The Kentucky Department of Education honored Jeff Sebulsky, Elaine Harrison Lane, and Charlotte Chowning with the 2023-2024 Stilwell Award, recognizing their outstanding contributions to education technology. This prestigious award, named after Dr. William E. Stilwell, highlights individuals who have made lasting impacts on K-12 education. These honorees exemplify dedication to empowering Kentucky’s students through technology.

Celebrating the 2023-2024 Stilwell Award Winners: Jeff Sebulsky, Elaine Harrison Lane, and Charlotte Chowning
Group photo of the 2023-24 Stilwell Award winners, featuring five individuals holding plaques. The group includes leaders and supporters of Kentucky's Student Technology Leadership Program (STLP), smiling together in a classroom setting. The individuals at the center are honored for their contributions to the program over the years, and they are wearing distinctive red suspenders, symbolizing the award.

From left: David Couch (Associate Commissioner of Education), Jeff Sebulsky (STLP Statewide Lead), Charlotte Chowning (KETS Engineer), Elaine Harrison-Lane (retired STLP Statewide Lead), and Robin Kinney (recent Interim Commissioner of Education)

The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) is proud to announce the 2023-2024 recipients of the prestigious Stilwell Award: Jeff Sebulsky, Elaine Harrison Lane, and Charlotte Chowning. This award, one of the highest honors in the realm of education technology in Kentucky, celebrates individuals who have made a profound impact on K-12 education through their tireless commitment to advancing technology in schools.

This year’s recipients reflect the massive success of the Student Technology Leadership Program (STLP), which is celebrating its 30th anniversary. The surprise announcement of the award took place during a regular monthly Office of Education Technology staff meeting in Frankfort, KY. Associate Commissioner of Education, David Couch, and recent interim Commissioner of Education, Robin Kinney, congratulated the awardees, further emphasizing the significance of their contributions to Kentucky’s education technology landscape.

The Legacy of Dr. William E. Stilwell

The Stilwell Award holds deep significance within the educational community, named in honor of Dr. William E. Stilwell, the first recipient and a trailblazer in the field of educational technology. Dr. Stilwell, an emeritus faculty member at the University of Kentucky’s College of Education, was renowned for his dedication to enhancing educators’ access to modern technology. His work managing LISTSERVs and supporting faculty reflected his commitment to creating bridges between higher education and K-12 schools across the Commonwealth.

Dr. Stilwell’s influence extended beyond his tenure at UK. Even after retiring, he continued to operate the K-12 LISTSERV, demonstrating his unwavering dedication to helping K-12 students, teachers, and administrators. As David Couch, Associate Commissioner for KDE’s Office of Education Technology Services, stated, “Bill was the unsung hero who went above and beyond in the area of education technology, continuing to support K-12 long after his formal career had ended.” In his signature red suspenders, Dr. Stilwell made it a tradition to surprise new award recipients during annual KY K-12 webcasts.

Since its inception in 2008, the Stilwell Award has been a testament to outstanding service in education technology. It recognizes the tireless efforts of individuals who, like Dr. Stilwell, work behind the scenes to ensure that Kentucky’s teachers and students have access to the tools and resources they need to thrive in a digital world.

Honoring the 2023-2024 Stilwell Award  Recipients

 

Jeff Sebulsky

Jeff Sebulsky, the current statewide Program Lead for the Student Technology Leadership Program (STLP), has held this position since 2013. Under his leadership, STLP has experienced the largest expansion of opportunities for students in its history. Sebulsky has been the architect behind this growth, ensuring that students across Kentucky have access to meaningful technology experiences that develop their leadership, technical skills, and creativity. Through his vision, STLP has become a model of student empowerment and innovation, allowing thousands of students to showcase their talents and solve real-world problems through technology.

Sebulsky attributes the success of STLP to the unwavering support of the Office of Education Technology (OET) staff, who ensure reliable and equitable access to technology in schools across Kentucky. Additionally, the hundreds of STLP Coaches at the school level, district Ed Tech staff (including CIOs, DLCs, and Network/Technical staff), and the thousands of STLP volunteers all play critical roles in making the program thrive. Their collective dedication has allowed STLP to grow into a nationally recognized, best-in-the-nation program for Kentucky’s K-12 students.

Jeff Sebulsky and Elaine Harrison-Lane, two key figures of Kentucky’s Student Technology Leadership Program (STLP), are seated together smiling during an interview. Jeff is wearing a light blue plaid jacket and glasses, while Elaine is dressed in a Kentucky STLP t-shirt. Behind them are colorful banners promoting Kentucky Academic Standards for Technology, featuring messages like 'Global Collaborator' and 'Digital Citizen.

Current and past STLP Statewide Leads, Jeff Sebulsky and Elaine Harrison-Lane.

Elaine Harrison Lane

Elaine Harrison Lane served as the STLP leader for 15 years, from 1998 to 2013, and is recognized for her visionary leadership that transformed STLP into a program offering students cutting-edge opportunities in technology. Lane expanded STLP beyond project-based learning models by integrating digital arts through internet-based competitions. This innovation allowed more schools and students across Kentucky to participate and thrive.

Lane’s contributions also include developing the STLP Engineer program, which placed high school students in leadership roles at statewide events and even international conferences. Many of these STLP Engineers have gone on to successful careers in technology fields, often citing their experience as a key factor in shaping their future. Additionally, Lane launched the first STLP State Championship at Rupp Arena, establishing the now-iconic “regional, semi-final, and state champion” structure that continues to drive student excellence today.

Beyond technical achievements, Lane was committed to inclusivity. She encouraged schools to welcome as many students as possible into STLP, recognizing the importance of belonging and affiliation within the program. Her legacy is a program where all students, regardless of background, could find a place to excel and grow.

Charlotte Chowning

Charlotte Chowning has been a pivotal figure in the Office of Education Technology and STLP for the program’s entire 30-year history. She was an integral part of the initial implementation of the Kentucky Education Technology System (KETS), which made Kentucky the first state in the U.S. to connect every school to high-speed, reliable internet access. As a member of the KETS Engineer team, Chowning has been the direct point of contact for district education technology leaders, guiding them through numerous landmark initiatives led by KDE.

Throughout her career, Chowning worked hand in hand with other STLP pioneers to ensure that all educational experiences were grounded in Kentucky’s Academic Standards for Learning, always keeping students at the heart of technology integration. She has navigated the ever-changing landscape of technology innovation with a keen eye, ensuring that technology in classrooms remains a tool for elevating student learning in the hands of the best teachers.

Chowning’s ability to bridge the technical and instructional aspects of education technology has been instrumental in reaching all types of learners across Kentucky. Her work has played a crucial role in maintaining Kentucky’s position as one of the top states for education technology implementation. She remains a staunch advocate for educational technology, having contributed to nearly every major milestone in Kentucky’s educational technology journey.

Continuing the Tradition of Innovation

This year’s honorees—Sebulsky, Lane, and Chowning—continue the legacy of innovation and dedication that the Stilwell Award represents. Their collective work has made a lasting impact on the educational landscape of Kentucky, ensuring that technology remains a key driver of educational success across the state. From developing critical technology resources to supporting educators in their integration of digital tools, these individuals embody the spirit of Dr. Stilwell’s vision for education technology.

As we celebrate these remarkable leaders, we honor not only their achievements but also the ongoing commitment of educators across Kentucky to use technology as a means of empowering students and transforming education. The Stilwell Award serves as a reminder that innovation, dedication, and collaboration are at the heart of educational success in the 21st century.

Congratulations to the 2023-2024 Stilwell Award winners! Your work continues to inspire and uplift the teachers, students, and administrators of Kentucky.