UCO Graduates First Students in Education Specialist-School Psychology Program
May 20, 2025
The University of Central Oklahoma celebrated the graduation of its first students in the Education Specialist-School Psychology (Ed.S.) degree program, Mackenzie Blake, from Blackwell, Oklahoma; Shelby “Mika” Callaway, from Oklahoma City; Alisha Sampson, from Moore, Oklahoma; and Lorrie Servati, from Edmond, Oklahoma, at the Spring 2025 Commencement ceremony.
The Ed.S. degree program is designed to prepare school psychologists to work at the specialist level with children, youth and families to prevent and solve individual, school- and family-related challenges and address a critical workforce need in Oklahoma.
“These graduates serve as vital connectors in educational communities, providing specialized support for students' academic, social and emotional development while partnering with families, equipping teachers, collaborating with teachers and staff and engaging community resources,” said Megan Purdum Larson, Ph.D., NCSP, UCO’s School Psychology program coordinator.
“Through their comprehensive approach, they address critical workforce needs while building resilient educational communities where all can thrive.”
Based on data collected through the Oklahoma State Department of Education’s Accreditation Standards and School Personnel Records, Oklahoma’s current student-to-credentialed school psychologist ratio is 1 to 5,251, demonstrating a significant need for more local, regional and state school psychologists.
UCO’s School Psychology program was awarded the degree designation of Ed.S. in summer 2022, making it the first program on Central’s campus to offer a post-master’s degree. It carries dual accreditation through the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. The program offers several opportunities and experiences throughout the metro area to address one of the state’s critical workforce needs. Through unique clinical experiences, course work, practicums and internships, students are prepared to be eligible for NCSP accreditation upon graduation.
The School Psychology program at UCO is one of three NASP-accredited programs in Oklahoma.
For more information on UCO’s Ed.S. degree, visit go.uco.edu/UCO-EDS.
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Cutline: The University of Central Oklahoma’s new Education Specialist-School Psychology (Ed.S.) degree celebrated its first four graduates, Mackenzie Blake, from Blackwell, Oklahoma, Shelby “Mika” Callaway, from Oklahoma City, Alisha Sampson, from Moore, Oklahoma, and Lorrie Servati, from Edmond, Oklahoma, at the Spring 2025 Commencement ceremony.
