Jonesboro State Bank recently presented the Louisiana Tech University College of Education with a gift to support the new Call Me MiSTER program. The College of Education’s Call Me MiSTER (Mentors Instructing Students Toward Effective Role Models) program has a goal of expanding the pool of available teachers, including those from traditionally underrepresented populations in the field, such as African American males. Only 2 percent of teachers across America are African American males. Louisiana Tech was selected as the first university replication site for the program in the state of Louisiana. The program began at Clemson University in 2000 under the direction of Dr. Roy Jones. Since that time more than 200 students have graduated from the program. It has been recognized by ABC World News, Washington Post, USA Today, Newsweek, The Oprah Winfrey Show, and other professional journals and media. As graduates, students of Louisiana Tech’s Call Me MiSTER program are expected to teach in Louisiana the same number of years they receive financial assistance. “We in the College of Education at Louisiana Tech University are grateful for community partners such as Jonesboro State Bank for their continued support of meaningful and innovative educational experiences like Call Me MiSTER that transform lives and infuse communities with inspiration to engage and inspire the next generation of learners,” said COE dean Don Schillinger. “Jonesboro State Bank is a valued partner and supporter of the College of Education, and we are grateful for their ongoing support to our College’s programs,” said George Noflin, the program’s director at Tech. “This donation helps enhance the educational experience we deliver to our students and is very much appreciated.” For more information, contact Noflin at gnoflin@latech.edu or 318-257-3923.   Lindsey Keith-Vincent, lbkv@latach.edu, 318-257-2866