Murray State University College of Education and Human Services

09/02/2026

We have a winner! 🎉💙💛

Congratulations to Haley Williams, a junior Family and Consumer Sciences student, for winning our COEHS Student Picnic giveaway! 🐎

We loved seeing our COEHS students come together, connect with programs and organizations, and kick off the semester with a little College spirit!

08/31/2026

🎉 Happy Birthday to Lisa Copeland, administrative assistant in Early Childhood and Elementary Education!

We hope your day is filled with plenty of celebration and all the things that make you smile. Thanks for all you do for COEHS! 💙💛

08/28/2026

A well-deserved recognition for Dean Whaley! 💙💛

At today’s Board of Regents meeting, Dr. Whaley was presented with a Resolution of Appreciation honoring his dedicated service and leadership to Murray State and the College of Education and Human Services.

Earlier this week, it was announced that Dr. Whaley will retire after 14 years of service as Dean of COEHS. We are incredibly grateful for the impact he has made on our students, faculty, staff and the Racer community throughout his time at Murray State.

Congratulations, Dr. Whaley, and thank you for everything you’ve done for COEHS!

08/28/2026

CDI was recognized at today’s Board of Regents meeting for being named Kentucky’s official SPEAK OUT! Therapy & Research Center by Parkinson Voice Project! 💙💛

The designation includes a $50,000 grant to expand services through the Murray State Speech and Hearing Clinic and to support research and hands-on student learning.

08/27/2026

Now THAT’S how you kick off the semester! 💙💛🐎

What a turnout at today’s COEHS Student Picnic! 🎉 We loved seeing so many students connecting with programs, student organizations and campus resources — and, of course, enjoying some food and COEHS swag along the way!

A special shout-out to members of the Murray State University Board of Regents and President Patterson for joining us and spending time with our students. We loved having you!

Thanks to everyone who helped make today such a great time. We’re excited for the semester ahead! 💙

08/26/2026

After 14 years of leadership and service, Dr. David Whaley is retiring as dean of Murray State University’s College of Education and Human Services (COEHS), leaving a lasting impact on the College, its students and the education profession across the region and Commonwealth.

During his tenure, Whaley helped lead COEHS through significant growth and institutional change, including coordinating the merger that created the current College of Education and Human Services. He also supported the establishment of the Doctorate of Education in P-20 and Community Leadership and guided the College through successful national, state and specialized accreditation efforts.

To read more, visit murraystate.edu/news

08/26/2026

🎉 Want to win this COEHS swag bag?

Join us tomorrow from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. on the Alexander Hall lawn for the COEHS Student Picnic!

When you arrive, grab a COEHS Student Picnic Passport and visit the participating student organizations, programs and campus resources. Get your passport stamped/initialed at each stop, turn in your completed passport and you’ll be entered into a drawing to win this swag bag! 👀💙💛

Come grab some food, meet fellow COEHS students and see what you can get involved in this semester. We’ll see you tomorrow! 🐎

08/24/2026

📣 COEHS students — this Thursday is for YOU! 💙💛

No matter where you spend most of your time in COEHS, come together with students from across the College for our COEHS Student Picnic this Thursday, Aug. 27, from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. on the Alexander Hall lawn!

🍔 Grab some free food
🤝 Connect with student organizations
🎓 Meet faculty, staff and fellow COEHS students
👋 Learn more about programs and campus resources
🎉 And enjoy a break between classes!

Whether your classes take you to Alexander Hall or Carr Hall, stop by and spend some time with your COEHS community!

📅 Thursday, Aug. 27 | 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
📍 Alexander Hall Lawn

See you Thursday!

08/24/2026

Collaboration across COEHS! 💙💛

Dr. Jessica Branch (ECE), Dr. Kim Vigil (ACS), and Dr. Melissa Chapman (ELC), representing different departments within the College of Education and Human Services, have had two presentations accepted for the International Play Association Conference, which takes place in November 2026.

Their work is a great example of how collaboration across disciplines can bring together different perspectives and expertise. Congratulations to all three on this exciting achievement!

08/22/2026

Check out this story from WPSD! 🎥

CDI faculty members Dr. Nikki Ga***rd and Megan Smetana, along with SLP students Tessa Bradley and Connor Lombard, recently spoke with WPSD about the department’s $50,000 award from the Parkinson Voice Project and how the funding will help expand therapy services for individuals with Parkinson’s disease across our region.

We’re excited to see the impact this partnership will have on our students and the communities we serve! 💙💛

Murray State University’s Center for Communication Disorders was designated as Kentucky’s SPEAK OUT! Therapy & Research Center by the Parkinson Voice Project, resulting in more funding, furthering students' education and