Melanie Smith, Chair of the HLGU Division of Education, recently earned her Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction with a Language, Diversity & Literacy Studies Concentration from Texas Tech University, graduating in Summer of 2022.
“Obtaining my Ph.D. has been quite a journey, and I am thankful I never had to walk it alone,” Dr. Smith said. “I must acknowledge my family – by birth and by choice. My children, parents and sister gave unfailing support.” Dr. Smith added, “I can’t say how much I appreciate my friends and especially my work family who pushed me to continue when I wanted to give up on this degree.”
Dr. Smith went on to share that she and fellow HLGU education faculty member, Dr. Courtney Janes, worked on their doctorates at the same time. Dr. Janes was the first person that Dr. Smith met when she came to Hannibal. They worked together at Mark Twain Elementary and now work together at Hannibal-LaGrange University.
On August 1, 2022, Dr. Smith took on the role of Chair of the HLGU Division of Education. Dr. Julie Albee, who previously served in that role, has been a great mentor according to Dr. Smith.
Dr. Smith said the Education Division is excited about several changes this fall. They embrace the fact that they now house the online teacher education program. The new Proficiency Pathway program offers credit for prior learning for paraprofessionals, teaching assistants, and teachers seeking certification. The career time can be counted toward their coursework. The Education Division has also started classes in their new simulation classroom. The classroom will be officially unveiled at the upcoming 40 years of Teacher Education Celebration on October 7-8, 2022.
Dr. Smith began teaching at HLGU in the fall of 2014. “I strongly believe in its purpose and mission,” Dr. Smith said. “When I step in the classroom each day, I strive to help my HLGU students see how educating future generations involves a life of service and a daily opportunity for them to be an example of Jesus Christ within the school system.”
Hannibal-LaGrange University is a four-year Christian university fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The institution prides itself in its traditional and nontraditional educational experience in a distinctively Christian environment.