Ellionna Coppage ’25 named Outstanding Islander Graduate for the College of Education and Human Development

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Some people are born to teach, but it’s just a question of when they discover their calling. Ellionna Coppage ’25 knows exactly when that moment came.

“My passion for teaching started in second grade,” Coppage said. “Even before I fully understood the field of education, I was fascinated by my teachers’ daily routines.”

Her journey since then, marked with hardship and hope, has led her to become the Spring 2025 Outstanding Islander Graduate for the College of Education and Human Development. She will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education on Saturday, May 17, during the university’s largest commencement ceremony in history.

“Ellionna possesses wisdom and emotional intelligence beyond her years,” said Dr. Susan Elwood, Associate Professor of Curriculum Instruction and Learning Sciences. “She has truly been one of the most talented, academically inclined, and perseverant students I have had in a class.”

While Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi may now feel like the perfect place for Coppage to pursue her dreams, her path to becoming an Islander began with a difficult chapter. Before enrolling, she, her mother, and her sister made the courageous decision to leave a challenging home environment in Leander, Texas, and move into her grandparents’ home in Corpus Christi.

That transition, however, was not without its challenges. Coppage’s mother soon developed health problems. Around the same time, her grandmother was diagnosed with a rapidly progressing case of Alzheimer’s disease.

“Many nights were spent either caring for my mother or searching for my grandmother when she wandered away,” Coppage said. “Through it all, I silently battled severe trauma, anxiety, depression, and the lasting effects of mental abuse. Despite these hardships, I remained committed to my education, refusing to let my circumstances define my future.”

Coppage’s passion for teaching is matched by her enthusiasm for technology. During her time in the Islander Residency educator preparation program, she actively integrated artificial intelligence into her student teaching to enhance engagement and support literacy development.

“No matter the class size or the diverse needs of its students, I aim to leverage technology to create a more inclusive and effective learning environment for all,” Coppage said.

Coppage also had the opportunity to present her work on the topic of technology in the classroom at two regional conferences. During her time as an Islander, she also volunteered as a tutor and was a member of the SSS-Teacher Prep program.

Her commitment to her studies has been marked with membership in several honor societies, including the National Society of Leadership and Success, Kappa Delta Pi, The Society for Collegiate Leadership and Achievement, and the National Society of Collegiate Scholars.

“Ellionna is an outstanding student with an enthusiasm for teaching and learning,” said Dr. Tracy Harper, Assistant Professor of Reading. “As a student, she has excelled in her classwork and sought out new opportunities. She is a great example of the exceptional teachers that we strive to develop in our Teacher Education program.”

Harper is one of several faculty members Coppage has seen as a mentor during her time at the Island University. It’s a group for which Coppage said she will always be grateful for their guidance and support.

“Their encouragement, wisdom, and belief in me have helped me push forward in the face of adversity,” Coppage said.

Faith has also played an important role in Coppage’s time at TAMU-CC. In 2023, she joined a Christian student group to connect with similarly minded Islanders. It was through that fellowship that Coppage experienced what she describes as her single favorite memory from her time at TAMU-CC.

“One cloudy afternoon, we gathered on top of the parking garage, singing praises to God,” Coppage said. “As we sang, the clouds slowly parted above us and a beam of sunlight broke through, shining on our group. It truly felt as if God was shining His light on us.”

Coppage is considering pursuing a Master of Science in Instructional Design and Educational Technology in the future. In the meantime, she plans to substitute teach in school districts across Texas and beyond as she searches for a place to put down roots. With this part of her journey nearly complete, Coppage has a hard time recognizing the person who took those first steps onto the Island University campus.

“I’ve changed so much since I first became an Islander,” Coppage said. “I am confident, purposeful, and no longer see myself as a byproduct of my tribulations. I have never been more certain of the path ahead.”