Dramatically increasing student retention. Providing nearly 100 percent of faculty with the foundation for delivering excellent instruction. Demonstrating an enduring commitment to the success of all students.
These are just a few of the accomplishments of the seven colleges and universities that will be honored as “Movement Makers” at the Association of College and University Educators (ACUE)’s inaugural National Higher Education Teaching Conference (NHETC), June 22-23 in New York City. The honorees include The University of Southern Mississippi (USM).
“NHETC is an opportunity to explore the ways that all institutions can provide their students with high quality teaching through insightful plenary and concurrent sessions combined with the chance to have some fun and celebrate higher education leaders from around the country,” said Jonathan Gyurko, Ph.D., ACUE President and Co-founder. “It is fitting that these higher ed stars will be honored for their commitment to transforming the student learning experience through excellent instruction at our NHETC Awards Dinner, hosted by Tony & Grammy nominated Broadway star Max von Essen.”
The 2023 ACUE Movement Makers are:
Broward College: From when it first began collaborating with ACUE in 2018, Broward College had a clear vision to certify 500 faculty in five years and that goal was accomplished. Broward College is a five-time Aspen Finalist and attributes some of its success to equipping faculty with evidence-based teaching practices. In addition, Broward College has not missed an ACUE-certification “pinning ceremony” – even during COVID-19 closures, hosting first a drive-through event, then a virtual one and then a back in-person celebration.
California State University System: As the largest and most diverse higher ed system in the nation, the California State University shows an enduring commitment to the success of all its students and the foundational role that teaching plays in that commitment. Since 2016, individual campuses like California State, Los Angeles, and California, State, Northridge, in addition to the system as a whole, have partnered with ACUE to ensure that their faculty use the innovative, relevant, evidence-based teaching practices that place equitable student success at the forefront.
Miami Dade College: In fall 2015, Miami Dade College was an inaugural ACUE partner as one of its original pilot institutions, implementing ACUE modules with their faculty and helping to shape the experience for future colleges. In fact, they’ve made ACUE a part of their faculty’s tenure and promotion programs. Miami Dade College was awarded the prestigious Aspen Prize in 2019.
Rutgers University-Newark: Rutgers University-Newark’s investment in faculty and students impact through ACUE-certification began in 2016. Cohorts of Rutgers University-Newark faculty continue to earn their credential in effective college instruction through ACUE with transformative results.
Texas A&M System: Guided by the leadership of Associate Vice Chancellor Shonda Gibson Ph.D., the Texas A&M System is a model for how to scale instructional excellence for student success. With a clear vision and intentional implementation of ACUE programming, the Texas A&M System has engaged 1,310 faculty across its institutions. With an average faculty member teaching 120 students per year, this initiative has the potential to allow every student in the system to experience high-quality instruction. In addition, under the exemplary guidance of Dr. Laurette Foster and Dr. Shayla Wiggins, Prairie View A&M University’s Teaching Center stands as an exceptional model for propelling the systemwide initiative at the institutional level.
University of Arkansas, Pulaski Tech: Under the leadership of former Chancellor Margaret Ellibee, Ph.D., and current Chancellor Summer Deprow, Ph.D., the University of Arkansas, Pulaski Tech (UAPTC), credentialed 98 percent of its faculty. The result is significantly more students passing courses, fewer receiving DFW grades, and more attaining higher average course grades when taught by ACUE-Certified faculty – with Black and Latino students experiencing even greater gains. UAPTC serves as a model for community colleges with its comprehensive approach to student success through effective teaching.
University of Southern Mississippi: In the fall of 2016, University of Southern Mississippi (USM) faculty began taking ACUE microcredential courses. Today, more than 300 have participated across the university. With one out of every three full-time faculty ACUE-certified, USM is on track to ensure every student benefits from high-quality, evidence-based instruction in every class. USM is a leader in fully embracing ACUE in its culture.
Commenting on the ACUE “Movement Makers” recognition of the Texas A&M University System, Shonda Gibson, Ph.D., Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, said, “I am deeply honored to accept this prestigious ‘Movement Maker’ award on behalf of all of the universities across the Texas A&M University System. This recognition is a testament to the unwavering dedication and tireless efforts of our leadership, faculty and staff in providing exceptional instruction and fostering student success. We believe in the transformative power of education and are committed to continuously improving the learning experience for our students. This award reaffirms our commitment to excellence and motivates us to continue pushing boundaries, embracing innovative teaching practices, and making a positive impact in the lives of our students. Together, we will continue to be agents of change in higher education and empower the next generation of leaders, teachers, and learners.”
Honoree Miami Dade College’s President Madeline Pumariega concurred, “It is an honor to be named a ‘Movement Maker’ by the country’s leading organization dedicated to increasing retention and access for all students. This recognition validates the hard work and dedication of our faculty and staff to help students succeed and achieve their goals.” Limited registration is still available to join hundreds of higher education leaders from across the country – ranging from presidents, academic affairs leaders and faculty to policymakers and philanthropists – to address the policies and practices that must be advanced to center effective teaching in the nation’s success and equity agenda at NHETC 2023. For more information or to register, visit https://acue.org/national-higher-education-teaching-conference/.