Six College of Education alumni or current students were listed in the Central Illinois Business Magazine in its Forty Under 40 list. The winners were selected for their “significant contributions to their communities and their places of employment” and “represent a range of professions and interests, but they all share one trait–a passion for what they are doing,” it said in the October 2011 publication.

Our Alumni or students named to “Forty Under 40” are:

Scott Filkins
English teacher and instructional coach, Central High School; Co-director, University of Illinois Writing Project

Community Involvement: teaches English and reading to high school students in Champaign, University of Illinois Writing Project

A word from his nominator: "Scott has a high level of energy that supports his passion for literacy and literacy teaching. He has connected with a wide range of stakeholders who respect him–administrators, other teachers, students, university scholars and national advocates."
- Elizabeth Morley, Director of Writer's Workshop and U of I Writing Project

Matthew Foster
Principal of Bottenfield Elementary School
Community involvement: local MDA fund-raising campaign, local Cub Scout pinewood derby

A word from his nominator: "Matt has a vast amount of knowledge when it comes to education and he possesses strong leadership skills. His passion for student success is inspiring."
- Beth Shepperd, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources and Community, Champaign school district

Asia Fuller-Hamilton
Principal, Booker T. Washington STEM Academy
Community involvement: church, including choir, children's church and the women's fellowship ministry; Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority; involved Cub Scout parent
A word from her nominator: "She is a learner, constantly challenging herself and her staff to read and discuss good books and to build on the knowledge they already have in order to serve students more effectively."
- Beth Shepperd, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources and Community Relations, Champaign school district

Jonathan Kosovski
Assistant Principal, Central High School
Community involvement: interactions with students and families as a sponsor of extra-curricular activities, supervising school events
A word from his nominator: "Jonathan is known throughout school as one who volunteers for anything and everything. His giving of time is above and beyond that of most peers. ... His intelligence and desire to be a life-long learner are two of his best traits that his peers and his students recognize. Jonathan is a positive, fair and fun role model for today's teens."
- Amy Westfield, Spanish teacher, Centennial High School

Jaime Roundtree   
Assistant Principal, Bottenfield Elementary School
Community involvement: Bottenfield’s many activities that include families and individuals in the Champaign community
A word from the nominator: "Jaime does not have bad days. He has the same smile on his face and high level of energy and enthusiasm for his students, staff and parents every day and all day. He serves with a can-do attitude and has made a huge positive impact on our school in a short period of time while doing a very difficult job. Jaime is a good colleague, a great friend and a super role model."
- Matthew Foster, principal, Bottenfield Elementary School

Angela Smith
Principal of Franklin Middle School
Community involvement: Advocate for young people, past volunteer for Boys and Girls Club, school and church events, teen mentor, guest speaker/presenter for schools and pre-service teachers, National Counselor for students recognized in Washington, D.C. for community service
A word from the nominator: "Angela Smith has a passion for education with excellence for all students. She has the ability to see each individual student for their unique worth, and to view the entire student body as a whole and move them forward together."
- Beth Shepperd, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources and Community Relations, Champaign school district