GCU College of Education

Throwing it back to commencement through the lens of Alicia Kozimor, Assistant Dean for the College of Education! From behind‑the‑scenes preparations to celebrating our graduates crossing the stage, this moment captures a different side of one of COE’s most meaningful traditions.

Today, we proudly honor members of our COE community who have served and continue to serve our country. 🇺🇸 Their dedication to service extends beyond the military and into classrooms, schools, and communities where they continue making a lasting impact every day.

⭐ Connie R. Dunwoody
Connie served 22 years in the U.S. Army before retiring in 2006. Inspired by her mother’s legacy in education, she earned her master’s degree in special education and now serves students as a Special Education teacher, continuing to lead through compassion and service.

⭐ Donald Frantz
Donald served eight years in the U.S. Army Reserves before returning to school through GCU’s online program. He graduated in Fall 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education while teaching and completing student teaching in his own second grade classroom.

⭐ Ashley Allee
Ashley served in the U.S. Air Force as an aircraft structural mechanic and Honor Guard member. She now teaches 5th grade at a Title I school in Virginia and credits the military and GI Bill with helping her pursue a meaningful career in education.

⭐ Leah Powers
Leah served eight years in the Marines, including a tour in Fallujah, Iraq. She is now an elementary school counselor and graduate student passionate about helping students heal, succeed, and break cycles of trauma.

⭐ Stephen Regner
Stephen is an 8-year U.S. Army veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. He is now pursuing a career as a high school math teacher while serving as a district substitute teacher in San Diego.

⭐ Jeff Ringer
Jeff served eight years in the Army Reserves before transitioning into education. He now works as a middle school instructional coach and math educator and continues supporting teachers through collaboration and conference presentations.

⭐ Risa Jenkins
Risa proudly served in the U.S. Navy and earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Special Education through the College of Education. She continues serving students through education, advocacy, and her mission to lead with “love, light, and purpose.”

To all who have served and continue to serve — thank you. Your leadership, sacrifice, and commitment continue to inspire the next generation. ❤️💙

Happy Mother’s Day! 💕 Today we celebrate all the mothers who make a lasting difference.

Closing out Teacher Appreciation Week with words that inspire 💜 Congrats to our grads and kudos to our student commencement speaker!

Happy Teacher Appreciation Day! ✨ Celebrating our staff, faculty, and alumni in the classroom—past and present.

Shaping the future and sweeping the awards. We’re honoring our standout alumni this week for the incredible impact they make every single day. 🏆