UCO College of Education and Professional Studies

12/06/2025

Congrats, Raedyn!!

Meet Fall 2025 Class Marshal Raedyn Pierce, a psychology and forensic science–forensic investigations double major with a 4.0 GPA in the UCO College of Education and Professional Studies. Raedyn is a member of Delta Delta Epsilon and the Student Academy for Forensic Sciences and previously served as social media ambassador for UCO’s Psi Chi chapter. Raedyn has been recognized on the President’s Honor Roll and awarded the Kathryn Lanay Moyer Endowed Scholarship in Psychology. After graduation, Raedyn plans to take time to travel and spend time with family before pursuing a graduate degree in forensic science with the goal of becoming a crime scene technician.

We asked Raedyn a few questions about her UCO experience. Here’s what she shared:

What is one accomplishment or experience at UCO that you are most proud of?
“One of the accomplishments I’m most proud of is completing an independent study with Dr. McLean, through which I co-authored an encyclopedia publication examining sexual behaviors within the context of religion. That project was incredibly meaningful and stands out as one of my biggest academic achievements at UCO.”

What is a piece of advice you would share with future Bronchos?
“The squeaky wheel gets the oil—ask questions, build relationships with your professors, attend office hours and get involved. Staying engaged with clubs and organizations truly enhances the UCO experience and opens doors you might not expect.”

Is there anything fun or unique you want included in your spotlight?
“I completed an independent internship with the Shawnee Police Department as part of my Forensic Science Capstone, and I served as an officer in UCO’s Psi Chi chapter for three semesters, ultimately serving as Vice President. These experiences have been pivotal in preparing me for the next steps in my academic and professional journey.

I also want to express my heartfelt appreciation to my mother, Melissa, and my best friend, Cody, for their unwavering encouragement—even when I would lose my mind over a B. Their support made all the difference.”

— Class Marshal Raedyn Pierce

12/05/2025

Congratulations to Dr. Sunshine Cowan, who is the 2025 recipient of the Oklahoma Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (OAHPERD) Honor Award!
Dr. Cowan currently serves as a Professor and Co-Coordinator of the Public Health Program and the Graduate Faculty Advisor for the Master of Public Health in Community Engagement.

12/03/2025

Big News from UCO Library Media Education!
We’re proud to share that four amazing school librarians—recent alums and a current student from the Library Media Education (LME) program—have been named Teacher of the Year at their schools!
The program prepares outstanding school librarians, and these recognitions prove it:
Madyson Roark – Current UCO LME student, Del City High School (Mid-Del PS)
Amanda Benke – UCO LME alum, Lawton High School (Lawton PS)
Ashley Romero – UCO LME alum, Eisenhower High School (Lawton PS)
Jillian Bryson – UCO LME alum, Cooper Middle School (Putnam City PS)

The photo attached is of current LME student, Madyson Roark, and her school administrators. Roark is fourth from the right.

12/02/2025

Happy Day!

We’re calling on alumni, families and friends to come together and turn one day into day one for UCO students. For the next 24 hours, every gift to UCO Annual Funds will be matched dollar-for-dollar by MidFirst Bank — up to $100,000!

Every dollar counts. Every dollar doubles. Every dollar moves UCO forward.

Visit here: https://www.centralconnection.org/givingtuesday

&Friends

12/01/2025

Cheryl McGee, Ed.D., Assistant Professor in the Donna Nigh Department of Advanced Professional & Special Services, contributed to a newly published book by Routledge: "Promoting Effective MTSS Implementation: Challenges and Solutions for School Consultation", edited by Julie Q. Morrison and Stephanie A. Stollar.

Dr. McGee co-authored Chapter 3: “The Castle We Built: A Journey of State-Level Mental Health MTSS”, which explores strategies for building systems-level support for student mental health and well-being.

Congratulations, Dr. McGee!

11/26/2025

We recently celebrated the opening of our Nature Explorer Playground, a Certified Nature Explore Classroom designed to connect children with learning through nature.

This innovative outdoor space features art tables, musical instruments, gardening areas, and nature-based play zones, encouraging creativity, collaboration, and well-being.

The playground was made possible by an anonymous $100,000 gift honoring Dr. LaDonna Atkins, assistant chair of Human Environmental Sciences.

Learn more about the Child Study Center or apply: go.uco.edu/ChildStudyCenter

11/24/2025

Dr. Robin Lacy and Dr. Dean Findley of the Occupational Safety program participated in the American Society of Safety Professionals Oklahoma City Chapter’s annual Sporting Clays Tournament. Held at Quail Ridge Sporting Clays in McLoud on October 31, the tournament is the largest fundraiser for the professional safety organization.

Joining Drs. Lacy and Findley on the team were Jason Nelson, UCO’s Associate Vice President for Public Affairs, and Greg Kent, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Safety Council. Also pictured in the photos are Bill Young of OGE and Adjunct Professor of Occupational Safety at UCO, as well as safety alum Travis Barnett.

Proceeds from the tournament benefit scholarships for students at UCO and OSU.

11/19/2025

Thank you to Melissa Evon, the 2025 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year, for taking time to visit our Classroom Management classes!

11/17/2025

Congratulations to Mr. Tom Aldridge, the College of Education and Professional Studies’ 2025 Distinguished Alumnus!

Aldridge has spent nearly four decades advancing physical education programs both domestically and internationally. After earning his Bachelor of Science in Education in health and physical education, with a minor in coaching, from UCO in 1985, he taught in Oklahoma, Georgia, Germany, and Florida, where he developed international curriculum standards and led programs for Department of Defense schools. He now chairs the Tom S. and Marye Kate Aldridge Foundation, which supports education, humanitarian efforts, and child-enrichment initiatives.

Aldridge recently met with current Physical Education/Health students to share his experience and background, offer valuable tips, and answer their questions.

11/12/2025

Throwback to warmer days when the Dr. Virginia Peters Department of Kinesiology and Health Studies hosted a delightful picnic for faculty members. It was a wonderful opportunity for colleagues to relax, connect, and enjoy the sunshine together!

11/10/2025

On October 22, Michelle Robertson, Ph.D., Darren Denham, and Tara Dalinger, Ph.D., presented alongside Dr. Amy Lomellini of Anthology at the Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT) Annual Convention in Las Vegas. Their presentation, titled 'PK–12 Teachers’ Knowledge and Perception of Digital Accessibility: An Exploratory Factor Analysis,' explored important insights into educators’ understanding of digital accessibility. The team was honored to contribute to this national conversation and represent UCO at such a prestigious event.
Pictured, from left to right: Denham, Dalinger, Lomellini, and Robertson.