MC grad says teaching is not just a job—it’s a “calling”October 24, 2022

“This is the work I’m being called to do!” McKenzie Stovall exclaimed about being a 2nd grade teacher at Bowie Fine Arts Academy in Midland.  “Most of my family are teachers. My grandmother was a teacher.  I adored her and wanted to be just like her.  I guess teaching is in my DNA; I knew I always wanted to be a teacher, and I love it!”

Stovall moved to Midland with her family when she was in the third grade and was subsequently home-schooled.  She attended Midland College from 2016-2019 receiving an Associate of Arts degree in Teaching and continuing to take general education courses so that she could seamlessly transfer to the Sul Ross @ Midland College program.  By doing so, she was able to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Sul Ross State University in May of 2021.  She also went through the Region 18 Education Service Center’s Teacher Certification program and did her student teaching at the 5th grade level.  This is her second year of teaching 2nd graders at Bowie.

“Going through the Sul Ross @ Midland College program allowed me to be able to take all courses for a bachelor’s degree on the Midland College campus, which was extremely convenient and economical,” Stovall said.  “My family’s home is within a mile of the campus—you can’t beat that for convenience!  I was able to take advantage of the Legacy Scholarship, as well as other Midland College and Sul Ross scholarships.  I graduated with a bachelor’s degree without any student debt!”

In fact, 23-year-old Stovall just purchased her first home where she and her dog Mocha, a Chihuahua-Dachshund mix moved in last month.

“Teaching is a great profession,” she said.  “Sure, it’s hard, but it’s probably the most rewarding thing I’ll ever do.”

Stovall credits two Midland College faculty members as helping her be a successful teacher— Dagan Sherman, department chair and professor of Art, and Dr. Denise McKown, dean of Education and Early Childhood. 

“I took Printmaking from Dagan Sherman,” Stovall explained.  “I’ve always enjoyed art, and his classes were a lot of fun.  Since I teach at a fine arts school, I am able to use some of the techniques I learned in the Printmaking classes with my students.

“All of my Midland College Education courses and teachers were amazing! Denise McKown was a great role model and mentor.  I was a member of the Red Apple Club, which is a campus organization for future teachers, and Denise was the club advisor.  She gave us a lot of teaching tips, which I still remember and put to use.  I graduated before Midland College started offering a bachelor’s degree in Education, but I know that any student who goes through that program will not only enjoy it, but also become a great teacher.  I encourage anyone who likes working with children and wants a truly rewarding profession to consider pursuing an Education degree.”

In her spare time, Stovall enjoys dabbling in art, especially printmaking and painting.  She said that she is looking forward to a long, successful teaching career.