENTS TO CONFERENCE - Oct. 9
With funding from the William Gross Endowment, asscoiate professor Dr. Amos Aduroja will lead a group of Eta Sigma Gamma students to the 87th Annual American School Health Education conference in Myrtle Beach, Oct. 9-12, 2013.

PROFESSOR PRESENTS DATA AT MEDICINE 2.0 CONFERENCE IN LONDON, ENGLAND - Oct. 17

Professor Dr. Robert Bensley traveled to London in September to present data from his eHealth Behavior Management Model at the Medicine 2.0 conference. The conference is a mix of traditional academic research, practice and business presentations, keynote presentations, and panel discussions to discuss emerging technologies in health and medicine, with an emphasis on Internet-based, social media, and mobile technologies.

TWO GRADUATE STUDENTS IN SPECIAL (ADAPTED) PHYSICAL EDUCATION PRESENT AT CONFERENCE - May 30

Two graduate students in special (adapted) physical education gave three presentations at the 2013 American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance Convention at Charlotte, NC, on April 23-26, 2013. Zezhao Chen gave a presentation titled as "Physical Fitness Differences between Students with Autism and with Down Syndrome in Hong Kong" and another presentation titled "The Comparison of Body Compositions between Young Adults with and without Cognitive Impairments." Chris Farr gave a presentation titled as "The Effect of Exercises on the Concentration of Students with Attention Deficit Disorders." Their presentations were given under the direction of Dr. Jiabei Zhang, a professor in special (adapted) physical education.

HEALTH EDUCATION SENIORS RECEIVE AWARD - April 23

The health education faculty have selected two seniors to receive an American Association of Health Education “Outstanding Health Education Majors of the Year” award. Each year the AAHE recognizes undergraduate students majoring in health education or promotion from colleges or universities across the country that provide professional preparation health education programs. The outstanding undergraduate students representing WMU are Katie Rietkerk (school health) and Kirsten Henry (community health). These awards will be presented during the AAHE/AAHPERD Annual Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, on April 26.

STUDENTS RAISE MONEY FOR AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION - April 22

On April 7, 2013, the Phi Epsilon Kappa Western Michigan University student organization hosted a "Jump Rope for Heart" fundraiser for the American Heart Association in the University Recreation Center. The event consisted of activities such as jumping rope, hula hooping, 2-on-2 basketball, football accuracy challenge, basketball shooting challenge, partner jump roping, and a volleyball bump competition, all designed to get the participants heart rates up.

Approximately 20 students participated in the event to raise heart health awareness. Those who joined in the activities were broken into pairs and competed to earn the most points in the various activities. Although final scores were not the most important part of the day some teams earned over 2000 points! We appreciate all of the time and effort everyone contributed and as a result of this wonderful outpouring of support from our student body, Phi Epsilon Kappa has been able to donate nearly $500 to the American Heart Association. The money raised will help fund heart and stroke research and also help individuals of all ages in need of assistance paying for medical costs related to heart health.

MICHIGAN UNIFIED SPECIAL OLYMPICS BASKETBALL STATE TOURNAMENT - April 22

On March 16, 2013 Western Michigan University hosted the Michigan Unified Special Olympics Basketball State Tournament for the 15th year. This event was successful thanks to the combined coordination efforts of Phi Epsilon Kappa along with their mentor, Dr. Debra Berkey, as well as the southwest Michigan tournament coordinator Jaime Gunderson. Most important to the tournaments success were the 100 volunteers that helped out from the surrounding community as well as Western Michigan University students.

This year's tournament included 24 teams from across the state. About 200 Special Olympians were able to walk away with a medal around their neck thanks to this event. The event offers the athletes an opening ceremony, awards presentation, hospitality room, lunch for participants and volunteers, and a game room for young siblings. Members of Phi Epsilon Kappa are honored to be able to provide this service to the community. They hope to continue to provide service through the Special Olympics community in years to come.

EPSILON ALPHA CHAPTER AT WMU WINS AWARDS - April 18

The Phi Epsilon Kappa National Counsel recently announced recipients of the 2013 awards. WMU Department of Human Performance and Health Education students Charlynn Blumberg, Jessie Burton, Tray Crusciel, Sawyer Duncan, Brianna Fielder, Joanna Lewis Hall, Stephanie Hoff, Carly Kirkpatrick, and Jason Schut were all 2013 recipients. In addition, the Epsilon Alpha chapter at WMU won the Chapter Development Award and Jason Schut won the R.R. Schreiber Distinguished Service Award.

SPASM SPONSORS FUNDRAISER FOR ATHLETIC TRAINING ALUM - April 16

In March, the Student Professional Association for Sports Medicine began selling wristbands to raise money for WMU alumni David and Marissa Meinema. David graduated from the WMU athletic training professional program in December 2012 and passed his Board of Certification exam in February of this year. Three days after taking the exam, David was involved in a serious car accident, which left him with significant head trauma and facial fractures. Over $2500 has been raised to date to assist David and Marissa with the medical expenses of his rehabilitation. David continues to show improvements in his recovery.
More information on David

PROFESSOR SPEAKS AT CHINA CONFERENCE - April 16

Dr. Deb Berkey, professor of physical education and teacher education, was one of four invited featured speakers for the East Asia Regional Conference of Overseas Schools. The conference was held in Shanghai, China, from March 26-30 at the Concordia International School in Shanghai, China. 

FACULTY AND GRADUATE STUDENTS IN HUMAN PERFORMANCE AND HEALTH EDUCATION PUBLISHED - April 9

The research paper completed by four personnel of a completed federally funded project, Dr. Jiabei Zhang, Dr. Carol Weideman, Melissa Bogard, and Amanda Chiotti, has been published in the 2013 issue of Volume 10(1) in an internationally recognized peer-reviewed journal, Asian Journal of Exercise & Sports Science. This research paper is titled "Effectiveness of a Recreational Physical Activity Program for Young Adults with Mild Intellectual Disabilities." It evaluates and presents positive outcomes obtained in the implementation of the project "Integrated Recreational Sport Activity Program for Young Adults with Disabilities."

GAGNE SELECTED FOR CCHA'S ALL-TIME FIRST TEAM - March 28

Wayne Gagne (BS '87, physical education) is one of 12 players selected for the Central Collegiate Hockey Association's All-Time First Team. In honor of the CCHA final season, top performers were chosen from across all 42 seasons as part of their 'Celebrate the Legacy' initiative.

PHI EPSILON KAPPA SPRING INITIATION - Feb. 19

The local chapter of Phi Epsilon Kappa (National Honorary Fraternity for Physical Education, Exercise Science, Recreation, Health and Sport Management) conducted their spring initiation on Sunday, Feb. 10, in the Student Recreation Center. The following new members were inducted: Ben Hinz, Ben Conklin, Tray Crusciel, Monica Toso, Kimberly Turner, Brianna Fielder, Michael Potrykus, Shannon Corcoran, Jenny Kubik and Jeremiah Wakeman. The Epsilon Alpha Chapter is led by Jason Schut (president), Stephanie Henderson (vice-president), Robert Keller (secretary), Carly Kirkpatrick (treasurer), Wil Jackson (WSA representative), Tyler Boyd (historian) and Dr. Deb Berkey (faculty adviser).

DR. SUZAN SMITH-AYERS APPOINTED TO 21ST-CENTURY STUDENT INITIATIVE - Jan. 8

Dr. Suzan Smith-Ayers, associate professor of physical education teacher education, has been named Chair of the 21st-Century Student Initiative. This university-wide committee focuses on helping instructors and advisors better serve our millennial learners.

UNDERGRADUATE ATHLETIC TRAINING PROGRAM RE-ACCREDITE - Nov. 27

The undergraduate athletic training professional program received re-accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Athletic Training Education for 10 years.

ONLINE NUTRITION BEHAVIOR CHANGE SYSTEM REACHES 1,000,000TH WIC CLIENT - Oct. 29

On June 8, 2012, wichealth.org reached a major milestone. The 1,000,000th client lesson was completed by a participant associated with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC). That is one million lessons in just 10 years. At present pace, wichealth.org is expected to reach the next million mark in a little over 2.3 years. "This is a really exciting accomplishment," said Director Robert Bensley, a professor of Community Health Education at Western Michigan University. "To reach a 1,000,000 clients in any environment, especially one associated with behavior change, is an accomplishment few projects ever reach." Originally developed in partnership with the six Midwest region states, wichealth.org focuses on parent-child feeding behavior as part of the nutrition education component of the WIC program. This robust behavior change system is now being used in agencies located in 19 states across the country. Many agencies use the program as their primary form of secondary nutrition education contact. According to Jason Rivas, Creative and Technical Director for the project, "Our state partners have been extremely supportive in pursuing our visions. We truly have a unique working relationship with our funders." wichealth.org is based on the eHealth Behavior Management Model developed by Bensley, and uses unique tailoring techniques to provide individualized behavior change education to WIC clients across numerous parent-child feeding behaviors. Starting its 11th year, wichealth.org has consistently been found to be highly successful among WIC clients, especially in terms of impacting client beliefs associated with their likelihood to enhance parent-child feeding behaviors. To learn more about this initiative, visit www.joinwichealth.org. 

GRADUATE STUDENT'S RESEARCH TO BE PUBLISHED - Oct. 29

The research paper completed by a graduate student in special (adapted) physical education, Andrew M. Colombo-Dougovito, was accepted to be published in the 2013 issue of Volume 70(3) in a nationwide recognized peer-reviewed journal, The Physical Educator. This research paper is titled Comparison of Physical Fitness Performance between Elementary-Age Students with and without Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Andrew completed this research paper while he took the course HPHE 7100 - Independent Study under the direction of Dr. Jiabei Zhang, a professor in special (adapted) physical education, in the summer of 2011.

HEALTH EDUCATION STUDENTS ARE MODEL AMBASSADORS OF WMU AT A NATIONAL CONFERENCE - Oct. 25

At the recently concluded conference of the American School Health Association (ASHA) in San Antonio, six health education students were lauded for their representation of Western Michigan University and their presentation of an evaluation project in a poster presentation titled, Breathe Easy Broncos: Tobacco Free Policy Study on WMU Campuses.

The six student members of the WMU Gamma Mu chapter of Eta Sigma Gamma attended the 86th Conference of The American School Health Association between October 10 and 13, 2012. They were six of over 100 students and over one thousand members of ASHA at the conference. Accompanied by Dr. Amos Aduroja, the students attended networking and professional development sessions in health education. Sessions attended provided updated information in the area of education, service and research in the field of health Education. WMU students presented a poster presentation on an evaluation project they conducted on WMU students’ attitude towards Proposing Tobacco-free policy on campus. The study indicates an overwhelming accepting attitude to the proposing of tobacco-free policy on campus. Lauded by participants, many conferees asked if they could replicate the study on their campuses.

Students in attendance expressed having fun as they networked with professors, health professionals and students from around the country. In attendance are: Katie Rietkerk, Katie McDonald, Kirsten Henry, Katie Douglas, Ann Mergel and Katie Cowdery.

EMERITUS RONALD J. WINTER APPOINTED TO STATE COUNCIL - July 26

WESTERN PROFESSOR COORDINATES EDUCATION SUMMIT - July 25

Dr. Deb Berkey (Interim Michigan Department of Education physical education consultant) coordinated the Michigan Physical Education Summit on June 20 at the Easton Intermediate School District. Fifty professionals from across the state attended the event that focused on the delivery of quality physical education in the schools in Michigan. Teachers and representatives from Wayne State University, Eastern Michigan University, Grand Valley State University, Adrian College, Concordia and Olivet Colleges worked throughout the day to develop a common curriculum structure including student and teacher assessment strategies. The Department of Human Performance and Health Education provided lunch for the participants.

PROFESSOR INDUCTED IN HALL OF HONOR - June 19

Jody Brylinsky (class of 1973), associate provost for institutional effectiveness, was inducted into the Ambridge Area School District Hall of Honor June 7, 2012, in Ambridge, Pennsylvania. The hall of honor was established to honor outstanding Ambridge Area School District graduates who have made significant community contributions and or career-related accomplishments. The purpose of the hall of honor is to recognize alumni who have achieved outstanding accomplishments and to establish a lasting relationship with the alma mater. The goal of the hall of honor is to provide a visual incentive to current students which may help them aspire to the greatness that honorees have achieved. A picture of each honoree is hung in the high school rotunda.

HPHE FACULTY MEMBER ELECTED TO WMU FACULTY SENATE - June 4

Dr. Suzan Smith-Ayers, associate professor of human performance and health education, has been elected to the 2012-14 Executive Board of the WMU Faculty Senate. The Faculty Senate shares in governing WMU by formulating, reviewing and providing advice on policies and other matters of institutional concern. In addition to its governing members on the executive board, the organization's membership includes faculty senators and representatives from departments across campus as well as some administrators.

PROFESSOR APPOINTED TO AMERICAN COLLEGE OF SPORTS MEDICINE - May 4

The American College of Sports Medicine recently appointed Dr. Timothy Michael to the Professional Education Committee for a term of three years.

PROFESSOR RECEIVES FITNESS AWARD - April 23

Dr. James Lewis, associate professor of human performance and health education, has received the 2012 President's Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition Community Leadership award.

WMU GAMMA MU CHAPTER CELEBRATES 2011-12 AWARDS WITH CEREMONY - April 20

WMU Gamma Mu chapter of the National Health Education honorary, Eta Sigma Gamma, celebrated its 19th annual award ceremony in April. Gamma Mu members, their parents, spouses, loved ones and health education faculty members attended the ceremony.  The ceremony presented an opportunity to recall the prominent accomplishments of the group in the academic year 2011-12.  True to the ideals of Eta Sigma Gamma, the group engaged in education, service and advocacy on health education matters. Group activities included two professional development trips to Louisville, Kentucky, and Washington DC. Education and services on campus include planning on advocacy to make WMU a tobacco free campus, alcohol misuse education and services to various community agencies in Kalamazoo. Awards were presented to deserving students: Gamman of the year award and Scholarship Key awards both were presented to Holly Ferweda, the Distinguished Service Award went to Jared Badour, the Outstanding New Initiate Awards were given to Katie Rietkerk and Kirsten Henry.  Six graduating seniors were awarded the Eta Sigma Gamma cord of honor pending their completion and commencement ceremony this summer. In his brief presentation, Bensley encouraged the graduates to get involved and pursue their passion as good ambassadors of the University.

FACULTY AND STUDENTS HONORED AT FETZER CENTER - April. 9

The Department of Human Performance and Health Education recognized several of its alumni and students for their individual achievements during an event at the Fetzer Center in March. A main feature of the 2012 Academic Honor Academy Luncheon was the induction of seven alumni into the Academic Honor Academy. 

The academy recognizes the outstanding professional accomplishments, contributions and service of the department's alumni. The 2012 inductees were Tracy Daniel, Sean Fletcher, Christine Juszczyk, Stephen Keizer, Stephen “Rob” Little, Margaret “Peg” Parrott and Megan Rickard.

Department chair, Dr. Christopher Cheatham was a featured presenter.

PROFESSOR ELECTED PRESIDENT OF CHINESE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND HEALTH SOCIETY - April 9

Dr. Yuanlong Liu, professor in the Department of Human Performance and Health Education, has been elected as the president of International Chinese Society of Physical Activities and Health, effective April 2012. ICSPAH is a nonprofit international professional association. The mission of ICSPAH is to facilitate professional growth and development among its members to promote healthy and physically active lifestyles through strengthening research and education throughout the world. Working with the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, ICSPAH’s current goal is to work with American and Chinese universities to face the challenges in higher education.

Liu has been with WMU since 1998. He is the recipient of the honor award of the Measurement and Evaluation Council of American Association for Physical Activity and Recreation. Liu has served a three year term as the editor-in-chief of Measurement in Physical Education and Exercise Science. He is now serving as the section editor in exercise science of MPEES (i.e., biomechanics, sport physiology and sports medicine). In the measurement field Liu has published numerous peer reviewed publications research presentations at national and international conventions.

PROFESSOR NAMED CHAIR OF PRESTIGOUS SOCIETY - April 6

Physical education professor Dr. Deb Berkey has been elected as chair of the North American Society for the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.

HUMAN PERFORMANCE AND HEALTH EDUCATION PROFESSOR TRAVELS TO BOSTON - March 27

Human performance and health education professor, Dr. Deb Berkey, traveled with seven student members of the Epsilon Alpha Chapter of Phi Epsilon Kappa to attend the National Conference of the American Alliance of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance in Boston, Massachusetts, in mid-March.

Students: Adam Carpp, Jason Schut, Trey Conner, Bobby Keller, Seth Weber, Stephanie Hoff and Carly Kirkpatrick. 

PHYSICAL EDUCATION INTERNS PARTICIPATE IN LEGISLATIVE EDUCATION DAY - March 14

Eleven physical education intern teachers, accompanied by Dr. Deb Berkey, were among 100 professionals who participated in Legislative Education Day on Feb. 29, 2012.  The event was sponsored by the Michigan Fitness Foundation, the Comprehensive School Health Education Coordinator's Association and the Michigan Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. The purpose of the event was to increase the visibility of the importance of physical education, health education and the Healthy Michigan Fund with schools and communities across the state. A total of 120 legislators were visited during the day. Intern teachers representing WMU included: T.J. Furco, Matt Smorch, Jake Culver (placed in Otsego Public Schools), Kevin Lillibridge, Ben Munselle, Shawn Larson (Gull Lake Community Schools), Drew McLaughlin (Bridgman Public Schools), Zach Mallarney, Brandon Carter (Mattawan Community Schools) and Leslie Angle (Lawton Community Schools). 

STUDENT IN CEHD HAS SUCCESSFULLY CREATED AND COORDINATED THE BENCH PRESS CONTEST FOR THE PAST TWO YEARS - March 13

Myron Harrison, a senior in recreation management in the Department of Human Performance and Health Education, and four-year employee at the Student Recreation Center had a vision to establish a dynamic event for Western Michigan University students within the SRC.

After months of researching other university's campus recreation strongman and bench press contests, Harrison sat down and composed a bench press contest especially for WMU. From developing the rules and regulations, registration form, how the competition would be conducted, to the prizes, awards and promotion, Harrison planned the entire event with support from SRC professional staff members.

The first year's event in spring 2011 went well with a good turn out, but this year’s event saw a significant increase in participants. The Bench Press Contest presented awards to the top three winners of each weight class. There were four weight classes for the males and three for the females.

The SRC is looking forward to the event returning for many years to come. 

FACULTY MEMBER SELECTED TO HEAD INSTITUTIONAL EFFECTIVENESS - March 12

Dr. Jody Brylinsky, professor of human performance and health education, has been appointed associate provost for institutional effectiveness, beginning April 1.

EPSILON ALPHA HOSTS SPORTS DAY - Feb. 22

The Epsilon Alpha Chapter of Phi Epsilon Kappa hosted the Western Michigan University Girls and Women in Sport Day on Saturday, Feb. 4, at the Fetzer Center. The National Girls and Women in Sport Day, commemorated by an Act of Congress in 1988, was officially celebrated across the country on Feb. 1. Twenty-one local athletes, nominated by their athletic directors and coaches, were recognized at the breakfast event along with their parents. The theme this year was "Title IX Turns 40: In It For the Long Run." Dr. Deb Berkey, PEK adviser, served as host for the event. The keynote speaker was Jeanne Hess, professor of physical education at Kalamazoo College.

FACULTY MEMBER PUBLISHED IN NATIONAL ATHLETIC JOURNAL - Feb. 21

Dr. Michael Miller, professor in human performance and health education, was involved as contributing author for the recently released National Athletic Trainers' Association position statement: preventing sudden death in sports . This document will be used as a reference nation-wide to promote safe sport participation and preparation.

PROFESSOR PRESENTS AT WOMENS IN SPORTS LEADERSHIP SUMMIT - Feb. 20

Gretchen Mohney, instructor in human performance and health education, was invited to be a presenter at the Women in Sports Leadership conference in Lansing on Feb. 5, 2012. This conference is held once every two years by the Michigan High School Athletic Association. Approximately 640 female high school student athletes across the state of Michigan were in attendance. Mohney presented four modules on two separate topics, speed and agility for the female athlete, and nutrition for the female athlete. Mohney will also be the Michigan Athletic Trainers Society Public Relations Committee representative at the Michigan Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association state conference in March.

STUDENTS EARN MHSAA CERTIFICATES - Jan. 6

Several students enrolled in HPER 2350: Theory of Coaching received their Michigan High School Athletic Association Coaches Advancement Program Level III Intermediate Level certificates. Students must pass three MHSAA CAP tests at 80% or above to earn certification. WMU annually is near the top in the state of Michigan in the number of students that receive the certificate.

PROFESSOR NAMED TECHNICAL ADVISOR FOR USA SOCCER TEAM - Jan. 6

Dr. Jody Brylinsky, professor in human performance and health education, was asked to serve as a technical advisor for United States Soccer Team by their coach education division in Los Angeles, California. In addition to giving two presentations, one on identifying elite coach competences and a second on evaluating top coaches, Brylinsky was also able to see the women's national team practice and work with several former World Cup players and current professional team coaches.

Supporting teacher internships and honoring family - Nov. 19

WMU group seeks more teachers of color - Nov. 4

2019 Distinguished and Emerging Scholars Award - Oct. 1

Students find springboard to success at WMU - April 19

Dr. Luchara Wallace appointed to Kalamazoo County Advisory Committee - Jan. 22

New CEHD agreement awards wualifying Michigan high school students college credit for Career and Technical Education courses - Jan. 10

SPLS professor publishes new edition of book on classroom tools and strategies - Nov. 13

Literacy education expert to receive Emerging Scholar Award - Sept. 11

'Model Teacher' selected as 2018-19 Michigan teacher of the year - May 18

Literacy Studies instructor named on of 2018-19 regional teachers of the year - April 13

Special education student wins 2018 Dr. Charles Van Riper outstanding college student award - Jan. 22

Western Michigan University is the Best Teacher Education Subject Specific School for Veterans in Michigan - Jan. 19

An interdisciplinary collaboration earns faculty in the special education andbehavior analysis programs a U.S. Department of Education grant - Oct. 2

WMU professors awarded $2.6 million grant by U.S. Department of Education - Sept. 22

WMU psychology specialists tapped by governor to serve on new board - Aug. 15

Special education alumnus Dennis W. Archer awarded American Bar Association top accolade - Sept. 2

Assistant professor has article published - Aug. 17

SPLS faculty members receive grant to improve teacherquality in South Haven Public Schools - April 4

Three SPLS faculty members co-authored new nationaljournal publication - Jan. 27

Associate professor Susan Piazza will receive Teacher of the Year award - Jan. 27

Special education professor publishes blog discussingsuccessful co-teaching - Jan. 27

McGinnis Reading Center tutors find success after graduation - Jan. 22

Special Education Professor’s Intern Co-teaches at PawPaw Middle School - Nov. 16

Turnaround School Leadership Grant: Developing a Leadership Pipeline and Renewing Schools - Sept. 30

Assistant professor presented at convention - Aug. 3

Special education program well represented at conference - March 25

Dr. Piazza to represent at international reading convention - March 6

Assistant professor has article published in top peer-reviewed practitioner journal - Feb. 16

TLES hosts first annual teacher education pinning ceremony - Dec. 10

Supporting teacher internships and honoring family - Nov. 19

Facing a shortage of certified teachers, schools turn to less-trained substitutes - Nov. 15

Top teacher award recognizes WMU alumna's passion for literacy - Nov. 7

WMU group seeks more teachers of color - Nov. 4

Top teacher award goes to TLES grad - June 27

Secondary education alumnus named Region 2 MEMSPA Principal of the Year - June 24

Top teacher award goes to another WMU grad - May 14

Local college students give back to the community on their day off - Jan. 29

New CEHD Agreement Awards Qualifying Michigan High School Students College Credit for Career and Technical Education Courses - Jan. 10

TLES professor wins Edward B. Fry Book award - Jan. 9

TLES alumna chosen for behind-the-scenes experience at C-SPAN - Aug. 16

TLES professor engages in scholarly activities that promote LGBTQ inclusion - Aug. 3

Be modern man: meet 'the advocate for black men' Robert W. Simmons III - May 16

Kalamazoo man will make nasty houses new again on the DIY TV network - Feb. 8

Educational rockstar - Feb. 8

Science education alumnus Robert Simmons named president of Service Year Alliance - Feb. 2

Teaching, Learning and Educational Studies professors awarded grant to implement Michigan STARTALK Chinese teacher and student academies - Feb. 1

Western Michigan University is the best teacher education subject specific school for veterans in Michigan - Jan. 19

More than a catchphrase - Jan. 19