College of Education

The mission of the College of Education is to champion transformative education, research, leadership, and service.

Outstanding programs for exceptional educators


The College of Education at Pittsburg State University serves over 1500 majors in a variety of programs offered in the three departments that comprise the college. These departments include the following: Health, Human Performance and Recreation, Psychology and Counseling, and Teaching and Leadership.

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COE Fact Sheet Infographic 2023

                                  Learn more

  • College of Education Scholarships - Undergraduate and Graduate
  • Award Forms - Outstanding Educator and Distinguished Service
  • Teachers of Promise
  • College of Education Forms and Information

About College of Education


  • About
  • Accreditations
  • Awards

About the College

Pittsburg State University was founded with education at its heart. Originally the Auxiliary Manual Training Normal School in 1903 and later the Kansas State Teachers College in 1913, Pittsburg State has developed caring, committed professionals throughout the years.

The College of Education is made up of three departments:

  • Health, Human Performance and Recreation
  • Psychology and Counseling
  • Teaching and Leadership

Map education

 

Building Descriptions

Hughes Hall

Hughes Hall is the main home of the College of Education. The building is named after the former University President Rees H. Hughes (1941-1957), and houses the Dean's Office as well as the Department of Teaching and Leadership

Whitesitt Hall

Whitesitt Hall is home to the Department of Psychology and Counseling. Located on the main oval of the PSU campus, Whitesitt Hall also houses many other University departments and programs.

Student Recreation Center

The Student Recreation Center opened in 2008. A joint venture between the Kansas National Guard and Pittsburg State University, the SRC is a first-class facility for student recreation as well as home to the Department of Health, Human Performance and Recreation.

Accreditations

Higher Learning Commission

Pittsburg State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), an independent corporation responsible for accrediting degree-granting post-secondary educational institutions in the North Central region. The HLC is a commission member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA), founded in 1895 as one of six regional institutional accreditors in the United States.

Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation

In 2012, the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) became the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation or CAEP. CAEP's mission is to advance excellence in educator preparation through evidence-based accreditation that assures quality and supports continuous improvement to strengthen P-12 student learning.

National Strength and Conditioning Association

The National Strength and Conditioning Associate (NSCA) was founded in 1978 to bridge the gap between science and application to improve athletic performance and fitness. The Education Recognition Program (ERP) recognizes regionally accredited schools for their programs that continuously meet educational guidelines recommended by the NSCA. Within the ERP there are three separate recognition programs: Strength and Conditioning, Graduate Studies Program, and Personal Training Program. The Department of Health, Human Performance and Recreation has been recognized by the ERP Strength and Conditioning Program.

Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions

Formally established in 1974, the Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism, and Related Professions conducts the process of accreditation for recreation, park resources, and leisure services curricula. The Council meets twice annually to review accredited programs, to revise and update the standards for accreditation and the procedures for program review, and to conduct the business of the Council. The 10 members include educators, practitioners, and a public representative. The Council was first recognized by the Council on Postsecondary Accreditation (COPA) in 1986 and is now in the process of completing its third review by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, (CHEA), successor to COPA. As a CHEA-recognized accrediting body, the Council meets specific procedural and organizational criteria necessary for effectively conducting the accrediting process.

College of Education Awards

Teachers of Promise

Our Teacher of Promise awards are given in conjunction with the Kansas Teacher of the Year activities in the fall and the Kansas Exemplary Educators Conference in the spring. Colleges of Education across the state are asked to send outstanding teacher candidates to participate in these events. Faculty nominate and select two elementary education and two secondary education majors (one each per semester) as their representatives.

Clyde U. Phillips Awards

Outstanding Educator – The Clyde U. Phillips Outstanding Educator Award goes to two people (one elementary and one secondary) who have shown, within their first seven (7) years of service, the potential to make significant contributions to education. To be considered, the nominee must be an alumnus of Pittsburg State University. Nominations are made by area school districts.

Distinguished Service (Administrator and Teacher) – Each year two educators who are Pittsburg State alumni are chosen for the Clyde U. Phillips Distinguished Service Award—one teacher and one administrator. These awards are in recognition of a career that is characterized by exemplary service for more than seven (7) years. Nominations are made by area school districts or community organizations.

Faculty Excellence Awards

The Pittsburg State University Foundation offers each of the four colleges an award each year for the purpose of honoring outstanding teaching, service, and scholarship. Outstanding faculty may be nominated by faculty, staff, or students. Three awards are given each spring for Excellence in Teaching, Excellence in Service, and Excellence in Scholarship.

Contact Information:

Interim Dean: Dr. John Oppliger
Contact: Karen LaSota
115 Hughes Hall
Phone: 620-235-4518