Dr. Lance Tatum, President | Northwest Missouri State University
Dr. Lance Tatum, President | Northwest Missouri State University
Jamie Grayson, founder of the Kansas City-based nonprofit People of All Communities Succeed (POAC Succeed), will deliver a lecture titled “Teaching Beyond the Desk” at Northwest Missouri State University. The event is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Thursday, October 9, in the J.W. Jones Student Union Ballroom and is open to the public at no cost.
Grayson established POAC Succeed in 2019 with a mission to ensure that all students feel seen, heard, and valued. His organization encourages educators to embrace what he calls the “90% principle,” which focuses on aspects of education beyond textbooks and test scores, emphasizing mutual support and allyship.
“In classrooms, students carry more than backpacks,” Dr. Kiene, an associate professor in Northwest’s School of Education, said. “They carry trauma, pressure, and the effects of being misunderstood. This keynote recenters educators on their purpose — not just to teach, but to reach. Jamie brings authenticity, passion and real-world strategies that encourage educators to leave behind burnout and rediscover the joy of teaching beyond the desk.”
The Ploghoft Diversity Lecture series at Northwest Missouri State University is made possible by funding from Dr. Milton Ploghoft and his wife Zella. The series aims to broaden educational perspectives for teacher candidates and inform all students about challenges related to educating individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Dr. Ploghoft was a 1949 graduate of Northwest who authored several social studies textbooks and worked internationally in countries such as Nigeria, Vietnam (then South Vietnam), Chile, Cameroun, Botswana, Yucatan, and Swaziland. He also founded the College of Education in Kano, Nigeria; lectured at Saigon University; led international programs; became founding editor of the African Education Research Network in 1992; and was professor emeritus at Ohio University until his death in 2018.
Zella Ploghoft completed her elementary and secondary education at Northwest before her passing in 2010.
For further details about POAC Succeed or information regarding the lecture series or event contacts are available through Dr. Kiene at 660-562-1774.
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