FMU School of Education

Congratulations to Mallory Conner, a Francis Marion University School of Education alum! She was recognized as Teacher of the Year at McLaurin Elementary School!

As we finish up Teacher Appreciation Week, we want to recognize our newest teachers. Congratulations to this wonderful group! Tomorrow they graduate as SC certified teachers in Early Childhood, Elementary, Secondary English, or Secondary History!

We are proud of and thankful for all of our former students who are now teaching, for our cooperating teachers who serve every semester, and for our SOE faculty who pour into our students!
If you're a SOE alum, leave us a comment sharing one of your favorite teacher moments or share about a favorite teacher!

Congratulations to Dr. Karen Fries, Professor of Education, for receiving the university's Service Award! Your service to the university is appreciated, and we are so happy that you've been recognized for it!

FMU recognized four faculty members for their outstanding work during the university’s annual faculty awards night at the FMU Performing Arts Center in downtown Florence.

Dr. Allison Munn, Associate Professor of Nursing, was awarded the Charlene Wages Shared Governance Award by the university’s chapter of the American Association of University Professors.

Three faculty members were honored for their outstanding individual work during the 2025-2026 academic year.

Dr. Nathan Harness, Assistant Professor of Biology, received the Award for Excellence in Teaching; Dr. Erica Johnson, Associate Professor of History, was honored with the Award for Excellence in Research and Scholarship; and Dr. Karen Fries, Professor of Education, received the Award for Excellence in Professional Service.

📷Left to Right: Dr. Nathan Harness, Dr. Erica Johnson, FMU President Fred Carter, Dr. Karen Fries, and Dr. Allison Munn.

Read more ➡️ https://www.fmarion.edu/fmu-faculty-recognized-at-2025-2026-awards-ceremony/

*Current student teacher, Amelia Shock, presenting at FMU's Research & Exhibition Day on the positive effects of flexible seating in the classroom*
What a great study and accomplishment!

Congratulations to FMU double-alum, MyKenna Blankenship, for becoming the Teacher of the Year at Bay Road Elementary in Hartsville! MyKenna completed her undergraduate and graduate degrees through the School of Education and was also a SC Teaching Fellow!

It's great seeing our preservice teachers being recognized at the State House as they practice advocating for public education!

I love getting to hear from the next generation of teachers. Last week, Elementary Education students from Francis Marion University visited the Statehouse and shared how public policy can better support them, and the students they’ll one day serve.

Charisee and I are grateful for voices like theirs that help guide the work we do!

We want to congratulate and welcome the newest members of the Sigma Sigma Chapter of Kappa Delta Pi, the premier National Profession Association and Honor Society for Educators! Dr. Lindsay Simmons and Dr. Krystin Williams presided over this evening's ceremony, with special remarks by Dr. Lowry, Dean of School of Education.
Undergraduate New Members: Blair Booker, Malena Harrell, Jahzara Odasco, Jazmyne Parnell, Amelia Tennis-Shock, and Azayvya Wright

Our online graduate initiates will be participating in an online ceremony. Congratulations to Shirley Bellamy, Danielle Boyd, Paula Marchildon, Kristen Oeller, and Dianelli Snapp!

Please join us in congratulating another former FMU School of Education graduate!
Congratulations, Sarah!

Congratulations to our Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Sarah Smith and our Support Staff of the Year, Mrs. Heather Jackson. JES is blessed to have these two staff members at our school!