Four Albany State University (ASU) professors have been selected to participate in the inaugural Chancellor’s Learning Scholars program by the University System of Georgia.

The Chancellor’s Learning Scholars will assist in facilitating Faculty Learning Communities, which provide an opportunity for faculty and staff to enhance their understanding of a topic related to teaching and learning.

“Faculty Learning Communities are an ideal venue for meeting like-minded faculty who are taking this opportunity to share ideas, to exchange view points and to learn more about the art of teaching and learning through meaningful conversations,” said Dorene Rojas Medlin, associate professor and director of the ASU Center for Faculty Excellence. “The conversations should support the Center for Faculty Excellence’s vision: to have a transformative impact on faculty development through targeted support and training.”

Each of the 26 USG institutions nominated faculty members to serve as program representatives. The ASU scholars include:

Kelley Castro, assistant professor, radiologic science; radiologic science program director

Erica DeCuir, associate professor, teacher education; director of the Academy for Future Teachers

Uzoma Okafor, assistant professor, chemistry and forensic science

Mark Thomas, assistant professor, psychology

“The faculty chosen as Chancellor's Learning Scholars exemplify the excellent quality of faculty at ASU,” said Raj Parikh, interim provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at ASU. “We hope this will attract more students who are serious about getting a high quality education that prepares them for careers or graduate school.”

Scholars will meet regularly to learn more about areas of interest and gather insight that will help inform changes in their teaching practice. Program workshops include small teaching, pedagogy and course design, among others.

The Faculty Learning Communities at ASU will begin during the spring 2019 semester.