CSC hosts first graduation ceremony in Alaska

Anchorage School District employees receive master's degrees

by Tena L. Cook, Marketing Coordinator

Chadron, NE (08/17/2021) — CHADRON - Twenty Chadron State College graduate students received their Master of Arts in Education degrees Aug. 3 in a special ceremony at the Anchorage School District Office. CSC President Dr. Randy Rhine, Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Jim Powell, and Education Department Chair Dr. Don King presented diplomas to graduates, while Vice Chancellor for Academic Planning and Partnerships Dr. Jodi Kupper represented the Nebraska State College System.

All of the CSC graduates are teachers in the Anchorage School District, and many have been hired as administrators since earning their master's degrees, according to Powell.

Former Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Charles Snare and Powell, who both had previous work experience in Alaska, worked to establish CSC's presence in Alaska after a university there lost its teaching accreditation status. Powell, King, and Dr. Patti Blundell, Education Professor, made subsequent recruiting trips to enroll students and work with CSC on-site coordinators Dr. Kersten Stumpler-Johnston, senior director of secondary education, and Dr. Jennifer Knutson, senior director of professional learning.

Although the courses were all online, students in the Anchorage cohort also met occasionally for discussion groups. The graduates represent a 100 percent completion rate of students enrolled between 2019 and 2021.

Powell said the district superintendent, Dr. Deena Bishop, was pleased with the program and the CSC graduates.

"She spoke highly of their preparation and abilities," Powell said.

A third cohort is currently enrolled and the Education department is recruiting a fourth cohort.

The 2021 graduates are:

Valerie Ballarude

*Richard Bear

Steve Belde

Kristen Bellonio

Kristan Carte

Janeen Ceparano Wilkins

April Christianson

Natalie Foley

Elizabeth Hermanson

Patti Irwin

Jessica Klinn

Candice Love

Megan McCambly

Katrina Quinn

Sean Rood

Simone Sanders

Jessica Sedlacek

Michael Thompson

Amy Jeanne Utley

Dawn Wagoner

Matthew Witthoeft

* in absentia

PHOTOS: (Low quality)

https://chadronstate.smugmug.com/News/Recent/i-LcqzBzt/A

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More are available in CSC's Facebook page album:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=chadronstatecollege&set=a.10159240240801070

Media Attachments

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Twenty Chadron State College graduate students received their Master of Arts in Education degrees Aug. 3, 2021, in a special ceremony at the Anchorage School District Office. (Courtesy photo)

AK_grad.JPG

Twenty Chadron State College graduate students received their Master of Arts in Education degrees Aug. 3, 2021, in a special ceremony at the Anchorage School District Office. CSC President Dr. Randy Rhine, Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Jim Powell, and Education Department Chair Dr. Don King presented diplomas to graduates, while Vice Chancellor for Academic Planning and Partnerships Dr. Jodi Kupper represented the Nebraska State College System. (Courtesy photo)

April

Christianson