The School of Education (SOE) at Mississippi University for Women recently celebrated student achievement, mentorship and educator preparation during its annual Spring Awards Day event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The celebration recognized outstanding teacher candidates and graduate students across multiple programs while also honoring two faculty and staff members with the SOE annual W Difference Awards. Held Thursday, April 22, the event featured an \u201cout of this world\u201d theme celebrating the impact of educators prepared at The W.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kelly Ballard, chair of the Department of Education, said the annual event has become an important tradition centered on celebrating growth, persistence and the student experience throughout the educator preparation journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe have celebrated our block students for the past several years because we believe it is important to recognize students as they learn and grow throughout the program,\u201d Ballard said. \u201cThese are students who consistently go above and beyond in their classrooms, connect with their students and fully invest themselves in becoming excellent educators. We are incredibly proud of the work they put in throughout the semester, and awards day gives us the opportunity to pause and celebrate that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Award recipients were recognized in elementary education, early childhood education, the Master of Arts in Teaching program and the Master of Education programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition to student honors, the SOE presented its third annual W Difference Awards in honor of former chair Bob Fuller. This year\u2019s recipients were navigator Christi Dillon and faculty instructor Deana Pendley, who works with distance students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dean Marty Hatton, who presented the awards, said the recognition reflects the SOE\u2019s commitment to student-centered support and mentorship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe W Difference is about making sure students feel supported, encouraged and cared for from beginning to end,\u201d Hatton said. \u201cChristi Dillon and Deana Pendley truly embody that spirit. They consistently meet students where they are, help guide them through challenges and make sure they feel seen and supported throughout their experience at The W. They represent exactly what the W Difference means within the School of Education.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Award recipients included:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Education Block 1<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Alex Acosta<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kaitlyn Alford (Overall Honor Recipient)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Anna House<\/p>\n\n\n\n Michael O\u2019Neill<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kyla Stroud<\/p>\n\n\n\n Miracle Washington<\/p>\n\n\n\n Elementary Education Block 2<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Caylon Beckwith<\/p>\n\n\n\n Jeremiah Crawford<\/p>\n\n\n\n Leah Elliott (Overall Honor Recipient)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Melissa Escobar<\/p>\n\n\n\n Octavia Glover<\/p>\n\n\n\n Anna Paige Wilssens<\/p>\n\n\n\n Beverly Wilson<\/p>\n\n\n\n Elementary Education Block 3<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Amber Braddock<\/p>\n\n\n\n Laney Ferguson<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kaylie Hickman<\/p>\n\n\n\n Alexandria Lenoir (Overall Honor Recipient)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Elementary Education Internship<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Lexie Angle<\/p>\n\n\n\n Maggie Montesi<\/p>\n\n\n\n Alondra Reza (Overall Honor Recipient)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Alyssa Steinport<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kaitlyn Walton<\/p>\n\n\n\n Early Childhood Education (Blocks 2\u20133)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Joely Garrard (Overall Honor Recipient)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Erica Matlock<\/p>\n\n\n\n Savannah Meyers<\/p>\n\n\n\n Early Childhood Internship<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Kaliya Phillips (Overall Honor Recipient)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Master of Arts in Teaching<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Jaden Craven (Overall Honor Recipient)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Alexandria Harden Childs<\/p>\n\n\n\n Caitlyn Long<\/p>\n\n\n\n Master of Education<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Audrey Foreman (Overall Honor Recipient)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Haley Kelley<\/p>\n\n\n\n Alexa Persons<\/p>\n\n\n\n W Difference Awards<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Christi Dillon, navigator <\/p>\n\n\n\n Deana Pendley, faculty <\/p>\n\n\n\n About the School of Education<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The School of Education at The W prepares educators who serve classrooms and communities across Mississippi through immersive clinical experiences, mentorship and strong partnerships that support future teachers from recruitment through graduation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For more information about the School of Education at The W, visit muw.edu\/education. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Located in historic Columbus, Mississippi, The W was founded in 1884 as the first state-supported college for women in the United States. Today, the university is home to 2,371 students in more than 70 majors and concentrations and has educated men for 40 years. The university is nationally recognized for low student debt, community and social mobility which empowers students to BE BOLD.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Be Bold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.muw.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/20260422-DSC09590-1024x683.jpg\")
About The W<\/h3>\n\n\n\n