Three longtime educators joined the Governor Louie B. Nunn Kentucky Teacher Hall of Fame during its 2025 induction ceremony on Friday, November 7, 2025, at Western Kentucky University. Members of the Hall of Fame's 17th class are the late Lois Chandler, Julie Cowan and Jennifer Miller Fritsch.
Cowan said she was surprised to receive the news that she had been selected. "My first thought was 'why me?' There are so many hard-working elementary teachers that are just as deserving." Cowan said. "Being a teacher is who I have always been. When I was little, I loved playing school and knew at an early age I wanted to be a teacher. Teaching young children has been a part of my daily life for over 33 years. Seeing students learn and grow is the greatest 'award' I will ever receive."
For 33 years, Julie Cowan has brought boundless creativity, compassion and joy to her kindergarten classroom. A graduate of Lindsey Wilson College and Western Kentucky University, Cowan currently teaches at Adair County Primary School and previously served at Colonel William Casey Elementary.
Known for her innovative "Kindergarten Bucket List," Cowan invites her students to dream big, and then helps make those dreams come true. From "Taco Tuesday" and "Clay Day" to ice cream parties and community projects, Cowan turns small wishes into lasting memories.
"Julie is one of the most compassionate, creative and dedicated educators our district has ever known," wrote a colleague who nominated her. "She's always thinking from the child's perspective and goes above and beyond to make them feel cared for and connected."
Parents echo those sentiments. One shared, "I never worried about my children while they were in Mrs. Julie's care. She has the perfect mixture of accountability, high expectations and compassion."
Cowan was previously named Outstanding Educator of the Year (2009) by the Columbia-Adair County Chamber of Commerce. Her induction into the Kentucky Teacher Hall of Fame honors a career that has inspired kindness, curiosity and confidence in countless young learners.
WKU President Timothy C. Caboni honored the inductees and recognized them for their combined total of 129 years in the classroom. "This honor recognizes far more than years of service. It recognizes their holistic contributions to their students and to our society. It honors their enduring legacies," he said.
"Julie Cowan, Jennifer Fritsch and the late Lois Chandler have served our children, our schools and our Commonwealth with tremendous distinction. They embody what it means to be an educator. They have shown us how one teacher can change the trajectory of countless lives."
Senator Mike Wilson, Senate Majority Caucus Whip, said he was privileged to be able to speak as we honor this year's inductees.
"In Frankfort, we believe teachers are the backbone of our great Commonwealth. In fact, none of us would be where we are today without a teacher," said Wilson. "The importance of their work cannot be celebrated enough."
Kentucky State Representative Kevin Jackson said teachers are "the heartbeat of our communities."
"We all have a teacher to thank for helping make us who we are today," said Jackson. "On behalf of the Kentucky House of Representatives, congratulations to newest inductees into the Kentucky Teacher Hall of Fame at WKU."
In a video message during the ceremony, Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman, a former teacher, expressed her gratitude to all who work in the field of education.
"Western Kentucky University has a long history of producing some of Kentucky's best teachers," said Coleman. "I tell young people that if they want to change the world, become a teacher. There is nothing you can do to change the trajectory of someone's life and their family's life for generations than to increase your educational level."
Dr. Corrine Murphy, Dean of College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, shared information on each of the honorees and recognized past inductees.
The Kentucky Teacher Hall of Fame, housed at WKU's College of Education and Behavioral Sciences in Gary Ransdell Hall, has inducted 50 outstanding educators since its first class was announced in 2008.
About the Kentucky Teacher Hall of Fame: The Governor Louie B. Nunn Kentucky Teacher Hall of Fame was established in 2000 through a generous gift from former Governor Nunn, aimed at honoring the essential contributions of Kentucky's classroom teachers and their positive impact on the state's economy. WKU was chosen as its home due to its century-long legacy in teacher education. Learn more at www.wku.edu/kythf.
