College of Education Newsletter

Dr. Jorgensen Selected for Leadership Academy

Dr. Maribeth Jorgensen, Professor of Counselor Education, Assistant Dean for Research and Faculty Development, and Director of the Center for Research Excellence and Innovation, has been selected as a fellow in the 12th cohort of the Academy for Innovative Higher Education Leadership. The Academy brings together senior-level leaders from four-year institutions across the country that are committed to driving innovation and positive change in higher education.

As part of her fellowship, Dr. Jorgensen is leading a project to grow university-wide research development programming at SHSU, with the goal of enhancing access to support, infrastructure, and engagement for students, faculty, and staff. Her selection in this academy reflects her ongoing commitment to strengthening and advancing research excellence at SHSU.

COE Partakes in Veteran's Day

On November 11, as part of the Veterans Day celebration, the HEARTS Veterans Museum of Huntsville hosted a silent auction to support our veterans. Sam Houston State University’s College of Education proudly contributed a compilation of items representing SHSU, COE and its departments — Educational Leadership, School of Teaching and Learning, Counselor Education, and the SHSU Charter School — to show our appreciation for those who have served and continue to serve our country.

College of Education Welcomes New AI Fellow and Strengthens Community of Practice Leadership

The College of Education is proud to announce Elizabeth Gross as its new AI Fellow, a role dedicated to advancing the integration of artificial intelligence in teaching, learning, and research. Gross will lead initiatives that explore innovative uses of AI to enhance educational practices across the college.

In addition, the Community of Practice (CoP)—a collaborative group focused on sharing expertise and fostering professional growth—has appointed Tracey Hodges as its new Co-chair. Hodges will work alongside members to guide discussions and projects that support the college’s mission.

The CoP includes a dynamic team of educators and scholars: Andrey Koptelov, Hannah Gerber, Cynthia Martinez Garcia, and Dawn Gatlin, each bringing unique perspectives and expertise to the group. Together, they aim to create a vibrant space for collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning.

While the Fall 2025 graduation application deadline has technically passed, students seeking to apply late are encouraged to contact the Registrar’s Graduation Team directly at graduationteam@shsu.edu.

The last day to order your Cap and Gown online is Friday, November 14, 2025. Orders placed after this date may incur additional fees.

Become a Tutor!

Looking for a job that fulfills your field experience requirement? The School of Teaching and Learning is hiring tutors to support elementary students in local schools for Spring 2026! Earn $18 per hour, gain valuable classroom experience, and receive course credit.

Eligible students must be:

Become a NOYCE Scholar!

The highly prestigious, nationally recognized Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship supports exceptional students who plan to teach STEM fields in a high-needs school with $10,000 per academic year. 

Deadline to Apply: November 14, 2025

Become a Charles Butt Scholar!

To be eligible for the scholarship, students must be committed to teaching in the Texas public school system in either a Title 1 or majority economically disadvantaged school or in a priority subject area (math, science, special education, or bilingual). Applicants must also exemplify the knowledge, skills, and values listed below. Preference is given to Texas residents.

Application Closes: Thursday, January 1, 2026

"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass...It's about learning to dance in the rain." 

- Vivian Greene

We’re at 46% of our 75% GOAT Giving Challenge goal! Once we reach it, our Dean has promised an unforgettable celebration—a goat kiss!

Hi Research Community! To build upon our information about grant consultation services that we shared last week, we wanted to provide examples of how the Research Center has supported faculty in the COE and beyond. This week we are featuring a grant team who recently submitted an internal grant:

Drs. Sinem Akay-Sullivan (COE), Maribeth Jorgensen (COE), Li-Jen Lester (COSET), and Lindsey Lopez (Director of Wellness) recently submitted an internal proposal for the Interdisciplinary Grant Program. Their project is connected to the strategic priorities of the SHSU JED Task Force (https://www.shsu.edu/offices-departments/student-wellness/jed-campus) and designed to build an evidence-informed gatekeeper training for staff and faculty at SHSU to learn the signs of mental health distress, trauma-informed responses, and referral and resource options across campus. Should the grant proposal be funded, the Research Center will provide data gathering consultation, analysis, and develop a synthesis of findings to report out. 

Do you need this type of or other support for your grant proposals? The Research Center provides consultation for large-and-small scale grants, and priority is given to faculty, staff, and students within the COE and COHS. Please read the F.A.Q. below and send an email to coeresearchcenter@shsu.edu to schedule with us should you need help with your next grant submission! 

Fall 2025 SHIPS Luncheon

Revisit the highlights from this year’s SHIPS Luncheon!

Fall 2025 Dean's List Reception

Revisit the recent Dean's List Reception! If you still need to pick up your items, please visit the COE Dean's Suite.

This email is being sent to College of Education students.

1908 Bobby K Marks Drive None | Huntsville, None 77341 US