Wilmington University College of Education and Liberal Arts

06/01/2026

Yesterday, we celebrated the achievements of countless graduates across Wilmington University. Among them was a familiar face from the team.

Congratulations to Amanda Shenton, Clinical Coordinator for , on earning her Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Higher Education!

Amanda's dedication to students, faculty, and lifelong learning shines through in everything she does. We are proud to celebrate this well-earned accomplishment and excited to see what comes next.

Join us in congratulating Amanda on this incredible milestone! 👏💚🎓

05/31/2026

Congratulations to all our graduates. You did it! 🎓

05/31/2026

The big day is here 🎓 We want to see your Commencement photos. Share with us and your fellow grads by using .

05/30/2026

05/27/2026

Adjunct Faculty Spotlight: Don Ott

Congratulations to our very own adjunct faculty member Don Ott on receiving the Healthy Innovation Award for Excellence from the Delaware Association for Environmental Education.

A math and science teacher at Sussex Academy Elementary and the school's garden coordinator, Don was recognized for his innovative approach to environmental education and his commitment to providing students with hands-on experiences in sustainable agriculture. Through his work, students are not only learning about science but actively engaging with it through real-world experiences in the school garden.

We are proud to have educators like Don sharing their expertise and passion with our students while making a meaningful impact in their communities.

Congratulations, Don, on this well-deserved recognition! 🌿👏

Read more: https://www.capegazette.com/article/sussex-academy-elementary-teacher-receives-state-environmental-award/301778

Wilmington University Delaware Association for Environmental Education

05/27/2026

What happens when barriers are replaced with opportunities?

Wilmington University alumna Phadre West is featured in an article exploring innovative educator pathways and apprenticeship programs that are helping address teacher workforce challenges.

After spending more than a decade as a special education paraprofessional, Phadre became one of the first participants in Delaware's para apprenticeship pathway, working full time while earning her B.S. in Elementary Education (K–6) from Wilmington University.

Today, she is making an impact as a first-year teacher in Capital School District, demonstrating how accessible pathways and strong partnerships can help talented educators achieve their goals and serve their communities.

Read the full article: https://www.equate-ed.net/post/gaps-keep-the-educator-pipeline-locked

What these programs share is not a single approach. They share a design philosophy: that preparation happens over time, in real classrooms, alongside experienced and well-supported practitioners, with financial structures that make access possible and data systems that make progress visible. That is...

05/26/2026

Congratulations to student Sharon Livingstone on being named Townsend Early Childhood Center's Education Support Professional of the Year!

While pursuing her studies at Wilmington University, Sharon is already making a meaningful impact in the lives of students. This well-deserved recognition reflects her dedication, compassion, and commitment to helping young learners thrive.

We are proud to celebrate Sharon and this outstanding achievement. Congratulations! 👏

Congratulations to Sharon Livingstone on being named Townsend Early Childhood Center’s Education Support Professional of the Year!

Ms. Livingstone is a dedicated paraprofessional in our RISE program. Her commitment to supporting students and helping them grow makes a lasting impact on our school community.

We are so grateful for all she does for TECC and are proud to celebrate this well deserved recognition!

05/26/2026

What does the impact of a school counseling program look like?

This year, Delaware school districts nominated 10 school counselors for the 2026 Delaware Behavioral Health Professional of the Year award. Of those 10 nominees, 9 are Wilmington University graduates.

These professionals serve students across Delaware, providing academic, social-emotional, and behavioral support that helps young people succeed in school and beyond.

We are proud to recognize the Wilmington University alumni who were nominated for this statewide honor:

- Nicole Boris ('07), Caesar Rodney School District
- Kristan Garofalo ('09), New Castle County Vo-Tech School District
- Tina Lombardo ('22), Brandywine School District
- Angel Mills ('17), Milford School District
- Dina Pennington ('14), Smyrna School District
- Taylor Richey ('21), Woodbridge School District and recipient of the 2026 Delaware Behavioral Health Professional of the Year award
- Krista Schirmer ('16), Sussex County Vocational Technical School District
- Andrea Spence ('22), POLYTECH School District
- Debra Taylor ('21), Appoquinimink School District

Their dedication, compassion, and leadership are making a difference in the lives of students and families across our state every day.

05/24/2026

The countdown is on… just ONE WEEK until commencement! 🎓

Behind every cap and gown is a story of determination, sacrifice, growth, and achievement. We are incredibly proud of our graduates and look forward to celebrating this milestone with them next week.

COELA graduates, you’ve earned this moment. 💙💚

The countdown is on — only ONE WEEK until Commencement. Get ready to celebrate your hard work and achievements as you take the next big step. Who’s excited? 💚🎓

05/21/2026

🏆 Congratulations to Taylor Richey on being named Delaware's 2026 Behavioral Health Professional of the Year!

Presented by Delaware Secretary of Education Cindy Marten, this statewide honor recognizes behavioral health professionals who make an extraordinary impact on the students, families, and communities they serve.

Taylor serves as a school counselor at Woodbridge Early Childhood Education Center, where she supports students' academic, social-emotional, and behavioral success through counseling, classroom lessons, family engagement, and crisis response.

A 2021 graduate of Wilmington University's Master of Education in Elementary and Secondary School Counseling program, Taylor exemplifies the dedication, compassion, and leadership that help students thrive.

Please join us in congratulating Taylor on this well-deserved recognition!👏

Read more 👉https://news.delaware.gov/2026/05/18/woodbridge-school-counselor-named-2026-delaware-behavioral-health-professional-of-year-y/

Wilmington University