Union University’s School of Education has been rated in the highest possible category on the Tennessee State Board of Education’s report card on the effectiveness of teacher training programs for the third year in a row.

The report card, which was implemented in its current version in 2015, is designed to give educator preparation programs information they can use to improve effectiveness. Union is one of only two schools in Tennessee to have received a score of four three times.

“This gives us a good long-range picture of our students’ success,” said Mandy Cates, director for accreditation and assessment in Union’s School of Education. “This is a lens through which we can track our graduates and see how they are impacting students in the classroom.”

Union was evaluated based on graduates who completed the undergraduate, graduate and Memphis Teacher Residency programs between 2015 and 2018. In addition to its overall score of four, Union scored a four in all three categories of the assessment for the first time.

The three categories are candidate profile, which assesses the percentage of completers who are racially diverse or have endorsements in high-demand areas such as math and science; employment, which assesses the number and retention rate of completers teaching in Tennessee public schools; and provider impact, which includes teacher observation scores and student growth assessments.

“It’s all about continuous improvement,” Cates said. “We scored higher in every category this year, and that tells us that we are continuing to improve how we equip graduates with the knowledge and skills they need.”

The full report card is available at teacherprepreportcard.tn.gov.

Union University’s School of Education has been rated in the highest possible category on the Tennessee State Board of Education’s report card on the effectiveness of teacher training programs for the third year in a row.

The report card, which was implemented in its current version in 2015, is designed to give educator preparation programs information they can use to improve effectiveness. Union is one of only two schools in Tennessee to have received a score of four three times.

“This gives us a good long-range picture of our students’ success,” said Mandy Cates, director for accreditation and assessment in Union’s School of Education. “This is a lens through which we can track our graduates and see how they are impacting students in the classroom.”

Union was evaluated based on graduates who completed the undergraduate, graduate and Memphis Teacher Residency programs between 2015 and 2018. In addition to its overall score of four, Union scored a four in all three categories of the assessment for the first time.

The three categories are candidate profile, which assesses the percentage of completers who are racially diverse or have endorsements in high-demand areas such as math and science; employment, which assesses the number and retention rate of completers teaching in Tennessee public schools; and provider impact, which includes teacher observation scores and student growth assessments.

“It’s all about continuous improvement,” Cates said. “We scored higher in every category this year, and that tells us that we are continuing to improve how we equip graduates with the knowledge and skills they need.”

The full report card is available at teacherprepreportcard.tn.gov.

The Leadership Jackson Alumni Association (LJAA) is requesting applications for the annual scholarship offered to high school seniors attending college in the fall of 2019. The Judy Renshaw Leadership Jackson Alumni Association Scholarship, funded by the Association, will amount to at least $1,500 and as much as $2,000, payable to the college or university during the student’s freshman year.

“Increasing the number of college graduates in Madison County is one of our Board’s top priorities,” said Dr. Beverly Absher-Bone, LJAA former president. “We know that a higher level of education contributes to improved health and well-being for that individual and their family; however, research also shows that it is the primary factor in improving community and economic development. Knowing we can make a difference for both the student and our community by opening the door to a college education makes all of our efforts worthwhile.”

The scholarship will be funded through a portion of the annual dues paid by each member of the Leadership Jackson Alumni Association. Other projects funded by Leadership Jackson Alumni dues include quarterly alumni luncheons, professional development programs and “Comfort Critters,” which are stuffed animals used by emergency first responders in Jackson.

"We appreciate the organizations and individuals who contribute to provide additional funding for the scholarships,” said Absher-Bone. “We invite all chamber members and Leadership Jackson alumni to make tax-deductible gifts to the chamber's foundation for the scholarship. The more funds we have in-hand, the more young people we can impact through scholarships.”

The scholarship application, which is available at www.leadershipjackson.com, must be filled out completely and submitted with all requested supporting documents, including recommendations from two non-family members; a typed student essay; a current FAFSA report; and a resume or other document describing academic accomplishments and honors, extracurricular activities, and community service during grades 9-12. The application must be received by April 15 of the student’s senior year of high school.

Riley Ragan

In January 2019, Town & Country Realtors welcomed a new real estate agent to their team, Riley Ragan. A Jackson native, Riley is no stranger to the community. But instead of leaving Jackson to start his career, Riley chose to plant his roots here where his family resides.

“I believe Jackson is the best place to begin my career because this is where I grew up and where my parents both grew up,” Riley said. “So my sphere of influence is a lot larger here in Jackson.”

“We’re extremely excited to have Riley as part of the Town and Country family,” Town & Country Realtors owner Joey Hale said. “We know he will do well, especially since he’s interacted with the real estate community from a very young age.”

After graduating from Jackson Christian School in 2017, Riley went on to play basketball at Bethel University and later transferred to Jackson State. Then after his time in college, he decided to follow his family’s footsteps, becoming a realtor.

Not only was Riley’s great grandfather a realtor, but his mother, Brandi Ragan, is a Town & Country realtor as well. For the past couple of years, he even accompanied Brandi to different properties in order to learn more about real estate.

“It is such an honor to work with Riley,” Brandi Ragan said. “As a mother, I’m so grateful he chose to continue his family’s legacy. I have no doubt that he will make a great real estate agent and serve our community well.”

“What excites me most about working for Town & Country Realtors is having great mentors like Joey and Katie Hale who truly want to see me succeed,” Riley said. “I’m also eager to learn from the industry’s best realtors.”

For over 50 years, Town & Country Realtors has been serving the West Tennessee community with excellence and integrity. For more information about Town & Country and the services they provide, please call 731-668-7000. To contact Riley Ragan, please call 731-487-4297 or email rileyraganrealtor@gmail.com.

Paula Fuller

Paula Fuller with other teammates after placing third in the TCCAA National Championship in 1981.

Author Karen Kingsbury will speak at Union University April 16 at a dinner hosted by the Union Auxiliary.

Kingsbury is a New York Times bestselling novelist with more than 25 million books in print, and her last dozen novels have hit the top spot on national bestseller lists. Several of her books have been the subject of Hallmark movies.

Roma Downey and MGM Studios are developing a TV series out of 22 of Kingsbury’s Baxter Family books.

Kingsbury is also a visiting professor at Liberty University where she teaches a master class on storytelling. She and her husband live in Nashville and have six children.

“Karen Kingsbury’s books have delighted millions of readers, and we’re honored to welcome her to speak at our next Union Auxiliary dinner,” said Susie Oliver, president of the Union Auxiliary. “The dinner has become a popular event over the past three years. With Karen Kingsbury continuing the tradition of excellent speakers, we’re certain this year’s event will be a blessing to those who attend.”

The purpose of the Union Auxiliary is to provide support to Union University through the provision of scholarships and service to students.

The dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. in the Carl Grant Events Center.

Table sponsorships for the event are $400 and include a buffet dinner for eight, a post-event group photo with Kingsbury, advance seating, recognition in the printed program and participation in a drawing for a $1,000 Union scholarship for a prospective freshman entering in the fall of 2020.

Tables may be reserved at www.uu.edu/events/auxiliary. Sponsorships are also available at $5,000, $2,500 and $1,000. For more information, call (731) 661-5050 or email stignor@uu.edu.