By Joan C. McKinney, director, Office of University Communications
CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. – Campbellsville University’s 34th annual Excellence in Teaching Award Program Ceremony was canceled this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, 217 teachers received the Excellence in Teaching Award from 76 districts and/or private schools in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Twenty-two of the teachers have Campbellsville College or University degrees and nine teachers are National Certified Teachers.
Dr. Lisa Allen, dean of the School of Education, said, “During this time of pandemic, teachers have had to be creative and flexible problem solvers in delivering relevant, timely instruction to their students.
“The teachers who are EIT recipients this year have and will continue to find innovative ways to lead, to teach and to help students succeed regardless of the learning challenges presented by COVID 19.
“I am sorry that this year, we are unable to have our usual celebration to honor them. I am proud of these teachers who continue to shape the future for all of us regardless of circumstances.”
A total of 4,163 Kentucky teachers have been honored since the program began in 1987
with assistance from Earl Aaron and the Ward, Cundiff and Aaron Memorial Fund. The purpose of the program is to recognize the quality teaching and learning taking place in the school systems throughout Kentucky.
The Excellence in Teaching Awards program is in partnership with Lexington’s CBS-affiliate, WKYT-TV.
The teachers are selected by their school districts in each grade level (preschool/elementary, middle and high school).
The 2020 Excellence in Teaching Award recipients include the following with their superintendent listed first:
Adair County School System, Superintendent Dr. Pamela Stephens – Robin Hancock, a 2019 Campbellsville University graduate, Adair County Elementary School; Sarah Antle, a 2013 Campbellsville University graduate, Adair County Middle School; and Shanna Ragle, Adair County High School.
Anderson County School System, Superintendent Sheila Mitchell – Lisa Hudson, Emma B. Ward Elementary School; Traci Beasley, Anderson County Middle School; and Heather Adams, Anderson County High School.
Barbourville Independent Schools, Superintendent Kay Dixon – Andrea Hillard, Barbourville Independent School, Elementary; Angelia Smith, Barbourville Independent School, Middle; and Brandon Simpson, Barbourville Independent School, High.
Bardstown City Schools, Superintendent Dr. Ryan Clark – Amy Kellem, Bardstown Primary School; Craig Frey, Bardstown Middle School; and Melissa Peters, Bardstown High School.
Barren County Schools, Superintendent Bo Matthews – Broderick Davis, a 2005 Campbellsville University graduate, Austin Tracy Elementary School; Hannah Edmunds, Barren County Middle School; and Matt Gardner, Barren County High School.
Bell County Schools, Superintendent Yvonne Gilliam – Ashley Maguet, Page School Center; Thomas Heck, Bell Central School Center; and Lauren Good, Bell County High School;
Boone County Schools, Superintendent Dr. Randy Poe – Shari Testerman, Goodridge Elementary School; Sarah List, Camp Ernst Middle School; and Jamie Hubbard, Conner High School.
Bourbon County Schools, Superintendent Amy Baker – Angela VanValkenburg, Cane Ridge Elementary School; Rob Miller, Bourbon County Middle School; and Denise Moran, Bourbon County High School.
Boyd County Schools, Superintendent William Boblett Jr. – Keri Crowe, Ponderosa Elementary School; Andy Lyon, Boyd County Middle School; and Mary Leigh Lewis, Boyd County High School.
Breckinridge County Schools, Superintendent Dr. Nick Carter – Theresa Kennedy, Custer Elementary School; Donna Shartzer, Breckinridge County Middle School; and Rob Garrett, a 2010 Campbellsville University graduate, Breckinridge County High School.
Bullitt County Schools, Superintendent Jesse Bacon – Elizabeth Yates, Nichols Elementary School; Karla Elliott, Bernheim Middle School; and Tiffany Darnell, Bullitt East High School.
Burgin Independent Schools, Superintendent Will Begley – Nicole Short, Burgin Elementary School; Cullen Mason, a 2017 Campbellsville University graduate, Burgin Middle School; and Matt Vonderbrink, Burgin High School.
Butler County Schools, Superintendent Scott Howard – Linda Amos, Morgantown Elementary School; Renea Hunt, Butler County Middle School; and Amy Deweese, Butler County High School.
Campbellsville Independent Schools, Superintendent Kirby Smith – Jena Piekarski, Campbellsville Elementary School; Jan Speer, a 1978 Campbellsville College graduate, Campbellsville Middle School; and Dale Estes, a 2000 and 2007 Campbellsville University graduate, Campbellsville High School.
Carter County Schools, Superintendent Dr. Ronnie Dotson – Alisha Hall, Heritage Elementary School; Tommie Freize, East Carter Middle School; and Amanda McCall, East Carter High School.
Casey County Schools, Superintendent Marion Sowders – Jill Upton, Jones Park Elementary School; Beth Rodgers, Casey County Middle School; and Rachyl Cundiff, Casey County High School.
Caverna Independent Schools, Superintendent Cornelius Faulkner – LaDonna Harmon, Caverna Elementary School; Terry Thorpe, Caverna Middle School; and Kalyn Goodwin, Caverna High School.
Clinton County Schools, Superintendent Tim Parson – Shannon Shearer, Albany Elementary School; Jordan Fillingham, Clinton County Middle School; and Courtney Norris, a 2013 Campbellsville University graduate, Clinton County High School.
Cumberland County Schools, Superintendent Dr. Kirk Biggerstaff – Diane Alexander, Cumberland County Elementary School; Jerry Hall, Cumberland County Middle School; and Katie Sherrell, Cumberland County High School.
Danville Christian Academy, Headmaster James Ward II – Christalynn Hubble, Danville Christian Academy, Preschool; Loralee Ridge, Danville Christian Academy, Middle; and Kimberly McCowan, Danville Christian Academy, High.
Daviess County Schools, Superintendent J. Matthew Robbins — Allie Lindow, Country Heights Elementary School; Laura Murphy, Daviess County Middle School; and Paul Bates, Apollo High School.
East Bernstadt Independent School, Superintendent Vicki Jones – Maggie Broughton, East Bernstadt Elementary School; and Curtis Storm, East Bernstadt Middle School.
Edmonson County Schools, Superintendent Patrick Waddell – Lauren Goins, Kyrock Elementary School; Andrea Webb, Edmonson County 5-6 Center; and Bruce Lindsey, Edmonson County High School.
Elizabethtown Independent Schools, Superintendent Jon Ballard – Kelly Kean-Davenport, Helmwood Heights Elementary School; and Helena Freedlund, Talton K. Stone Middle School.
Estill County Schools, Superintendent Jeffery Saylor – Amanda Bryant, Estill County Middle School.
Fairview Independent Schools, Superintendent Jackie Risden-Smith – Denise Dillow, Fairview Elementary School; Valerie Price, Fairview Middle School; and Wendy Lemmings, Fairview High School.
Fayette County Schools, Superintendent Emmanuel Caulk – Laura Crance, Booker T. Washington Elementary School; LaDonna Porter, Beaumont Middle School; and Danielle Dailey, Frederick Douglass High School.
Frankfort Independent Schools, Superintendent Dr. Houston Barber – Tanya Burbridge, Early Learning Academy; Paul Thompson, Second Street School; and Joe Rogers, Frankfort High School.
Gallatin County Schools, Superintendent Larry Hammond – Angela Jones, Gallatin County Elementary School; Kitty Williamson, Gallatin County Middle School; and Becky Watkins, Gallatin County High School.
Garrard County Schools, Superintendent Ronald Fentress – Patrick Kennedy, Camp Dick Robinson Elementary School; Jennifer Caldwell, Garrard Middle School; and Loretta Welch, Garrard County High School.
Glasgow Independent Schools, Superintendent Keith Hale – Anita Witt, Glasgow Preschool Academy; Tim Houchens, Glasgow Middle School; and Theresa Lynch, Glasgow High School.
Green County Schools, Superintendent William Hodges – Kristy Sullivan, a 2002 and 2007 Campbellsville University graduate, Green County Intermediate School; Chasity Price, a 2002 Campbellsville University graduate, Green County Middle School; and Mike Daniels, a Campbellsville University 2001 and 2011 graduate, Green County High School.
Greenup County Schools, Superintendent Traysea Morsea – Brooke Wells, Greysbranch Elementary School; Steffanie Skiles, McKell Middle School; and Jeff Fletcher, Greenup County High School.
Hardin County Schools, Superintendent Teresa Morgan – Kim Thompson, G.C. Burkhead Elementary School; Te’Andra Parker, North Middle School; and Stacey Moore, John Hardin High School.
Harlan County Schools, Superintendent Brent Roark – Rebekah Anglian, Evarts Elementary School; Karen Phillips, James A. Cawood Elementary School; and Greg Longworth, Harlan County High School.
Harrison County Schools, Superintendent Dr. Harry Burchett – Barbara Gibbs, Northside Elementary School; James Case, Harrison County Middle School; and Josh Ashbrook, a 2012 and 2015 Campbellsville University graduate, Harrison County High School.
Hart County Schools, Superintendent Nathan Smith – Holli Butler, a 2018 Campbellsville University graduate, Cub Run Elementary School; Annette Jones, LeGrande Elementary School; and Amanda Shirley, Hart County High School.
Hazard Independent Schools, Superintendent Sondra Combs – Patricia Meehan, Roy G. Eversole Elementary School; Jennifer Roll, Hazard Middle School; and Luke Glaser, Hazard High School.
Johnson County Schools, Superintendent Thom Cochran – Machelle McClure, Highland Elementary School; Rodney Triplett, Johnson County Middle School; and Amanda Ratliff, Johnson Central High School.
Kentucky Christian Academy, Administrator Alicia Riggs – Garnetta Murrell, Kentucky Christian Academy, Elementary.
Knox County Schools, Superintendent Kelly Sprinkles – Olivia Holstein, Central Elementary School; Kevin Merida, Knox County Middle School; and Jonathan Stephens, Lynn Camp High School.
LaRue County Schools, Superintendent David Raleigh – Debra Ellis, Hodgenville Elementary School; Chelsie Walsh, a 2006 Campbellsville University graduate, LaRue County Middle School; and Savannah Boone, LaRue County High School.
Laurel County Schools, Superintendent Dr. Doug Bennett – Dana Root, Johnson Elementary School; Misty Pool, North Laurel Middle School; and Larry Finley, Laurel County Day Treatment.
Lincoln County Schools, Superintendent Michael Rowe – Justin Padgett, Highland Elementary School; Julie Lair, Lincoln County Middle School; and Tracy Garland, a 2005 Campbellsville University graduate, Lincoln County High School.
Logan County Schools, Superintendent Paul Mullins – Dana Howard, Olmstead School; Justin Adams, Olmstead School; and David Dayton, Logan County High School.
Madison County Schools, Superintendent Dr. David Gilliam – Connie Smith, Kirksville Elementary School; Jennifer Henson, Clark Moores Middle School; and Rancie Rankin, Madison Central High School.
Marion County Schools, Superintendent Taylora Schlosser – Kellie Wise, a 2004 Campbellsville University graduate, Glasscock Elementary School; Kimberly Goff, Marion County Knight Academy; and Courtney Murphy, Marion County Area Technology Center.
Marshall County Schools, Superintendent Trent Lovett – Katee Adams, Sharpe Elementary School; Kalli Colley, South Marshall Middle School; Rebecca Sealock, Marshall County High School.
McCreary County Schools, Superintendent Corey Keith – Petula Dobbs, a 2011 Campbellsville University graduate, Whitley City Elementary School; Whitney Phillips-Lay, McCreary County Middle School; and Mike Sexton, McCreary Central High School.
Mercer County Schools, Superintendent Dennis Davis – Linda Elliott, Mercer County Elementary School; Heather Peavler, King Middle School; and Kathi Lawrence, Mercer County Senior High School.
Metcalfe County Schools, Superintendent Dr. Benny Lile – Lindsey Thomas, Metcalfe County Elementary School; Lea Ann Parnell, Metcalfe County Middle School; and Karan Linkous, Metcalfe County High School.
Monroe County Schools, Superintendent Amy Thompson – Angie Ford, Joe Harrison Carter Elementary School; Tara Copas, Monroe County Middle School; and Tara Turner, Monroe County High School.
Montgomery County Schools, Superintendent Dr. Matthew Thompson – Amberly Wilson, Camargo Elementary School; Adam Allison, McNabb Middle School; and Sarah Farrow, Montgomery County High School.
Ohio County Schools, Superintendent Seth Southard – Hope Clayton, Wayland Alexander Elementary School; Jason McConnell, Ohio County Middle School; and Amanda Groves, Ohio County High School.
Owen County Schools, Superintendent Dr. Robert Stafford – Stephany Harvey, Owen County Elementary School; Jamie Bowlin, Maurice Bowling Middle School; and Bill Davenport, a 1984 Campbellsville College graduate, Owen County High School.
Owensboro Public Schools, Superintendent Dr. Matthew Constant – Jaime Quattrocchi, Sutton Elementary School; Storm Rickard, Owensboro Middle School; and David Walker, Owensboro High School.
Paris Independent Schools, Superintendent Stephen McCauley – Dr. Leann Pickerill, Paris Elementary School; Michella Hopkins, Paris Middle School; and Keagan Mathes, Paris High School.
Pineville Independent Schools, Superintendent Russell Thompson – Lizzie Bowling, Pineville Middle School.
Pulaski County Schools, Superintendent Patrick Richardson – Judy Van Hook, Northern Elementary School; Jessica Wheeler, Northern Middle School; and Kim Turpen, Southwestern High School.
Rockcastle County Schools, Superintendent David Pensol – Cynthia Rogers, Roundstone Elementary School; Carri Burdette, a 2014 Campbellsville University graduate, Rockcastle County Middle School; and Holly Robinson, Rockcastle County High School.
Rowan County Schools, Superintendent John Maxey – Sanchia Pratt, Rodburn Elementary School; Jeff Jones, Rowan County Middle School; and Joshua Hamilton, Rowan County Senior High School.
Russell County Schools, Superintendent Michael Ford – Susan Walters, Russell Springs Elementary School; Dawn Shaw, Russell County Middle School; and Bethany York, Russell County High School.
Russellville Independent Schools, Superintendent Bart Flener – Holly Behm, R.E. Stevenson Elementary School; Kaylee Crowder, Russellsville Middle School; and Corey Waters, Russellville High School.
Scott County Schools, Superintendent Dr. Kevin Hub – Lerin Parker, Western Elementary School; Megan Bechard, Georgetown Middle School; and Tia Beltz, Great Crossing High School.
Simpson County Schools, Superintendent Tim Schlosser – Jessica Mosley, Lincoln Elementary School; Robert Kopecky, Franklin-Simpson Middle School; and Mary Patton Chandler, Franklin-Simpson High School.
Somerset Christian School, Administrator John Hale – Crissy Crubaugh, Somerset Christian School, Elementary; and Guy Crubaugh, Somerset Christian School, Middle/High.
Somerset Independent Schools, Superintendent Kyle Lively – Teresa Bach, Hopkins Elementary School; Robin Crawford, Meece Middle School; and Kathy Holfelder, Somerset High School.
Spencer County Schools, Superintendent Charles Adams – Kristen Cubine-Martin, Taylorsville Elementary School; Duane Hume, Spencer County Middle School; and Amanda Vance, Spencer County High School.
Taylor County Schools, Superintendent Charles Higdon Jr. – Melinda Neal, Taylor County Primary Center; Leigh Hayes, a 2008 Campbellsville University graduate, Taylor County Middle School; and Casey Young, a 2009 and 2014 Campbellsville University graduate, Taylor County High School.
Todd County Schools, Superintendent Camille Dillingham – Tammy Sharp, South Todd Elementary School; Sherry Cawood, Todd County Middle School; and Shawna Fowler, Todd County Central High School.
Trimble County Schools, Superintendent Jessica Wilcoxson – Megan Webb, Milton Elementary School; John Hurley, Trimble County Junior High School; and Karen Long, Trimble County Senior High School.
Union County Schools, Superintendent Patricia Sheffer – Kelly Rideout, Uniontown Elementary School; Kelli McDaniel, Union County Middle School; and Joanna House, Union County High School.
Warren County Schools, Superintendent Rob Clayton – Tamara O’Nan, Alvaton Elementary School; Daniel Bemiss, Drakes Creek Middle School; and Renee Watkins, South Warren High School.
Washington County Schools, Superintendent Dr. J. Robin Cochran – Amanda Harmon, North Washington Elementary School; Rhoda Whitaker, North Washington Elementary School; and Kim Mattingly, a 2008 Campbellsville University graduate, Washington County High School.
Wayne County Schools, Superintendent Wayne Roberts – Leslye Rice, Monticello Elementary School; Lisa Bell, Wayne County Middle School; and George Snyder, Wayne County High School.
Williamsburg Independent Schools, Superintendent Tim Melton – Theresa Woods, Williamsburg City School, Elementary.
The 2020 Excellence in Teaching Committee included: Dr. Lisa Allen, dean of the Campbellsville University School of Education; Elizabeth Franklin, secretary to the dean, School of Education; Lisa Kirtley, data specialist; Natasha Nall, graduate secretary for the School of Education; Dominic Sanfilippo, early childhood program secretary, and Alice Steele, clinic support specialist.
Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university with more than 11,900 students offering over 100 programs of study including Ph.D., master, baccalaureate, associate, pre-professional and certification programs. The university has Kentucky based off-campus centers in Louisville, Harrodsburg, Somerset, Hodgenville and Liberty with instructional sites in Elizabethtown, Owensboro and Summersville. Out-of-state centers include two in California at Los Angeles and Lathrop, located in the San Francisco Bay region. The website for complete information is www.campbellsville.edu.
Campbellsville University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award certificates, associate, baccalaureate, masters and doctoral degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the status of Campbellsville University.