Inspire Minds

Teaching, Learning, and Scholarship

Blue light bulb with a yellow gear and light rays, symbolizing innovation and creative problem-solvingOur teacher-scholar model reflects an integrated approach, recognizing the interconnected relationship between teaching, learning, and scholarship. Faculty enrich student learning by integrating research, creative activity, and community engagement into their teaching, fostering innovative academic programs, critical thinking, and hands-on experiences. Students take initiative, collaborate, and bring their learning to life in classrooms, labs, studios, communities, and beyond. This model affirms the intrinsic value of scholarship that occurs outside the classroom by all members of the ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ community, independent of direct student involvement. Such contributions are vital to intellectual and professional growth, improve teaching, and achieving ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ’s mission. Informed by meaningful assessment, our approach ensures that student learning remains deep, relevant, and impactful. This is how ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ transforms education into lasting change on campus, in our communities, and in our lives. By recognizing that teaching and scholarship strengthen one another, ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ fosters a dynamic learning environment that prepares students for lifelong learning and meaningful real-world contributions.

Goals:

  1. Develop and effectively communicate clear, structured, and inclusive pathways that empower ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ community members to engage in scholarly, professional,and creative activities across multiple disciplines.
  2. Create data-informed, innovative new undergraduate and graduate academic programs and modalities that meet student and market demand.
  3. Demonstrate the unique attributes of student academic experiences and competitive advantages provided to ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ graduates through an innovative general studies curriculum, life-transforming educational opportunities, and experiences in the majors.
  4. Ensure high standards of curricular and pedagogical quality through continuous improvement informed by meaningful assessment.

Priority Co-Leads & Action Team Leads

  • Amanda Norvell, Academic Affairs, Co-Lead 
  • Rosa Perez-Maldonado, Academic Affairs, Co-Lead 
  • Stacey O’Brien, Administration & Finance 
  • Heather Swenson Brilla, Community Engagement 
  • Justine Ciraolo, Facilities & Operations 
  • Alaina Walton, Academic Affairs
  • Ed Wuillermin, University Advancement 
  • Anthony Thomas, Student Affairs  
  • Karen James, Information Technology Services 

³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ professor engaging with students in a classroom, with students listening and working on laptops.

³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ art student smiling while painting at an easel in a studio, with a color wheel and portrait artwork in the background.

Two ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ nursing students sitting at a table and looking at their laptops