Southern Receives Prestigious Murray Award for Training Future Educators
News
Southern Adventist University’s School of Education, Psychology, and Counseling was honored to receive the 2025 Frank Murray Leadership Recognition for Continuous Improvement last fall. Presented by the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), the award recognizes a perfect accreditation score with no stipulations or areas for improvement, representing the hard work and dedication that faculty consistently commit to training future educators. The only school chosen in the state of Tennessee, Southern is among a small group of 22 educator preparation providers from across the country to receive the distinction in 2025.
“This recognition means so much, because it reflects years of dedicated teamwork and faith,” says Tammy Overstreet, PhD, dean of the School of Education, Psychology, and Counseling. "Our faculty worked tirelessly, guided by the leadership of Associate Professor Katie McGrath and united by prayer at every step. We’re deeply proud of both the excellence in our program and the spirit that carried us through this journey.”
The award follows the university’s accreditation review from Fall 2024. CAEP representatives performed an in-depth virtual inspection of Southern’s faculty and resources while interviewing students, alumni, and mentor teachers from community schools to get a full picture of the program. Following the review, the school of Education, Psychology, and Counseling received accreditation through 2031, and CAEP determined that it fully met all the criteria to receive the Frank Murray Leadership Recognition for Continuous Improvement.
Tennessee and many other states require educators to complete an approved educator preparation providers program. CAEP is a nationally recognized, highly respected accreditor in the field, so the award distinguishes Southern as an outstanding institution dedicated to equipping tomorrow’s educators for success through a program marked by quality in leadership, service, and innovation.
As Director of Accreditation and Assessment, McGrath adds, “These accomplishments wouldn’t be possible without our stakeholders. Our Seventh-day Adventist conference partners, the Hamilton County school system in Chattanooga, community leaders, and many more have been extremely helpful in ensuring continuous improvement. We are so grateful!”
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