NATCHITOCHES – Six outstanding educational professionals will be honored at a reception and induction ceremony at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 22 Northwestern State University’s Teacher Education Center before NSU’s homecoming game. Criteria for selection include: 1) graduating from NSU with an undergraduate or graduate degree in Education; 2) have a minimum of 30 years of service in the field of education and 3) made significant contributions to the field of education at a local, state, national, or international level.
Dr. Robert Gillan, 1978 Ed.D. graduate, retired faculty from the NSU College of Education designed and established the educational technology programs at the certification, master’s and doctoral levels at NSU during his tenure. Gillan is a retired veteran, serving in Vietnam and continuing with the National Guard throughout his professional life.
Emilyn Horton, a 30+ year teacher and educational diagnostician, has been active in teacher preparation, teaching courses in early intervention, Mild/Moderate Special Education, and Educational Diagnostician at NSU. Horton has three degrees from NSU including a bachelor’s degree in 1987, M.Ed. in 1993, and Ed.S. in 2001. Horton currently serves as the Child Search Coordinator and Educational Diagnostician in Natchitoches Parish Schools.
Dr. Patsy Sanson Jenkins, retired from the profession after 50+ years as a classroom teacher, principal, director of elementary education, director of personnel, superintendent, and Dean/Chair of Education. Jenkins earned a bachelor’s degree from NSU in 1963 and M.Ed. in 1970. Jenkins attributes much of her success to Northwestern and is proud to have multiple generations of NSU graduates in her family.
Lisa Blakeway Lohman, 2007 Louisiana High School Teacher of the Year, currently serves Vernon Parish Schools as Curriculum Director/Testing Coordinator after serving as a teacher, coach, assistant principal, principal, and supervisor. Earning a bachelor’s degree in 1987 and M.Ed. in 1994, Lohman has been active professionally for 35 years and passionate about helping children and their families.
Walter “Willy” Paz, has taught tennis to students for multiple decades. Graduating with a bachelor’s degree from NSU in 1976, Paz added a M.Ed. in 1995. From 1995-2006, Paz served as the NSU tennis coach while teaching in the public sector. Currently, Paz teaches tennis at St. Mary’s High School and runs the Paz Tennis Center in East Natchitoches.
Sheila Kay Cole Warner, is currently serving as an instructional coach for Natchitoches Parish Schools. Teaching for over 33 years, Warner has taught students from kindergarten to high school. She earned a bachelor’s degree from NSU in 1986 and a M.Ed. in 1995.
