The mission of the College of Education Undergraduate Student Advisory Board (USAB) is to advance the College of Education by promoting the welfare of the student body, to enhance relationships between students and faculty, and to serve as ambassadors of the College of Education.
The Undergraduate Student Advisory Board will consist of a member of the College of Education with a variety of majors. The board is organized into three executive board members, five committees each with a chair, and members who help with events.
Members must be enthusiastic about the College and willing to share their commitment with others. Members should be interested in governance. The USAB will consist of a diverse group of education majors, each bringing a unique perspective to the board. To apply, please complete a short application that will come out in the fall semester of each school year.
USAB members must serve for one year. Terms will run November to December to allow incoming members to overlap with outgoing members. The application window opens up each September. Applications are reviewed by current USAB members and program faculty.
Taylor Felipe (President)
Major: Elementary Education
Hometown: Wilton, CT
Why I want to teach: I want to teach because my mom has inspired me to do so. She is an amazing teacher and has fostered my love for helping children learn and grow. Through teaching, you are molding the next generation of good humans while teaching them.
Goals & Aspirations: I hope to be a Kindergarten or First grade teacher!
Lilly Riley (Vice President)
Major: Special Education
Hometown: Gastonia, NC
Why I want to teach: I want to teach in the field of special education because I believe every child, regardless of their abilities, deserves access to a quality education tailored to their unique needs. I am passionate about creating an environment where students with disabilities feel empowered, valued, and capable of reaching their full potential. Teaching in special education allows me to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students by helping them overcome challenges, celebrate their progress, and build the confidence they need to succeed both in and out of the classroom.
Goals & Aspirations: My goal is to earn my master’s degree, and potentially a doctorate, in special education. I aspire to become a principal and work my way up to a leadership role, ultimately aiming to serve as a superintendent or hold a high-level position within a country's education department.
Liza Morris (Treasurer)
Major: Secondary Education in English
Hometown: Florence, SC
Why I want to teach: I've always known I wanted to pursue a career in education from the impact that my teachers have had on me throughout my entire life! I'm very passionate about creating a lifelong love of learning in each of my future student's lives like my teachers have done for me, and caring about my students both in and out of the classroom.
Goals & Aspirations: I plan to graduate with my Bachelor's degree in 2027 and go on to complete the Bachelor's to Master's teacher residency program! I hope to eventually teach high school English somewhere near the coast of South Carolina!
Madison McAlister (Internal Relations Committee Chair)
Major: Secondary Education & Social Studies
Hometown: Pamplico, SC
Why I want to teach: I knew that I wanted to become a teacher at a very early age. I was extremely lucky growing up because I had so many amazing teachers. These teachers helped shape me into the person that I am today and I want to be able to help others the same way my teachers helped me. So I ultimately chose education because I want to be a positive role model to my students and help them become the best versions of themselves. I am so excited to be pursuing my dream career at Clemson and I can't wait to see what the future holds.
Goals & Aspirations: During my time at Clemson, I want to continue to push myself to become the best version of myself and the best educator I can be for my future students! After graduation I hope to move back to my hometown and teach high school history in a rural school district. Ultimately I hope to teach at the school I grew up as way to give back to the community that helped shape me as an individual.
Julia Dalrymple (External Relations Committee Chair)
Major: Early Childhood Education
Hometown: Wellesley, MA
Why I want to teach: I have always loved working with kids. My elementary school teachers were amazing and made a huge impact on me. They were so dedicated to creating relationships with their students, which is something that I want to do as well. I want to be approachable and serve as a mentor to my students. I want to make each of my students feel welcome, valued, and appreciated so that they can thrive both in and out of the classroom!
Goals & Aspirations: After graduation, I hope to attend graduate school to receive my master's degree in Speech and Language Pathology. I hope to work in an elementary school setting as a Speech Pathologist to help children communicate more effectively!
Emma Bradley (Communications Committee Chair)
Major: Early Childhood Education
Hometown: Sumter, SC
Why I want to teach: Growing up, my biggest inspiration was my teachers. I vividly remember learning how to count money, tell time, and spell my name—all because my teachers wanted me to succeed. I always admired their passion and enthusiasm. I want to be the kind of teacher that students look back on, not only because I was effective in the classroom but because I cared about them as individuals and truly wanted the best for each one.
Goals & Aspirations: My goal is to become a speech pathologist because I have a passion for watching kids grow and excel. As a speech pathologist, I would have the opportunity to help each student reach goals they never thought possible. This career would allow me to make a long lasting impact on their lives and lay a strong foundation for their future academic success!
Jordan Colombo (Service Committee Chair)
Major: Middle Level Education – Math and Science
Hometown: Scranton, PA
Why I want to teach: I have wanted to teach since my sophomore year of high school. I have always had teachers who have cared for me and I want to have the same impact on future generations of students. I want to inspire students to be excited to learn everyday and I can’t wait to have a classroom in the future!
Goals & Aspirations: After graduating in 2027, I would love to enroll in the Teacher Residency Program at Clemson and get my Masters degree. I would like to end up teaching in North or South Carolina and eventually get my doctorate. I have aspirations of becoming a Principal or Superintendent someday! success!
Caleb Blackston (Inclusion and Excellence Committee Chair)
Major: Elementary Education / Youth Development
Hometown: Easley, SC
Why I want to teach: I want to teach so I can empower students to be their best and to make a difference in their lives. I have always had educators who have pushed me to be my best, and I want to be that for my students. I want all my students (and those I do not teach) to feel loved and valued and know they belong and are important.
Goals & Aspirations: I will graduate with my Bachelor's in 2028 and hope to be accepted into the Teacher Residency Program to earn my Master's.
Michaela Bonacci
Major: Special Education
Minor: Psychology
Hometown: Newton, CT
Why I want to teach: I want to teach because I want to help make a positive impact on students lives and help them to be the most positive versions of themselves.
Mia Borcherding
Major: Elementary Education
Hometown: Cincinnati, OH
Why I want to teach: make in a child’s life. I have always been drawn to teaching, and I can’t wait to support my students in every way possible.
Goals & Aspirations: To make a difference in the classroom.
Abigail Brown
Major: Early Childhood Education
Minor: Human Capital Education and Leadership Development
Hometown: Blairsville, GA
Why I want to teach: I aspire to help young learners find their passion and purpose. I believe every child deserves someone in their corner who supports them, believes in them, and truly values them. Teaching gives me the opportunity to be that source of encouragement. I cannot wait to create a classroom where students feel safe, inspired, and confident enough to grow into who they are meant to be.
Goals & Aspirations: My main goal in becoming a teacher is to make a difference. It may sound simple, but it holds deep meaning for me. I know that as a teacher, I can positively impact a child’s life, and that is what motivates me to follow the path of education. I want to make a difference that stays with my students long after they leave my classroom.
Lily Carr
Major: Secondary Education Mathematics
Hometown: Long Island, NY
Why I want to teach: I want to teach to be able to make a difference in a child's life. Teachers are huge role models and I can't wait to be one.
Goals & Aspirations: I hope to become a math teacher and teach math in a fun way to make students not hate it as much!
Riley Darlington
Major: Elementary Education
Minor: Entrepreneurship
Hometown: Kinnelon, NJ
Why I want to teach: I want to teach because I am driven to help students succeed. It is rewarding to see them grasp concepts and overcome challenges. I aim to create a supportive classroom where every student feels valued, so they can grow into informed and compassionate individuals.
Goals & Aspirations: My goal is to teach students not just academics, but to help them grow as individuals. I aspire to support them in and outside the classroom, guiding them through challenges. I aim to foster a lifelong love of learning, encouraging them to be curious, critical thinkers engaged in their communities, so they become confident, compassionate, and successful individuals.
Lillis Davis
Major: Early Childhood Education
Hometown: Atlanta, GA
Why I want to teach: I have wanted to teach for as long as I can remember! My first grade teachers are a big part of the reason that I love school, and I want to foster that same love of learning in my classroom one day. I have been so blessed to have such great teachers that have shaped me into who I am today, and I would love to be that kind of role model for my future students!
Goals & Aspirations: Once I graduate from Clemson with an undergraduate degree, I plan to get my Masters in Education. After that, I would love to teach first grade back home in Atlanta and just continue to pour into others!
Nicole Debernardo
Major: Special Education
Minor: Youth Developement Studies
Hometown: Andover, MA
Why I want to teach: I want to teach because I want to make a meaningful impact on students' lives. I believe students with disabilities deserve more than just academic support. They deserve opportunity, high expectations, and a future built around their strengths and interests. Over the past couple of years, I have been blessed with many opportunities to study and volunteer within the field of special education in my hometown. While my town's system is amazing, I noticed that students with disabilities often felt defined by their disabilities, rather than their strengths. I was informed by students and teachers that this frustrated students or made them feel "less than" their peers. I want to change this narrative. My hope is to build an educational environment where all students, regardless of their abilities, feel welcomed to be who they are, are equipped for success, and experience genuine friendship, confidence and joy in learning.
As the field of special education constantly grows and adapts, I want to be apart of the research and development of a system in which every student is allowed to reach their fullest potentials and WANT to learn. School should be a fun, safe space where everyone feels welcomed, not an isolating and frustrating one that is forced upon students. I can't wait to continue to educate myself within the field of teaching and begin to think about my future classroom, and the students I will hopefully impact in the near future!
Goals & Aspirations: I want to create a classroom where all of my students feel confident, cared for and successful regardless of ability. I want to contribute to the improvement of the special education system through research and collaboration. Beyond teaching academics, I want my lessons to support students in building important life skills like independence and self-advocacy so they feel confident and prepared for adulthood.
Celia Dusci
Major: Special Education
Hometown: Ridgewood, NJ
Why I want to teach: I want to teach because I want to inspire students and make a positive impact on their lives. The opportunity to be a role model for future generations of students is such a privilege!
Goals & Aspirations: I hope to come back to New Jersey or New York and teach. I aspire to create inclusive learning environments for all students and a welcoming classroom where students can actually enjoy coming to school!
Margaret Germany
Major: Early Childhood Education
Minor: Youth Development Studies
Hometown: Columbia, SC
Why I want to teach: I have always known that I wanted to become a teacher! I love working with kids and watching them grow. Teachers have always inspired me, and it's something I hope to be for my students one day. I want to have the opportunity to positively impact students' lives and foster a love to learn. I hope to be a constant light for all of my future students and witness all of them grow into fantastic people!
Goals & Aspirations: After graduation, I hope to be accepted in the Teacher Residency program here at Clemson University to earn a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education. While still in my undergraduate years, I look forward to all of my future placements and to learning how to become the best teacher I can be!
Savannah Goninan
Major: Secondary Social Studies Education
Hometown: Fort Mill, SC
Why I want to teach: Ever since I was five years old, I have known that Education would be the career I find myself a part of. Most of my childhood memories are centered around a classroom setting, whether for my education or helping my mother in her classroom. The rare time I wasn't in school, I was pretending to be a teacher to my class of stuffed animals and dolls or shopping in the school supplies sections at any store. In high school, I was able to experience hands-on time in the classroom with multiple groups of Pre-K students and a class of fifth graders. Seeing the joy on my kids' faces when they mastered a topic filled my heart. This experience convinced me I could never see myself in any other career. Though I have always had a passion for teaching, with every year and new experiences in the classroom, I continue to become more excited for the future of my career. Teachers change children's lives every day. They are leaders and role models and take part in developing who a child becomes in their lives, and I am beyond excited to feel satisfaction and knowledge that I have impacted someone's life.
Goals & Aspirations: After I graduate in 2027, I hope to be accepted into Clemson’s Teacher Residency program and earn my Master’s degree. Once completing these goals, I plan on teaching high school history somewhere in South Carolina!
Mallory Hart
Major: Middle Level Education - ELA & Social Studies
Hometown: Greenville, SC
Why I want to teach: Growing up, I've always loved working with kids. Whether it was babysitting, working in my church's nursery, coaching a sports team, or being a camp counselor, I wanted to be involved. During my junior year of high school, I took my school's teacher cadet program through Clemson. During this time, I was still wavering whether middle school was the place for me. When I entered my field experience at the Charles Townes Center in a seventh-grade Algebra 1 class, I knew this was the field for me. During my senior year of high school, I returned to Charles Townes for my senior internship. I spent six months there exploring all of the different subjects and grade levels. This allowed me to discover my passion for middle school ELA and SS.
Goals & Aspirations: I would like to make the most out of my time at Clemson by trying as many new things as I can. After I graduate I would like to join the Teacher Residency Masters program.
Ella Jones
Major: Early Childhood Education
Minor: Psychology
Hometown: Alexandria, VA
Why I want to teach: Since as long as I can remember, I have dreamed of being a teacher. I would set up my playroom to be a pretend classroom and I would play teacher for hours. I would even help teach my little brothers their homework. Teaching has always been something that I have admired because of how impactful my past teachers were. The amount of love and support they treated each student with was something that was unforgettable. Those teachers truly shaped who I am today, and it is because of them that I am pursuing a teaching degree!
Goals & Aspirations: I want to make the most of my time at Clemson by learning and growing from every experience and opportunity I am given. After graduation, I hope to pursue my master's degree and go on to teach a 1st grade class! In my future classroom, I hope to support, inspire, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of all of my students!
Asia Lebby
Major: Early Childhood Education
Hometown: Columbia, SC
Why I want to teach: I love kids, and I want to provide an outlet for them to make the best of the world we live in.
Goals & Aspirations: My goal as a teacher is for my students to always remember the impact i have of their life.
Andrew Lindler
Major: Secondary History Education
Minor: Athletic Leadership
Hometown: Chapin, SC
Why I want to teach: I'm really passionate about teaching as well as having the opportunity to be a role model for my students! Teachers play a crucial role in shaping future generations of doctors, engineers, and every job in between, so I'm excited to be able to create a lasting positive impact for my students and others around me!
Goals & Aspirations: I plan on obtaining my Master's through (hopefully) the Teacher Residency program and teach middle or high school history as well as coach football.
Olivia Meyer
Major: Secondary Social Studies Education
Hometown: Long Island, NY
Why I want to teach: I want to be a teacher because I’ve always felt called to inspire and support children. Throughout my own education, I had teachers who deeply impacted me and shaped who I am today, and their influence motivated me to give back in the same way. I believe teachers are powerful role models, and they play a huge role in students’ academic, social and emotional development. I want to be that kind of positive presence in a child’s life.
Goals & Aspirations: My goal is to become a full-time teacher and truly be part of a school community where I can build strong relationships with students. I also hope to get involved beyond the classroom, whether that’s coaching a team or advising a club. In the long term, I plan to earn my master’s in administration and eventually step into an administrative role!
Addison Kate Phuntek
Major: Early Childhood Education
Hometown: Lake Norman, NC
Why I want to teach: Teaching feels like a natural path for me because kids have always been a big part of my life. I’ve grown up around them, worked with them, and learned how much joy and purpose I find in supporting their growth. Being around children is what I’m most passionate about, and teaching allows me to turn that passion into something meaningful by helping students learn, grow, and feel supported every day.
Goals & Aspirations: My goal is to build a career working with children and supporting them during some of the most important years of their lives. I aspire to become an educator who creates a safe, encouraging space where students feel valued and confident. Because working with kids is what I am most passionate about, I hope to make a lasting, positive impact by helping students grow both academically and personally.
Kenna Quiniones
Major: Secondary English Education
Minor: American Sign Language
Hometown: Alpharetta, Georgia
Why I want to teach: I want to teach because not only does teaching run in my blood (I'm a 7th generation teacher), I know from experience how much impact one teacher can make on a student's experience with education and I want to be that positive vessel.
Goals & Aspirations: In middle school, I knew a girl who was deaf and wasn't able to traditionally communicate with others except for my 6th Grade History teacher who knew Sign Language. I want to be fluent just like him so I can be an open door to students who need a little extra help in the traditional classroom setting.
Sadie Roberson
Major: Early Childhood Education
Hometown: Powdersville, SC
Why I want to teach: I want to teach to be able to give back to the community and to be a light to my students!
Goals & Aspirations: I want to love my teaching job and be a mom!
Mia Slaboch
Major: Early Childhood Education
Hometown: Naples, FL
Why I want to teach: I want to become a teacher because ever since I was little I loved going to school to meet new people and learn. My teachers made a huge impact in my life and even when I was struggling with the material being taught I was always able to rely on them for help. I believe that education is not just about transferring knowledge but also about inspiring confidence, empathy, and creativity. The classroom is a place where diverse ideas and perspectives come together, and I want to be able to create an environment where students feel supported and motivated to reach their full potential. I see teaching as a way to be able to contribute to the development of future generations and I am eager to play a part in shaping their success.
Goals & Aspirations: I plan to graduate with my Bachelor's degree in 2028 and then hope to become part of Clemson’s Teacher Residency Program to earn my master's Degree. After completing my 5th year, I hope to teach kindergarten or first grade either in South Carolina or Florida.
Makayla Thobe
Major: Elementary Education
Minor: Business Administration
Hometown: Greenville, SC
Why I want to teach: I want to teach because I have dreamed of being a teacher ever since I was little. I am passionate about making a positive impact on the next generation and helping shape their growth. Teaching would allow me to build meaningful relationships with students and influence their lives in a way that extends far beyond the classroom.
Goals & Aspirations: I want to become an impactful teacher for my future students.
Lew Thompson
Major: Elementary Education
Minor: Business Administration
Hometown: Charleston, SC
Why I want to teach: Growing up school was a safe space for me and I was always super close with my teachers. I want to teach to be able to be that same person for kids like me! I also love being able to watch kids grow and learn and I am super excited to be able to have a direct positive impact on the lives of the kids in my class!
Goals & Aspirations: In my next three years at Clemson I want to be as involved as possible in the college of education, my sorority KD!, campus ministries, and just the Clemson community in general. I want to earn my masters here at Clemson and then move back to Charleston to teach!
Lu Wilder
Major: Modern Language Education
Minor: American Sign Language
Hometown: Marietta, Georgia
Why I want to teach: I’ve always had a passion for teaching and I love helping someone learn something new!
Goals & Aspirations: I hope to work in a Deaf school and get more people to learn ASL!
The mission of the College of Education Graduate Student Advisory Board (GSAB) is to promote the welfare of the graduate student body, to enhance relationships between students and faculty, and to serve as ambassadors for the College of Education.
GSAB members will do the following:
The Graduate Student Advisory Board seeks to have one representative from each program that has 10 or more students, but every effort will be made to have representation from each department.
Once new members are appointment each academic year, the board will select a chair and co-chairs to lead each of the subcommittees.
The GSAB will consist of a diverse group of CoE majors, each bringing a unique perspective to the board. All GSAB members must be currently enrolled students. If you are interested in serving on the GSAB, please contact us at coegsab@clemson.edu.
GSAB members must serve a two-year term and may serve for up to three years. Terms will run from April to April of following year.
Executive Board
Graduate Student Academic Writing Committee
The academic writing committee seeks to promote student writing through hosting collaborative writing times, fostering writing accountability partnerships, and providing professional development opportunities to improve writing skills.
Graduate Student Conference Committee
The conference committee seeks to highlight the work of students through an annual College of Education sponsored graduate student conference. The chairs drive the planning and organization of the event throughout the academic year, including summer semesters.
Graduate Student Peer Mentoring Committee
The peer mentoring committee seeks to connect experienced graduate students and new graduate students within their programs. Mentors will connect with mentees by email, text, and occasional in-person and/or zoom meetings to offer advice, assist them in navigating the logistics of on-campus and/or virtual platforms and offer ongoing support.
Graduate Student Outreach Committee
The outreach committee communicates with departments within Clemson as well as other businesses to plan, organize, and execute events. The events are created based on the interests of the members. The events are intended for members of the organization to come together and get to know each other better. Proper care, planning, and organization go into the creation of each event, and there are a minimum of two events per semester.
For more information, please contact:
Faculty Advisor
C.C. Bates
Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Studies
105E Old Main
celestb@clemson.edu
Graduate Student Advisory Board
coegsab@clemson.edu
