Elizabeth Leishman: Empowered to Teach, Inspired to Make a Difference
For Elizabeth Leishman, receiving the Lonnie & Cheryl Smith Scholarship from Utah State University’s School of Teacher Education & Leadership has been a transformative experience, both financially and personally. As a senior in the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services, Elizabeth is preparing to graduate with a degree in secondary education, focusing on English.
With plans to teach in an inner-city school in Chicago, Elizabeth Leishman is turning her passion for education into action. The Lonnie & Cheryl Smith Scholarship is providing critical support as she transitions from student to teacher and prepares to make a meaningful difference in her future classroom.
“This scholarship has helped a lot,” Elizabeth shared. “It came at the perfect time — just as I’m getting ready to begin student teaching in the spring. I’ve been working full time since I started college, but I won’t be able to continue that as a student teacher. Not having to worry as much about tuition and fees during this time has reduced a huge amount of stress. It’s allowing me to focus fully on my last semester and graduate debt-free. Knowing I can dedicate my time and energy to teaching rather than finances has been life-changing.”
Expendable scholarships, like the Lonnie & Cheryl Smith Scholarship, play a vital role at USU. Unlike endowed scholarships, which provide funding over time, expendable scholarships use the full amount of the gift immediately to support students’ current needs. This immediacy allows students to cover tuition, fees, or living expenses during critical points in their education, enabling them to focus on learning, gain hands-on experience, and prepare to transition into careers.
Elizabeth’s path to teaching was shaped by her own experiences growing up.
“I grew up in a city with both affluent and underfunded areas,” Elizabeth said. “I saw friends fall behind because they didn’t have access to the resources they needed. That’s why I want to teach in schools where I can make a real difference. I want students to see that education can open doors and change their lives, whether through college, a trade school, or other opportunities.”
Elizabeth’s commitment to teaching is reinforced daily through practical experience.
“The secondary education program at USU is seriously the best,” Elizabeth said. “Two semesters of clinical experience have allowed me to learn and grow. It’s incredible to see how far I’ve come — from my very first lesson plans to now, during my last year of teaching. It can be intimidating to stand in front of a classroom, but the growth I’ve seen in myself affirms my confidence and love for teaching.”
Elizabeth’s inspiration also comes from the mentors and professors she’s encountered along the way.
“I’ve had the privilege of learning from professors who have taught across the country and from peers who are just as passionate about education,” Elizabeth said. “Every class, practicum, and interaction has reinforced my decision to become a teacher and shown me the impact one dedicated educator can have on students’ lives.”
Looking ahead, Elizabeth plans to begin her teaching career in an inner-city school in Chicago, with hopes of eventually moving further east.
“This scholarship will help me save money for my first year as a teacher, so I can focus on my students instead of worrying about finances,” Elizabeth said. “The first year of teaching is challenging on its own, and this support makes all the difference in helping me start my career strong.”
For Elizabeth, the Lonnie & Cheryl Smith Scholarship represents more than financial assistance — it embodies the encouragement and belief that donors have in the future of Utah State University’s students. Through gifts like these, students are empowered to pursue their passions, serve their communities, and carry forward the mission of USU’s Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services: to enrich lives and inspire meaningful change.
“Receiving this scholarship has reminded me that there are people who care about my success and want to see me thrive,” Elizabeth said. “I hope to honor that generosity every day in the classroom by inspiring my students to reach their full potential.”
Every gift to Utah State University has the power to transform a student’s journey. By supporting scholarships, programs, or special-use funds, you can help remove financial barriers and give students the freedom to focus on learning, growing, and achieving their dreams. Expendable scholarships provide immediate impact — funding awards that can be granted the same year or over several years. Create Your Aggie Impact today and help open doors to opportunity for the next generation of Aggies.
Contact
Gina Stonehouse
Education, Development Director
(435) 797-1992
gina.stonehouse@usu.edu