President Charlie Shields | Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
President Charlie Shields | Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Governor Michael L. Parson has appointed two new members to the State Board of Education. Tawni Hunt Ferrarini, Ph.D., from St. Charles, and Thomas G. Prater, M.D., from Springfield, have been selected to join the board, pending confirmation by the Missouri Senate.
“Tawni and Tom are clearly engaged in the education community and committed to serving others, so we look forward to welcoming them to the State Board and working with them to serve students, educators, and schools statewide,” said Commissioner of Education Margie Vandeven.
Dr. Ferrarini has been the Robert W. Plaster Professor of Economic Education at Lindenwood University's Hammond Institute since August 2017. She collaborates with the College of Education and Human Services to develop programs that enhance economics education across Missouri. Her academic background includes a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale and master's and doctorate degrees in economics from Washington University in St. Louis.
Dr. Ferrarini replaces Donald Claycomb of Linn on the board. Claycomb's term expired in July 2021, but he continued serving until a replacement was named. “As a former educator, Don has a passion for public education that is evident and we thank him for continuing his service to Missouri students and teachers by serving on the State Board,” said State Board of Education President Charlie Shields.
Dr. Prater is certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology with a specialization in LASIK and cataract surgery at Mattax-Neu-Prater Eye Center in Springfield since 1987. He has also held leadership roles as President of both the Springfield Public Schools Board of Education and the Community Foundation of the Ozarks.
His educational credentials include a bachelor's degree in chemistry from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, followed by a medical degree from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.
Dr. Prater takes over from Peter F. Herschend of Branson on the board; Herschend’s term ended in July 2023 after being reappointed in 2018 following an initial appointment dating back to December 1991. “Peter is a persistent champion for public education, and we cannot thank him enough for his service on the board and his commitment to the children in Missouri,” remarked Shields.
The terms for Drs. Ferrarini and Prater will expire on July 1, 2029, and July 1, 2031, respectively.
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