Early childhood education faculty Lindsay Barnhart recognized with national Phi Upsilon Omicron adviser award

The three-day event included presentations and workshops led by leaders in education, a community service project and an awards ceremony, where UW-Stout's early childhood educationProgram Director Lindsay Barnhart was recognized for her distinguished service as a Phi Upsilon Omicron adviser.

Barnhart received the Bachtel/Holbrook Collegiate Advisor Award. She was nominated by her Tau Chapter student members.

"Lindsay is our biggest cheerleader when it comes to any service or planning we do. We wouldn't be able to do any of it without her support," said Abbi Williams, Tau Chapter president. "Lindsay encourages us to be our best selves by taking on leadership roles. Lindsay does so much for Tau chapter and Phi U, as a whole."

"Having my members nominate me was unexpected and an honor," Barnhart said. "It is a joy to be a part of this organization and lead these stellar students to do the work they do. Hearing how they are impacted makes it even more rewarding."

Williams thinks there is a definite connection between teaching, community service and the theme of family.

"Through my experience in the teaching field, 'family' is something that comes up often, both in supporting our students' families and in creating our own family in the classroom and school," she said.

"Our chapter is privileged to make a difference in the lives of others. We are very lucky to have received monetary donations to complete service projects. As a family, it is our responsibility and honor to give back to others who may be less fortunate. Completing service projects is one of my favorite parts of Phi U because it empowers us and the individuals we can help."

Eight UW-Stout students were awarded more than $26,000 in scholarships at the conclave:

• Megan Buhrow: early childhood education, Menomonie
• Josie Finocchiaro: family and consumer science education, Rockton, Ill.
• Sarah Flock: early childhood education, Cashton
• Anna Johnson: family and consumer science education, Eau Claire
• Taylor Luxem: human development and family studies, Appleton
• Kennedy Reckmann: early childhood education, Lake City, Minn.
• Hannah Timm: family and consumer science education, Fremont
• Williams: early childhood education, Waupaca

Williams was one of three recipients of the Phyllis S. Howe Scholarship, who received $6,050 each.

"Teaching was always my plan, and even when I thought about doing something else, I always came back to teaching. Teaching brings me so much joy. I feel like there is no better investment than investing in future leaders. As a teacher, my goal is to provide a space where my students feel supported, safe and empowered to make a difference," Williams said.

The conference also included presentations and workshops by UW-Stout faculty, staff and area educators: Associate Lecturer Ann Brand led a workshop on mindfulness; school psychology Program Director Angela Axelrod led presentations on Trauma Informed Strategies and Teaching, and ADHD and Learning Disabilities in the Classroom; AI Integration Technologist Emily Laird presented on generative AI's role in education, and family and consumer sciences educator Sue Halama led a workshop on Laughter Yoga.

Allison Feller, director of the university's Child and Family Study Center, led a tour of the state-licensed and NAEYC-accredited childcare facility.

UW-Stout's School of Educationoffers nine undergraduate and five graduate programs, including on-campus and online options, along with five certificates and three certifications.

Students receive national service award for second year in a row for dedication to community projects

'My experiences at UW-Stout have made a monumental difference helping me to better understand my future aspirations in life.'

'My education here at UW-Stout has prepared me well to venture out into the world.'