CSC hosts first graduation ceremony in Alaska

All of the CSC graduates are teachers in the Anchorage School District, and many have been hired as administrators since earning their master’s degrees, according to Powell.

Former Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Charles Snare and Powell, who both had previous work experience in Alaska, worked to establish CSC’s presence in Alaska after a university there lost its teaching accreditation status. Powell, King, and Dr. Patti Blundell, Education Professor, made subsequent recruiting trips to enroll students and work with CSC on-site coordinators Dr. Kersten Stumpler-Johnston, senior director of secondary education, and Dr. Jennifer Knutson, senior director of professional learning.

Although the courses were all online, students in the Anchorage cohort also met occasionally for discussion groups. The graduates represent a 100 percent completion rate of students enrolled between 2019 and 2021.

Powell said the district superintendent, Dr. Deena Bishop, was pleased with the program and the CSC graduates.

“She spoke highly of their preparation and abilities,” Powell said.

A third cohort is currently enrolled and the Education department is recruiting a fourth cohort.

The 2021 graduates are:

Valerie Ballarude

*Richard Bear

Steve Belde

Kristen Bellonio

Kristan Carte

Janeen Ceparano Wilkins

April Christianson

Natalie Foley

Elizabeth Hermanson

Patti Irwin

Jessica Klinn

Candice Love

Megan McCambly

Katrina Quinn

Sean Rood

Simone Sanders

Jessica Sedlacek

Michael Thompson

Amy Jeanne Utley

Dawn Wagoner

Matthew Witthoeft

* in absentia

—Tena L. Cook, Marketing Coordinator