What's New From COEHS?
August 2022
Faculty Highlights
Dr. Ben Littlepage, Professor/Coordinator, Postsecondary Education Administration, Leadership, and Counseling
Alumni Highlights
Andrea Heisner, McCracken County Public Schools, MSU Top 22 Under 40
Congratulations to Andrea Heisner on being named among the Murray State University Alumni Association's Top 22 Under 40, Class of 2022!
Andrea graduated from Murray State with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing in 2007 and a Master of Science in Career and Technical Education in 2018. Heisner serves as a school nurse in the McCracken County Public School System, where she found her true passion of expressing the importance of health care to younger generations.
"Being able to teach the future of our healthcare industry is a blessing," Heisner said. "Instructing classes that promote health careers to our secondary students gives me the honor of sharing my experiences at the bedside."
She currently serves as Health Care Educator at McCracken County School, an Allied Health Science Lead Professional Learning Community Teacher for Kentucky Department of Education and Basic Life Support/CPR First Aid Instructor.
"I strive to share my passion for patient care and hope to inspire our adolescent population to pursue health careers. The biggest blessing of my job is to see my students succeed in their skill set and expand their critical thinking skills," Heisner said.
Heisner also currently serves on the International HOSA (Health Occupations Student Association) - Future Health Professionals Competitive Events team as a Lieutenant and a member of the Kentucky HOSA Executive Council. She was recently nominated for the 2021-22 Regional Distinguished Educator Award, 2021 Kentucky State HOSA Advisor of the Year honors and as 2021 International HOSA Advisor of the Year.
Whitney York, Murray Independent School District, MSU Top 22 Under 40
Congratulations to Whitney York on being named among the Murray State University Alumni Association's Top 22 Under 40, Class of 2022!
Whitney York, Ed.S., '10, '13, '17, '19, is a leader throughout the Murray Independent School District and Murray Community. After receiving her Bachelor of Science in Business and Marketing Education, York began her career as a technology/business teacher for Murray Independent before moving into the role of district-wide Digital Learning Coach. Through that role she worked with teachers in Murray Independent, regionally and statewide to support technology use in the classroom by providing and coordinating technology professional development opportunities and conferences. During that time she also completed two master's degrees from Murray State un Education and Education Administration.
In 2019, after completing her Specialist in Education degree from Murray State, York was named the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction and Director of Human Resources for the Murray Independent School District. In her current role, she works to support teacher recruitment, development and serve all staff who contribute to educating and supporting students in the district.
York was named to the 2020 Kentucky Women in Education Leadership (KWEL) class as well as the Murray/Calloway County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Murray Class of 2021-22.
York believes strongly in promoting community involvement in education and takes part in many opportunities to connect with the Murray State College of Education and Human Services and other community partners.
"My time at Murray State, specifically my involvement with the College of Education [and Human Services], residential college system and studying abroad, not only helped me to determine my career path but prepared me immensely for my career as an educator. I'm forever grateful for the support and influence Murray State has and will continue to have on my development as a leader," said York.
Savannah Boone, LaRue County Schools, MSU Top 22 Under 40
Congratulations to Savannah Boone on being named among the Murray State University Alumni Association's Top 22 Under 40, Class of 2022!
Savannah Boone graduated from Murray State in 2007 with a B.A. in History and Secondary Education. She went on to teach at the Hardin County Public Schools, later earning her master's in teaching at University of the CUmberlands and National Board Certification. In recent years, she has since earned two additional teaching certifications.
Savannah was recently selected as the Kentucky Special Education Teacher of the Year and as the ExCel Award winner by WHAS11 and LG&E. Currently a teacher at LaRue County High School, Boone has continues her involvement with Murray State by serving the College of Education and Human Services as a guest speaker.
"I take my career very seriously," Boone said, "because I want to shape the future by teaching students with disabilities to advocate for themselves and use tools and strategies that help them become independent, vital members of our community. I am inspired by the potential in my students!"
Student Highlights
Courtney Brantley, Masters in Teacher Leader / Career & Technical Education
HIGHLIGHT
Courtney Brantley was the 2022 Distinguished Faculty (6th-12th grade) Award Winner this year for West Kentucky Community and Technical College's Regional Educators Awards. She is a family and consumer sciences teacher at McCracken County High School and is currently enrolled in the Teacher Leader program.
BIO
- Name: Courtney Brantley
- HOMETOWN: Paducah, KY
- YEAR AT MURRAY STATE: Graduate Student
- DEGREE: Career & Technical Education - Teacher Leader
- QUIRKY/FUN FACT: Love to spend time with my niece, Caraline!
- DO YOU HAVE ANY PETS?: Dog/terrier-mix, Jessie
- FAVORITES: TV show: Survivor, Food: Pizza, Sports: Nashville Predators Hockey
Q&A
Why did you choose to attend Murray State?
Murray State University is close to home.
Why did you choose your major/minor?
I love Family and Consumer Sciences and teaching students the basic skills they will need for life after high school.
Tell us about a few of your favorite courses, projects, or mentors.
My favorite instructors at MSU would be Dr. Parr and Dr. Chapman! They're fabulous!
Tell us about any accomplishments you've experienced while at MSU, or any clubs/organizations you've enjoyed being a part of.
I love MSU and all the experiences that I have had here!
What are your plans for after graduation?
I am currently a Family and Consumer Sciences teacher at McCracken County High School. When I finish my Masters degree in Teacher Leader I hope to continue to educate my students the best of my ability.
What advice would you give to incoming students at MSU?
Go to class, work hard, and have fun...but not too much fun!
Thank you, Courtney! Keep up the great work!
Upcoming Events
- August 12: Fall Convocation
- August 16: Fall Welcome Back / Classes start
- August 25: Student Picnic
- September 5: Labor Day
- September 10: Racer Day
- September 22: Scholarship Banquet
- September 26: Pet Therapy
- October 6-7: Fall Break
- October 28: Fall Teacher Career Fair
- October 29: Homecoming Breakfast
- October 31: Halloween / Pet Therapy
- November 12: Racer Day
- November 24: Thanksgiving
- November 28: Pet Therapy
- December 2: Classes End
- December 3-9: Finals
- December 9: Student Teacher Honors Luncheon
- December 10: Commencement