News

Austin College | Sherman Texas | July 15, 2017

SISD elementary students explore India

This summer marks the 15-year collaboration between the Austin College Austin Teacher Program (ATP) and Sherman Independent School District to offer Thinking Camp to the Gifted and Talented elementary students in the district.

Thinking Camp is a program dually designed to give ATP graduate students an opportunity to develop teaching skills and provide a rich learning experience for area elementary students. The annual program is coordinated by Dr. Julia Shahid,  Austin College Education Department Head and associate professor of education, and Cyndi Petray, SISD gifted and talented teacher.

“We are thrilled to have this partnership with the Sherman ISD that exemplifies a win-win for all involved,” said Shahid. “The elementary students have the opportunity for a rich hands-on and minds-on learning. Simultaneously, Austin College students have their first opportunity to run their own class for two weeks as they work with a teammate to accomplish things that a classroom teacher is expected to do.”

SISD students will gather at Jefferson Elementary School, near Austin College, to explore India’s culture for two weeks beginning Monday, July 17, from 8:30 a.m. to noon each day. The program is offered to students who are identified as gifted and talented in the district, and there is currently a waiting list to attend. The camp has experienced growth within the past few years totaling a number of 40 to 50 students.

Austin College graduate students Kristen Annis, Hailey Clendennen, Haleigh Hahn, and Brittney Aldridge will teach this year’s curriculum titled  “Exotic India: More Alike than Different.” Rising 2^nd through 5^th grade Gifted & Talented Sherman ISD students will discover the culture, religion, celebrations, geography, daily life, and challenges of India. The students will also receive dance instructions both weeks led by student members of the Austin College Indian Cultural Association.

Thinking Camp is funded by grant from the Capt. H. T. Hastings Trust. The grant covers costs of curriculum, all supplies, healthy snacks, dance instruction, authentic Indian food, and compensation for the Sherman ISD teacher/liaison.

Shahid emphasized that the program’s ultimate goal is two-fold. First, the program provides a unique, enriching learning experience for the students. Second, the program allows Austin College’s grad students to build confidence in what it means to be a teacher. “It is truly a rich learning experience for all involved,” said Shahid.

Austin College, a private national liberal arts college located north of Dallas in Sherman, Texas, has earned a reputation for excellence in academic preparation, international study, pre-professional foundations, leadership development, committed faculty, and hands-on, adventurous learning opportunities. One of 40 schools profiled in Loren Pope’s influential book Colleges That Change Lives, Austin College boasts a welcoming community that embraces diversity and individuality, with more than 40 percent of students representing ethnic minorities. A residential student body of approximately 1,275 students and a faculty of more than 100 allow a 13:1 student-faculty ratio and personalized attention. The College is related by covenant to the Presbyterian Church (USA) and cultivates an inclusive atmosphere that supports students’ faith journeys regardless of religious tradition. Founded in 1849, the College is the oldest institution of higher education in Texas operating under original name and charter.

Austin College | Sherman Texas | July 10, 2017

Gail Utter of Utter Wealth Management Group of Wells Fargo Advisors has joined the Austin College Board of Trustees. The board of trustees serves as the governing body of the College and is made up of a variety of professionals who give their leadership, time, and resources.

“I have long admired the College’s commitment to quality education in an environment of small classes and strong academic relationships between students and professors. It’s an honor to be asked to join the prestigious Austin College Board of Trustees,” Utter said.

Utter has served the Austin College community since the late 1980s in roles on the Advisory Board, and in leadership for the Austin College Community Campaign. She has been a President’s Council donor and has endowed the Scott B. Smith Scholarship in honor of her late husband, and the Jeffrey Kent Wattman Scholarship in honor of her deceased brother. Her son, Blake Utter is an Austin College alumnus, class of 2007.

“Austin College is a pillar of economic and cultural activity within the Sherman and Denison communities and beyond. The college employs substantial faculty and staff, increases regional commerce, creates and sponsors arts and entertainment events and meaningfully supports local non-profit efforts,” Utter said. “The College leadership has built on the school’s successes, and provided opportunities for continued and important impact for the future of our region.”

Utter is a frequent keynote speaker and is well-known for her philanthropic and community leadership. In addition to Austin College, she serves on the board of trustees of United Way, Grand Central Station (soup kitchen/resource center), and the Grayson County Behavioral Health Leadership Team. She has previously served on airport, hospital, youth improvement, and chamber of commerce boards. She has received numerous community awards, including the Sherman Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Citizen of the Year, the Athena Women’s Award and the Emmett Essin Community Service Award.

She has more than 20 years of experience in the wealth management industry and formed the Utter Wealth Management Group of Wells Fargo Advisors in 2001. She has a BBA from Southern Methodist University and an MBA from the University of North Texas. She is an IMCA Certified Private Wealth Advisor and a College for Financial Planning’s Chartered Retirement Plan Counselor. She has received numerous national third-party professional awards, including multi-year recognition as a Barron’s Top 1200 Advisor for years 2012, 2014-2017, a Barron’s Top 100 Women Advisor years for years 2010-2014, and a Financial Times Top 400 Advisor for 2017. Gail has been named as a Texas Monthly Five-Star Wealth Manager for five years, and has been named a firm-wide Chairman’s Council advisor for more than 20 years.

Austin College, a private national liberal arts college located north of Dallas in Sherman, Texas, has earned a reputation for excellence in academic preparation, international study, pre-professional foundations, leadership development, committed faculty, and hands-on, adventurous learning opportunities. One of 40 schools profiled in Loren Pope’s influential book Colleges That Change Lives, Austin College boasts a welcoming community that embraces diversity and individuality, with more than 40 percent of students representing ethnic minorities. A residential student body of approximately 1,275 students and a faculty of more than 100 allow a 13:1 student-faculty ratio and personalized attention. The College is related by covenant to the Presbyterian Church (USA) and cultivates an inclusive atmosphere that supports students’ faith journeys regardless of religious tradition. Founded in 1849, the College is the oldest institution of higher education in Texas operating under original name and charter.