Dr. Cheryl Couch Joins Faculty

York College is pleased to announce that Dr. Cheryl Couch has been hired as the new Director of the Master of Education Program and E-Learning Specialist. Couch comes to York from Barclay College in Haviland, Kans., where she has chaired the teacher education unit and elementary education program since 2012. She served as the early childhood education coordinator and instructor at Barton Community College in Great Bend, Kans., from 2009-2012, and prior to that, she taught elementary and special education for twelve years.

Couch completed her doctoral studies in Educational Leadership with a dual emphasis in Teacher Leadership and Higher Education at Southwestern College in 2020. She received her EdS in Educational Leadership: Teacher Leadership from Southwestern in 2017, her MSE in Early Childhood Special Education from Wichita State University in 2007, and her BSE from Oklahoma Christian University in 1986 with a double major in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education.

“I absolutely love learning!” said Couch. “Not to receive a title or a label, but to be able to help others soar to their highest potential, whether a parent, teacher, candidate in Teacher Education, or a sister in Christ.”

Couch will be taking over the program from Dr. Kirk Mallette who retires as he completes his eighth year at YC. Under Mallette’s guidance, York College Online is enjoying an all-time high of 187 graduate students enrolled this year.

“We are thrilled to have Dr. Couch join our faculty in such a key role,” said Dr. Shane Mountjoy, YC Provost. “York College is fortunate that a person with her leadership and experience will be heading the program that has propelled our online learning into the forefront of graduate studies. Her work in assessment and accreditation is a real plus to our growing online programs.”

“I can't wait to be at York College,” said Couch. “I have always had a dream to teach at a church of Christ college since I graduated from OC! I want to give back to Christian education and assist teachers in being the best that they can be for students!”

Couch has three grown faithful daughters and ten grand blessings.

​York College Online currently offers two master's degrees with five areas of concentration. To learn more visit online.york.edu.