Findlay, Ohio, Aug. 16, 2004 – Karen Ackerman-Spain, Mary M. Murray and Margaret Owuor have been named assistant professors in the College of Education at The University of Findlay.

Ackerman-Spain received a doctorate in educational psychology from the University of Toledo in 2003. She earned a master of education degree in agency and school counseling and a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from UT.

Ackerman-Spain has been an adjunct instructor of educational psychology, applied psychology for teachers, behavior management, lifetime development and adult development at UT since 1994. She has worked for public and parochial schools in the Toledo area where she has taught fourth and seventh grade and served as a special education teacher and school counselor from 1974-1994. She is also a therapist at Ackerman-Spain Counseling Services. A licensed professional clinical counselor and social worker, she has 15 years of clinical experience, with areas of expertise in ADHD, mood disorders, special learning needs and other issues.

Murray received her doctorate in education leadership with a cognate in early childhood special education in 2002 from Bowling Green State University. She has earned education specialist, master of education and bachelor of education degrees from the University of Toledo.

Since 2002, Murray has been an assistant professor in early childhood special education at the University of North Carolina, Greensboro. She has also served on the faculty of BGSU Division of Intervention Services. She has worked as an early childhood supervisor for Lucas County Educational Services Center, as early intervention director for the Lucas County Board of Mental Retardation/Developmental Disabilities and as children’s services director for the Fulton County Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disability in Wauseon, Ohio.

Murray also has presented numerous papers and professional development workshops. Her work has been printed in various educational publications, including Teacher Education and Special Education.

Owuor holds a doctoral degree in philosophy, with a major in curriculum and instruction and a specialization in literacy, from the University of Arkansas in 2004. She has earned a master’s degree in education with a reading specialization from Southwest Missouri State University and a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Park University.

Owuor was a senior graduate teaching assistant for the department of curriculum and instruction from 2000-2003 at the University of Arkansas. From 1991 to 1998, she held several positions, including teaching practice coordinator and assistant lecturer, at the Kenya Institute of Special Education.

Owuor has written a number of special education texts that were published in Kenya. She is a member of the International Reading Association.

The University of Findlay is a comprehensive university located in Findlay, Ohio, about 45 miles south of Toledo. With a total enrollment of 4,711 full-time and part-time students, The University of Findlay is noted for its innovative, career-oriented programs in more than 60 majors and eight master’s degrees.