Supporting children and families is important to both Lien and Emily McGehee, a mother and daughter from Pollock who are both earning degrees from Northwestern State University’s College of Education and Human Development this semester. The two will collect their diplomas during the 10 a.m. ceremony Wednesday, May 13.
Emily, who graduated from Grant High School in 2021, will be earning a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with plans to teach while pursuing a master’s degree in educational leadership. Lien, who graduated from Grant High School in 1999 and previously earned an associate degree at NSU, is earning a Bachelor of Science in Child and Family Studies with a concentration in consumer services. She plans to join NSU’s Child and Family Network as an early childhood coach.
As their undergraduate studies concluded Lien received the College’s Esther Cooley Memorial Award from the Child and Family Studies Program and Emily was awarded the Excellence in Teaching Undergraduate Award from the School of Education.
“I’ve always had a love for children and a compassionate heart, which is what drew me to teaching. I enjoy being a positive, dependable presence for my students both in and out of the classroom and building strong relationships while teaching both academics and life skills is what makes this path so meaningful to me,” Emily said. “I truly believe I’m meant to teach, and I am committed to continually growing as an educator, refining my instruction to better meet the needs of every student and making a lasting impact on each child who walks through my classroom doors.”
“I have always had a passion for supporting early childhood development, families and local communities in meaningful ways,” Lien said. “This major aligns closely with my purpose in life. My career goal is to continue working as an early childhood coach and to support others in any way I can.”
Both said the relationships they had with faculty and classmates made significant impact during their studies at NSU.
“I was fortunate to have incredible mentors, including the dedicated faculty of the Gallaspy College of Education and Human Development, who supported and encouraged me throughout my journey,” said Lien, who balanced her roles as a mother, grandmother, full-time employee and student.
“The highlight of my program has been the relationships I’ve built,” Emily said. “I’ve formed genuine friendships with classmates that I know will last well beyond college, and we’ve supported each other not only through our coursework but also as we’ve stepped into our careers. The Education Department at NSU has also been a highlight, consistently providing encouragement, support and guidance.”
Because of their positive experiences, both said they would recommend NSU’s programs to others.
“I already have,” Lien said. “The faculty and staff truly make this program exceptional. They have been genuinely supportive throughout my journey, and I am incredibly grateful for NSU and the Gallaspy College of Education and Human Development.”
Conquering the journey together was especially meaningful.
“We’ve pushed each other through midterms, finals and everything in between, working side by side and supporting one another in ways we never expected,” Emily said. “Through all the late nights, I always knew I wasn’t doing it alone. She was right there, working just as hard beside me. I am so proud of her and how hard she has worked, I couldn’t have done it without her.”
“We have always supported one another, without a doubt,” Lien said. “It was humorous for me to encourage her to complete her assignments and then to have her tell me to do the same. I really did not have to support her very much though. She knew what she had to do, and she did it. I am grateful that she followed her dreams and I am so proud of her. We did not plan to graduate together. God blessed us with this special moment to share together.”
Information on NSU’s College of Education and Human Development is available at nsula.edu/
NSU’s Spring Commencement will take place with three ceremonies over two days May 13-14. Information on commencement is available at nsula.edu/