About the B. K. Nelson Faculty Development Center

Our Mission

The Faculty Development Center promotes excellence in teaching, learning, and scholarly activities. The Center grounds itself in awareness and support for cultural diversity and community-building.

Our Vision

The Faculty Development Center will inspire instructors to be the best they can in regard to improving the learning experiences for students, advancing academic disciplines, and engaging in service with internal and external communities.

Purpose and Core Values

The purpose of the Center is to extend a cordial welcome and to provide professional development services to all tenure-track, tenured, and emeritus faculty, full-time and part-time lecturers, and instructional graduate assistants. The FDC supports individuals in reaching their full potential in alignment with the University’s mission, and in accordance with these core values:

  • Respect –  We recognize that learning and improving one’s present state is a desired goal. We believe each individual has unique talents to be mastered and a personal mission to achieve.
  • Inclusiveness –  We create a supportive and confidential environment for all members of diverse groups and identities.
  • Caring –  We believe in creating a welcoming and supportive environment to sustain professional and personal wellness. We strive to provide multiple venues for success, such as space for faculty to work independently, to receive one-on-one consultation, to meet with colleagues, and to participate in workshops and seminars.
  • Commitment -  We strive to make the best use of our existing resources while simultaneously seeking out ways and means to further our scope and reach. We accommodate a diverse range of needs and try to ensure that when faculty leave the Center or program activity, they possess the knowledge/skills to take the next steps in reaching their goals.

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