HU Department of Education Celebrates Program’s Impact on Teachers

Over 60 attendees joined together to reflect on program’s mission

HUNTINGTON, Ind. — The Huntington University Department of Education welcomed alumni, faculty and guests for its first annual “Rooted & Rising” celebration on February 26, 2026, an evening dedicated to honoring educators, celebrating impact and inspiring the next generation of teachers.

The event brought together 61 attendees, including alumni, University leadership, current students, current faculty teaching in education content areas and members of the University’s advancement and alumni teams. A strong showing of 45 education alumni participated, with 41 attending in person and 4 joining virtually, reflecting the deep and lasting connection between Huntington University and its graduates.

Centered on the theme “Rooted in Christ. Rising in Impact.”, the evening highlighted the meaningful work of educators who are faithfully serving in schools and communities across the region and beyond.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of two “Rooted & Rising Educator Impact Awards,” recognizing alumni who exemplify excellence, leadership and lasting influence in education. This year’s recipients were Mrs. Kristin Rentschler and Mrs. Elizabeth Hanna, both honored for their dedication to students and their significant impact within their schools and communities.

Dr. Tyanne Bailey, director of graduate and undergraduate teacher education programs and assistant professor of education, opened the evening by affirming the calling and impact of educators. Drawing from the department’s theme, she emphasized both the spiritual and professional formation of teachers.

“At Huntington University, we are committed to preparing educators who are deeply grounded in faith and purpose and thoroughly equipped for the work of teaching,” Bailey said. “When educators are rooted — rooted in Christ, in calling and in conviction — they are able to rise in influence, in leadership and in lasting impact that extends far beyond a single school year.” 

Throughout the evening, alumni shared stories of their experiences in the classroom, offering powerful testimony to the ways Huntington University has shaped their journey as educators. 

Dr. Tim Smith, professor of history, reflected on the significance of the gathering.

“It was a privilege and a joy to see so many HU alumni at the Rooted & Rising evening,” Smith said. “To hear their accounts of how HU has invested in and equipped them for success in the classroom was especially pleasing. And, to have so many history-education alumni attend was most humbling for the department’s professors. We are proud of their endeavors.”

One of the most meaningful moments of the evening came when a current Huntington University senior had the opportunity to thank her former high school teacher — also a Huntington alum and in attendance — for the profound impact she had on her life. It was shared that it was this teacher’s influence that not only inspired her to pursue a career in education, but also led her to choose Huntington University, creating a powerful full-circle moment that embodied the heart of the “Rooted & Rising” theme.

The evening program also included remarks from new University leadership, Dr. Rob Pepper, an invocation, dinner and a featured “Rooted & Rising Educator Impact Program,” reinforcing the department’s mission to prepare educators who serve with excellence, compassion and resilience.

As the event concluded, attendees were reminded of the enduring influence of educators and the importance of investing in future teachers who will continue to shape lives for generations to come.

The Huntington University Department of Education remains committed to developing educators who are not only academically prepared, but also deeply rooted in faith and purpose — ready to rise and make a meaningful impact in their classrooms and communities.