GLENVILLE, WV – Members of Glenville State University’s Early Education Student Group (EESG) participated in the 76th annual Southern Early Childhood Association (SECA) Conference held in Houston, Texas, from March 20 to March 22, 2025.

The attending group from GSU included Dean of Education Connie Stout O'Dell and Dr. Shelly Haynes along with Gilmer County preschool teacher and early education adjunct instructor, Tanya Stewart.   Early Education Student Group members Sandra Crites, Chaslyn Jones, and Jacey Collins also attended, representing the university at the conference.

During the conference, the group had the opportunity to attend Leadership Summit Day, participate in various professional development sessions, and visit four child development centers and schools. These workshops gave students valuable insights into early education topics and allowed them to network with others in the field.  Under the guidance and collaboration of GSU faculty, EESG presented a workshop session on social development.  The workshop focused on the importance of social development for young children and connected literacy activities to encourage social development. 

“SECA is a professional organization that is committed to quality care and education for young children including quality professional development.  The conference allows for networking of professionals who are passionate about early care and education.  It is always a highlight to take education students to conferences and watch them grow in their professional development,” said Dean of Education Connie Stout O’Dell.

GSU EESG thanks all those who supported their fundraising efforts to make the conference trip possible, including student grant funds from the West Virginia Association for Young Children and the Southern Early Childhood Association. 

For more information on becoming a member of GSU EESG, contact the student group’s faculty advisors, Connie Stout O’Dell or Shelly Haynes.  Connie.Stout@glenville.edu Shelly.Haynes@glenville.edu