FMU School of Education presents 2020 alumni award

Francis Marion University’s School of Education honored an outstanding recent alumni at its annual Alumni Awards Reception on Tuesday, Jan. 28.

Susan Bigham (’12) was presented with the School of Education’s prestigious Educator Award in recognition of her post-Francis Marion achievements. Bigham, who graduated from FMU with a degree in Early Childhood Education, is lauded by her colleagues and students as an innovative and interactive teacher that approaches each class with an extraordinary work ethic as both a teacher and mentor. 

Bigham began her professional career at Marion Intermediate School, where she taught for three years. She moved to Florence’s Timrod Elementary School in 2015 and was named the school’s Teacher of the Year in 2019. She was also named an Honor Roll Teacher of the Year candidate for Florence School District One in 2019. 

“This is really an honor,” Bigham said. “I’m truly grateful to be recognized by the School of Education.”

The FMU School of Education a state and regional leader in preparing teachers and educators for the classroom. It is home to the largest Teacher Cadet program in South Carolina and to the Richardson for the Child, and is the host institution for two South Carolina Centers of Excellence for education.

The school’s annual alumni awards event is a part of Homecoming 2020 festivities at FMU and brought back dozens School of Education alumni to the University’s campus.