Education Building Gets a Facelift

By Dr. Janet Roehl, Educational Studies

The Education Building has a new look. The past several months have seen notable changes in the facility. Various walls have been painted with a dark green accent color, large quotes are on the walls, new posters feature students from all over the world and paintings done by students hang in the building.

“The quotes were selected to reflect our commitment to teaching and learning,” explains Dr. Jerry Harmon, dean of the College. “They represent some of the finest minds of our time as well as the diversity of our students.” There are quotes from a broad range of people, from John Dewey to Margaret Mead, from Epictetus to Benjamin Franklin.

The paintings were done by schools in the College’s service area. Large canvasses were distributed to six schools and students at those schools painted them, depicting some element of education and learning. Contributions were made by James Elementary School in Portales, Monterrey Elementary School in Roswell, Arts Academy @ Belle Vista in Clovis, Farwell High School in Farwell, Texas, the Child Development Center at ENMU, Eastern New Mexico University students working with Portales Junior High School and Jefferson Elementary School in Lovington. A reception for the student artists was held last April.

Photo is of 3’ x 4’ artwork contributed by James Elementary students and currently hangs in the Education Building.

“I love the paintings by the students,” notes Dr. Kathie Good, assistant dean. “ I had the opportunity to work with one of our students in Farwell who coordinated their contribution. The students, from an inclusive classroom, worked on it. They were so excited to know their work is going to hang in the building.”

Another addition to the paintings and posters is a series of black and white photos, honoring those who participated in the efforts to integrate public education during the Civil Rights era. Joining the Hall of Honors and Emeritus Faculty, these students, from elementary to college, contributed much to the betterment of education. “The students are heroes in the truest sense,” Good remarks.

“Come look us over,” invites Harmon. “The building reflects the reality of classrooms, the work of our faculty and graduates and our education mission.”