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School of Education

Challenge Yourself, Empower Others, Become a Professional Educator

Education is one of the most challenging and rewarding professions. Faculty in the School of Education prepare students for successful careers in a variety of educational settings, from early childhood through higher education. If you want to make a difference and enjoy working with students, consider a career in one of our professional education programs, offered at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. Our experienced and dedicated faculty generate and disseminate knowledge that influences and enhances educational policies and practices across the state and nation. Join us and become a caring, qualified, confident educational professional!

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Our Programs

The USM School of Education offers an undergraduate program in elementary education as well as graduate programs in educational administration, higher education, elementary curriculum and instruction, special education, alternate route licensure, dyslexia therapy and educational research.

The School of Education teacher education and educational administration programs are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Teacher education programs are also accredited by the state process and performance review.

USM is also a member of the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED) Consortium, joining more than 125 national and international institutions working together to redesign professional practice preparation in education for the improvement of individuals and communities. CPED is a grassroots effort of faculty, administrators and practitioners collaborating to strengthen the doctorate in education (Ed.D.) degree. 

We are Here to Help

The faculty, staff and administrative team in the School of Education are here to assist you. If you have any questions about instructional delivery, assignments, etc., please contact us. 

School of Education Administration

Dr. Kyna Shelley, Interim Director 91³Ô¹ÏÍø“ kyna.shelleyFREEMississippi | (601) 266-4578

Dr. Jay Howell, Interim Associate Director 91³Ô¹ÏÍø“ james.b.howellFREEMississippi | (601) 266-6570

Dr. Danny Guillory, Interim Associate Director - john.guilloryFREEMississippi

School of Education Staff

Jasmine McGaughy, Administrative Specialist - jasmine.mcgaughyFREEMississippi 

Ashlyn Lerma, Finance and Administration Specialist 91³Ô¹ÏÍø“ ashlyn.lermaFREEMississippi 

Kristie Dillistone, Administrative Specialist 91³Ô¹ÏÍø“ kristie.dillistoneFREEMississippi  

School of Education Program Coordinators

Anna Curtis, Dyslexia Therapy 91³Ô¹ÏÍø“ a.curtisFREEMississippi

Dr. Danny Guillory, Educational Administration & Supervision 91³Ô¹ÏÍø“ john.guilloryFREEMississippi 

Dr. Gretchen Goode, Elementary Education 91³Ô¹ÏÍø“ gretchen.goodeFREEMississippi

Dr. Kyna Shelley, Educational Research 91³Ô¹ÏÍø“ kyna.shelleyFREEMississippi  

Dr. Holly Foster, Higher Education Administration 91³Ô¹ÏÍø“ holly.fosterFREEMississippi

Dr. Jay Howell, Secondary Education 91³Ô¹ÏÍø“ james.b.howellFREEMississippi

Educational Field Experiences

Dr. Donielle Stephens, Director 91³Ô¹ÏÍø“ donielle.stephensFREEMississippi

Meghan Sturges, Placement Specialist 91³Ô¹ÏÍø“ meghan.sturgesFREEMississippi | (601) 266-4572

Amanda Myrick, Edu. Technology/Data Specialist 91³Ô¹ÏÍø“ amanda.myrickFREEMississippi | (601) 266-4571

Student Academic Services

Abbie Johnson, Student Support Specialist 91³Ô¹ÏÍø“ AM.JohnsonFREEMississippi | (601) 266-4224