Schack named 2020-21 ARC Appalachian Leadership Institute Fellow
Dr. Edna Schack, professor of education at Morehead State University and co-director of MSUTeach, has been named one of the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) Appalachian Leadership Institute (ALI) Fellows for 2020-21.
“We are so proud that Dr. Schack will represent Morehead State University, the Ernst and Sara Lane Volgenau College of Education, and our region in the ALI program,” said Dr. Antony Norman, dean of the Volgenau College of Education. “Edna’s recent efforts to increase the number of math and science teachers MSU prepares are just one indicator of her heart for, and lifelong career dedicated to, our region. I am excited about Edna’s opportunity to more fully develop her leadership skills toward garnering additional resources and solidifying partnerships that will empower the people and communities of Appalachia to thrive and prosper.”
Schack is one of 40 professionals participating in the second class of the ALI who live and/or work in a 13-state Appalachian region. Fellows work in a variety of professions in both the public and private sectors. Each fellow participates in a nine-month series of seminars beginning virtually from mid-October through July 2021. Seminars will feature regional experts, case study analysis and peer-to-peer training on topics ranging from leadership skills to grant writing and designing economic project proposals.
Schack said her journey has already begun. She received her first reading assignment, “Uneven Ground: Appalachia Since 1945” by Ronald D. Eller, which she said has pushed her to reach out to colleagues who are scholars of the history of Appalachia, economics and sociology. She said she is looking forward to immersing herself in the ALI Fellows experience and using what she learns to continue to positively impact her field and her region.
“My participation in the Appalachian Leadership Institute will enable me to integrate my commitments to my community, my region and my profession of mathematics teacher education,” Schack said. “Learning and teaching are the center of my life. Thus, I am equipped to learn new tools, ideas and knowledge from the Appalachian Leadership Institute and bring those to my community through my skills as a teacher. I am interested in expanding my leadership skills to build strong coalitions among higher education, public schools, community agencies and others to spur equitable education for all, which is a foundation of economic development.”
Morehead State University’s Volgenau College of Education offers a reduced tuition rate to all Kentucky schoolteachers and other educators enrolled in courses within our College of Education. For more details on the reduced tuition offer, visit www.moreheadstate.edu/kyeducators.
For more information about the Volgenau College of Education and its programs, call 606-783-2162 or visit www.moreheadstate.edu/education.
