CSM Honors 3 in Celebration of 100 Years of Teacher Education

OMAHA, Neb. – College of Saint Mary (CSM) recently honored three individuals in celebration of 100 years of teacher education at the University. The event, which was hosted by the CSM Education Department, was held on May 3 in the Warde Conference Center.

“When we look back on 100 years at the College of Saint Mary, we are grateful to the Sisters of Mercy for having the vision to build a college for women in teacher education,” said Lisa Nelson, PhD, director of the teacher education program. “And we look forward to the next 100 years.”

CSM and Girls Inc. have had a long-standing partnership – Operation SMART -- that started more than 30 years ago. Operation SMART is a requirement of the CSM teacher education program. CSM instructors work with students on methodology in the natural and social sciences, math, and technology. In turn, the students prepare lessons and welcome guests from Girls Inc. to campus.

Candias Jones, executive director of Girls Inc., was honored with the inaugural Teacher Education Partnership Award.

“We are grateful for your ongoing support as we continue to learn so much from each other,” Nelson said.

CSM also honored past and current educators who excel in the profession.

Lisa Utterback, a 1993 CSM alumna, received the Excellence in Education Award. For the past 25 years, Utterback has been afforded numerous opportunities to serve in various roles within Omaha Public Schools. She began as a fifth-grade teacher and progressed to Title I coordinator, dean of students, assistant principal, and executive director. For the past five years, Utterback has been the chief officer of student and community services.

Melanie Felton, associate professor and director of CSM’s early childhood education program, celebrated 35 years of teaching undergraduate and graduate courses.

Felton “has shared her passion, knowledge, and expertise in early childhood education through her teaching, while serving on various committees and boards, and in her research and presentations,” Nelson said. “She is a valued member of the Teacher Education team and of the College of Saint Mary, and she has given her heart to education.”