A DU Student Profile: Mr. Wendell Whitfield

My name is Wendell Whitfield and I am from Houston, Texas. I graduated from Phyllis Wheatley High School and attended Prairie View A&M University. I have several years of experience as a Houston police officer. I have also worked at a steel mill, served as a football coach, and assisted drug and alcohol users as a substance abuse counselor. However, for most of my life I have worked as an educator. I enjoy teaching young people new things and went into education to do just that. I am currently a U.S. History teacher at Hartman Middle School in the Houston Independent School District. I am working to obtain my masters so that I can work as an administrator. As for my personal life, I have been married for thirty years. I have three kids. I am a faithful member of Bethlehem Baptist Church where my pastor is Rev. Moses Jones. I enjoy serving as a deacon and have been a member of the deacon board for over twenty years. By taking this course I hope to not only come one step closer to gaining my degree, but I am also interested in learning more about child psychology. I think it is important to always advance your education by learning about new things. I truly enjoy learning!

A DU Student Profile: Ms. Trinita Champagne

My name is Trinita Michelle Champagne, and I live in Lake Charles, Louisiana. I was born on May 29, 1973. In 1991, I graduated from Washington-Marion Magnet High School with my high school diploma. On Dec. 15, 1996, I earned my bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. In 2001, I received my master’s degree in Curriculum and instruction from the University of Phoenix. I am a first grade teacher at Combre-Fondel Elementary School.

For the past fifteen years, I have been blessed to work at the same school. Over the past fifteen years, I have worn many different hats at my school. I have had the opportunity to attend numerous workshops and in-services that have to be invaluable. There were invaluable with the knowledge that I gained and how I was able to bring what I learned back to the classroom where it had a major impact on my students’ academic performance. I see each of these as one more opportunity to gain knowledgeable information that has assisted me in helping my students. My greatest joy and pleasure is being with my family. I love spending time talking to them on the phone and visiting with them whenever time allows. My pastime is reading. I find reading relaxes me after a long day at work. In 1996, I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). This could have been a very divesting moment, but I chose to fight and make the best of this situation. I am grateful to God that I have not had a relapse in 15 years. This is truly a miracle! I know that I can deal with all things through the help of God and my family. I am ready to begin this next phase of my journey.

Teaching is not a job for me; it is my ministry. This is why I chose to become an educator. What I teach is of great importance – not only to my students but also to the world we live in. When I teach I am guiding our children. My instruction becomes lights for their lives and speaks to them wherever they go. I am planting in their hearts the seeds of knowledge, understanding, love, self-motivation and so much more that will help them to grow in their ever-changing world.

I let my students know that all they have to do is try their best and they can achieve anything they set their minds to do. They come to know that I appreciate each of them for the unique and special person they are. I expect to gain to gain a doctorate of education degree from this online program. I will receive vital skills and tools that are necessary for me to become an effective educator. In order to become an effective educator, I will gain understanding and knowledge of using instructional strategies that address the different learning styles and needs of the students I teach as well as learn how to integrate technology correctly in my classroom. My favorite scripture I quote every day is “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). -- Trinita M. Champagne

Duplichain University's First Graduates 2013!

Duplichain University graduated fourteen students on June 2nd, 2013 at the Lake Charles Civic Center, Contraband Room, in Lake Charles, Louisiana.   Congratulations to newly minted PhDs, Dr. Tanisha Abdin, Dr. Joynal  Abdin,  Dr. Joseph Addison,  Dr. Julia Darbonne,  Dr. Savoynne Ewell,  Dr. Ethel Fisher,  Dr. Norma Frank, Dr. Stacy Foley, Dr. Monica Pickney, Dr. Michael Meehan, and Dr. Veronica Woodard.  New Master graduates are Spencer Ross, M.Ed., Kedric Smith, M.Ed., Dr. Ashraf Esmail, M.S. in Criminal Justice.   Stay connected for more great news from Duplichain U!