March 2024
The Center for the School of the Future Receives $1.5M from Utah State Legislature
The Center for the School of the Future (CSF), a state-funded, innovation-driven education center housed within CEHS, received $1.5 million in one-time funding from the Utah State Legislature. The funding came from the recent 2024 session, during which CSF was specifically named in Senate Bill 173. The bill will increase the salaries of Utah’s top performing teachers. CSF will have an administrative responsibility in applying the new policy by building the processes and metrics that will guide LEAs (local education agencies) in determining the Utah teachers who will receive the salary supplements.
Research & News
USU Alumna in Special Education and Rehabilitation Counseling Awarded Emerson Fellowship
Tami Pyfer, a former student and educator in CEHS, never imagined that her career would evolve into working with Tim Shriver to create The Dignity Index, a communication tool used to help politicians speak more civilly. The Emerson Collective, created by the Steve and Laurene Powell Jobs' philanthropic venture, recently named Pyfer as one of its fellows and awarded her $125K to train, recruit, and support women in public office.
COMDDE Associate Professor Receives $2.3M grant from NIH for Parkinson’s Research
Associate Professor Stephanie Borrie received a $2.3M, five-year grant for her research on improving participation in conversations for people with Parkinson’s disease and other neurological disorders. Her research, which examines the impact of neurological conditions such as stroke, brain injury, and Parkinson’s disease on conversation, addresses ways communication partners can work together to improve conversations.
CEHS Students, Faculty, and Staff Recognized for Enriching Lives
Sixteen individuals in CEHS received recognition for their efforts in promoting the college and university mission and vision for 2024. Recognition includes excellence in teaching, research, service, and other support functions. Emma Eccles Jones Endowed Dean Al Smith says, “It is an honor to work with such accomplished and passionate colleagues.”
K-8 Arts Integration Exhibit Showcased at the Wilkerson Gallery
Creativity Unbound, a children’s art exhibit at CEHS’s Wilkerson Gallery, showcases exemplary student artwork from 16 elementary and middle schools in Northern Utah. A total of 288 pieces—ranging from sketches and paintings to ceramic sculptures and handmade tunnel books—are on display in the gallery.
Upcoming Events
Department Head Scot Allgood’s Last LectureDepartment Head, Professor
Human Development and Family Studies
ECC Auditorium
April 25 from 2:00 - 2:30 pm
A reception will follow the lecture from 2:30-4:00 pm in the Eccles Conference Center (rooms 205-207).
Dr. Allgood’s distinguished career at Utah State began in 1992 when he became assistant professor in HDFS. For the past 14 years, he has served as the department’s head. Allgood was awarded Professor of the Year at USU in 2002. He will retire December 2024.
2024 CEHS Graduation EventsThursday, May 2
8:15 am Academic Procession
9:00-11:00 am University Commencement Ceremony
Friday, May 3
12:30-2:30 pm College Convocation for Undergraduate Degrees
3:00-5:00 pm College Convocation for Graduate Degrees