Alana Murphy Recognized as Rising Star Teacher

Part of this article was taken from Ranch Heights News

Bartlesville, OK – Congratulations to Central Christian College of Kansas alumnus, Alana Murphy (CC ’07), for being recognized as the District Rising Star Teacher for Ranch Heights Elementary School on February 25, 2020. Ranch Heights, where Alana is employed as a special education teacher, is located in Bartlesville, OK. Superintendent Chuck McCauley presented the award, which recognizes a teacher with one to four completed years of experience who has exemplified excellence in their entry years of teaching. As the district honoree, Ms. Murphy received $500 from the Schmoldt Family Foundation for Education.

Alana graduated from Central in 2007 with a BS of General Ministry focused on missions, theology, youth ministry, and non-profit business management. In 2020, she graduated with her Masters in Administration of Special Education from Southeastern Oklahoma State University. Since her graduation from Central, she has held jobs in McPherson, KS, and now Bartlesville, OK, including Senior Programming Director at the local McPherson YMCA, Executive Director at the McPherson Family Life Center, Director at Circles of McPherson County, and now her current position at Ranch Heights. One of Alana’s biggest goals is to help students with challenges build resiliency to succeed.

One of Alana’s passions is demonstrated in her history of working in community development through non-profit work, specifically with Hope for Haiti. Haiti is a country that means a lot to her. Not only does she serve on the board of directors for the organization, but she also travels to the country 1-2 times per year with the non-profit in order to provide on the ground support. She works year-round with leaders of partner non-profits to establish sponsorship plans, raise funds for their work, develop strategic plans, and improve web and social media presence.

ABOUT CENTRAL CHRISTIAN COLLEGE OF KANSAS

Central Christian College of Kansas is a four-year collegiate institution that strives to offer Christ-centered education for the whole person through four core characteristics: heart, soul, mind, and strength. Its history dates back to 1884, and it is located in the friendly town of McPherson, Kansas. Central is a strategically small college that offers over forty areas of residential study and a thriving online program for non-traditional students. To learn more about Central, go to centralchristian.edu/about. Visit the Foundation of Central Christian College to see what projects and events are coming up.