Richard W. Riley College of Education, Sport, and Human Sciences

06/03/2026

Congratulations to Physical Education aluma, Taylor Arma '23 on her work towards the MUSC Boeing Center for Children's Wellness School-Based Wellness Initiative! Serving as North Elementary’s Wellness Lead, Arma accepted a $3,000 wellness award that will be reinvested into the school’s wellness initiatives to continue supporting the health and well-being of students and staff.

05/18/2026

Winthrop University's Department of Mathematics will bring the joy of math to local middle-school girls at the eleventh annual Sonia Kovalevsky Day, set for Saturday, June 6th. This is a free event for girls in 6th-8th grade, with lunch provided. Register today at https://winthrop.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3w3kLyNBv8eu0D4

Named in honor of Sonia Kovalevsky, the first woman to obtain her doctorate in mathematics, SK Days are nationally-held, locally-organized outreach events with the aim of supporting and encouraging young people to continue their study of mathematics. For more information about the event, contact Dr. Jessie Hamm at [email protected].

05/18/2026

05/17/2026

In an evolving job market, the Masters of Learning Design and Technology at Winthrop University explores how technology is never an easy answer or the only answer. Designed for career advancement in schools, in corporate learning offices, in higher education, students develop strong skills in technology, but also in graphic design, multimedia design, instructional design and more.

Attend the incoming May 19th virtual information session by registering at https://gradschool.winthrop.edu/portal/events

05/15/2026

A Rock Hill art teacher was one of 10 nationally to receive the Art Education Leadership Award from Artsonia, a digital platform for student art.

05/14/2026

We love seeing our alumni take their next professional steps, including Dr. Tanner Slagle'18, Jaime Cochrane '98, Jasmyne Spain '09, and Tara Blackwell '22!

Leadership matters - and Rock Hill Schools is ready for an incredible 2026-2027 school year! 🎉

This week, our Board recognized 4 new principals, bringing us to a total of 8 new outstanding leaders who will be heading up schools across our district.

Please join us in welcoming these amazing educators and celebrating the experience, passion, and vision they bring to our students, staff, and families. We are excited for the future and grateful for leaders who are committed to helping every student thrive. 💙

05/13/2026

Congratulations to Ryan Harris, '24, '25 on being recognized as Chesterfield County School District’s 2025-26 Rookie Teacher of the Year at the May 12, 2026 Induction Seminar. Harris, a science teacher at Central High School, was recognized by his principal, saying "Mr. Harris consistently demonstrates a high level of professionalism and dedication to his students and school community... His ability to connect with others contributes greatly to the culture of the school. In addition, he maintains high expectations for all students and works diligently to tailor instruction to meet individual needs. His commitment to student growth and success is evident in daily practice. "

05/12/2026

As the school year ends, we recognize the outstanding achievements of our students, the dedicated mentor teachers who guided and inspired them, and the faculty whose leadership and support made these successes possible.

- Distinguished Teacher Candidate- Kayleigh Lark, Early Childhood Education
- Distinguished Teacher Candidate- Rachel Burroughs, Art Education, MAT
- Distinguished Mentor Teacher- Rebecca Lipps, Springfield Middle School
- Distinguished Mentor Teacher - Claire Maynor, Old Pointe Elementary School
- Distinguished University Supervisor- Cassie Bell, Biology
- Distinguished University Supervisor- Dr. Joy Stapleton, Elementary Education

05/11/2026

From late nights and long papers to unforgettable memories and major accomplishments — today we celebrate our newest graduates and all they’ve achieved. The future is brighter because of you. 🎓
- Emily Ellis, B.S. in Special Education
- A'Nya Belton, B.S. in Educational Studies; Concentration in Elementary Education
- Liliana Martinez Castillo, B.S. in Elementary Education
- Erica Faile, B.S. in Elementary Education
- Aniya Cave, B.S. in Elementary Education
- Karlee Adams, B.S. in Exercise Science
- Chloe Patterson, B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies; Concentration in Child and Adolescent Studies
- Thomas L. Banks Jr., B.S. in Sport Management
- Sophia Commerford, B.S. in Special Education

05/11/2026

Saturday we celebrated our many CESHS undergrad and graduate students crossing the coliseum stage. Check out more of the smiling faces who may now call themselves Winthrop Alumni:
- Heidi Knaak, B.S. in Elementary Education
- Alexa Jackson, B.S. in Educational Studies; Concentration in Early Childhood Education
- Julia Malkin, B.S. in Early Childhood Education
- Maggie Stephenson, B.S. in Elementary Education
- Reagan Wilkerson, B.S. in Early Childhood Education
- Vanessa Sgroi, B.S. in Educational Studies; Concentration in Elementary Education
- Joey Neiconi, B.S. in Sport Management
- Alexa Kate Bagwell, B.S. in Middle Level Education; Concentration in Math
- Olivia Spivey, B.S. in Special Education
- Kennaria Warren, B.S. in Educational Studies; Concentration in Early Childhood Education
- Katie Roberts, B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies; Concentration in Child and Adolescent Studies
- Marcy Davis, B.S. in Middle Level Education; Concentration in English/Language Arts
- Kaleigh Lark, B.S. in Early Childhood Education