Accolades
People of Pitt State
Academics
The awards were presented at the College of Education Awards Ceremony on Dec. 11 in the Bicknell Family Center for the Arts by Associate Dean Jason Clemensen as part of the annual Student Teacher Recognition Ceremony.
“We’re proud of what our graduates go on to accomplish in schools across the country, and we’re excited to see the next cohort prepare to take their oath and head out to impact young lives,” Clemensen said.
The Teachers of Promise Award is a statewide initiative developed by Kansas State Department of Education. Each semester at Pitt State, the award is given to two top graduating seniors who have completed their student teaching assignments and are entering the teaching field.
This year's Teachers of Promise are Jaxson Haraughty, elementary ed unified K-6 major from Columbus, Kansas and Mia (Anderton) Beebe, a biology education major from Spring Hill, Kansas.
Haraughty was a student teacher at Frank Layden Elementary in Frontenac. Beebe was a student teacher at Carl Junction Junior High. Both plan to work as substitute teachers for area schools in the spring, then start full-time classroom jobs next fall.
Creigh Bell, a longtime technology educator at Hillsboro Middle School (USD 410), has been selected as the recipient of the Distinguished Service Award. A three-time graduate of Pitt State, Bell earned a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education (’97), a master’s degree in Career Technical Education (’14), and a specialist in education (’21).
Bell has spent 27 years at Hillsboro teaching Industrial Technology Drafting/CAD, Production Methods, and Robotics — courses that demand not only technical expertise but creativity, precision, and problem-solving. Known for his high expectations and hands-on approach, he is deeply committed to helping students develop the confidence and skills needed for success beyond the classroom.
His impact extends far outside the school day. Bell sponsors the Technology Student Association, where his teams consistently qualify for and excel at national competitions. He holds regular before-school, lunchtime, and evening work sessions so that students can refine their projects and deepen their learning.
Superintendent Clint Corby praised Bell as an educator who “inspires his students, builds their confidence, and creates an environment where dedication and perseverance lead to achievement,” noting that Bell’s influence has shaped countless students into strong critical thinkers and problem solvers.
Hillsboro Middle/High School Principal Tyler Weinbrenner echoed that sentiment, highlighting Bell’s dedication to relationships, his energetic teaching style, and his leadership in Career and Technical Education pathways.
“Above all, Mr. Bell is a great person,” Weinbrenner wrote. “He genuinely cares for others and lives his faith and values daily. I give Mr. Bell my highest recommendation for this award.”
Nathan Downs, assistant superintendent for the Manhattan-Ogden School District (USD 383), has been named the recipient of the Distinguished Administrator Award. Downs earned multiple degrees from Pitt State — a bachelor’s and master’s in psychology (’01, ’03), and an education specialist degree (’04) — as well as a master’s in educational leadership from Kansas State University.
Downs began his career as a school psychologist in USD 383, where colleagues quickly recognized his talent for navigating complex situations, building trust, and offering reliable expertise in special education. He went on to serve as a special education coordinator and later the executive director of special education for USD 475 Geary County before returning to Manhattan-Ogden as assistant superintendent in 2023.
Superintendent Eric Reid described Downs as a “dedicated problem solver and builder of others,” praising his ability to bring organization, structure, and accountability to district systems. Reid noted Downs’ singular command of special education law and best practices and called him “rock solid in his duties.”
Downs’ leadership extends to fiscal responsibility, operational consistency, and strategic program improvement. Colleagues credit him with establishing standard operating procedures, strengthening administrative accountability, maximizing At-Risk funding to support staffing, and developing creative solutions — such as alternative schedules on inclement-weather days — to keep schools open safely.
Director of Special Education Jessica Nelson commended Downs for his transparent financial planning, collaborative mindset, and unwavering support for staff and students.
“His genuine concern for the welfare of those he serves is evident in his daily interactions,” she wrote. “Nathan Downs is a visionary leader whose contributions extend far beyond administrative responsibilities.”
Human Resources Director Abby Bowen emphasized the qualities that distinguish Downs: high expectations, a systems-based understanding of education, capacity-building in others, and the ability to make challenging work enjoyable.
“He possesses distinguished leadership and solid character that are truly unique,” she wrote. “People want to work with him.”
