CEHS Newsletter

October 2023

Dean Al Smith speaking at CEHS's annual awards banquet

Donors and Awardees Recognized at 2023 Scholarship &
Awards Banquet

The 2023 Scholarship and Awards banquet brought together students, faculty, and alumni of the Emma Eccles Jones College of Educa􀆟on and Human Services to recognize the impact of the 400 scholarships awarded throughout the college this fall, totaling over $700,000 of generous support to students.


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Research & News


Kristin Searle$1.3M NSF Grant Awarded to ITLS Professor to Foster STEM Awareness in Navajo Nation Children

Kristin Searle, associate professor in Instructional Technology and Learning Sciences, is part of a collaborative research team recently awarded a three-year $1.3M grant by the NSF. The project aims to foster STEM career awareness among four- and five-year-old Navajo children in Red Mesa, Arizona.

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Rob Stawski International Researcher on Aging Rob Stawski Joins USU as HDFS Department Head

Rob Stawski recently joined USU as new department head of Human Development and Family Studies. Stawski is an interdisciplinary developmental health researcher whose focus is on understanding the social, psychological, and biological underpinnings of mental, physical, and cognitive health in adult development and aging. “I am excited for Professor Stawski’s work with our students, faculty, and staff to build upon the department’s tradition of excellence,” says Dean Al Smith.

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Jody Clarke-MiduraProfessor Jody Clarke-Midura Named Associate Dean for Graduate Studies in CEHS

Jody Clarke-Midura, associate professor in Instructional Technology and Learning Sciences, was recently appointed associate dean for graduate studies in CEHS. Already an intentional and dedicated mentor, the new responsibility is a natural extension of the role at which Clarke-Midura already excels. “My goal is to help all graduate students find the support and resources they need to succeed,” she says.

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Edith Bowen classroomEdith Bowen Laboratory School Receives Funding to Enhance Teacher Learning Opportunities Throughout Utah

Edith Bowen Laboratory School, a certified K-6 charter school housed within CEHS, recently hosted the first Utah Learning for Educators and Researchers through Networked Systems (LEARNS) conference. LEARNS is funded by a three-year, $50,0000 grant from the Utah State Charter School Board.

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Dean Al SmithScholarship and Awards Banquet Recognizes One of Head Start’s Original Founders, Utah Principal of the Year, and Professor Who Created Autism Preschool Program

In September, scholarship recipients, faculty members, donors, and friends of the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services met for the annual Scholarship and Awards Banquet in Logan, Utah. The celebration was an opportunity to recognize student excellence, the generosity of donors, and recipients of the college’s most prestigious awards.

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