UW College of Education Recognizes Students, Faculty and Donors at Annual Ceremony

The University of Wyoming College of Education recently hosted its annual Dean’s Recognition Ceremony at the Marian H. Rochelle Gateway Center, honoring student achievement, faculty excellence and the donor support that strengthens educator preparation across the state.

The Dec. 5 event highlighted major philanthropic partners, including the John P. Ellbogen Foundation, and donors connected to specific awards. Supporters who were recognized included Mary Ellbogen Garland, whose generosity supports the Mary Garland Distinguished Fellowship in Education for the 2026-27 academic year; Martha Wyrsch and Sarah Brown Matthews, who support the Dick and Marty Brown Non-Traditional Student Award; and Dave and Kelly Dunham, supporters of the Dunham Family Fellows program.

“It was a joy to gather as a community and recognize the extraordinary accomplishments of our students, staff and faculty. Events like the Dean’s Recognition Ceremony remind us why this work matters,” says Jenna Shim, the John P. “Jack” Ellbogen Dean of the College of Education. “Our students, who will become Wyoming’s future teachers, leaders and innovators, are at the heart of everything we do. Celebrating their achievements alongside the dedication of our faculty, staff and generous supporters strengthens our shared commitment to preparing educators who will serve every corner of Wyoming.”

Specific awards and honorees are:

-- Everett D. and Elizabeth M. Lantz Distinguished Professorship in Education (2026): Nikki Baldwin, Amy Encinger and Jihyun Lee.

-- Mary Garland Distinguished Fellowship in Education (2026-27): JP Han and Tiffany Hunt.

-- Student Choice Instructor Awards for Teaching Excellence: Cindy Brock and Joe Russo.

-- John P. “Jack” Ellbogen Dean’s Student Teaching Support Award: Silas Boyd, Emilee Harrington, Maddy Heissenbuttel, Aida Hester, Toby Johnson, Britney Maldonado, Marnie Martin, Cambree Miller, Dusti Peterson, Sarah Turner, Riley Valentine and Autumn Watkins.

-- Dick and Marty Brown Non-Traditional Student Award: Dianna Arnold, Rebecca Calkins, Kelby Laska Davila, Corinne Marie Ellis, Joshua Hayes, Daisy Kelley and Dan Lavine.

-- Dunham Family Fellows: Katie Acord, Sage Angell, Karen Jeske, Chevelle Jolley, Julianna Muñoz and Chloe Willenborg.

The Dean’s Recognition Ceremony is held each academic year to recognize the accomplishments of students and faculty, and to honor the donors and partners who support the College of Education’s mission to prepare Wyoming’s future educators.

For more information about the UW College of Education, visit www.uwyo.edu/education.