Eight future math and science teachers recently learned that they would have an additional $5,000 this year to apply toward their independent college education. The students, representing eight different independent Kentucky colleges and universities, are the recipients of the first Gheens STEM Teacher Preparation Scholarships.
Improving STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education is a priority for Kentucky as it builds a globally competitive 21st century workforce.
“Producing highly skilled teachers in math and sciences is an area where independent colleges excel in meeting the needs of Kentucky’s K-12 schools,” said Gary S. Cox, president of the Association of Independent Kentucky Colleges and Universities (AIKCU).
The Gheens Foundation granted AIKCU eight scholarships of $5,000 each to distribute to aspiring teachers studying at independent colleges through a competitive process.
“We approached the Gheens Foundation about funding these scholarships because of its shared commitment to education in Kentucky,” said Cox. “By selecting the best candidate from eight separate schools we felt the competition would focus even more attention on teacher preparation around the state…ultimately benefiting K-12 students throughout Kentucky.”
The Gheens Foundation is one of the largest private foundations in Kentucky. The Foundation’s support of Kentucky’s independent colleges and universities dates back to the 1950s.
The Gheens STEM Teacher Preparation Scholarships were open to students at any of Kentucky’s 20 independent colleges and universities studying to become K-12 teachers in a STEM discipline. Priority was given to minority, female, low-income, and first generation applicants, as well as to those planning to teach in high need school districts. The competitive selection process was developed and overseen by an independent third party.
The 2008 Gheens STEM Teacher Preparation Scholarship recipients are:

Lesley Boorman, a Spalding University junior from Louisville who is majoring in natural science and plans to enter Spalding’s graduate education program to become a high school science teacher. Boorman writes in her application that she feels called to help inspire young people: “I want to spark students’ interest in science, a vital discipline needed in pursuing a vast array of complex professions.”

Lindsay Michelle Dotson, a Bellarmine University junior from Louisville majoring in biology and secondary education. Dotson says she “always wanted to be a teacher. The only variables that I did not know for sure when I was younger, were what subject and what grade I wanted to teach… By the time I reached my senior year I knew that I wanted to be a high school teacher and I knew that I wanted to teach biology and chemistry.”

Valerie Flanagan, a Lindsey Wilson College senior from Russell Springs studying to become a middle school science teacher. A married non-traditional student, Flanagan writes: “When I began considering returning to college to finish my degree in what was biology at the time, I re-examined my career path and decided to pursue the necessary training for a career in the teaching profession.…As an admirer of every division of science, it was an easy decision to commit to becoming a proficient instructor of the subject area I am most passionate about.”

Teresa LoPiccolo, a non-traditional senior at Campbellsville University majoring in middle school education with an emphasis in mathematics and social studies. A married mother of two young children, LoPiccolo has juggled her family responsibilities and her studies because she “is determined to be a math teacher and feels that a lot of middle school students need a teacher that will not show them just one way to do something.”

Emily Marshall, a Georgetown College senior from Louisville majoring in biology and secondary education. Marshall, who in 2007 was named an All-American NIA Scholar Athlete and NAIA Champion of Character (soccer), plans to become a high school science teacher. “Personally, as a female in a male-dominated subject, I feel that I will be a role model for female students,” writes Marshall. “I plan to put my heart and soul into teaching my students and to try my best to help them learn something every time they walk into my classroom, whether it be science-related or just real-life advice.”

David Ramey, a non-traditional senior at Pikeville College from Elkhorn City majoring in mathematics and secondary education. Ramey writes that he is blessed to have a “second chance to become a college graduate and a teacher and role model for young people in eastern Kentucky.” Ramey says he has never forgotten how difficult high school can be. He feels that after spending the past twenty-three years in mining and mining-related occupations he “knows and understands the culture of mountain people and the coal miner” and “their unique problems and outlook on life.”

Charlotte Robinson, a Transylvania University senior from Bracken County who is studying to become a high school math teacher. A first-generation college student, Robinson writes in her application: “My high school math teacher inspired me to become a teacher….It is my dream that I will one day be a student’s inspiration.”

Brenda Woods, a University of the Cumberlands senior majoring in middle school education with emphases in mathematics and science. Woods believes that middle school is a crucial time in students’ educational progression, and hopes to inspire and connect with all of her students. She writes: “I will give my students the same opportunities that I received from my teachers: a fair education, a new look into the future, and a passion for the content.”
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The Gheens Foundation is one of the largest private foundations in Kentucky. Trustees oversee the distribution of approximately four million dollars each year in support of education, economic development, medical, arts, social and health services, and other worthy causes. The Gheens Foundation’s support of Kentucky ’s independent colleges and universities dates back to the 1950s. Learn more at http://gheensfoundation.org.
The Association of Independent Kentucky Colleges and Universities (AIKCU) is a non-profit advocacy, fundraising, and member-services organization based in Frankfort. AIKCU was founded in 1952 to promote the interests of Kentucky’s non-profit, independent colleges and universities and the students they serve. AIKCU’s diverse members include Kentucky’s twenty nonprofit, non-tax supported, four year colleges and universities accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). Learn more about AIKCU and its members at www.aikcu.org.