Upcoming Information Sessions

 
Please visit CEHD program pages for individual program information sessions. 
 Governors State University holds regularly scheduled open houses; check upcoming dates here

Graduate Program Open House

 Please visit CEHD program pages for individual program information sessions. 

 Governors State University holds regularly scheduled open houses; check upcoming dates here

CEHD in the News

Southland History Collective: Preserving History One Piece at a Time

VanGorder and Pennington,

Since receiving a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion mini grant in September for their project, the Southland History Collective, Governors State University Professors Drs. Lisa Pennington and Megan VanGorder have been building a team and mapping a plan to bring this collective to life.

As this point, a team of historians, teacher educators, librarians and students has been established to work together to find the best methods for creating a sustainable collective.....  Continue reading

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Governors State Student Inspires Revolutionary Leadership

Caylor, Rocky

A former U.S. Marine, retired UPS manager and entrepreneur Richard "Rocky" Caylor recently talked with Governors State University (GovState) faculty, staff and supporters about developing leaders during an alumni event hosted by the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD). 

Caylor's emotional presentation of personal anecdotes provided lessons that not only shaped his own leadership style, but also his guiding principles...  Continue reading

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Leonis S. Wright: Helping Her Students Help OthersWright, Leonis, 

After working with children in the foster care system early in her career, Governors State University (GovState) professor Leonis S. Wrigth developed a desire to assist children and adolescents with their daily academic and social/emotional challenges. 

Today, she believes she can make an impact when her own students become effective school counselors. Continue reading

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CEHD Launching Research Associate Development Program for Undergraduates

cooney and cipra

Governors State University’s (GovState) College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), under the leadership of Drs. Alli Cipra and Matthew Cooney, is starting the Research Associate Development (RAD) Program to engage the College's undergraduate students in more research opportunities.

RAD meets a need highly requested by CEHD faculty, which is to get students involved in research activities to advance their own studies and to prepare for application to, and success in, graduate school.

Continue reading

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College of Education changes names to College of Education and Human Development

 CEHD Logo

Governors State University's College of Education is now the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), better reflecting the variety of programs offered. Additionally, the CEHD's Division of Education will now be known as the Division of Education and Leadership. "Adding 'Human Development' acknowledges the mental health programs we offer and adding 'Leadership' to our Division of Education brings awareness to our master's and doctoral programs," explains CEHD Dean Shannon Dermer. Read more
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Dr. Pat Robey, from first-gen student to Distinguished Alumni
Patricia Robey

At first glance, it’s easy to see why Dr. Patricia Robey, (’94, ’97, ’03)stands out as a Governors State University alumna. She's earned three degrees, as well as a full professorship and chair position to epitomize academic and career success.

Robey was honored at the annual Distinguished Alumni Reception and Show in October 2022, for her contributions to the fields of counseling, psychology, and education. There were 220 nominations for six awards presented at the red-carpet event and Robey received 19 nominations for the Distinguished Alumni Award representing the College of Education and Human Development. Continue reading here
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GSU's Accreditation is the Gold Standard
Graduate Profile: Michael Mahoney

 Michael Mahoney, GSU Alum

For Michael Mahoney, three degrees weren’t enough to prepare him for his career in mental health counseling, education, and leadership. So he found his way to Governors State University (GSU) to complete a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision (CES), which prepares experienced counselors for opportunities in higher education and advanced clinical practice in professional counseling and supervision.

Mahoney sought to gain the credentials and educational experiences he needed for his practice as a mental health therapist. Continue reading here.
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Important Life Priorities Led to GSU
Graduate Profile: Zois Langlois
Zoie Langlois

Staying close to home and playing collegiate soccer while also preparing to become a teacher were top priorities for Zoie Langlois. Now she’s ready to attain her goal of teaching at an elementary school. 

As Langlois graduates with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, she reflects on her decision to attend Governors State University (GSU) and her journey to prepare for a career in education. Continue reading here. 
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Dr. Timothy Pedigo's Journey with Mindfullness

 Tim Pedigo

After losing both parents to the effects of depression and alcoholism as a teen, Dr. Tim Pedigo wanted to learn more about the workings of his own mind.

He found his way to meditative  practice that has helped him immensely throughout his life. As he learned more about mindfulness  himself,  Pedigo also started researching and teaching the subject to learn more about the self-care practice and share its benefits with others. Continue reading here
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College of Education and Human Development Newsletter, Spring 2023

COE Newsletter, Spring 2023, front page

 

Dr. Amy Vujaklija and her Work and Community Connections

amy vujaklija, smaller size
 March 13, 2023

 

A Kentucky native, Dr. Amy Vujaklija was first charmed by the beautiful landscape showcasing signature sculptures on Governors State University’s (GSU) summer campus. Even the weary Paul Bunyan made Vujaklija smile when she first arrived on campus in 2016 as a program coordinator.

Now the Director of Educator Preparation, Accreditation, and Assessment in the College of Education and Human Development, as well as a professor and podcaster, Vujaklija teaches pre-service teacher candidates in middle and secondary English education methods in theCollege of Education and Human Development.

The endless opportunities for professional growth continue to inspire Vujaklija, along with the faculty and staff's positive attitudes. Now she makes every effort to share her pride by increasing GSU's visibilty to the community. Continue reading here

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GSU Gathers Humanitarian Aid for Turkey

karadogan, figen

 

March 8, 2023

Words to describe her heartbreak and pain escaped Governors State University’s (GSU) Dr. Figen Karadogan when she heard the news about the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, a natural disaster that took more than 50,000 lives.

Karadogan immediately began trying to get in touch with her family who still lived in Turkey, while simultaneously looking up any information she could find about the areas impacted. As the images came up, she couldn’t believe what she was seeing and couldn’t stop the thought, “they’re gone, they’re gone,” from running through her head.

As a feeling of helplessness began to set in after 30 to 45 minutes of calling her family with no luck, Karadogan was relieved to reach her family members, one by one, and learn that they were all safe and far away from the impacted site. Continue reading here

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Groundbreaking Podcast Celebrates Black History Month with 28 Voices of Black Excellence 
Joi and Amy

February 8, 2023

Governors State University (GSU) College of Education and Human Development's "Teaching and Learning" Podcast has curated episodes to feature in its 28 Voices of Black Excellence. Within this podcast-series is a range of powerful educators and engaging topics that bring attention to the field of education and also elevate the importance of diversity and inclusion. There are interviews from local, national, and international guests on topics such as historical and cultural identities, community engagement, restorative justice, and leadership. It showcases inspiring interviews from some of GSU’s very own, including Dr. Cheryl Green, Dr. Phyllis West, and Dr. Crystal Harris. Continue reading here 

"Teaching and Learning" podcast episodes can be found here

Space Available in Family Development Center Programs

 fdc montage, for news page 

January 18, 2023
The exterior of the unusual-looking concrete building on the Governors State University campus does not do justice to the sunlit, bright, and cheerful classrooms and spaces that make up GSU’s Family Development Center. The FDC is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children and has three main programs, Early Head Start, Preschool For All and after school childcare, offering much needed quality care and services to the greater GSU community.
Space is available f
or all programs.
Continue reading here

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 The College of Education and Human Development and Love as a Protective Factor 

 COE First Friday, Oct. 2022

December 9, 2022
“Love” is the College of Education and Human Development's (COE) theme for this academic year amid challenges that have taken a toll on everyone’s physical and mental wellbeing since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. COE Dean, Dr. Shannon Dermer, decided that love was a topic that she would interweave throughout the events and activities of the year. “During COVID, people experienced a lot of separation issues, anxiety, trauma, loss, etc.,” says Dean Dermer. “Love, or a secure attachment, has long been known as a protective factor for children and adults. It contributes to a sense of wellness, belonging, and security.”
Continue reading here

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COE Launches Open Access Journal of Applied Disciplines

 Alli Cipra, smaller size 

November 15, 2022

Governors State University’s Journal of Applied Disciplines (JAD) was recently launched to fill a void in academic publishing. It was important to founder Dr. Alli Cipra, Associate Professor in GSU's Division of Psychology and Counseling, to “create a space for faculty, researchers, and students who don’t have access to pay for journals,” she explains. Continue reading here.

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 COE Program Sees Highest New Student Enrollment Since 2012

 David Conrad, smaller size

October 13, 2022

With the highest new student enrollment since 2012, the Educational Administration (EDAD) program at Governors State University, (GSU) is proud to announce that sixteen new EDAD students have earned nearly $221,000 in scholarships to pursue their career goals of becoming school principals.

During the Fall 2022 semester, the EDAD program enrolled fifty-five new students in three cohort groups to pursue the Master of Arts Degree in Principal Leadership—a degree for educators to prepare for school leadership roles such as principals, curriculum directors, and department chairs.

Continue reading here.

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GSU Professor Helps Students Get Research Experiences

9-14-23

 Dr. Eman Tadros has a lot to say. The Governors State University Assistant Professor is passionate about her work, her field, and her students, and she spends the vast majority of her time in service to all three. She talks quickly, with intent, wanting you to understand the importance of her research topics, the need for more funding and additional studies, and the regard she has for her students.

As a child, she loved law shows and thought she would like to be either a lawyer or a therapist. Ultimately, in her own unique way, she chose both. Dr. Tadros is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, an MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) Certified Practitioner, and an American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) Approved Supervisor. The law? It is incorporated into her work through her extensive research on incarcerated individuals, especially regarding their relationships – with their spouses, coparents, children, parents, siblings, etc. Continue reading here. 

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GSU Launches Free Substance Use Disorder Training  

BurleyNancy

9-14-22

Many healthcare disciplines interact with individuals with various substance use disorders and don’t realize it.

 “They begin to wonder why the clients do not respond to treatment plans quite the way they should,” said Nancy Burley, University Lecturer in the Department of Addiction Studies and Behavioral Health at Governors State University (GSU). “An occupational therapist or physical therapist might find their client has fallen again or complains of increased sleep or anxiety. Asking the right questions and being able to help the patient or client identify their problems can help create better outcomes.”

To that end, GSU is working to increase the number of health practitioners who are trained in recognizing those disorders with a free virtual course. Continue reading here

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