JBU names Swearingen dean of faculty development

SILOAM SPRINGS -- John Brown University has named Carla Swearingen the dean of faculty development and director of the Teaching and Learning Center.

Swearingen will assume her new role July 1. Swearingen will oversee faculty learning opportunities and research initiatives and establish and direct the new Teaching and Learning Center. The center is designed to facilitate, support and recognize best practices for academic instruction, according to university officials.

"As JBU enrollment has nearly tripled in the last 25 years, the increased demands for the recruitment, training and development of faculty has prompted us to consolidate our various faculty development efforts under a single dean," said Edward Ericson, vice president for academic affairs.

"The search committee unanimously and enthusiastically chose Dr. Swearingen to step into this role, and we are very much looking forward to what she can help our institution accomplish in the coming years."

In addition to her role as associate professor of chemistry, Swearingen has served as the director of the Success grant from the National Science Foundation since 2010.

Swearingen has managed the Success scholarship fund and developed a professional and social program for students that has increased the expected graduation rate for science majors by 34 percent. Swearingen has also served as assistant director of faculty development, offering support for faculty through mentoring and peer classroom observation initiatives.

"I have always considered teaching to be my primary role," Swearingen said. "It is important for someone in the field of teaching and learning to stay active in the classroom."

Swearingen will continue to teach one or two classes.

"I am so thankful to God and JBU for the opportunities I have been given over the last decade. I am excited to serve JBU faculty in this new way, especially in the area of teaching and learning,"

"I hope that faculty see this as an investment in them not only as teachers, but as individuals," Swearingen said.

NW News on 03/30/2015

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