School of Education Highlights

Dr. Wanetta Morrow, Associate Chair of Graduate Education at Campbellsville University, presented at Purdue University’s 2025 Rural Education Summit. Her session, Combatting Enemies of Efficacy in Rural Schools, examined challenges impacting teacher efficacy in educational settings often affected by geographic constraints. Drawing on the research of Albert Bandura and John Hattie, Dr. Morrow connected theory to practice by highlighting the role of self-efficacy, collective teacher efficacy, and visible learning in improving school outcomes. Participants engaged with research-based strategies designed to strengthen instructional confidence among teachers.

Faculty from the Department of Graduate Education continue to share their expertise at university and national events, focusing on strategies that support effective teaching and meaningful student engagement. This fall, Dr. Valerie Flanagan (Chair of Graduate Education) and Dr. Wanetta Morrow (Assistant Chair of Graduate Education) were featured presenters across several impactful forums.

At the 2025 Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) Summit, Dr. Flanagan and Dr. Morrow delivered a virtual poster and video presentation titled Four Strategies for Engaging Adult Learners (Flanagan & Morrow, 2025, September 18–19). Their presentation explored research-based approaches to teaching, learning, reflection, and feedback designed specifically to support the needs of adult learners in higher education.

During the Campbellsville University Faculty Workshop in August, Dr. Flanagan and Dr. Morrow also co-presented a session titled Engage, Reflect, Excel: Leveraging Quality Tools to Enhance Learning for All Students. They introduced practical tools such as the Plus/Delta and Experiential Journal, along with discourse norms that promote deeper engagement with content and collaboration among students.

In addition, Dr. Morrow delivered a TID (Teaching, Instruction, Doing) Talk at the same workshop. Her presentation focused on the power of using quality tools and meaningful feedback to engage learners, incorporating the research of John Hattie to emphasize high-impact strategies that significantly enhance student learning outcomes.

Last year, Campbellsville University’s Dr. Franklin Thomas had a vision: to create an academic journal detailing the latest scholarship and research in higher education. A year later and ahead of schedule, that vision has translated into reality, with the inaugural issue of Journal of Advances in Education, which debuted in May. Read more here.

Faculty members from Campbellsville University’s School of Education have co-authored a comprehensive book on Social Emotional Learning (SEL), emphasizing its critical role in educator preparation. This collaborative work integrates SEL principles into teacher education programs, aiming to equip future educators with the tools to foster emotional intelligence and resilience in students. The book reflects the School's commitment to advancing research and practice in education, preparing educators to meet the diverse needs of learners in a dynamic educational landscape.

November 6th, 2025 - The School of Education unveiled its Montessori Demonstration Classroom on October 27, 2025, providing a hands-on learning space for students in the Master of Education in Montessori Education and bachelor’s programs in early childhood education. The classroom features child-sized furniture and materials across Practical Life, Sensorial, Language/Literacy, Mathematics, Arts/Music, Geography, Science, and Spiritual Development. High school students from Taylor County visited the space to explore Montessori teaching methods, guided by CU faculty. The classroom was made possible through the support of CU administration, faculty contributions, and donations from the L.O.R.D. Company. Read the full article here. 

October 29th, 2025 - Campbellsville University’s School of Education recently visited Marion County Public Schools in Lebanon, putting classroom learning into action. The School of Education prepares students to become skilled, confident, and compassionate educators at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. With small class sizes, dedicated faculty mentorship, and opportunities for Christian leadership and servant engagement, CU students gain the knowledge and experience to make a meaningful impact. Teaching at CU is more than a profession; it’s a calling to inspire, guide, and serve the next generation of leaders. Read the full article here. 

October 23rd, 2025 - Each semester, 20 to 35 Campbellsville University education students begin their student teaching placements across Kentucky and select out-of-state districts. During these experiences, candidates complete clinical hours, observe and assist teachers, and practice lesson delivery while applying coursework in real-world classrooms. Supported by faculty and cooperating teachers, students refine instructional skills, gain confidence, and prepare for full-time teaching positions. The practicum culminates with an on-campus exit event, where students receive feedback from faculty and local school administrators, showcasing their readiness to impact schools and communities. Read the full article here.

October 15th, 2025 - This summer, Early Childhood Education students Rebecca Kulkofsky and Stacey Chavez brought their passion for teaching to international mission trips. Kulkofsky traveled to Nairobi, Kenya, supporting school feeding programs, teen pregnancy initiatives, and hosting Vacation Bible School for hundreds of children. Chavez journeyed to Belize City, Belize, where she participated in Vacation Bible School, visited a children’s home, and helped with church outreach. These experiences allowed both students to serve communities abroad while applying their education and faith in meaningful, life-changing ways. Read the full article here. 

May 1st, 2025 - Zoey Hudson, a standout student at Muhlenberg County High School, was presented a scholarship from Campbellsville University on April 24 by Dr. Rita Curtis. Planning to pursue a degree in Elementary Education, Zoey discovered her passion for teaching through Vacation Bible School at her church. After visiting CU, she knew it was the perfect place to continue her education. Active in varsity soccer and the MCHS archery team, Zoey will also join the CU Archery team, bringing her talent and dedication to campus life. Read the full article here.

May 1st, 2025 - Dr. Lisa Fulks, Coordinator of Campbellsville University’s MAT/MASE program, guides graduate students through hands-on classroom experience while completing their coursework. Her mentoring model, including Blitz Days and dedicated resources, helps candidates bridge theory and practice for success in their teaching careers. Former students credit Fulks for their achievements and ability to mentor new teachers. An Associate Professor of Education with 18 years at CU, she brings experience as a teacher, RtI coach, and school administrator. Fulks lives in Louisville with her husband, five children, and eight grandchildren. Read the full article here.

April 1st, 2025 - Karey Sellers, first-grade teacher at Liberty Elementary in Casey County, KY, brings innovation and engagement to every lesson. Known for her classroom transformations and hands-on learning, she creates an environment where students are excited to learn. A proud Campbellsville University alum with three CU degrees, Sellers credits her education for preparing her to thrive in the classroom and beyond. Recognized locally and nationally, including Top 4 Gold Star Teacher of the Year and LEX18 Extra Credit Teacher of the Week—she continues to inspire students, parents, and fellow educators with her passion for teaching. Read the full article here.

March 1st, 2025 - Campbellsville University’s School of Education fosters servant leadership and global learning by preparing educators with intercultural competence. Through a longstanding partnership with the Belize Ministry of Education, CU faculty provide professional development for preschool teachers and have helped develop a national early childhood curriculum. Campbellsville now offers an online Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education for Belize students, with graduates being recommended for leadership roles. CU has been recognized for its significant contributions to early childhood education in Belize. Read the full article here.

January 1st, 2025 - Under the leadership of Graduate Chair Dr. Valerie Flanagan, Campbellsville University’s School of Education continues to expand and innovate. With over 500 graduate students enrolled across 20 programs, including Master's in Teaching, School Counseling, Special Education, and Principal certification, the program emphasizes rigorous instruction, online accessibility, and strong partnerships with P-12 schools—both locally and internationally. Innovative models like Option 6 allow candidates to work while completing coursework, and international cohorts in China further demonstrate CU’s global reach. Dean Dr. Lisa Allen praises Dr. Flanagan’s leadership, noting the program’s growth as a testament to her dedication and vision. Read the full article here.