Identity and the "first" phenomenon. We often think of being first gen as a hurdle to overcome, but Dr. Patterson challenges us to view it as a unique form of cultural and personal capability. From navigating imposter syndrome to redefining what success looks like, we must re-evaluate our understanding of the first-gen identity. A student’s success isn't a solo mission; it requires a "village" of support. How can families serve as cheerleaders when we haven't personally walke

One of the elements that drew me to the campus was its motto and the three pillars of faith, knowledge, and service. At the university, this statement is more than words; it is reflected in actions that benefit both students and the wider community. One expression of that commitment is a series of service events held throughout the year, culminating in a campus-wide day of service called One Day, One Dog. Many of these engagement efforts are shaped through the strategic plann

Every semester, college students put hours of effort into completing assignments, writing papers, and finishing group projects. But when it comes time to sit down in front of a recruiter, a strange disconnect happens. Most students can easily explain what the assignment was, but they struggle to articulate the actual skills they developed while doing it. In this episode of Beyond the Syllabus: Pedagogy and Purpose, titled "Cracking the Career Code: What Employers Actually Wan

What happens when purpose meets purpose? The answer is the ideal next guest for your podcast . I have had the privilege of hearing Dr. Benjamin Sammons, our university chaplain, speak at several campus events. His words always make a lasting impression, skillfully combining biblical proverbs with real-life scenarios involving students, faculty, and staff. This blend leaves audiences in deep reflection. Dr. Sammons communicates with a calm tenor, and his presence brings a sen

The Evolution and Inspiration Behind the Series A desk with dual microphones and materials for podcast recording I’ve always been a storyteller. It started back in high school, fueled by a journalism teacher named Mr. Giuliani. He was the one who first ignited that yearning to dig deeper, to find the "why" behind the "what," and to understand that everyone has a narrative worth telling. I followed that curiosity all the way to a degree in broadcast journalism and eventually

Episode 1: "Teaching to Transfer" Have you ever noticed how certain people just click ? There’s this inevitable common thread that weaves us together, whether it’s a shared belief, a similar "in the trenches" experience, or just a mutual passion for what we do. In the world of academia, those threads are everywhere. We find them at workshops and late-night conference mixers that act like a loom, weaving together new ideas that eventually change how we show up for our students

Episode 2: Name and Claim: Helping Students Own Their Expertise “Who is this firecracker?!” That was the first thought that popped into my head when I met Dr. Mary Jordan . She stepped into our campus Career Services division after the team had been vacant for quite a while, and let me tell you, she didn't just fill the office; she electrified it. Mary doesn't just talk; she speaks with intention. Every word is focused on what our students actually need to survive and thrive