In recognition of great work on our campus, I will be spotlighting examples of excellence by departments or individuals who have shown extraordinary performance. My G.E.M. (Going the Extra Mile) Award recognizes people who continue to make Texas Wesleyan a supportive and nurturing environment for our students.

One of our most widely recognized academic areas is the School of Education, which produces exceptional educators who can be found in just about every school in the area. Whether teaching in the classroom or leading the school as principal, our alumni are committed to making a difference in the lives of today’s students.

Aileen Curtin is one of the education professors who is instrumental is building tomorrow’s leaders.

For six years, she has served as director of the doctoral education program. Her leadership began in the initial planning stages and obtaining program accreditation from SACS in 2009. Aileen also recruited students and taught courses from the program's infancy to full implementation four years later. 

Students from the first cohort are defending dissertations this month and will be graduating in December.  The doctoral program has gone full cycle under her leadership, and the soon-to-be Ed.D. graduates know that she has guided them with patience and encouragement. She taught them to "stay the course" and they will soon reap the rewards that will last a lifetime.

In addition to her work in the doctoral program, Aileen served on an internal SACS committee as well as other university committees – and she teaches in the M.Ed. program.  And this past spring, she was selected by her peers for the Earl Brown Distinguished Faculty Award, which gave her the opportunity to speak at the May graduation.

Although she recently stepped down from her leadership role, Aileen deserves recognition for her efforts as the program director.  Her tireless efforts to bring the program to fruition exemplify her adherence to Going the Extra Mile.

Please join me in congratulating Aileen on her achievements.

Fred

Frederick G. Slabach