U.S. Secretary of Education Inspires Future Educational Leaders
Southern Nazarene University and Oklahoma City Public Schools were honored to welcome U.S. Secretary of Education, Dr. Miguel Cardona, to their first class of the Master’s in Educational Leadership (MAEL) partnership cohort on January 25, 2023. While visiting education officials and tribal leaders, Dr. Cardona took time to meet with these students and share about his journey in education as a teacher, school administrator, district administrator, and now the Secretary of Education for the United States.
In a casual classroom setting, Secretary Cardona emphasized the importance of balancing work and family as a school administrator. He also shared stories of his personal experiences in education, including the grief of losing a student and the challenges of dealing with difficult situations. Dr. Cardona’s message motivated the students. Anthony Bryant, an OKCPS teacher and SNU student said, “He encouraged the students also to maintain a good balance between work and family and to take good care of themselves as individuals.”
Dr. Melani Mouse, SNU instructor, welcomed the Secretary of Education to her classroom at the Clara Luper Center in Oklahoma City Public Schools. “His curiosity and interest in meeting the students, hearing their names and encouraging their commitment to education was inspiring” said Mouse.
This serendipitous event was the perfect start to the student’s academic journey to become future educational leaders and administrators in Oklahoma City and beyond. Learn more about SNU’s Master of Arts in Educational Leadership offered one night a week or 100 percent online. This 36-credit-hour program can be completed in as few as 20 months.