Southern Wesleyan kicks off new education degree program
Dr. Mike Nichols, associate vice president for marketing and enrollment development at Southern Wesleyan University, speaks with Effie Williams just before the start of classes for the Master of Education in Administration and Supervision degree program, which began Feb. 23 at the university in Central. Williams is a teacher at Southside High School in Greenville.
Class is now in session for students enrolled in Southern Wesleyan University’s new Master of Education in Administration and Supervision degree program.
The first class in the new degree program met Feb. 23 at the university in Central. Classes for the degree will begin at Southern Wesleyan’s Greenville location starting March 14 and are scheduled to start at North Augusta in May and at Columbia in June.
“I’m excited about the degree,” said Effie Williams, a teacher from Southside High School who is enrolled in the program. “I would like to eventually get beyond the classroom and be able to work in different areas.”
For Tim Hiott, earning the degree represents a great opportunity to open doors professionally.
“I’ve been in the classroom 19 years and I’m just looking to see if I can help my school from another angle,” said Hiott, who teaches graphic communication at B.J. Skelton Career Center in Pickens County.
Stephanie Brewer, who teaches students with intellectual disabilities at Seneca High School and earned an undergraduate and a master’s degree in education from Southern Wesleyan, is excited about the opportunities for advancement offered by the new degree.
“I want to go ahead and make sure the door is always open to improve for me to go back and get my administrative degree,” Brewer said.
“I would like to be a program director for special services and implement a program for students with disabilities that will encourage their transition into their postsecondary goals.”
On hand to welcome the new students were Southern Wesleyan University President Dr. David Spittal. He was joined by Dr. Gary Carr, vice president of administration and program operations; Dr. Mike Nichols, associate vice president for marketing and enrollment development; and Dr. Sandra McLendon, assistant dean of the School of Education.
“We are really excited that you’re here. It’s an exciting step for you and also an exciting step for us,” Spittal said as he greeted the first group of students.
The Master of Education in Administration and Supervision degree program fills a statewide need for qualified professionals in school administration and supervision, according to Dr. Paul Shotsberger, dean of Southern Wesleyan’s School of Education.
The courses cover topics including educational leadership, school operations management, public and community relations, ethics and advanced educational research.
Southern Wesleyan University prepares students for leadership and graduate study in such fields as religion, education, music, business, medicine, law and a variety of civic and social service professions. Southern Wesleyan offers 42 degree programs.