Alumni Profile-Elementary Education

Ashley Bitkowski-Stewart

1. Why did you decide to enroll at Nevada State College?
   I visited NSC while attending a local Community College. I felt NSC was quaint and possessed a positive atmosphere. In comparison to other Universities, I felt my needs would be more attended to and that the staff would be more considerate of my success, which was proven correct.
2. What was it that made your experience at NSC most memorable?
   Having the same professors for all upper level courses helped in a great way. The professors knew each one of us by name; they were so very helpful and always concerned with each of us succeeding. I never feared asking questions or inquiring about help. The staff guided me on a very enjoyable journey.
3. What are two strengths of the Teacher Preparation Program at NSC?
   The course program allowed students to be flexible with their schedules and their personal degree program. The staff was always helpful and considerate of each individual student; I was never treated like one of a herd.

DiAnna McCulloch-Neilson

1. Why did you decide to enroll at Nevada State College?
   I had attended another University for my Bachelors and had actually tried contacting them to enter their Education program. I could never get anyone to call me back. I was transferred several times and left messages. It was frustrating. Also, none of my friends in the program that I had talked to seemed too thrilled about it. Well, consequently, my mom had heard of Nevada State College through some display they had set up. (Not sure where) I decided to check it out. My experience in contacting NSC was the complete opposite. I was able to get in touch with Francine Mayfield right away and she had me come in for an appointment. I felt she took me under her wing and we were able to piece together how I could take classes, work full time and have a family. She believed in me (which stayed consistent with all of NSC faculty.)
2. What was it that made your experience at NSC most memorable?
   My most memorable moments were discovering how fun education could be. I loved in my Science class learning how many fun experiments you could do with kids. I loved learning about centers and actually being able to visit schools and teach in small groups. I especially loved the people that were at NSC.-staff and students. At the other university I attended I always felt like a number. I NEVER felt that way at NSC.
3. What are two strengths of the Teacher Preparation Program at NSC?
   Number one strength is definitely the way that NSC cares for each student and makes themselves available. Number two is their knowledge of education!

Berenice Herrera

1. Why did you decide to enroll at Nevada State College?
   I chose to enroll at NSC because of the Teacher Preparation Program and the fact that it has small classes.
2. What was it that made your experience at NSC most memorable?
   What made my experience at NSC most memorable were the professors that were always there to help you out when you needed them the most.
3. What are two strengths of the Teacher Preparation Program at NSC?
   A strength of the Teacher Preparation Program at NSC is that it focuses on producing highly effective working teachers.