Date: 6/18/10
Contact: Kathy Beal
Illinois State University awarded the following students doctoral degrees in May.
Keely Austin of Lexington received her Ph.D. in English Studies. The title of her dissertation is "The Rhetoric of Memory." The daughter of Constance Austin of Santa Fe, N.M. and Nathaniel Austin of Russellville, Ark. and wife of Todd Bugg of Lexington, Austin is an assistant professor of English at Heartland Community College. She earned her bachelor's degree in psychology at the University of Central Arkansas and her master's degree in English from Illinois State. Austin is a member of the National Council of Teachers of English and the Two Year College Association of English Teachers.
Elizabeth Casper of Normal received her Ph.D. in school psychology. Her dissertation is titled "Parenting and Domestic Violence: An Examination of the Role of Ontogenic, Psychological, and Contextual Factors." The daughter of Elizabeth Case of Tinley Park and wife of David Casper of Normal, Casper received her bachelor's degree in psychology from Illinois State University. She is a member of the National Association of School Psychologists and the Illinois School Psychology Association.
Susan Copp of Washington received her Ed.D. in curriculum and instruction. The title of her dissertation is "The Design and Development of a Technology Based Orientation Manual for Clinical Research Coordinators." The daughter of Shirley and Eugene Block of Peoria, Copp is a clinical research manager at Methodist Medical Center in Peoria. She earned her bachelor's degree in nursing from Bradley University, her master's degree in nursing from the University of Illinois at Chicago and her nursing diploma from Methodist School of Nursing.
Kenneth Gould of Joliet received his Ph.D. in educational administration and foundations. His dissertation tile is "The Effects of Extended Time and Teacher Professional Development on Student Mathematics Performance." Gould is the son of Vanette and Kenneth Gould and husband of Jacqueline Gould, all of Joliet. He is the principal at Lockport Township High School. Gould received his bachelor's degree in history education at Western Illinois University and his master's degree in educational administration from Governors State University. He is a member of the Illinois Principals Association, Illinois Park and Recreation Association, National Association of Secondary School Principals and the National Park and Recreation Association.
Aimee Ladd of Bartonville received her Ph.D. in school psychology. The title of her dissertation is "Infant Cries as Predictors of Child Abuse Potential: Associations of Working Models of Attachment, Cognitive Appraisals and Emotional Reactions." The daughter of Brenda Lamkin of Edelstine and Ronald Ladd of Shillington, Pa., and wife of Jeffery Graves of Bartonville, Ladd earned her bachelor's degree in psychology and master's degree in counseling at Illinois State University. She is a member of the National Association of School Psychology.
Melissa Smith of Normal earned her Ph.D. in English Studies. Her dissertation is titled "The Anxiety of Time in Young Adult Literature: Writing the Adolescent Body." Smith is the daughter of Karen and Robert Smith of Robertsville, Mo. She earned her master's degree in English from Missouri State University.
Troy Whalen of Western Springs earned his Ph.D. in educational administration and foundations. His dissertation is titled "The Relationship Between the Percentage of Revenue Allocated for Classroom Instruction and Illinois School Districts' Ability to Make AYP." The son of Laurine and Joe Whalen of New Hampton, Iowa, and husband of Kathleen Whalen of Western Springs, Whalen is an assistant superintendent for business at Community Consolidated School District 181 in Hinsdale. He earned his bachelor's degree in elementary education from Wartburg College, his MBA from Wichita State University and his certificate of advanced study from Lewis University. Whalen is a member of the Illinois Association of School Business Officials and Association of School Business Officials International.
Brian Wright of Momence received his Ed.D. in curriculum and instruction. His dissertation is titled "The Effects of Study, Organizational and Problem-Solving Skills Given to Incoming High School Freshmen on Standardized Test Scores in English, Math and Science." The son of Luella Wright of Elyria, Ohio, and the late Edward Wright and husband of Sylvia Wright of Momence, Wright is a principal in the Beecher Community School District. He earned his bachelor's degree in education at Cornerstone University and his master's degree in education at Olivet Nazarene University.
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