UM's College of Education Welcomes Inaugural Class of Phyllis J. Washington Scholars
MISSOULA – The 91次元’s Phyllis J. Washington College of Education welcomed the inaugural class of Phyllis J. Washington Scholars, marking the beginning of a transformative new program designed to support the next generation of educators and school counselors across Montana and the Western United States.
“The inaugural class of Washington Scholars will help to lead a transformation of K-12 education in Montana,” said UM President Seth Bodnar.
The Washington Scholars Program, which was made possible by a generous $9.4 million gift from the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation, aims to tackle some of the state’s most pressing challenges in K-12 education and behavioral health.
Those selected for the prestigious program are eligible for significant loan reimbursements in exchange for three years of service in Montana schools after graduation.
In addition to financial support, the Washington Scholars Program offers comprehensive professional development, including summer programs and networking opportunities aimed at equipping students with the skills and connections needed to thrive in educational careers.
In addition, the college will also launch the Center for the Advancement of Positive Education, becoming the first in the nation to place positive psychology at the core of its curriculum.
The center will prepare future educators with evidence-based strategies to promote mental well-being, resilience and emotional development in Montana’s youth.
The inaugural class of Washington Scholars are as follows:
School Counselors:
- Cristin Bermingham from Helena
- Kim Ghekiere from Chester
- Kristi Mauws from Stanford
Educators:
- Bridget Chabot from Great Falls
- Maggie Daniels from Havre
- Eleeyse Greenlaw from Silverdale, Wash.
- Austin Harms from Shelby
- Meghan Hartz from Grand Junction, Colo.
- Atlas Jarrett from Corvallis
- Emily Jehle from West Yellowstone
- Ambros Locker from Big Sky
- Olivia Martin from Anchorage, Alaska
- May Mills from Billings
- Max Nordberg from Missoula
- Andrew Pickering from Spokane, Wash.
- Elizabeth Rieke from Billings
- Isha VanderBeek from Lewistown
Learn more about the Washington Scholars on the College of Education’s website.
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Contact: Jamie McNally, administrative associate, Phyllis J. Washington College of Education, 406-243-4915, jamie.mcnally@mso.umt.edu