SIUE’s Center for Faculty Development/Innovation Hosts Open House
An intellectual sanctuary and a place for creative and innovative work were just a few ways that the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Center for Faculty Development and Innovation (CFDI) was described during its open house, held on Thursday, Jan. 16 in Lovejoy Library.
SIUE Chancellor Randy Pembrook, and Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Denise Cobb were among many faculty, staff and supporters who came out to participate in the open house.
“This is a great location for a think tank, where faculty can work together, plan projects and research,” said School of Nursing (SON) Dean Laura Bernaix, PhD, RN. “When faculty are in their offices, they can get interrupted by students and administrators. The Center offers a home away from home to do creative, innovative work.”
The CFDI officially opened in January 2019, according to Lynn Bartels, PhD, director of faculty development and professor in the Department of Psychology.
“The idea has been around for a long time,” said Bartels. “It’s hard to trace back to when the idea was first introduced, but there have been many people pushing for it over the years.
“The purpose of the Center is to facilitate access to a wide range of development opportunities for faculty, as they build their careers at SIUE. Many universities have Teaching and Learning Centers. We have a broader mission, to support overall faculty success.”
“I’m able to come here and focus,” said Tim Jacks, associate professor in the School of Business’ Department of Computer Management and Information Systems. “Getting out of your normal office environment helps to stimulate your thinking, and helps to get you more creative and focused on work. When I come, I research and focus on writing. Writing for me is like pulling teeth, and I need to concentrate. Right now, I’m coming every couple of weeks, but would like to come more often.”
Elza Ibroscheva, PhD, associate provost, agrees that the CFDI is a good place to avoid interruptions. “It is an intellectual sanctuary,” she said. “It’s also good working here, because you have quick access to the library and can get back to your work station without major disruptions.”
A few of the CFDI’s short-term goals include:
- Increase awareness of the space
- Increase faculty participation in faculty development activities
- Continued collaboration with faculty development leaders from across campus
Bartels also listed long-term goals which include:
- Continue to develop new programs that meet the needs of faculty
- Identify and work to meet the needs of various faculty sub groups, such as mid-tenure faculty and STEM faculty
“The space signifies campus support for faculty professional development,” said Bartels. “It demonstrates that SIUE is committed to helping faculty succeed.”
Photo:
Attending the Center for Faculty Development and Innovation’s Open House are (left to right): Randy Pembrook, PhD, SIUE chancellor; Denise Cobb, PhD, provost and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs; Matt Paris, associate professor in the Lovejoy Library, Matt Schmitz, associate director of online and blended education in Informational Technology Services; Lynn Bartels, PhD, director of faculty development and professor in the Department of Psychology; Marie Klopfenstein, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Applied Health; Cathy Santanello, PhD, professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences in the School of Pharmacy; and Jocelyn DeGroot, PhD, associate professor and assistant chair in the Department of Applied Communication Studies.
