Em: vbarnes@rustcollege.edu
Ph: 662-252-8000 ext. 4981
Office: TBA

Biography
• Dr. Valeree Ellis-Barnes is an Assistant Professor of Elementary Education with more than 20 combined years of experience in K–12 education, educational leadership, and teacher preparation. She is committed to supporting teacher candidates beyond the classroom through academic advising, mentorship, professional development, and licensure.

Ellis-Barnes has earned degrees from the University of Mississippi and Deleta State University. She holds Bachelors Degrees in Psychology (BA Psych) and Elementary Education (BEE), a Master of Education in Elementary Education (M.Ed.), Education Specialist degrees in Curriculum and Instruction (Ed.S.) and Supervision and Leadership (Ed.S.), and a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership.

Teaching Courses
• She teaches undergraduate courses including Educational Psychology, Art & Science of Teaching, Reading Assessment & Intervention, Teaching Reading in Content, and the Integrative Teaching Seminar. Her instructional approach emphasizes academic excellence, reflective practice, and meaningful learning experiences that prepare teacher candidates for success in today's classrooms.

Research and Professional Interests
• Proposed Publications Below:
1. Reflective Practices in Education: Why It Matters
2. Closing the Literacy Gap: Connecting High Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM) in K-12 to EPPs

Accomplishments
• Public School Administrator of the Year (2018-19)
• PROPEL Learn Faculty Fellowship (2024-25)
• National Field Experience Conference Presenter (2026)
• Submitted College-Level Grant for Cross-Curricular Educational Learning (2026)

Student Engagement and Service
• Academic advising & mentoring for teacher candidates
• Praxis Core and PLT preparation workshop presenter
• Collaboration with K–12 school partners
• Faculty Service for General Education Committee
• Faculty Service for Policy & Procedures Review
• Departmental Faculty Service for Accreditation

Em: mstovall@rustcolege.edu
Ph: 662-252-8000 ext. 4404
Office: TBA

Courses
• Psy 230- General Psychology
• Psy 332- Human Growth and Development and Diversity
• Psy432- Theories of Psychology
• Psy 430- Abnormal Psychology
• Psy 433- Health Psychology

Biography
• On a personal level, we have seven children and twenty grandchildren. I was born and reared in Chicago, Illinois, and was the last of five siblings.
I have been disseminating information in classroom settings at Rust College for many years as a Social Psychologist. My disciplines are Sociology and Psychology. It is imperative in these changing times to teach students how to navigate this thing called life. Understanding the pedagogy of a subject is important. However, understanding what motivates individuals is crucial. This is my goal as a faculty member at Rust College.

Research Interests
• How the enslavement of African American people impacted pathological behavior.
• Autistic and non-verbal children.
• Medication and its effect on adolescents.

Degrees
• BS - Sociology , Roosevelt University, Chicago, Illinois
• MA - Sociology, University of Detroit
• MA - Sociology, Vanderbilt University
• Postgraduate - Psychology. Tennessee State University, University of Memphis

Em: pmerriweather@rustcollege.edu
Ph: 662-252-8000 ext. 4652
Office: Division of Education

Office Hours
Monday: 10:00–11:00 a.m.; 1:00–3:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 1:00–3:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 10:00–11:00 a.m.; 2:00–4:00 p.m.
Thursday: 1:00–3:00 p.m.
Friday: By Appointment
Appointments may also be scheduled by email.

Biography
• Dr. Patricia L. Merriweather is an Associate Professor of Education in the Division of Education at Rust College with more than 35 years of experience in education, leadership, and community service. She retired after serving 32 years with Shelby County Schools as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal before transitioning to higher education. Dr. Merriweather is a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Candidate in Educational Leadership at Liberty University, where she continues to expand her scholarship in educational leadership, educator preparation, and organizational improvement.

Dr. Merriweather is passionate about preparing highly qualified educators who are equipped to positively impact the lives of all children. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes instructional excellence, culturally responsive teaching, educational leadership, collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and the intentional development of practical and pedagogical skills that prepare teacher candidates to become highly effective classroom practitioners. She intentionally bridges educational theory with authentic classroom practice, equipping future educators with the confidence, competence, and professional dispositions necessary to meet the diverse needs of today’s learners and improve student achievement.

In addition to her academic career, Dr. Merriweather serves as Alderwoman for Ward 4 in Holly Springs, Mississippi, and is actively engaged in educational advocacy, community development, and faith-based leadership. She is also an accomplished author, speaker, and educational consultant committed to improving schools, developing educational leaders, and strengthening communities through servant leadership.

Degrees Earned
• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Candidate, Educational Leadership – Liberty University
• Doctor of Ministry and Leadership – Andersonville Theological Seminary
• Master of Education – University of Mississippi
• Bachelor of Arts – Rust College

Degrees Earned
• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Candidate, Educational Leadership – Liberty University
• Doctor of Ministry and Leadership – Andersonville Theological Seminary
• Master of Education – University of Mississippi
• Bachelor of Arts – Rust College

Teaching/Courses
Dr. Merriweather teaches undergraduate education courses including:
• Foundations of Education
• Principles of Early Childhood Education
• Teaching Mathematics in Elementary and Middle Schools
• Reading and Literacy Methods
• Classroom Management
• Educational Assessment
• Clinical Practice and Student Teaching
• Professional Seminar in Education
• Introduction to Biblical Studies

Research and Professional Interests
• Teacher Preparation and Educator Effectiveness
• Educational Leadership
• Literacy Development
• Culturally Responsive Teaching
• Clinical Practice and Teacher Residency
• School Improvement
• Educational Equity
• Teacher Recruitment and Retention
• Community Partnerships
• Student Achievement
• Leadership Development
• Instructional Coaching and Evidence-Based Teaching Practices
• Practical Pedagogy and Teacher Effectiveness
• High-Leverage Instructional Practices

Accomplishments
• More than 35 years of educational leadership and teaching experience
• Retired Principal, Shelby County Schools
• Associate Professor of Education, Rust College
• Founder, All Children Can Learn Learning Center
• Published author of educational leadership and inspirational books
• Former President, Tennessee Principals’ Association
• James W. Anderson Distinguished Administrators Award Recipient
• Graduate, University of Memphis Leadership Fellows Program
• Advanced Certified Municipal Elected Official, State of Mississippi
• Presenter at educational conferences and leadership workshops
• Active contributor to educator preparation and accreditation initiatives
• Developer of practice-based learning experiences that strengthen teacher candidates’ instructional competence and classroom readiness

Student Engagement and Service
Dr. Merriweather believes learning extends beyond the classroom and actively mentors future educators through academic advising, clinical supervision, field experiences, and professional development opportunities. She is committed to ensuring every teacher candidate develops the practical instructional knowledge, pedagogical expertise, classroom management strategies, and professional confidence necessary to become an effective educator.

Students are encouraged to participate in:
• Professional educator organizations
• Community service initiatives
• School-based clinical experiences
• Educational research projects
• Leadership development workshops
• Teacher recruitment events
• Literacy and tutoring outreach programs
• Educational conferences and networking opportunities
• Lesson planning and curriculum design
• Micro-teaching and instructional simulations
• Standards-based instructional planning
• Differentiated instruction for diverse learners
• Classroom assessment and data analysis
• Technology integration in teaching and learning
• Reflective teaching and instructional improvement
• Professional communication and family engagement

Dr. Merriweather maintains an open-door policy and is committed to supporting students academically, professionally, and personally as they prepare for successful careers in education. Through rigorous coursework, meaningful clinical experiences, intentional mentoring, and authentic classroom experiences, she strives to graduate educators who possess the knowledge, practical skills, pedagogical expertise, ethical leadership, and professional dispositions necessary to positively impact student achievement and lead successful classrooms.

Educational Philosophy
• “Every child can learn when provided with excellent instruction, high expectations, and educators who truly believe in their potential. Preparing effective teachers requires more than teaching theory—it requires cultivating practical skills, strong pedagogy, reflective practice, and servant leadership that transforms classrooms, schools, and communities.”