College of Education and Behavioral Sciences News

“Before attending WKU, I was shy and afraid to speak out. I would sit in the back of classrooms and not talk to people that I didn't know. Attending WKU changed that quickly,” said Shelby Summers, a graduating senior from Winchester.

Majoring in Elementary Education, Summers knows her place is not only at the front of the classroom, but at the head of the class. 

“I have known I wanted to be an educator since the moment I started walking,” Summers expressed. “I used to line up my stuffed animals and pretend to be the teacher. As I got older, I decided to become a dance instructor and a Sunday school teacher to make sure my passion for teaching was still there. I learned many core values through these opportunities. To be a teacher means to have a lasting impact on students' lives, and that’s what I am striving to do.”

Currently, Summers teaches at T.C. Cherry Elementary for her student teacher position, but the School of Teacher Education program connected her with classroom opportunities as early as her first semester. Summers references instructor Jessica Hussung as an important mentor over the years.

“The greatest advantage of WKU’s Education program is the professors, especially Professor Jessie Hussung. She has been an incredible mentor—always there for me, meeting with me whenever I need guidance, and truly taking the time to know me as both a student and a person. Her support and encouragement have made a huge difference in my journey, and I am so grateful for her dedication to her students.”

Summers’ WKU experiences went beyond the classroom over the last four years. She served as a peer mentor in the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, along with being a WKU Literacy Ambassador, CEBS Ambassador and president of Educators Rising Collegiate. Summers spent two years as a Spirit Master and studied abroad at Harlaxton and in Ireland.

Summers’ heart for education is visible through several of the ways she chose to be engaged in college. As a peer mentor, she supports students in reaching their professional, academic, and personal goals. As WKU Literacy Ambassador President, she hosted a Scholastic Book Fair and helped pack books tailored to students' interests and abilities. As of 2024, Literacy Ambassadors had distributed over 2,000 books to more than 240 students in local schools. Then, as a CEBS Ambassador, Summers represents her college, often participating in memorable opportunities like meeting KY Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman.

Educators Rising provided another memorable opportunity for Summers when she attended the national conference in Orlando. The conference hosts middle grades to college students, competing in different areas that all relate to being an educator. Summers said, “Last year was the first time that WKU has attended. I participated on the ethical dilemma team with two other students, and we won first place.” The collegiate team at WKU will return to Orlando this summer to compete.

“The best things in life aren’t things, the greatest things in life are people and how you impact them,” Summers said. “The people we surround ourselves with are the people who inspire us the most. It is so special to be around a group of people who have the same desire to help others, make a difference and share my passion and love for WKU.”

Summers used these words to begin describing her time as a Spirit Master, official student ambassadors for WKU. Earning more than 100 volunteer hours as a Spirit Master each year, Summers gives tours, assists with Commencement and other campus events, and even gets to work at different elementary school fall festivals. She serves as Co-Social Chair for Spirit Masters, helping to foster the lifelong connections that Spirit Masters are known for. Plus, she plans all of the fun events and oversees the rewarding of the spirit stick at each meeting.

“When volunteering, no matter who you are helping, the person impacted the most is yourself. As a Spirit Master, I believe the assignments influence my future as an educator in a positive light,” Summers said. “A key component of teaching is compassion, and this organization is an opportunity to gain experience and grow as a leader. I have taken the lessons I learn at WKU about influencing others and how others impact me and used them to guide my teaching.”

Summers referenced Delight Ministries, an all-girls ministry group, as a positive light also. She served on the leadership team for three years. “Making an impact can be done by being a positive light to those you encounter. College can be tough, especially as an incoming freshman. They are experiencing being away from home while taking college courses and adapting to how college is structured. One way to encourage them is by constantly cheering them on. I currently do this by helping pair up girls to have a fun day planned every two weeks. This helps foster the spirit of WKU.”

On May 8, 2025, Summers will graduate from WKU Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education. She will start teaching in her very own first-grade classroom at T.C. Cherry Elementary in August.

“After my freshman year, there was a big change in who I was. I decided I wanted to be more involved at WKU. One way I went about this was by joining Greek life and becoming the Chaplain and Academic Director for my sorority [Alpha Xi Delta]. I also sought out leadership positions in clubs I already was involved in. By leading others, it affected who I was. I became confident when speaking to others and sought out people I wouldn’t normally talk to. I became the real me without holding back due to what others might think of me.”

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Photos taken by Juleyanne Weatherford.

#WKUGrad series: As part of our #WKUGrad series, articles on graduating students are shared in the weeks leading up to Commencement. See all of their stories at https://www.wku.edu/news/articles.

Learn more about the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences at WKU: https://www.wku.edu/cebs/

Learn more about the WKU School of Teacher Education: https://www.wku.edu/ste/