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Published: May 05, 2020 | Author: Savannah Byers | Read Time: 2 minutes
Mark Openshaw, Southern Utah University graduate student, recently completed a K-12 administration internship in Brazil. This opportunity was arranged by Dr. Tony Pellegrini, the University’s director of graduate studies in education.
Openshaw became a teacher in 2005, following in his father’s footsteps. He taught agricultural education for five years at Weber High School, then decided to take the next step in his career by applying to SUU’s graduate program to earn his master’s degree and administrative license.
“SUU’s program came highly recommended by some of my friends who had completed it,” said Openshaw. “SUU's distance program is the best in the state by far. It was the perfect fit.”
Openshaw and his family went on a study abroad trip to Italy, led by Dr. Pellegrini. After this trip, Openshaw became extremely interested in living abroad with his family. With help and support from Dr. Pellegrini, Openshaw and his family were able to live in Brazil for a semester as Openshaw interned at Colégio Batista Americano.
“We are so excited about Mark and the opportunity which we were able to provide him in order to engage his spirit and provide an international experience to help him meet his goals,” said Dr. Pellegrini. “His work and efforts are a true testament of what organizations and individuals can accomplish when we communicate and collaborate to make our goals and dreams become a reality.”
Openshaw and his wife Kristi started Little Opee’s, a wholesale produce business, as a side project in 2002. Over the years, the business has grown immensely and they currently supply produce to several states across the West coast. Because of this great success, they’re now full-time business owners.
“I’m not currently teaching, but I really enjoyed it and miss it,” Openshaw said. “The leadership skills I gained from my graduate program have helped my business.”
The College of Education and Human Development is a flagship program at SUU. The education department strives to develop educators who are academically competent, experienced, prepared, understand the need for both art and science in education and have effective classroom management. Learn more about graduate studies in education.
Tags: Graduate Programs Master of Education College of Education and Human Development