Grants help advance technical education and promote faculty collaboration and growth
Dunwoody College’s Office of the Provost recently announced its 2018 Crosby Fellowships for Learning Excellence and Innovation. The fellowships provide grant funding to Dunwoody faculty and allow them to research, design, test, and implement projects that improve teaching and learning at the College.
“Because of the generous funding, faculty are given a chance to take learning to a new level, leading to more prepared and competent graduates who are ready for the industry,” said Associate Provost Ann Iverson.
The Provost’s Office awarded the 2018 fellowships to the following projects:
Improving Distance Learning, Hybrid, and Online Course Delivery
Objective: increase faculty members’ knowledge and skills to support online teaching and learning and train other faculty to create online courses
- Karie Johnson, Assistant Professor, Construction Project Management
- Bridget Reynolds, Dean, Construction Sciences & Building Technology
- Janet Nurnberg, Program Manager, Industrial Engineering Technology
- Brad Miller, Associate Professor, Arts & Sciences
Curriculum and Teaching Lab Development for VRF Energy Systems Controls
Objective: increase the College’s capacity to teach Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) technology
- Derek Hillestad, Senior Instructor, Construction Project Management
- Jonathan Aurand, Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering
- Jimmy Manteuffel, Instructor, HVACR Systems Servicing
Identify Learning Challenges in the Classroom for Non–Native English Speakers
Objective: conduct a study of the classroom experience of non-native English speakers enrolled in technical degree programs
- Reem El-Radi, Associate Professor, Arts & Sciences
Crosby Showcase of Creative Excellence
Objective: establish a permanent, secured area to showcase original art created by Dunwoody students
- Arlinda Henderson, Associate Professor, Arts & Sciences
Faculty will report back on the progress of their projects this coming spring.
“These grants cause a domino effect,” Iverson said. “When the recipients give their Progress Presentations, the audience is inspired, and the wheels of the imagination start spinning. Since these fellowships do not have to be completed in a year’s time, long term relationships can be developed between departments, strengthening the fabric of our college.”
Iverson also hopes that faculty who submitted a proposal that was not selected will refine their proposals and re-submit next year. She also would like to see more proposals that include travel opportunities for students.
“When students experience another country or even another part of this country, their vision changes for good—especially for students who have had little opportunity to travel,” she said. “I can only imagine the varied and plentiful technical experiences that are taking place around the country and around the world that could challenge and inspire our students.”