In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized (subject to certain rules and regulations).

Oakland City University
138 N. Lucretia St
Oakland City, Indiana, 47660
United States

Annabelle Lansdale

Born in Evansville, twenty-year-old Annabelle Lansdale is a student at Oakland City University. She is a student in the Criminal Justice program and a Soccer player. However, her 15-year passion for riding horses has led her to a rare calling that. touches the lives of individuals who find such an activity something only the wealthy do for sport. That passion is providing equestrian lessons for low-income families. Annabelle is an instructor at Signal Knob Equestrian Center. A job in description only, she has held since 2021, all while competing on the soccer field and in the classroom at OCU. Also, she has been an academic intern at Ziemer, Stayman, Weitzel & Shoulders, LLP in Evansville, IN, since 2019. Annabelle was honored as Yelp's “Top Horse-Riding Program in Evansville.” Her program was featured in Evansville Living Magazine’s January/February 2023 edition.

Hector Will

Dr. Hector E. Will is an Assistant Professor at Oakland City University. He received his Ph.D. in Physics Education from Purdue University and his undergraduate degree in Electronics Engineering from the Honduras University of Technology. Dr. Will has worked in designing and implementing technology-supported physics curricula for K-16 settings. He is particularly interested in using model-based, technology-enhanced learning methods of instruction to promote effective learning of physics concepts. Dr. Will's expertise in data algorithms for software development, physical computing, and machine learning has proven invaluable in developing cutting-edge curricula that engage students and enhance their understanding of complex scientific concepts. His research focuses on developing novel curricula for emerging topics in physics and technology. He is particularly interested in quantum computing and machine learning, and his research aims to promote the use of these new technologies in college-level education.

Jamie Teachenor

Multi-platinum singer/songwriter

Jamie Teachenor is an award-winning, multi-platinum singer/songwriter, and producer who has written songs for and recorded with major artists such as Luke Bryan, Blake Shelton, Trace Adkins, Montgomery Gentry, Collin Raye, Trisha Yearwood, Joey + Rory, Gretchen Wilson, Vince Gill, Warrant, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and rock-n-roll legend, Jerry Lee Lewis. As a singer, his first appearance on the charts was Blake Shelton’s 2003 hit single, Playboys of the Southwestern World, and as a songwriter, BlaineLarsen’s 2005 debut hit single, How Do You Get That Lonely—a song addressing teenage suicide. Recently, he appeared on the charts with Rory Feek's 2021 co-written release, Met Him in a Motel Room, featuring Trisha Yearwood. Teachenor found his place in American military history when he composed Semper Supra, the official anthem for the sixth and newest branch of our Armed Forces, the United States Space Force (adopted September 2022).

Jen Teachenor

Jen Teachenor is an author, novelist, educator, military spouse, and school administrator. She is the wife of multi-platinum singer/songwriter, Jamie Teachenor and the daughter-in-law of rock-a-billy artist and Hall Of Fame Inductee, Jim Teachenor. Together Jamie and Jen have two children, Charlie (16) and Lily (13) who keep them busy with football games and cheerleading competitions. She has been awarded the National Outstanding American Teacher Award, recognized by the Autism Society Of Middle Tennessee for her impact on the lives of students with Asperger's Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder, debuted as an Amazon Best-Seller in both paperback and Kindle with her novel, Beautiful Life, and was recognized with the Heart of the Family award by the 21st Space Wing atPeterson Air Force Base (now Peterson Space Force Base) for the work she has done for the armed forces community as a military spouse. Jen has an author spotlight on permanent display with Arkansas State University’s Hemingway-Pfeiffer Museum and Educational Center in Piggott, AR. The museum presented Jen with a commemorative quilt block from Ernest Hemingway’s wife, Pauline Pfeiffer, that Jen was asked to sign and date commemorating the release and national success of Beautiful Life. The museum–the location in which Ernest Hemingway wrote portions of his highly-acclaimed A Farewell to Arms in the 1930s–is an affiliate partner of the American Writers Museum in Chicago, IL. In 2014, coinciding with her best-selling novel, Jen was commissioned Kentucky Colonel by Governor Breshears for her achievements in the arts and education. Teachenor earned her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Oakland City University and her Master of Education: Educational Leadership from Lipscomb University. Over the last 20 years, Jen has served students and their families in many capacities, first as a teacher, then as a military spouse and school administrator. She served the United States Army as a Civilian Assistant Director of Child and Youth Services at Ft. Carson, CO - the largest military post in North America. She was commissioned as the opening Data and Assessment, Training, and Mentoring Coordinator for New Summit Charter Academy—a K-12 public charter academy in Colorado Springs, CO. Currently, she occupies the position of Assistant Principal at Merrol Hyde Magnet School (MHMS) in Hendersonville, TN. MHMS—a K-12 magnet school in Sumner County, TN—is a nationally accredited Paideia School for Creative and Critical Thinking. It is a 2-time National Blue Ribbon School, a 6-time TN Reward School, and in 2021 US News and World Report ranked MHMS as the #1 Best School in Tennessee and the #7 Best School in the Nation. Aside from finding her in classrooms or at her computer—writing fiction, Jen has appeared in multiple television shows and music videos including ABC's hit television series, Nashville. In 2018, she appeared in a special film production for the Colorado General Assembly and US Congress, advocating for greater accountability in public education. She continues to have an impact on students and has an unquenchable zeal for education and writing. Some of Jen’s highest praise came from Amazon, "Jen has exploded onto the scene with her Contemporary Fiction blend of love and tragedy along with her descriptive style of writing that paints such a vivid picture, it feels more like you're watching the story than reading it." The same can be said of her teaching style and contagious passion for teachers and students.

Laney Alsman

Laney is a lifelong resident of Newburgh and the oldest of four children. She is a Junior at Evansville Christian High School in Evansville, Indiana and a member of the National Honor Society, Choir, varsity cheer squad and more. Laney enjoys reading, volunteering, traveling with her family and singing with her Church Youth Group. Laney’s life goal is to spread the word and to spread awareness to others about the world around us and how to coexist in it.

Lonny Chapman

As a lifelong resident of the Evansville, Indiana area, Lonny has been married for 17 years to Nikki. They have two wonderful boys, Eli, 16, and Cooper, who will be 12 years old forever. Recently Lonny and Nikki became bereaved Parents of a Cancer patient. Happily, now a St Jude Children's Research Hospital Volunteer and Advocate, Lonny is currently back in his career of Elementary Education as a PE teacher with Evansville Christian School.

Megan Hill

Meet an extraordinary individual who is breaking barriers and carving out a path for herself in the world of STEM. As a first-generation college and transfer student, Meagan is a true pioneer, having returned to academia after a successful career in Sales and Marketing. Currently pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Materials Science and Engineering at the University of California, Riverside, Meagan has already made a name for herself as a Great Minds in STEM Scholar and National Science Foundation-funded undergraduate researcher. She specializes in 2D material thin films, a cutting-edge area of research that has enormous potential for technological innovation. Meagan is a proud woman in STEM and is passionate about advocating for underrepresented minorities in the field. She is a natural leader and mentor, always making time to help others, despite her busy schedule. She is also an entrepreneur, with a keen eye for identifying new opportunities and bringing them to fruition. Fall 2023 will see Meagan continue her academic journey as a graduate student in the PhD program for Materials Science Engineering at the University of California, Irvine. Her goal is to become a Materials Scientist and Engineer, shattering the glass ceilings that have traditionally limited women and minorities in the field. But Meagan's ambitions don't stop there. She is also an aspiring astronomer, driven by a deep fascination with the mysteries of the universe. With her bravery, grit, caring nature, and empathy, Meagan is a force to be reckoned with, inspiring others to pursue their passions and make their mark on the world.

Ruben West

Born in Topeka, Kansas, Dr. Ruben West has spoken to and trained groups and organizations worldwide while creating international influence and receiving global recognition for work in civility efforts. In 2016, Dr. West received the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award from President Barack Obama. In 2018, Dr. West received the Girma Wolde Giorgis (Former President of Ethiopia) Presidential Award for being a Human Conservationist. In 2019, he received the Sydney Alicock (Vice President of Guyana) Global Humanitarian Award. In 2019 Dr. West was awarded the 2019 iChange Nations U.S. Civility Icon of the Year. Dr. West is the author and co-author of more than ten books, and he continues to be a sought-after voice for transformation and Ambassador for change. As CEO of R. West Enterprises, Dr. West created the Elite School of Surgical First Assisting training program and patented surgical devices which his company now sells and distributes. While serving in the U.S. Army, Dr. West was awarded the • Army Commendation Medal • Army Liberation of Kuwait Medal and more. Dr. West is a 9th Degree Black Belt in the Okinawan Shorin Ryu Karate. A 3rd Degree Black Belt World in the Matsubayashi Ryu Karate. In 2005 Dr. West was inducted in the U.S. Martial Arts Hall of Fame. EDUCATION: Dr. West holds a Ph.D. from The American Graduate University of Positive Psychology. A Ph.D. from the United Graduate College and Seminary. His Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice was achieved at Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas. He holds a Certification of Completion in the Surgical Technologist Program of the US Army Academy of Health Sciences in Fort Sam Houston, Texas.

Shadric Sutton

Shadric Sutton is a Senior at Oakland City University studying criminal justice with a concentration in forensic science. As an honors student, he aspires to, one day, be an investigator. At the age of eighteen, Shadric enlisted in the United States Army. Due to unforeseen circumstances, Shadric was given an honorable medical discharge. He went on to attend some college classes in the early 2000s. He did not achieve a degree but did find a passion for learning, cooking, and family. Shadric is a father to five wonderful children whom he adores. His oldest is eighteen, and his youngest is two years old.