Two Reich College of Education (RCOE) staff members, Dr. Hannah Reeder and Mrs. Rebecca K. Murray completed the Crest Leadership Development Program.
The Crest program, presented by the Office of Human Resources, is designed to develop participants’ capacity to lead and influence others. Crest provides an opportunity for introspection and growth. Participants develop a greater understanding of their core values and awareness of their personal strengths. Participants also learn strategies for becoming more effective in interpersonal relationships, influential with groups, and engaged with the community. Crest provides an opportunity to explore practical leadership competencies such as leading change, managing conflict, public speaking, giving and receiving feedback, and visioning/goal-setting.
Participants engage in peer to peer learning about a variety of leadership styles and theories. Each leader creates a personalized leadership development plan for setting professional, personal, and career progression goals, as well as their personal vision and mission statement.
Dr. Hannah Reeder ’05 ’08, Director of Clinical Education
Reeder joined Appalachian in 2013 as an adjunct instructor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction. She taught in the elementary education program for five years while also taking on the role of edTPA Coordinator for the Reich College of Education. In August 2018, Reeder moved into her current position as the Director of Clinical Education, which oversees field experiences for methods-based internships through student teaching. She enjoys working with teacher education majors, faculty, staff, and school district partners to prepare future teachers.
Prior to higher education, Reeder taught elementary school, was an assistant principal, and an education coach/consultant. She earned her B.S. degree in elementary education and her M.A. degree in Curriculum & Instruction, both from Appalachian State University. She earned her Ed.D. in educational leadership and policy analysis from East Tennessee State University.
As the Director of Clinical Education, Reeder oversees field experiences for teacher education majors, serves as the edTPA coordinator, facilitates the “Second Steps to Teaching” orientations, and leads the dispositions committee. She is also a standing member of the Undergraduate Teacher Education Program Directors, Professional Education Council, and the Dispositions Committee.
Rebecca K. Murray ’14 ’20, Undergraduate Teacher Education Advisor
Murray began her career at Appalachian as an undergraduate student. After graduating with a B.S. in technical photography and a B.S. in recreation management, she returned to the Office of Admissions to serve as an Assistant Director of Admissions, where she managed a territory of over 25 North Carolina counties and various out of state territories.
In May 2020, she completed her master’s degree in higher education with a concentration in community college and university leadership at Appalachian.
She enjoyed talking with future Mountaineers about the Appalachian experience, but her favorite part of her job was always the connections she made with students and continued with them as they completed their time at Appalachian.
This led Murray to the James Center for Student Success and Advising, where she could more directly serve students and help empower them so they can overcome adversity, feel proud of themselves, and make the most of their time at Appalachian.
Murray is committed to inclusive excellence and recognizes that inclusion and excellence are integral in the service of students.
Being involved in various areas of the university is something that brings Murray joy. She is an adjunct instructor in the Department of Recreation Management, Appalachian Allies Facilitator, and a member of the Early Intervention Team.