UW College of Education Celebrates Faculty and Student Awardees

The University of Wyoming College of Education recently recognized the 2024-25 academic year recipients of the John P. “Jack” Ellbogen Dean’s Fund for Excellence Awards, the Mary Garland Early Career Fellowship and the Patricia McClurg Education Faculty Fellowship.

These honors highlight the achievements of faculty and students whose work exemplifies the college’s mission of advancing education through research, teaching and service.

Jenna Shim, the John P. “Jack” Ellbogen Dean of the College of Education, praises the accomplishments of this year’s honorees.

“The awardees for the John P. Ellbogen Dean’s Fund, Mary Garland Early Career Fellowship and Patricia McClurg Education Faculty Fellowship reflect the best and most impactful work being done in the College of Education,” Shim says. “I congratulate each student, faculty and staff who received an award for raising the bar.”

Two graduate students received the John P. “Jack” Ellbogen Dean’s Fund Student Program for Research and Travel Award:

-- Michael Bostick, a Ph.D. student in curriculum and instruction with a concentration in mathematics education. He is an instructor at Central Wyoming College.

-- Ryan Reichert, a master’s student in curriculum and instruction

Two educators received the John P. “Jack” Ellbogen Dean’s Fund Student Program for First-Year Teachers Award:

-- Merisa Jones, a teacher at Worland Middle School.

-- Bailey Iacovetto, a teacher at Soroco Middle/High School in Oak Creek, Colo.

Faculty fellowship recipients:

--Anne Aydinian-Perry, an assistant professor in the School of Teacher Education.

 “Dr. Perry is quickly becoming a national expert in social studies education, with a research focus on pop culture,” says Professor Scott Chamberlin, director of the School of Teacher Education. “This is truly a fascinating field of study. She also has expertise in curriculum in social studies. Dr. Perry seamlessly blends theory and practice and utilizes her research interests in classroom discussions.”

--Miriam Sanders, an assistant professor in the School of Teacher Education.

“Dr. Sanders is a top-notch researcher in mathematics education, with a focus on mathematical creativity, mathematical problem posing and teacher education,” Chamberlin says. “An article that she co-wrote was nominated for Article of the Year (2024) in the Journal for the Education of the Gifted, and she has been recognized nationally as an expert in mathematics education. Her instruction interweaves extant research and is interpreted for students in a comprehensive manner.”

--Ling Zhang, an assistant professor in the School of Counseling, Leadership, Advocacy and Design.

“Dr. Zhang’s scholarship is situated at the intersection of learning sciences, special education and emerging technologies,” says Professor Courtney McKim, director of the School of Counseling, Leadership, Advocacy and Design. “Her work leverages learning theories and technologies to design and develop personalized learning environments that ensure equity, diversity and belonging for all learners. She has recently examined how (artificial intelligence) can assist special education teachers and is currently sharing her research with administrators across the state. Her work will influence K–12 students throughout Wyoming.”

--Mark Perkins, assistant dean and an associate professor in the School of Counseling, Leadership, Advocacy and Design.

“Dr. Perkins’ scholarship focuses on understanding the factors influencing student success and institutional effectiveness in community colleges, blending traditional statistical methods with emerging data science techniques,” McKim says. “He has recently used advanced data visualization techniques to create a comprehensive dashboard, empowering stakeholders to interpret key metrics related to educational outcomes and labor market trends. His research has been sought after by numerous colleges and universities. He is a valuable asset to the College of Education.”

About UW’s College of Education

The College of Education offers a wide variety of programs designed to prepare students for meaningful careers in education. From undergraduate degrees in elementary and secondary education to master’s, doctoral, certificate and endorsement graduate programs, the college is committed to excellence in teaching, research and service. With teacher residency placements across Wyoming, and research and internship opportunities for graduate students, the college provides a strong foundation for the educators and leaders of tomorrow. Learn more at www.uwyo.edu/education.