It’s not often that a student who dropped out of high school goes on to pursue a Ph.D., but that’s the story of Neag School of Education doctoral student Kristi Kaeppel. Kaeppel, who studies Adult Learning in the Learning, Leadership, and Educational Policy program, runs a blog called “That Wasn’t on the Syllabus” for the Graduate Certificate in College Instruction program as a graduate assistant. Her blog posts on college education trends and issues included one very personal to her experience: “What Being a High School Dropout Taught Me about Teaching.”

As part of her Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame acceptance speech Saturday night, UConn associate head coach Chris Dailey joked that coach Geno Auriemma sometimes accuses her of alerting referees to his use of foul language, thereby creating the possibility that he’ll get ejected so she can run the team. Not true, Dailey said. Also not true: “A lot of people think my full-time job is holding him back [on the sideline],” she said.

James E. “Jim” Main, who served the University of Nebraska for more than 17 years in various business and financial capacities, will bring his rich experience and background to the University of North Texas Dallas as executive vice president for administration & chief financial ffficer.

After numerous rounds of interviews and evaluating candidates, Peter Dart was recently named the new principal of Dorothy C. Goodwin Elementary School in Mansfield, Conn. With an extensive background in teaching for 22 years, as well as being a principal for six years, Dart was a strong candidate who caught the attention of teachers, parents and administrators early on.

Manchester High School English teacher Kelly Shea, described by a colleague as a “rock star,” has been named district teacher of the year.

Following a national search, Sterling College has appointed Yvette McDonnell as its dean of community and work. In her new role, McDonnell will oversee a broad range of programs and services that support the well-being and holistic education of Sterling College students.

The University of Connecticut will start offering what is believed to be the only full teacher preparation program in Mandarin Chinese in January. Already with what officials say is a robust World Language program, UConn would include Mandarin to a program that already turns out teachers of French, Spanish, German, Italian and Latin.

Kristi Carriero has been named Assistant Principal of New Canaan High School. She will begin her new position on July 1.

The Milford Board of Education appointed seasoned educator Anna Cutaia as superintendent of schools. Cutaia, superintendent of schools for Regional District 14, which encompasses Bethlehem and Woodbury, and former director of elementary education in Fairfield, will take the reins of the city’s school system around Aug. 1.

“It’s a moral hazard issue — a devil’s bargain,” Preston Green, a professor of education leadership and law at the University of Connecticut, said after reviewing the contract between the school and K12. “These districts need the money, are responsible for these students but the students are not a part of them. The question becomes: How concerned is the district going to be? It just doesn’t have the incentive to focus on these students. They’re just dollars to them.”