Gateways, Not Gatekeepers

Jennifer Hanlon Patterson

Director, Research and Sponsored Programs
Office of Research and Graduate Studies

Presentation: "Empowering Faculty Success: ORGS Grants and Resources"

Abstract: The Office of Research and Graduate Studies is committed to fostering faculty excellence in research and creative activities. Through its internal grants program, ORGS offers targeted funding opportunities designed to support projects at various stages of development. Key programs include Research and Creative Activity, or RCA, and Jack Science and Technology Acquisition and Retention grants, which provide substantive support for significant research and artistic endeavors; Research Pilot Study grants, tailored to initiate projects aimed at securing external funding; and STARs, which provides support for capital research expenditures. We also offer a variety of mini grants that support data collection, material acquisition, as well as travel to academic conferences for scholarly/creative presentations. In this session, we will provide information about grant eligibility, application processes and funding priorities while learning strategies to maximize their success through ORGS internal grant programs.

Dr. Marigold Hudock

Assistant Professor
Department of Human Services and Educational Leadership

Presentation: "Gendered Bullying in the Ivory Tower"

Abstract: While literature exists on the topic of faculty bullying, further work is needed to investigate faculty bullying as a gendered and systemic problem This presentation shares findings from a research study which uses Acker’s Theory of Gendered Organizations to examine the bullying experiences of women faculty within the unique context of a research-intensive institution. To examine these experiences, we employed the following research questions: 1) What does the gendered organizations framework reveal about bullying exhibited towards full-time faculty (tenure-track and non-tenured) women at a research-intensive institution? and 2) How do bullying experiences reflect gendered subtexts in a research-intensive setting? The five themes identified by the researchers were as follows: peer support, rewarding and punishing gendered work norms, incivility in connection with gender, division of labor and the ideal worker. Findings and implications shed light on the much-needed work to eradicate bullying by avoiding solely focusing on interpersonal relationships and instead seeking to understand larger systemic disruptions that facilitate bullying behavior.

Dr. Kevin Jones

Assistant Professor
Department of Education Studies

Presentation: "Empowering Undergraduates Through Collaborative Research: Strategies for Success"

Abstract: Engaging undergraduate students in research is a transformative experience that fosters critical thinking, collaboration and academic growth. This session provides actionable strategies for designing and implementing research opportunities that maximize student engagement and success. Drawing from practical experiences, the session explores key components of undergraduate research, including mentorship, project design, skill-building and dissemination of findings. Participants will learn how to align research projects with institutional goals, provide scaffolding to support students with diverse backgrounds, and incorporate reflective practices to deepen learning. Emphasis will be placed on addressing common challenges such as time constraints, resource limitations and balancing mentorship with other responsibilities. Additionally, participants will examine approaches for involving students in publishing and presenting their work to build their academic profiles and career trajectories. This session is ideal for faculty and staff seeking to empower undergraduate students through meaningful research collaborations, create inclusive research environments and contribute to the advancement of knowledge within their disciplines.

Dr. Cynthia Kilpatrick

Director
Center for Teaching and Learning

Presentation: "Building a SoTL-based Research Portfolio"

Abstract: This presentation focuses on the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) as a viable means to build a research portfolio. While SoTL has gained popularity in recent years, SoTL publications are still not uniformly accepted as serious contributions toward tenure and promotion. However, there are many reasons why SoTL can be a gateway to building faculty success in research that is both impactful and influential. In particular, engaging in the scholarship of teaching and learning can help create professional growth opportunities that allow faculty to not only more effectively share their passions with students, but also build an extensive research program. In this session, we will clarify the difference between SoTL and scholarly teaching, examine a variety of reasons why SoTL is important, and explore several principles of good practice in SoTL. Finally, we will discuss building a case for SoTL contributions as part of a tenure and promotion file, as well as evaluating SoTL contributions as examples of rigorous scholarship.

Dr. Nicole Letchworth

Assistant Professor
Department of Education Studies

Presentation: "AI-Powered Course Design: Elevating Engagement and Content for the Modern Classroom"

Abstract: In today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape, AI offers transformative tools to enhance course design and student engagement. This session will guide faculty through the process of building courses—whether online or face-to-face—using AI from the ground up. Participants will learn how to create a comprehensive content roadmap aligned with textbooks and key topics, ensuring a cohesive structure that meets learning outcomes. We’ll then dive into developing detailed module plans, designing individual lessons, and integrating engaging, meaningful assignments that align with module objectives and effectively measure student learning. Faculty will walk away with practical strategies and AI-driven tools to streamline course creation, foster deeper student engagement, and improve instructional efficiency. Whether you’re new to AI or looking to refine your approach, this session will equip you with actionable insights to revolutionize your course design.

Meaghan Morton

Customer Relationship Management Coordinator
Office of Admissions

Kevin Davis

Associate Director of Admissions
Office of Admissions

Presentation: "Leveraging Slate for your department’s recruitment efforts"

Abstract: In today's competitive higher education landscape, effective communication is essential for student recruitment, engagement, and retention. This presentation will dive into the capabilities of Slate, a powerful CRM-platform, and demonstrate how it can support their department’s goals. Key topics will include academic email campaigns for recruitment, which allow for targeted and personalized communication with prospective students, and the event feature, which streamlines the planning and execution of departmental events such as open houses, workshops, and speaker series, and the communications attached to them. By leveraging these tools, faculty and staff can enhance outreach efforts, track engagement, and analyze data to improve future initiatives. Attendees will leave with a better understanding of how Slate can strengthen connections with prospective students and provide actionable insights to support academic success. Whether new to Slate or looking to expand its use, attendees will gain practical strategies to maximize the platform’s potential in their department.

Dr. Jannah Nerren

Professor and Chair
Department of Education Studies

Presentation: "Charting Your Path: Strategic Navigation of Higher Education Leadership"

Abstract: This interactive session will discuss the landscape of higher education leadership through the lens of an experienced administrator who has both held key leadership positions in colleges of education and mentored aspiring leaders. Drawing from personal experience and others’ success stories, this interactive session explores the various leadership opportunities within academia and provides strategic insights for career advancement. Participants will discuss ways to identify, prepare for, and take advantage of leadership opportunities while developing essential skills and competencies. The session offers practical approaches to building professional capacity and creating a personalized roadmap for leadership development in higher education.

Dr. Heather Olson Beal

Professor
Department of Education Studies

Presentation: "Documenting Your Scholarly Success: Tracking Scholarly Impact with Google Scholar"

Abstract: Tracking and showcasing scholarly contributions is crucial for faculty seeking to earn tenure, achieve promotion and increase visibility in their field. Publications and citations, essential metrics in academia, are the primary way in which scholars disseminate their empirical work and contribute to their academic fields. Because the quantity and quality of publications denote one’s research productivity and expertise, faculty should carefully consider how they plan to demonstrate the impact and reach of their contributions to the field. In this session, the presenter will highlight the benefits of setting up and maintaining a Google Scholar profile. This tool allows faculty to monitor their citations and document the impact of their scholarship. A Google Scholar profile is a type of digital portfolio that faculty can use to present their work to colleagues, administrators, funding bodies and potential employers. Attendees will learn how to set up their profiles, add their work and frequent collaborators, and leverage this information for tenure and promotion, annual administrative evaluations and grant applications. By the end, attendees will understand how a Google Scholar profile can help advance their careers and increase visibility of their scholarship.

Presentation: "Joining SFA-based Employee Organizations: Finding Connections and Opportunities"

Abstract: Joining employee-based organizations at SFA can provide promising avenues for faculty and staff to break down gatekeeping mechanisms and institutional barriers and promote professional growth. This session will focus on three employee organizations at SFA:  the Organization for Women’s Leadership and Excellence, the East Texas chapter of the Texas Association of Black Professionals in Higher Education and the University Women’s Club. Engagement in these organizations can provide opportunities for staff and faculty at all ranks to connect with other employees from across campus, share experiences, learn about internal and external opportunities, seek advice and wisdom, and access existing resources to support their professional goals and personal well-being. Faculty members Drs. Olson Beal and Nerren and staff members Emily Dodson and Beverly Morehouse, elected officers of three campus-based organizations, will share information about how to join their organization, details about their organization’s mission and objectives and what new members can expect upon joining. Attendees will learn how these organizations can empower employees, create connections, and hopefully enhance employee retention, job satisfaction and commitment to the institution.

Rebekah Raney

Compliance Coordinator
Office of Research and Graduate Studies

Dr. Emmrentie Oliphant

Professor
School of Social Work

Presentation: "What is the IRB?"

Abstract: Many faculty have applied for a IRB approval during their graduate or post graduate work. However, some may have not applied for a IRB before or it has been several years since their last application. Applying for a proposal can be scary the first few times, but we are here to make that process easy for you. We would explain what the IRB is, and the importance of the IRB for the faculty and the students. What makes an application a full, expedited or exempt review and how to start a proposal in Cayuse. Most questions we receive are based on the risk of the proposal, and when children and protected participants are involved. Because these can be difficult pathways to navigate, we encourage faculty and staff to always give us a call or email us to clarify any questions they might have. We will also provide tips to submit a good application.

Dr. Amanda Rudolph

Professor
Department of Education Studies

Presentation: "Service: Navigating Expectations from Hiring through Promotion"

Abstract: This presentation will define service for higher education professionals including reasons and rationales for service. Levels and types of service will be discussed. Strategies for balancing service with other responsibilities and strategies for obtaining service positions will be shared. Participants will get practical tips and tricks to managing service from hiring all the way through promotion to full professor.

Dr. Keilea Sumrall

Assistant Professor
Department of Kinesiology and Health Science

Dr. Linda Bobo

Professor
Department of Kinesiology and Health Science

Presentation: "You Know You?: Utilizing True Colors to Discover Who You Are, An Introduction"

Abstract: This session will introduce “True Colors, Personal Awareness and Success Training” and offer a glimpse into the evidence-based research supporting this proprietary methodology that distills complex temperament theory into practical tools and actionable programs. We will identify the four colors — orange, gold, green and blue — that differentiate the four primary personality types and illuminate how these types best interact with each other. This self-identification creates a transparency that can dismantle barriers to building relationships in and out of the classroom. If we can better understand ourselves and others, we could achieve a better understanding of the “why” behind behavioral issues within an organization or even in a classroom. We will showcase the focus areas within the training, share how we are using this model to enhance student engagement and conduct research within our own academic professional program, and demonstrate how each attendee can take part in this training here at SFA. This session aims to engage faculty interested in professional development that can foster peer-to-peer and faculty-to-student relationships, perhaps directly influencing retention of all parties. Moreover, support the relevance of self-discovery that could enhance one’s teaching techniques.

Megan Weatherly

Executive Director
Lumberjack Learning Commons

Presentation and Panel: "From Faculty to Leadership: Intentional Journeys and Unexpected Paths"

Panelists include:

• Dr. Michele Harris
  • Associate Dean, College of Sciences and Mathematics
• Dr. Joyce Johnston
  • Associate Dean, College of Liberal and Applied Arts
• Dr. Cynthia Kilpatrick
  • Director, Center for Teaching and Learning
• Christina Wilson
  • Director, Office of Institutional Effectiveness

Abstract: Some faculty actively seek administrative roles, while others unexpectedly find themselves in leadership. Regardless of the path, both groups face the challenge of transitioning from the classroom to broader institutional decision-making. This panel brings together academic leaders who took different routes into administration but share a common thread—leveraging their faculty experience to enact change. Panelists will discuss the skills that served them well, the professional development that proved invaluable, and the moment they recognized administration as a leap worth taking. They’ll also reflect on how stepping into leadership transformed their perspectives on institutional priorities and higher education’s evolving landscape. Whether you’re exploring leadership opportunities, considering administration in the future, or simply curious about the journey, this session offers candid insights into the rewards, challenges, and unexpected lessons of the faculty-to-administrator transition.