UWF College of Education and Professional Studies honors second class of Emerge Scholars
The University of West Florida College of Education and Professional Studies recently recognized seven students who graduated as Emerge Scholars this past spring.
“The CEPS Emerge Program affords opportunities for students to bridge theory to practice through hands-on experiences,” said Dr. William Crawley, dean of the College of Education and Professional Studies. “Students apply their knowledge and develop their skills as they participate in high-impact experiences designed to prepare them for careers or advanced educational pursuits.”
Developed to assist CEPS faculty in designing and implementing quality high-impact practices for their students, the program aims to deepen student learning and engagement through collaborative assignments and projects, followed by structured critical reflection and presentation activities. By using a combination of techniques, these practices raise levels of performance, retention and success for all students who participate.
The Emerge Program is open to all UWF undergraduate and graduate students in the College, regardless of their major. Students who earned the distinction of Emerge Scholar in the 2014-2015 academic year include:
Jacob Adams, Bachelor of Science, Hospitality
Nicole Beck, Bachelor of Science, Hospitality
Yolonda DuBose, Master of Social Work
Chad Eckert, Bachelor of Science, Physical Education
Paul Glass, Bachelor of Arts, History
Erin Haslag, Master of Social Work
Kayla Williams, Bachelor of Arts, Elementary Education
As part of the Emerge Program, the students were required to participate in at least two high-impact educational practices and complete reflection pieces, which they presented at events such as regional and national conferences. These conferences included the UWF Student Scholar Symposium and Emerge Faculty Fora held throughout the academic year. Students also gain exposure through study abroad programs, internships and student-faculty research projects.
To earn her designation as an Emerge Scholar, graduate student Yolonda DuBose completed an internship where she implemented a counseling program at a local private school for at-risk children. “This activity provided the chance to apply theoretical concepts that I learned in the classroom to a real-world setting. I proved that I have the knowledge, skills, and abilities to be successful in my career,” DuBose said. “I am proud to say that I am a UWF Emerge Scholar!”
Emerge Scholar Nicole Beck says she gained a real advantage by participating in the program. “I now have a better understanding of how much work and involvement is required in order to be successful,” said Beck. During her time in the Emerge Program, Beck created job descriptions for Innisfree Hotels, designed a marketing plan for Wingate by Wyndham in Destin, and served in the Emerald Coast Campus Hospitality Club as the public relations chairperson.
“I was very privileged being a part of the Emerge Program, because it has taught me how to better manage my time while undertaking multiple projects,” Beck said. “The program has created numerous opportunities for me. I now can go out and apply for multiple jobs, knowing that I can show them all that I have to offer to help better their company.”
For additional information about the Emerge Program, visit uwf.edu/emerge.
