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Evangel professor honored by Missouri House of Representatives for volunteer work

Published on Dec 10, 2021 by Erin Hedlun

 

Dr. Suzanne Thomason with volunteer award

SPRINGFIELD, Missouri – Dr. Suzanne Thomason, Evangel University assistant professor of education, was recently recognized by the Missouri House of Representatives for her exemplary volunteer service to Elevate Branson. The local non-profit organization provides resources, relationships, and a network of support to those experiencing homelessness and poverty in Taney County.

Thomason has volunteered her time to Elevate Branson for the last three years, during which she developed and launched a supplementary education program for students living in Branson’s extended-stay motels. The program follows a research-based summer school model.

Thomason also secured funding for the program from the Branson-Hollister Lion’s Club and worked tirelessly to recruit volunteers to assist in her efforts to provide educational support to struggling students and their families.

“I am humbled to receive the Missouri House of Representatives Exemplary Service Award,” Thomason said. “I am so incredibly thankful for the team at Elevate Branson, the generous support and funding of the Branson-Hollister Lion’s Club, my family, and the many volunteers who have believed in the vision planted in my heart three years ago.”

The program has been so successful that teachers from Branson Public Schools are now involved, as well as a full-time kid’s director at Elevate Branson. Thomason continues to volunteer weekly with the organization.

About Dr. Suzanne Thomason

Thomason is an educator with more than 27 years of professional teaching experience. She served as an adjunct professor at Evangel for a year before transitioning to a full-time faculty position earlier this year.

She most recently served as a kindergarten teacher and Reading Recovery/Comprehensive Intervention Model teacher for the Branson R-IV School District, a position she held for 20 years.

She is a member of the International Literacy Association, Association of Literacy Educators and Researchers, and Phi Kappa Phi, an honor society dedicated to recognizing and encouraging superior scholarship in all areas of study.

Thomason holds a Ph.D. in Reading Education from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, a Master of Education from the University of Louisiana at Monroe, and a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Louisiana Tech University. She also holds certifications in Reading Recovery and Special Reading.

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About Evangel University

Evangel University, with the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary (AGTS), is a comprehensive Christian university committed to excellence in educating and equipping students to serve the Church and society globally. Evangel and AGTS serve more than 2,200 students from all 50 states and numerous foreign countries, offering 70 undergraduate majors and 19 master and doctoral degrees.