UAFS Launches Center for Teaching and Learning
The University of Arkansas at Fort Smith (UAFS) is set to introduce a new Center for Teaching and Learning this fall. This strategic development aims to enhance faculty expertise and student engagement through innovative educational strategies, aligning with the university’s strategic plan pillars of academic excellence and student success.
The establishment of the center marks a significant investment in faculty development, ensuring that faculty members have the necessary tools to thrive in their academic pursuits. Chancellor Terisa Riley expressed her enthusiasm for the center, stating it was something she had hoped to create since her arrival in 2019.
The center’s launch follows a major investment from First National Bank of Fort Smith, which contributed 0,000 to endow the center. This contribution highlights the community’s commitment to advancing education and the university’s commitment to supporting its faculty.
As part of the center’s programming, UAFS will provide LinkedIn Learning access to every full-time faculty, staff, and student. This resource offers more than 16,000 online courses taught by industry experts, allowing faculty to enhance their skills and stay updated on the latest developments in their fields.
The center will initially be housed in the Boreham Library, which serves as the central learning hub on campus. The university is conducting a search for a teaching and learning fellow to spearhead the center’s collaborative programming efforts. This position will leverage internal and external expertise to enhance faculty development.
Provost Shadow Robinson emphasized the need for continuous faculty training following the pedagogical challenges introduced by the COVID-19 pandemic. The center’s focus on faculty development will contribute significantly to student success, ensuring that faculty stay equipped with the latest pedagogical innovations.
The university also plans to use assessment tools to gauge the center’s effectiveness in enhancing engagement and learning across the campus. This data-driven approach ensures that the center remains aligned with the university’s strategic goals.
Image: UAFS Campus
