Newly minted Baylor School of Education graduate Jordan Nguyen was honored with the Student Employment Award by Baylor University for his time as a student employee in the School of Education. Nguyen worked as a Learning Resources Center (LRC) Assistant for the School of Education. Nguyen is returning as a graduate student in curriculum and instruction.

As an undergraduate student, Nguyen was heavily involved in both his academic pursuits and campus life. He was a student teaching intern for second grade students at Spring Valley Elementary where he created lesson plans, co-taught classroom activities, collaborated with other interns and teachers, and assisted in whole and small group instruction. Nguyen served as president of Baylor Chamber of Commerce for 2023-24, Chamber’s Homecoming Prep Coordinator from 2022-23, and as Family Weekend Chairman in 2021-22. He was a Student Ambassador for the School of Education’s Student Advisory Council.

Nguyen worked as an assistant in the SOE’s Learning Resources Center, a dedicated library unit for education studies that is located in Marrs McLean Science Building. His duties included checking in/out books and resources to patrons, checking printers, reshelving sources, assisting the librarian in taking inventory, and aiding students and faculty use of the Media Lab and any other resources.

Kayla Kuhl, Office Manager of SOE Learning Resource Center, said that, despite his many commitments, Nguyen was one of the most dependable and flexible members of the LRC team. “His knowledge of our resources is unmatched and his willingness to help students as well as faculty and staff is always refreshing,” she said. “Jordan is invested in the LRC’s mission to meet the needs of our patrons and to ensure they know how to access our resources and materials, as well as how to confidently utilize our equipment. His lively personality and welcomed contributions will certainly be missed as he moves on.”

Caty Whitman, Administrative Director and Assistant to the Dean of SOE, said Nguyen always provided exceptional customer service to the school while balancing his academic and extracurricular responsibilities. “Jordan is so deserving of recognition for all of his contributions,” she said. “His graduation will be bittersweet as he will be missed greatly! I am so proud of the young adult he has become, and I know he will make Baylor proud in his future endeavors.”

Highlighting Nguyen’s work in Chamber, who is responsible for the biggest Homecoming celebration in the nation and in charge of the Bear Plaza and the live Baylor bear mascots, Dr. Herb Cox, Clinical Assistant Professor in Educational Leadership, who was a member of Baylor Chamber, said Nguyen is an exceptional leader. “Jordan has proven to be a model for his fellow students in Chamber as well as in the School of Education,” he said.

Dr. Sandi Cooper, Professor and Associate Dean, said Nguyen is passionate about education and has shown true leadership among peers, especially through his position as a student worker in the SOE LRC. “He always has a positive, upbeat demeanor and is willing to help everyone with any task requested,” Cooper said. “He is very active in Baylor activities, serving in a variety of leadership roles and participating in almost every Baylor event you can name! His love of Baylor shines through his service to others.”

Nguyen said he is deeply honored to receive this prestigious award from Student Employment. “As a student worker, I have been able to grow and learn from such an amazing team of student leaders and LRC leadership,” he said. “This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the LRC staff members in creating a community that fosters learning, humility, and a passion for teaching, amongst the SOE family. I extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has contributed to my journey and supported me along the way.”

Nguyen will pursue a cognate in mathematics as part of his master’s program in the Department of Curriculum & Instruction. He will be working with Dr. Cooper as her graduate assistant, providing leadership on projects such as the summer Math for Early Learners Academy (MELA).

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ABOUT BAYLOR SCHOOL OF EDUCATION

For more than 100 years, the School of Education has advanced Baylor’s mission across the globe while preparing students for a range of careers focused on education, leadership, and human development. With more than 60 full-time faculty members, the school’s growing research portfolio complements its long-standing commitment to excellence in teaching and student mentoring. Baylor’s undergraduate program in teacher education has earned national distinction for innovative partnerships with local schools that provide future teachers deep clinical preparation. Likewise, the School of Education’s graduate programs have attained national recognition for their exemplary preparation of research scholars, educational leaders, innovators, and clinicians. Visit www.baylor.edu/SOE to learn more.

ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY

Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked Research 1 institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for more than 20,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 90 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions.