Clemson University College of Education

Congrats to Julianne Wenner for being named as a member of the National Science Teaching Association Leadership Council! The council advises the NSTA board on important external trends, opportunities and threats; creates and nurtures communities at the state level and within professional interests and identifies potential partnerships. Congrats, Julianne!

The College of Education’s Bachelor of Arts in elementary education degree program has earned an A+ from the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) for how well they prepare future teachers to teach reading to elementary students.

Their report details the ways in which Clemson University meets literacy experts' standards for coverage of the most effective methods of reading instruction. Specifically, this means the program is preparing aspiring teachers in all five components of scientifically based reading instruction, including phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, comprehension and vocabulary.

Read more about this accomplishment and find NCTQ's full report at the link below.

Clemson elementary education program earns top marks in report from the National Council on Teacher Quality The undergraduate elementary teacher preparation program at Clemson University has earned an A+ from the National Council on Teacher Quality.

Mandy Vitale ’24, counselor education/student affairs, received the University of North Carolina Wilmington Division of Student Affairs Outstanding Newcomer Award. The award recognizes a staff member who joined the division within the past three years and has made a positive impact through new ideas and perspectives. Vitale serves as coordinator for student community engagement at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Congratulations, Mandy!

Molly Yonkers ’26, counselor education/student affairs, received the 2026 Palmetto Award for Outstanding Graduate Professional at the NASPA-SC Annual Drive-In Conference. The award recognizes graduate professionals for significant campus contributions, academic achievement and leadership at their institutions. Yonkers was recently hired as assistant director for community engagement in the Gantt Center for Student Experience at Clemson University.

Tony Cawthon received the Outstanding Service as HESA Faculty Award from NASPA South Carolina. The award recognizes faculty members who demonstrate consistent excellence in teaching and mentoring graduate students in higher education and student affairs programs across South Carolina colleges and universities. Recipients are recognized for scholarly achievement, collaboration with students on publications and presentations, and mentorship of students entering the profession.

Grace Miller ’25, counselor education/student affairs, received the Vice President Award for Excellence from the Division of Student Affairs at Washington and Lee University. The award recognizes an individual who has made a meaningful and lasting impact on the campus community and students’ lives while demonstrating exceptional leadership, innovation and dedication to the profession and Division of Student Affairs. Miller serves as assistant director of fraternity and sorority life.