Select faculty from the four University of Missouri campuses are not only celebrating the graduation of their students this spring, they are also celebrating a graduation of their own. The 2014-2015 class of University of Missouri Faculty Scholars graduated on April 15, 2015.
The UMFS program brings together new faculty from the four campuses to collaborate and learn from one another about their new academic responsibilities and environments. It is designed to create a collegiate community and increase faculty collaboration and retention.
“The UMFS is currently the best and only way to really get to know a large number of our colleagues at all of the other institutions within the system,” said Brian Smith, associate professor in the Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Department at Missouri S&T. “I, and several others, have formed collaborations and made contacts that will lead to future collaborations. This benefit of the UMFS program cannot be understated.”
The program consists of three retreats througout the year and monthly forums that introduce participants to innovative teaching styles and theories.
“UMFS was a fantastic experience,” Jim Craig, associate teaching professor in the UMSL Department of Military and Veteran Studies said. “It gave me the opportunity to closely consider the concepts of course design, effective teaching, collaboration and connecting with students.”
Anyone interested in joining the next cohort can contact their provost office or the UM System Academic Affairs office at (573) 884-3360.
“I am very grateful for my experience with the University of Missouri Faculty Scholars program,” said Angela Brownfield, clinical assistant professor in the Division of Pharmacy Practice & Administration at UMKC. “Before the last retreat was even over, I was recommending it to a colleague in my division and thanking my dean and chair for allowing me to take advantage of this opportunity. The insight I gained in the areas of promotion, scholarship, instruction, and research will be invaluable as I move forward in my career.”
Reviewed 2015-04-21