The Faculty Innovator (FI) Fellowship Program seeks to improve teaching and learning in EKU classrooms, by providing opportunities for faculty members to serve as teacher-scholars and mentors at the institution. Faculty who have a passion for creating and implementing effective teaching and learning practices will be asked to experiment, learn from, reflect on, and share these practices.

Expectations of Faculty Innovators (FIs)

Successful FIs will embody most, if not all, of the following characteristics:

• Demonstrated passion and vision for improving teaching and learning at EKU;
• Interest in serving the institution;
• Ability to influence and mentor colleagues, overcoming resistance as needed;
• Comfort with taking risks in trying innovative approaches;
• Tolerance for ambiguity, as each FI figures out how to best chart their own course through the program to meet their goals;
• Skilled, patient listener, with good communication skills.

In this role, FIs will be expected to devote five to seven hours per week to Fellowship related planning/activities. Although specific responsibilities of the Fellowship will be determined on an individual basis (to align with the goals of the individual FI), overall, FIs will be responsible for:

• Identifying ways to promote more effective teaching and learning practices across their area of responsibility;
• Supporting the initiatives of the Faculty Center for Teaching & Learning;
• Conducting workshops, mentoring sessions, or other events that showcase innovation in teaching and learning;
• Implementing, demonstrating, and measuring the impact of innovative teaching practices;
• Producing scholarly works, in line with individual teaching and learning goals;
• Attending all required FI meetings.

Selection of Faculty Innovators (FIs)

Applications to join the FI Fellowship will be released in February each year, and will be accepted from specific areas on a rotating basis (approximately 3-5 openings each year). FIs will serve a three year term. Interested faculty must complete an application form, which includes a recommendation letter from their Department Chair or Dean. A committee of current FIs will review applications and select new FIs to start their term the following August. Prior to sending out official offers, the Dean or Supervisor of each selected FI will be consulted to confirm their support.

At the conclusion of the three year program, participants who have successfully completed the entire Fellowship will be able to join the Council of Faculty Innovators. Council members retain their membership on the Council for the rest of their time at EKU, and are expected to continue serving as an advocate for effective teaching and learning practices in a variety of ways. Council members also coordinate and oversee the FI Fellowship Program, in collaboration with the Noel Studio.

To inquire about the Faculty Innovator Fellowship Program, please email us at fctl@eku.edu.

Faculty Innovators Fellowship

Thank you for your interest in the Faculty Innovator (FI) Fellowship. The FI Fellowship contributes to excellence at EKU by promoting innovation in teaching practices across campus, thereby supporting diverse learners and transforming lives. As teacher-scholars, the faculty innovators serve as role models within their respective colleges and within the university.

Faculty Innovators are expected to devote approximately 5-7 hours each week to FI responsibilities. Expectations of the Faculty Innovator position include the following, at a minimum:

• Lead TLI sessions, demonstrations and/or workshops through FCT&L on innovative/best practices in pedagogy and technology;
• Conduct outreach activities within their college to connect one-on-one with faculty;
• Observe faculty in the classroom;
• Serve as a liaison between the FCT&L and the individual colleges, by helping foster improved communication in both directions;
• Promote innovative teaching strategies through pilot projects and/or studies;
• Participate in various university events (by attending, facilitating, or helping to plan);
• Attend all planned meetings/year (usually two each semester), to outline initiatives and discuss upcoming events. Check-in meetings may occur throughout the semester as well, when there are pressing agenda items for the group to discuss.

FIs are appointed for a three-year term and receive a stipend for their service. At the conclusion of the three-year program, participants who have successfully completed the entire Fellowship will be invited to join the Council of Faculty Innovators. Council members retain their membership on the Council for the rest of their time at EKU and are expected to continue serving as an advocate for effective teaching and learning practices.

Faculty Innovators 2024-2025

Maria Bane, CEAHS

Allen Keener, CHS

Krista Kimmel, CLASS

Mike Lane, CHS

Kelly Smith, EKU Libraries

Garett Yoder, CSTEM