It’s the beginning of a new school year and the College of Education is prepared for all new and returning students. Throughout the summer the Office of Undergraduate Studies held student orientations to prepare the incoming students regarding policy and expectations for their first term at UH. Dean Robert McPherson held a luncheon on the Friday before the first day of classes to welcome new and returning faculty and staff.

Our Students

According to University of Houston records, 566 new College of Education students were registered for the Fall 2015 semester as of August 24, 2015. This included 133 freshmen, 274 transfer, 105 masters, and 54 doctoral students. 

New Student Orientations  

The Office of Undergraduate Studies hosted orientations throughout the summer.  The office welcomed new undergraduates who were advised, registered for courses and taught how to be successful in college.  The team’s hard work definitely paid off. New Teaching and Learning student, Thom Tran had this to say after one of the orientations:  “I was very anxious before the orientation, but after today’s activities I can tell the faculty and staff are always going to be available to help. It’s a very welcoming environment.”

The Graduate School, in collaboration with the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Services, hosted the annual Graduate and Professional Student Orientation.  This event provided an overview of university services, procedures, and resources as they relate to graduate students, as well as an opportunity to meet students from other UH programs. “I found my grad orientation experience to be very welcoming and informative,” said Curriculum & Instruction Ph.D. student Valerie Maclin. “Everyone was helpful and I left feeling like I belong to the UH family.”

Education Connection

The Office of Undergraduate Studies held its first Education Connection on August 17, 2015.  All new students were invited for a half-day workshop designed to help make their transition to UH easier.  Forming “connections” has been proven to be an important element in students’ success.  This fun workshop gave students the tools to help achieve their college goals, learn about scholarship opportunities, and introduce them to fellow students who are taking the same classes. 

The COE advisors had a great time planning this welcome event for new students. Fifty-four participants attended and the advisors hope to attract up to 100 next year. “As we got started, we could tell students were jazzed about attending our UH Carnival themed event,” said Teaching & Learning Advisor, Alyssa Adame. “Our new students let us know by survey that they enjoyed the time they spent together, and made some strong connections to use during their time here.”

A special thank you to our sponsors, Pinks Pizza, UH Bookstore and Arne’s Warehouse, whose contributions helped make the event a success!

Faculty and Staff Luncheon

Dean McPherson held the Annual Faculty & Staff Awards Luncheon on August 21, 2015 at the Hilton, University of Houston. Everyone who attended the event after the long summer break enjoyed great food and conversation. Educational Leadership & Policy Studies professor Alexander Schilt had this to say about his 35 years of service award:

“I guess it is a good sign. I mean when I arrived at the luncheon and Jonathan [Schwartz] whispered: ‘You are being recognized for 35 years of service.’ My immediate thought was: ‘Wait! What? But I just began awhile back.’ As I walked up to receive the recognition from Bob [Dean McPherson], a Picasso quote was ringing in my head:

‘The meaning of life is to find your gift.

The purpose of life is to give it away.’

To the extent I discovered the former and accomplished the latter.”

Dean McPherson presented the following Service and Research Awards: 

Service Awards

Five Years

Angela Bishop, Chrisdolyn Dawson, Dr. Wallace Dominey, Lizetta Frederick, Dr. Imani Goffney, Andrew Kapral, Colleen LaBorde, Dr. Lyle McKinney, Dr. Sissy Wong and Jessica Zorola

Ten Years

Michael Ahlf, Reginald Alexander, Dr. Nicole Coleman, David Laurence and Velvette Laurence

Fifteen Years

Dr. Cheryl Craig, Dr. Angus MacNeil. Lena Mitchell and Dr. Robert Wimpelberg

Twenty Years

Dr. Cameron White and Dr. Sara McNeil

Thirty-five Years

Dr. Alexander Schilt

College of Education Research Excellence Award

Dr. Sam McQuillin

College of Education Research Mentoring Award

Dr. Jacqueline Hawkins