2005-2006 Annual Report

13 While selecting a graduate program, Smith considered a few schools but felt called to Cedarville, where her son is an alumnus and her daughter currently attends. As a parent, Smith knew the atmosphere. “When I found myself on campus as a student, my heart was filled with gratitude that the Lord would lead me to attend here. I felt honored to be at a place where the faculty and staff pray for the students.” Shirley Smith’s undergraduate degree is in nursing—a career she has enjoyed for 33 years. The last 14 have been in the K-12 educational setting. Smith says a graduate degree in education is a logical choice. “School nurses place a priority on personal and professional development, and part of my role is to serve as a health educator. So an M.Ed. simply makes sense.” Many of Cedarville’s M.Ed. students are teachers or in the education profession. “They are obviously outstanding educators. Even though I am not a teacher, I always feel like I belong,” says Smith. In sharing what she appreciates about the program, she adds that the graduate faculty have been a blessing. “It’s very clear that they are gifted and talented. education for today’s teachers Each professor is unique— I remember things from every course, even the very first class I took!” Smith started taking courses in 2002 and anticipates joining Cedarville’s fifth M.Ed. graduating class in May. www.cedarville.edu/graduate She’s not a typical M.Ed. student. She’s a school nurse pursuing an education degree to help her better communicate health issues in the classroom setting.