Most any encounter with curriculum, instruction and special education professor Nancy Verhoek-Miller is likely to end with the cheerful salutation "have a happy day!"
The longtime educator approaches every aspect of her career at MSU with the same infectious, chipper attitude—especially when it comes to teaching children's literature and reading.
Verhoek-Miller grew up in an environment in which she was immersed in reading and literature, and as she moved into her career, it was only natural that her passion would merge with her love of education and children.
For more than 21 years, she has been helping shape future teachers. More than 10 years ago, with the help of the Holmes Cultural Diversity Center, she started the annual children's reading conference to encourage children to read and develop a curiosity about the world around them.
"Books can open up whole new worlds to children and unlock their imaginations," Verhoek-Miller said. "Education is so priceless, and when you can share your love of education and reading with a child and they see how much you care, it is something they never forget."