The CSU College of Education has signed a memorandum of understanding with Dorchester School District Four for a Master of Education in administration and supervision cohort to begin in summer 2026. In addition, Dr. Jacquelynn Pleis, associate professor of education, will offer Design, Engage, Respond: Building a Classroom that Supports You and Your Students to DD4 educators as a professional development service.

Dr. Julie Fernandez, dean of the College of Education, said, “This partnership reflects our shared commitment to develop strong educational leaders, support classroom teachers, and prepare the next generation of educators. By working collaboratively with DD4, we are creating sustainable pathways that benefit teachers, candidates, and ultimately the students they serve.”

Jeffrey Beckwith, DD4 superintendent, said, “Dorchester School District Four’s partnership with ߣÓŃż´Ć¬ Southern is a powerful investment in the future of education for our school district and for CSU. By welcoming student teachers into our classrooms, providing professional development for our newest teachers and supporting our educators in earning advanced degrees, we’re building a strong, sustainable pipeline of talent that directly benefits students and schools.”

The Citadel EdS to CSU EdD

ߣÓŃż´Ć¬ Southern University and The Citadel are collaborating to expand graduate-level opportunities for Lowcountry and state educators. “This partnership reflects our shared commitment to serving students, school districts, and communities through strategic alignment rather than program duplication,” said Fernandez. 

ߣÓŃż´Ć¬ Southern will promote select graduate education offered by The Citadel not currently available at CSU, and The Citadel will promote CSU’s Doctor of Education (EdD) in leadership to create clear, intentional pathways for educators to advance their professional goals at every stage of their careers. 

Fernandez said, “By working alongside The Citadel, we are strengthening access, expanding choice, and responding thoughtfully to regional workforce needs.”

Dr. Len Annetta, dean and Zucker chair of entrepreneurial education leadership at The Citadel’s Zucker Family School of Education, said, “We are excited to form this partnership with ߣÓŃż´Ć¬ Southern University. By joining forces, our two schools of education will amplify educator preparation, share community-rooted expertise, and create stronger learning pathways—ensuring every student and educator in the Lowcountry thrives.”

Gifted and Talented Endorsement Added

Educators and current CSU undergraduate students will be able to work on their Gifted and Talented Endorsement (six credit hours) beginning in fall 2026. The coursework prepares educators to work with K-12 gifted and talented (advanced) learners by focusing on identification, social-emotional needs, and specialized instruction.

The nondegree, master’s level program endorsement will be offered to current CSU undergraduate students at no additional charge if the student has been accepted into the College of Education, has completed 72 hours or more toward a bachelor’s degree, has a 2.75 GPA or higher, and does not exceed 18 credit hours in a semester. 

Dr. Michael Wilder, vice president for academic affairs, was the keynote speaker for the ceremony honoring the 55 students inducted into the South Carolina Zeta Chapter of Alpha Chi. The achievements of these scholars indicate they understand and uphold the ideals of Alpha Chi – truth and character. 

Alpha Chi, founded in 1922, is celebrating its 104^th anniversary in 2026. It is a coeducational society whose purpose is to promote academic excellence and exemplary character among college and university students and to honor those who achieve such distinction. Alpha Chi is a general honor society that admits students from all academic disciplines and is a member of good standing of the Association of College Honor Societies.  To qualify for an invitation, students must be in the top 10% of their junior or senior class.

Participating Higher Education Leaders

• Leonard Annetta, Dean, Zucker Family School of Education, The Citadel
• Frances Welch, Dean, School of Education, College of ߣÓŃż´Ć¬
• Julie Fernandez, Dean, College of Education, ߣÓŃż´Ć¬ Southern University
• Michael Shanshala, Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs, Trident Technical College

Participating District Leaders

• Jeff Beckwith, Superintendent, Dorchester School District Four
• Katie Barker, Assistant Superintendent, Dorchester School District Two
• Anthony Dixon, Superintendent, Berkeley County School District
• Vanessa Denney, Executive Associate, ߣÓŃż´Ć¬ County School District

The meeting reflected a shared commitment to ensuring that every child in the Lowcountry has access to high-quality teaching and leadership.

“Partnerships make for good work and positive outcomes,” said Dean Frances Welch, School of Education, College of ߣÓŃż´Ć¬.

Key Discussion Highlights

Expanded Partnerships for Professional Development
Leaders discussed strengthening partnerships among the four Colleges of Education and the four school districts to provide coordinated, district-tailored professional development for teachers and school leaders. The group emphasized designing professional learning experiences that directly support classroom effectiveness, instructional leadership, and district priorities.

Alignment to South Carolina Standards
Participants reinforced the importance of ensuring that future teachers trained at their institutions consistently ground lesson preparation in South Carolina academic standards. Deans affirmed their commitment to preparing teacher candidates who understand standards-based planning as the foundation of instructional excellence.

Artificial Intelligence Policies and Responsible Use
The group discussed how districts and higher education institutions were implementing AI tools and the need for shared policies to guide ethical and effective use. Leaders emphasized that AI should serve as a tool to enhance learning—not replace it. A key priority identified was teaching students to use AI responsibly without bypassing the learning process or relying on AI to demonstrate knowledge in place of authentic understanding.

Expanding Teacher Credentials for Dual Credit Instruction
Participants emphasized increasing opportunities for qualified public-school teachers to earn the credentials necessary to teach college-level courses in high schools. Strengthening this pathway allows districts to expand dual credit offerings while supporting teacher professional growth and leadership.

The group underscored the importance of offering dual credit courses that serve as foundational, transferable coursework applicable to nearly any college or university. Prioritizing general education and core courses ensures that students’ efforts translate into meaningful progress toward a degree, regardless of where they enroll.

Leaders highlighted the powerful role dual credit plays for students who may not initially view college as a viable pathway. Early success in college-level coursework can build confidence, reduce financial barriers, and help students envision themselves as future college graduates.

The discussion also focused on strengthening Teacher Cadet programs to encourage students who are genuinely committed to pursuing careers in education. Leaders emphasized distinguishing between students seeking college credit and those demonstrating a true calling to teach, ensuring that the program remains a strong, intentional pipeline into the profession.

Teacher Training Pathways

Superintendents and deans examined district needs for professional development and graduate degree pathways, including support structures for PACE teachers and alternative certification candidates. Leaders affirmed their shared commitment to designing flexible, responsive training aligned with district priorities and instructional goals.

To strengthen alignment, each district agreed to compile and share a list of needed professional development opportunities and courses that will directly support their instructional programs. These lists will guide the Colleges of Education in developing targeted offerings, including graduate coursework, microcredentials, and customized professional learning.

In addition to instructional alignment, participants emphasized the importance of providing practical support to help teachers navigate the daily challenges of the profession. Future professional development will address classroom management, student engagement, workload balance, and strategies that sustain teacher well-being and effectiveness, ensuring educators feel supported and equipped to succeed.

The convening concluded with a commitment to meet annually to coordinate educator preparation and district support efforts across the Lowcountry. By aligning higher education programs with district initiatives, leaders reaffirmed their shared goal of ensuring that every child in the Lowcountry experiences success.

Poster Presentations:

College of Education

From Challenge to Change: A Phenomenological Study of K-3 Teachers’ Self-Efficacy in Technology Integration Along the I-95 Corridor of Shame
Author: MyKeida D. Middleton
Faculty Sponsor: Tonya Houston

Caregivers’ Perspectives on Social Media’s Impact on Adolescents’ Academic Performance
Author: Emmanuel Ndiokho
Faculty Sponsor: Robin Franklin

Human Trafficking Training in the Lowcountry: Examining the Lived Experiences of Law Enforcement Officers in Berkeley, ߣÓŃż´Ć¬, and Dorchester Counties.
Author: Tiffany Coleman
Faculty Sponsor: Tonya Houston

College of Health Sciences – Athletic Training

Misdiagnosed Cervical Spine Injury in a Collegiate Football Player: A Case Study
Authors: Jana Butler & Holden Smith
Faculty Sponsors: Renae Bomar & Steele Morris

Tibial Plateau Stress Fracture in a High School Male Athlete: A Case Study
Authors: Lex Rabinowitch & Caroline Malpass
Faculty Sponsors: Renae Bomar & Steele Morris

Cyclops Lesion in a Collegiate Female Basketball Player: A Case Study
Authors: Bernabe Juarez, Justin May, & Victoria Whaley
Faculty Sponsors: Renae Bomar & Steele Morris

Infectious Mononucleosis in a High School Wrestler: A Case Study
Authors: Caitlin Brown, Elizabeth Nutter, & Kaitlin Phillips
Faculty Sponsors: Renae Bomar & Steele Morris

College of Health Sciences – Physical Therapy

Functional Movement Screen and Complimentary Assessments on Injury and Risk Prediction Accuracy of Collegiate Athletes
Authors: Schuyler Ossman, SPT, Zach Markiewicz, SPT, Paul Fitzgerald, SPT, & Justin Henson, SPT
Faculty Sponsors: Angela Stagliano, PT, DPT, PhD, OCS, GTS, CSCS, & Austin McPhail, PT, DPT, OCS

Benefits of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation for Mechanically Ventilated Patients
Authors: Therese Smiley, SPT, Otway Cash, SPT, & Kassidy Detvan, SPT
Faculty Sponsors: Becky Schoeneberg, PT, DPT, PhD, & Kerri Borton, PT, DPT

The Anatomy of the Pelvic floor, its Function and Pathology in Childbirth
Authors: Virginia Crawley, SPT, Hannah Powell, SPT, Jasmine Jones, SPT, & Jamiya Stokes, SPT
Faculty Sponsors: Douglas Keskula, PT, PhD AT-Ret, & Megan Rome, PT, DPT

A Comparative Analysis of Virtual vs. In Person Donor Prosections on Anatomy Learning Outcomes for Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) Students
Authors: Kylee Boggs, SPT, Francis Blubaugh, SPT, Carina Phillips, SPT, & Hannah Young, SPT
Faculty Sponsor: Douglas Keskula, PT, PhD

Variability in Continuous Relative Phase in the Lower Extremity during Landing Compared to Landing Error Scoring System
Authors: Christian Davila, SPT & Christy Valderrabano, SPT
Faculty Sponsor: FJ Goodwin, PT, PhD, DPT

Ultrasound Assessment of Musculoskeletal Tissue with Isokinetic Dynamometry to AssessFunctional Performance in Upper Extremity
Authors: Kyle Davis, SPT, Sam Mackie, SPT, Walker Carver, SPT, & Ryan Singletary, SPT
Faculty Sponsor: FJ Goodwin, PT, PhD, DPT

Effects of Virtual Reality During Gait Training in Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review
Authors: Rachel Johnston, SPT, Carly Comalander, SPT, & Kalle Edwards, SPT
Faculty Sponsor: Janet Tankersley, PT, DPT, PhD, PCS

Comparing the Impact of BFR on Quadriceps Fatiguability in the Luteal vs Nonluteal Phases
Authors: Bailey Treadway, SPT, Jonathan Masters, SPT, Grayson Sossamon, SPT, & Luke Caddy, SPT
Faculty Sponsors: Angela Stagliano, PT, DPT, PhD, OCS, GTS, CSCS, Austin McPhail, PT, DPT, OCS, & Kerri Borton, PT, DPT

Cardiovascular Benefits of Aquatic-Based Treadmill Training
Authors: Laura Gendreau, SPT, Alexis Washington, SPT, & Jatyra Holmes, SPT
Faculty Sponsors: Becky Schoeneberg, PT, DPT, PhD, & Nicole Decker, PT, DPT, GCS

Immediate Effects of Dry Needling on Gluteus Medius Muscle Performance: A Single Blind Experimental Study with a Pretest-Posttest Design
Authors: Grace Bauman, SPT, Alejandra Lazo, SPT, Lindsey Smutz, SPT, & Meg Douberly, SPT
Faculty Sponsor: Jacob Thorp, PT, DHS

The Role of Pelvic Floor Musculature and Process of Urination in Females Under the Age of 45 with Urge Incontinence
Authors: Sydni Dachs, SPT, Hailey Wells, SPT, Nicole Palatas, SPT, Grace Wildgen, SPT, & Megan Winningham, SPT
Faculty Sponsors: Douglas Keskula, PT, PhD AT-Ret, & Megan Rome, PT, DPT

Electromyography of Deceleration Brake Training: A Potential Addition to Conventional Shoulder and Thrower’s Rehabilitation
Authors: Grant Drenning, SPT, Davis Jackson, SPT, Garrett Sicard, SPT
Faculty Sponsors: FJ Goodwin, PT, PhD, DPT, & Angela Stagliano, PT, DPT, PhD, OCS, GTS, CSCS

Comparing Lower Extremity Muscle Quality and Muscular Strength in an Active Population
Authors: Josie Clary, SPT, Hermes Gomez, SPT, Amanda Harris, SPT, & Carrie LaBonte, SPT
Faculty Sponsor: FJ Goodwin, PT, PhD, DPT

Effects of Static and Dynamic Stretching on Lower Extremity Stiffness and Change of Direction in Recreationally Active Individuals
Authors: Ben Whitt, SPT, Hope Oeding, SPT, & Adam Goetz, SPT
Faculty Sponsor: FJ Goodwin, PT, PhD, DPT

Oral Presentations:

College of Health Sciences – Physical Therapy

Effects of Static and Dynamic Stretching on Lower Extremity Stiffness and Change of Direction in Recreationally Active Individuals
Authors: Ben Whitt, SPT, Hope Oeding, SPT, & Adam Goetz, SPT
Faculty Sponsor: FJ Goodwin, PT, PhD, DPT

College of Health Sciences – Athletic Training

Infectious Mononucleosis in a High School Wrestler: A Case Study
Authors: Caitlin Brown, Elizabeth Nutter, & Kaitlin Phillips
Faculty Sponsors: Renae Bomar & Steele Morris

The committee serves as peer reviewers for the educator preparation process. They review programs and reports and make recommendation to members of the Education Professions Committee.

Hannah strives to make a difference in the lives of elementary students. Therefore, Hannah has been volunteering for Heart Math Tutoring at Ladson Elementary School for two years.   So, she goes to Ladson Elementary School 1 hour a week to work with 2 students who wouldn’t otherwise have an adult’s personal attention that often. She also volunteers for any other opportunities that she can. For example, she helped to facilitate activities for kids for CSU’s table at the Stingrays Hockey game STEM night.

For CSU, Hannah sings for the Bel Canto, the women’s chorus, and the Gospel Choir. She is also a cast member of the upcoming fall play, A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Furthermore, she is a part of our Student
Government on campus, and the M.I.S.T. club.

Research projects presented were:

• “Upper Extremity Rotator Cuff Tear in a College Baseball Player: A Case Study”
  • Authors: Jackson Dempsey and Emoni Thomas 
  • Faculty Sponsor: Haleigh Gray, PhD
• “Grade Three ATFL and CFL Sprain: A Case Study”
  • Authors: Jasmine Reese, Ashleigh Harris and Hunter Mixon
  • Faculty Sponsor: Haleigh Gray, PhD
• “What about the Parents? Exploring Parental Perceptions of Chronic Absenteeism”
  • Author: Trevon Fordham
  • Faculty Sponsor: Tonya Houston, PhD
• “Measuring Psychological Safety in South Carolina Teachers”
  • Author: Jami Garrard 
  • Faculty Sponsor: Tonya Houston, PhD
• “Start by Believing: Identifying Rape Myths and Trauma-Informed Beliefs Among Detectives in Sexual Assault Cases Using Content Analysis”
  • Author: Aurelia Sands Belle
  • Faculty Sponsor: Tonya Houston, PhD
• “Associations Between LESS and Lower Extremity Stiffness During Hopping”
  • Authors: Jonathan Browning SPT, James Gadue SPT, Karissa Mitchell SPT, Molina Otte SPT, Ryan Rizk SPT
  • Faculty Sponsor: FJ Goodwin, PT, PhD, DPT
• “Immediate Effects of Dry Needling on Gluteus Medius Muscle Performance”
  • Authors: Jude Blubaugh SPT, James Floyd SPT, Sheldon Snyder SPT, Annabeth Watkins SPT
  • Faculty Sponsors: Timothy Gosnell, PT, DPT; Jacob Thorp, PT, DHS
• “The Effectiveness of Aquatic Therapy on Patients with COPD”
  • Authors: Caroline Johnston SPT, Tyson McClain SPT, Chris Cuomo SPT
  • Faculty Sponsors: Becky Schoeneberg, PT, PhD, DPT; Kerri Borton, PT, DPT
• “Comparing Published Military Concussion Protocols to Treatment Received by Military Personnel or Veterans”
  • Authors: Allison Hair SPT, Austin Hampton SPT, Evan Rapp SPT, Sam Durbin SPT, Jack De Burgh SPT
  • Faculty Sponsors: Angelina Stagliano, PT, PhD, DPT; Austin McPhail, PT, DPT
• “Effect of Participation in an Adaptive Sports Program on the Physical and Social Functioning of Children with Intellectual Disabilities. A Systematic Review.”
  • Authors: Karcyn McKee SPT, Megan Giddens SPT, Kendall Schweers SPT, Kelci Brown SPT
  • Faculty Sponsors: Janet Tankersley PT, PhD, DPT; Amanda Feller, PT, DPT
• “Lower Extremity Case Study: Lumbar 6 and Disk Tear”
  • Authors: Brittney Cothran, Carlee Seaborn & Dazia Hammond; 
  • Faculty Sponsor: Haleigh Gray, PhD
• “African American Leaders in Conservation Nonprofits: The Intersection of Identity and Organizational Identification”
  • Author: Sherri Fields
  • Faculty Sponsor: Krista Allison, PhD
• “Phenomenological study of the Motivations for African American Families to Homeschool their Children”
  • Author: Emma Tartt
  • Faculty Sponsor: Krista Allison, PhD
• “Navigating New Frontiers in Education: Investigating Teachers’ Perceptions and Self-Efficacy in Utilizing Adaptive Learning Platforms”
  • Author: MyKeida D Middleton
  • Faculty Sponsor: Krista Allison, PhD
• “Rate of Force Development Between Various Strength Training Disciplines”  
  • Authors: Andee Morgan SPT, Kayli Rice SPT, Will Turner SPT, Rylan Williamson SPT
  • Faculty Sponsor: FJ Goodwin, PT, PhD, DPT
• “Comparing Muscle Quality and Functional Muscular Endurance in Strength-Trained Athletes”
  • Authors: Brett Betsill SPT, Delaney Hood SPT, Brandt Little SPT, Jonathan Thomas SPT
  • Faculty Sponsor: FJ Goodwin, PT, PhD, DPT
• “Investigating the Lived Experience of Caregivers for Patients with Neurological Conditions in Pro Bono University Clinics: An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis”
  • Authors: Jessi Shirey SPT, Rachel Mauro SPT
  • Faculty Sponsor: Becky Schoeneberg, PT, PhD, DPT
• “The Efficacy of FES Cycling on Locomotor Function in Patients Post Stroke: A Systematic Review”
  • Authors: Margaret Vaughn SPT, Courtney Staudt SPT, Jatyra Holmes SPT
  • Faculty Sponsor: Becky Schoeneberg, PT, PhD, DPT
• “The Use and Knowledge of Blood Flow Restriction in Clinics”
  • Authors: Courtney Lizer SPT, Rachel Leyrer SPT, Tim Cobb SPT, Drew Evanoff SPT
  • Faculty Sponsor: Angelina Stagliano, PT, PhD, DPT; Austin McPhail, PT, DPT
• “Describing the Effect of Muscle Tears on Pelvic Floor Musculature in Female Donors”
  • Authors: Ashley Grimes SPT, Sydney Thompson SPT, Lexi Schmaltz SPT, Carley Camp SPT
  • Faculty Sponsors: Douglas R Keskula, PT, PhD, AT-Ret; Megan Rome, PT, DPT
• “Describing Relationships Between Hip and Pelvic Mobility with Pelvic Floor Musculature: A Female Donor Study”
  • Authors: Erin Bergmann SPT, Mikayla Creswell SPT, Alayna Karagiannis SPT, Jasmine McClendon SPT
  • Faculty Sponsors: Douglas R Keskula, PT, PhD, AT-Ret; Megan Rome, PT, DPT

ߣÓŃż´Ć¬ Southern’s secondary math education program has officially earned national recognition as an accredited program through the National Council of Teachers and Mathematics.

Dr. Kari Siko Walters led the accreditation process and said, “To prove that we have met these, we have to present the data on our students’ performance on their PRAXIS tests (a professional teaching assessment), their course grades, their formal lesson plan that they write, the South Carolina Teaching Standards, a project they do called the Unit Work Sample, another project called the Long Range Plan, and their Clinical Practice Portfolio that they create while they are student teaching. So, it’s a very extensive and detailed report and they are very picky in approving it.”

CSU’s secondary math education program met the standards required by the National Council of Teachers and Mathematics:

• Content Knowledge
• Mathematical Practices 
• Mathematical Content Pedagogy
• Mathematical Learning Environment 
• Impact on Student Learning
• Professional Knowledge and Skills 
• Secondary Mathematics Field Experiences and Clinical Practice

Secondary math education students prepare a hands-on activity to be used in the classroom and document what it looks like.

Entering the foster care system understandably fills children with anxiety. A classroom project completed for an Early Childhood Practicum class has the potential to help ease that anxiety.

Alyssa Phillips, a senior child development major, created a project called The Distraction Bag. While comfort bags filled with basic necessities are given to some children in the foster care system, Phillips could find no evidence of anything similar to her distraction bag in South Carolina.

Phillips and her professor, Dr. Jacquelynn Pleis, associate professor of education, have pitched the idea to The Bair Foundation, a Christian-based foster care and adoption service. They are also working on writing a grant and have plans to share Phillips’ idea with other organizations.

Once a child enters the foster care system he or she spends a good bit of time waiting – waiting in court room hallways, foster care offices, and doctor offices. The Distraction Bag is designed for case workers to provide children with activities to fill the waiting time.

Pleiss said, “Alyssa initiated contact with the Bair Foundation, set up meetings with the caseworkers to find out the needs of the children, researched child development theories when choosing the items for the bags, created sample bags, created a sample budget for bags, included a faith component, and then presented the project to the directors of the Bair Foundation.”

Phillips said, “I never had an idea and actually acted on it. So, for me to be able to come up with an idea, then carry it out and see it flourish, it showed me how much potential I have.  

A lot of things went into the planning of this project, a lot of writing plans, making phone calls, inexpensively shopping, researching, presenting information, and summarizing all the things I learned.” 

Items in the bag were specifically chosen to provide activities to help children pass the time while waiting and to reduce their anxiety.

“Physically, research has shown that when kids can control or direct their movements, especially when stressed or anxious, they can also improve focus and concentration,” said Phillips. “Movement and sensory input are essential for learning and carrying out tasks since they involve both the right and left hemispheres of the brain.”

Each bag has multiple objects meant to provide distraction for anxious brains and bodies. “Fidget toys serve to productively distract and occupy a child’s attention,” said Phillips.

Phillips’ research showed that a distraction bag can be used to help children calm down when they are feeling upset. The child can choose an activity from the bag to focus on, which can help distract them from their negative emotions and allow them to calm down. A distraction bag can be used to keep children engaged and occupied while they are waiting and can be used to pass the time and reduce the children’s frustration or impatience. 

Pleiss said, “For me, the big take aways are how this project allowed Alyssa to grow in unexpected ways and the continual connections CSU makes with the community.”

One of the aspects of the project was finding a way to fill a distraction bag inexpensively. Phillips shopped at local Dollar Tree and 5 Below stores. She was able to find book bags and the items that would enable children to escape from their stressful environments and help them develop in healthy ways.

Items Phillips included in the Distraction Bags:

• Coloring book with crayons
• 2 children’s books
• Mini stuffed animal
• 2 squeezable toys
• 2 slinkies
• Etch-a-Sketch toy
• Light-up spin wheel
• Light-up pop-it worm
• Fidget link tracks
• Sensory mat

This event was centered around encouraging high school students to find their niche and see what their next few years could look like. Mrs. Katti Hubble stated “I am excited to share CSU with students who are interested in not only going to college but to be teachers. We have an amazing program in the College of Education, and I am thrilled to share it with others.” 

Giving local high schools the opportunity to come and see a day in the life of CSU’s education program is a great way to get students motivated. We want to inspire students to find their calling!