College of Education and Behavioral Sciences at UNC

College of Education and Behavioral Sciences at UNC The College of Education and Behavioral Sciences offers undergraduate and graduate programs designed to prepare students for impactful careers in education.

From our beginnings as a State Normal School in 1889 to our current status as a doctoral intensive university, the University of Northern Colorado has a long and rich tradition in the preparation of education professionals. The College of Education and Behavioral Sciences consists of three schools: Psychological Sciences, Special Education and Teacher Education; and five departments: Applied Stati

stics and Research Methods, Applied Psychology and Counselor Education, Educational Technology, Leadership, Policy and Development: Higher Education and P-12 Education, and School Psychology; and one program: Distance Opportunities Interpreter Training. All of these units provide high quality teaching and excellent academic programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. At the undergraduate level the College offers degree programs in psychology, special education and educational interpreting. The School of Teacher Education works with academic programs in other Colleges to prepare teacher candidates for licensure. Through programs administered at the graduate level, the College prepares the education professionals (e.g., teachers, school psychologists, principals, school counselors), researchers, and academics of the future. Demonstrating our commitment to the University's state-mandated mission to prepare education professionals, the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences offers off-campus programs in several settings across Colorado including, Denver, Colorado Springs and Loveland. Additionally, several centers and institutes in the College, including the Tointon Institute for Educational Change, Bresnahan-Halstead Center, and Teaching with Primary Resources provide professional development opportunities for P-12 school administrators and teacher leaders. The Center for Urban Education in Denver uses innovative strategies to prepare elementary teachers for work in urban classrooms. Programs in the College are accredited by several organizations including the American Psychological Association, Colorado Department of Higher Education, Colorado Department of Education, Counsel for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. Faculty, staff, and students take great pride in our College. Our collective efforts are frequently recognized with awards both on and off-campus. We are committed to the ideal of education as a transformational enterprise. Faculty members balance teaching and scholarship. We contribute to a dynamic teaching and learning community and model caring and collaboration. We prepare candidates, both graduate and undergraduate, to work in a changing world and with diverse learners. We also endeavor to instill a sense of inquiry and an ability to critically evaluate issues and concepts.

This June, the Center for Research on Expanding Educational Opportunity (CREEO) at UC Berkeley will welcome Dr. Lizette ...
05/26/2026

This June, the Center for Research on Expanding Educational Opportunity (CREEO) at UC Berkeley will welcome Dr. Lizette Navarrete-Burks, Assistant Professor in the Department of Leadership, Policy, and Development at the University of Northern Colorado, as part of the Visiting Scholars Cohort 2.

Designed for faculty at Research 2 and Research Colleges & Universities, the Visiting Scholars Program supports scholars approaching tenure through mentorship, dedicated research time, and collaboration within a vibrant scholarly community.

Over the summer, Dr. Navarrete-Burks will work alongside Travis J. Bristol, Ph.D. and the CREEO team on research advancing educational equity and opportunity.

We look forward to following her journey and the important contributions her work will bring to the field and to UNC!

🔗 Learn more about the Visiting Scholars Program: https://lnkd.in/gGDjK4Cp

Congratulations to our very own Dr. Heng-Yu Ku, Professor in the School of Teacher Education, for being recognized with ...
05/21/2026

Congratulations to our very own Dr. Heng-Yu Ku, Professor in the School of Teacher Education, for being recognized with the Excellence in Assessment Council Leadership Award! 🎉

Presented at the University Assessment Recognition Luncheon on May 4, this award honors Dr. Ku’s outstanding leadership and contributions to assessment at the University of Northern Colorado. His dedication to excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement continues to make a lasting impact on our students, faculty, and university community.

Please join us in celebrating Dr. Ku and all of this year’s Excellence in Assessment Award recipients! 👏💙🐻💛

Please join us in congratulating members of our School Psychology community on their outstanding achievements! 🎉Dr. Keel...
05/20/2026

Please join us in congratulating members of our School Psychology community on their outstanding achievements! 🎉

Dr. Keeley Hynes (pictured), Assistant Professor in the Department of School Psychology, was recognized with the Outstanding Graduate Mentor Award from the Graduate School for her dedication to mentoring and supporting graduate students throughout their academic journeys.

We are also proud to celebrate two of our doctoral students, Sarah Pryor and Jessica Pena, for earning UNC’s Outstanding Dissertation Award this year — an incredible accomplishment that reflects their hard work, scholarship, and contributions to the field of school psychology.

These honors highlight the excellence, dedication, and meaningful work happening within our School Psychology community every day. 💙🐻💛

Congratulations to our outstanding alumna, Tonijo Niccoli, Principal of New Meridian High School! 🎉Tonijo’s approach to ...
05/19/2026

Congratulations to our outstanding alumna, Tonijo Niccoli, Principal of New Meridian High School! 🎉

Tonijo’s approach to leadership is rooted in authenticity, joy, and leading with heart. She believes in going “all-in” for the people she serves — creating a school culture where students and staff work hard, laugh often, and embrace every challenge with creativity and purpose. Her commitment to ensuring students have access to every possible opportunity continues to inspire those around her.

As a triple alumna of the University of Northern Colorado, Tonijo earned her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education, a Master’s in Special Education, and an Ed.S. in Educational Leadership. Reflecting on her experience at UNC, she shared that the School of Education not only taught pedagogy but invested in the human spirit — providing lifelong connections, exceptional mentorship, and a foundation for success that helped shape her into the educator and leader she is today.

We are incredibly proud to celebrate Tonijo and the impact she continues to make in education every day.

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Congratulations to our outstanding alumna, Nicole Peterson, on being named Principal of the Year! 🎉Nicole’s leadership i...
05/18/2026

Congratulations to our outstanding alumna, Nicole Peterson, on being named Principal of the Year! 🎉

Nicole’s leadership is grounded in empowerment, relationships, and shared ownership of success — creating a school culture where every student feels known, every staff member feels supported, and meaningful moments leave a lasting impact on the community.

Reflecting on her experience in the University of Northern Colorado Educational Leadership program, Nicole shared that it was “truly transformative,” providing her with the foundation to lead with purpose, vision, and intention. Beyond the knowledge and skills gained, the lasting camaraderie, mentorship, and network of leaders continue to inspire and support her journey today.

We are incredibly proud to celebrate Nicole and the difference she is making in education every day.

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Meet some of our newest alumni 🎓🐻✨ Desiree M. Lee earned her Bachelor’s in Special Education K-12 Teaching Licensure (5-...
05/15/2026

Meet some of our newest alumni 🎓🐻

✨ Desiree M. Lee earned her Bachelor’s in Special Education K-12 Teaching Licensure (5-21). Inspired by her passion for helping others, Desiree found her calling in special education and built a strong community of mentors, classmates, coworkers, and loved ones along the way. She’ll be teaching at Vista Peak Preparatory High School while beginning her master’s program at UNC.

✨ Mikayla Ambriz earned her Bachelor’s in Elementary Education with a CLD endorsement. From dreaming of being Hannah Montana as a kid to preparing for a career in education, Mikayla’s journey at UNC has been shaped by perseverance, advocacy, and the support of the Center for Urban Education. Next up: teaching with Westminster Public Schools while working toward her master’s degree!

Their stories are reminders to believe in yourself, lean on your community, and never stop chasing your goals. Congratulations to all of our graduates! 🎉💙

Read more here: https://www.unco.edu/news/articles/faces-of-spring-2026-graduates/

Huge congratulations to Randy Thuesen on receiving this year’s Faculty in Residence Award 🎉From day one in Turner Hall, ...
05/12/2026

Huge congratulations to Randy Thuesen on receiving this year’s Faculty in Residence Award 🎉

From day one in Turner Hall, Randy has gone above and beyond to build meaningful connections, support students, and create a true sense of community. Whether it’s hosting programs, showing up with a smile, or even making breakfast during finals week, he consistently reminds students that they are seen, supported, and valued.

His genuine care, creativity, and commitment have made a lasting impact not just in his building, but across the entire UNC community. Randy doesn’t just participate—he elevates the experience for everyone around him.

So well deserved—congrats, Randy 👏

🎓 Congratulations Class of 2026! 🎓Pictured:Left: Angel Beckman, Art Major and CLDCenter: Dr. Deborah Romero, Director of...
05/11/2026

🎓 Congratulations Class of 2026! 🎓

Pictured:
Left: Angel Beckman, Art Major and CLD
Center: Dr. Deborah Romero, Director of the School of Teacher Education
Right: Diana Diaz Orzuna, Elementary Education and CLD

We are so proud of your accomplishments and excited to see the impact you will make in the future. Congratulations, graduates! 🌟

🎉 Congratulations to Robert Fulton, Ph.D., on receiving the 2026 ORSP Outstanding Achievement in Scholarship Award!As Di...
05/07/2026

🎉 Congratulations to Robert Fulton, Ph.D., on receiving the 2026 ORSP Outstanding Achievement in Scholarship Award!

As Director of the Colorado Center for Rural Education, his exceptional dedication, collaborative spirit, and unwavering commitment to supporting UNC students — especially during times of funding uncertainty — truly set him apart.

A well-deserved recognition for impactful work and leadership! 👏

🎉 Congratulations to Stephanie Linley, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Psychological Sciences, on being recognized with th...
05/06/2026

🎉 Congratulations to Stephanie Linley, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Psychological Sciences, on being recognized with the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP) Early Career Scholar Award!

This honor highlights her outstanding contributions to research and her promise as an emerging scholar. We’re proud to celebrate this well-deserved achievement and look forward to her continued impact in the field! 👏

Address

McKee Hall, University Of Northern
Greeley, CO
80639

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