Today@Sam Article

Five Recognized For Distinguished Careers In Education

March 5, 2018
SHSU Media Contact: Emily Binetti

Story by Hannah Haney

The transformative power of a quality educator knows no bounds. An effective teacher has the potential to directly influence the lives and future career paths of their students daily.

 For this reason, Sam Houston State University’s College of Education recognizes educators who have made a significant contribution to the field in an awards ceremony each year. 

“The Distinguished Educator of the Year ceremony offers a unique opportunity for the COE to honor several of its most accomplished alumni who have made a positive difference through careers in education,” Dean of the COE, Stacey Edmonson said. “Our honorees represent urban, rural, and suburban communities and include all types of educators who have had distinguished careers as teachers, counselors, librarians, administrators and higher education professionals.” 

This year, the Distinguished Educator of the Year recipients were honored on March 3, in the Lowman Student Center Ballroom for their demonstrated expertise and outstanding service in the classroom, school, district and community.

Wanda Bamberg, superintendent of Aldine Independent School District and a 2016 recipient of the award, emceed the event. 

 “The COE’s Distinguished Educator of the Year event is unique because the focus is totally about celebration-- for great work resulting from great programs. I was honored to receive this award myself and it was truly a highlight of my career,” Bamberg said. “Many SHSU COE alumni look forward to the event and finding out who will be recognized each year.”

The 2018 Distinguished Educators of the Year recipients were, Don Stockton, Linda Blackburn-Harris, Jeremy Glenn, Jimmy Adams and Kevin Weldon.

“Celebrating our distinguished alumni reminds us of just how important, and how impactful, educators are. One of Isaac Newton's most well-known quotes said, ‘If I have seen farther, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.’  Our distinguished educators are giants, people who have given their careers and dedicated their lives to be the shoulders that shape, guide and influence our children,” Edmonson said. “The Distinguished Educator of the Year award allows us as a college and community of educators to celebrate and honor these dedicated educational professionals and their contributions.”

This award is the highest honor the COE at SHSU can bestow upon its alumni.


Don_Stockton11Don Stockton

Superintendent, Conroe ISD 

As one of the longest tenured superintendents in Texas, Don Stockton has been influential in the field of education for 34 years, with 32 of those years in Conroe ISD. Stockton has served as a teacher, coach, assistant principal, principal, assistant superintendent, interim superintendent, and, for the past 15 years, Conroe ISD Superintendent of Schools.

Linda Harris1Linda Blackburn-Harris

Board Member, Dayton ISD’s Board of Trustees 

As an alumnus of SHSU, Linda Harris has educated young minds since 1972, spending 35 years as a teacher before serving as a school board member for the past eight years.

 

Jeremy Glenn1Jeremy Glenn

Superintendent, Waxahachie ISD

Jeremy Glenn graduated with his Doctorate in Educational Leadership from SHSU in 2008. He has been an educator for 18 years, with 10 of those years as a superintendent. He has served as a teacher, coach, principal, assistant superintendent and superintendent.

K.Weldon.jpg1Kevin Weldon

Retired Superintendent, Tarkington ISD

After earning his bachelor’s degree from SHSU, Kevin Weldon devoted 35 years of service to Texas public schools. He has held a position as a superintendent, assistant superintendent, athletic director, principal, coach and teacher.

 

Jimmy-Adams1Jimmy Adams

Dean of Media Arts and Technology Center of Excellence, Houston CC

Jimmy Adams has over 35 years of experience and responsibility in higher education administration, 17 of which include teaching in both the community college and university settings. He graduated from SHSU with a Doctorate in Educational Leadership in 2008. Adams has served in various leadership roles such as Dean, Assistant Vice President, Program Coordinator and Director. 

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