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K-State Today

June 8, 2015

College of Education documentary nominated for regional Emmy award

Submitted by Patrice Scott

The Heartland Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences nominated a College of Education documentary about five K-State icons for a regional Emmy Award. The official announcement will be made at a simulcast gala and red carpet event on July 18.

"A Long Road: 150 years of Experience from Five African-American K-State Alumni" premiered in January 2014 during Martin Luther King Jr. Observance Week and has been a resource in classrooms around the country ever since its debut.

The film was produced by the College of Education and the Midwest Equity Assistance Center and was made possible by the support of a Faculty Incentive Grant from the Tilford Initiative at Kansas State University. Tonnie Martinez, assistant professor of curriculum and instruction, conceptualized the project and served as the film's director.

"I was so happy for K-State, Dean Mercer and everyone who contributed to the project," Martinez said. "The nomination is great validation that the stories of our African-American K-State trailblazers resonate with a wide audience. I hope this calls attention to all of the great documentaries Rusty Earl is producing in the College of Education."

Rusty Earl is the college's videographer who filmed and edited the program.

"'A Long Road' represents the simplicity of storytelling from the heart and has reached a much broader audience than I think we ever expected," Earl said. "As a former classroom teacher, I am honored to think that the films we are creating here in the College of Education are being used as resources across the country for teachers in elementary schools to higher education. I am so grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of the project and look forward to it being shared for years to come."

Featured in the film are: Kathleen Greene, director, Education Support Services; David L. Griffin Sr., assistant dean/director, College of Education Center for Student and Professional Services; Juanita McGowan, former director, American ethnic studies; Charles I. Rankin, director, Midwest Equity Assistance Center; and Veryl Switzer, former administrator, Ring of Honor Athlete and distinguished alumnus.

All of the college's documentaries can be found on the College of Education's Website and YouTube channel. For individual chapters of "A Long Road" and downloadable lesson plans, visit www.meac.org.