Workforce in Crisis

Chris Stark is a Community and Economic Development Educator for UW-Madison, Division of Extension. Based in Eagle River, WI Stark has had multiple roles in economic development including as a state practitioner for the State of Maryland, a local economic development practitioner, and as a site location consultant for businesses. Now tenured at the Univ of Wisconsin, Stark resides in Eagle River, WI where he assists local and regional economic development practitioners in rural areas with economic development strategies. In recent years, his research and area of focus has been on how to cope with the coming workforce crisis.

In this episode, Dr. Leslie Cordie interviews Chris Stark about workforce in crisis. Chris is a Community and Economic Development Educator for UW-Madison, Division of Extension.

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Conversations From the Front Porch Episode 15 Transcripts

Leadership Lessons Learned

“People who are truly strong lift others up, people who are truly powerful bring people together” 

Michelle Obama

This quote encapsulates the strength and determination that Dr. Jacqueline Austin has demonstrated throughout her professional career and also reinforces one of her key attributes whenever entrusted with a position of leadership. Her commitment to bringing people together and lifting others up coupled with the creation of an environment that is purposeful in its pursuit of excellence, has been integral to her ability, to achieve maximum results while inspiring the team that she leads to maximize their full potential.

 

​A person of integrity, transformational, determined and a passionate advocate for student development are just a few of the words and phrases used to describe both her character and her accomplishments by peers and students alike. Dr. Austin has always been at the forefront of pioneering change and has been instrumental in developing key initiatives throughout her career that continue to redound to the benefit of students she served or who sought her counsel at the Barbados Community College. Her progression to the helm of Industry Services Unit enabled her to leverage her expertise and skills to bring key partners and stakeholders together to develop programs and strategic partnerships that equipped participants with the requisite skills and knowledge to effectively meet the needs of the ever changing job market.

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Dr. Austin exemplifies the belief that excellence is not an exception. It is a prevailing attitude. She has demonstrated that the pursuit of one’s goals and dreams can still be realized even in the midst of challenges if met with hard work and a determined spirit. This drive and focus led to her selection as a Fulbright Hubert Humphrey Fellow and subsequently a Presidential scholar at the University of Manchester Business School where she pursued a doctoral degree in Business and Management. Her outstanding contributions during her academic career both through her research and global speaking engagements have positioned her at the forefront of her peers as a thought leader in the area of Technical Vocational Education and Training and Human Resource Development and has enabled her to provide valuable consultation to educational institutions and multinational corporations as well as regional and international governments.

 

​Dr. Austin has exhibited a level of focus and determination that is unparalleled. Her pursuit of her academic and professional career has taken her to numerous countries across continents but she never lost sight of her commitment to family, faith or fulfilling her purpose. This same commitment to making a meaningful difference remains at the forefront of her new role as President of the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College. She will undoubtedly bring the CFBC community together while lifting their hearts and minds.

 

In this episode, Dr. Leslie Cordie interviews Dr. Jacqueline J. Austin about leadership lessons learned. Dr. Austin is the President of the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College in St. Kitts, West Indies.

 

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Conversations From the Front Porch Episode 14 Transcripts

Career and Tech Ed Advising

In this episode, Dr. Leslie Cordie interviews Dr. Kemaly Parr about career and tech ed advising. Dr. Kemaly Parr is an Assistant Professor in the Murray State University College of Education and Human Services Department of Adolescent, Career, and Special Education. Dr. Parr also serves as the Director of Career and Technical Education at Murray State. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Adult Education from Auburn University and a Master's of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene from the University of Tennessee. She has over 10 years of experience in higher education. She is a member of the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE), the Kentucky Association for CTE (KACTE), and the Association for Career Tech Ed Research (ACTER). She is an active member of the American Dental Hygienists Association (ADHA).

 

Dr. Parr was recognized as the Murray State University College of Education and Human Services Outstanding Collegiate Researcher Faculty Award in 2020 and she received the Murray State University College of Education and Human Services Outstanding Faculty Research and Creativity Award in 2019.

 

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Conversations From the Front Porch Episode 1 Transcripts

The Climate of Teaching and Learning in the U.S.

 

In this episode, Dr. Leslie Cordie interviews Dr. Jason C. Bryant about the climate of teaching and learning in the United States. 

Dr. Jason C. Bryant is an Assistant Clinical Professor at Auburn University where he began in January 2016 and is currently serving as the director of Truman Pierce Institute within the College of Education at Auburn. Dr. Bryant has seventeen years of K-12 experience as a former science teacher, assistant principal, and principal at both the middle and high school level in Alabama. He is a past president and board member for the Southern Regional Council on Educational Administration (SRCEA) and served on the executive board of the Alabama Association of Professors of Educational Leadership (AAPEL). His dissertation is titled “Student Perspectives of Supporting and Hindering Factors in School Integration and the Role of Racial Identity in the Process” which he received from in Administration of Elementary and Secondary Education from Auburn University.

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Conversations From the Front Porch Episode 12 Transcripts

Online Restoration Ecology Certificate

 

In this episode, Dr. Leslie Cordie interviews Dr. Becky Barlow and Dr. John Kush about School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences.  

As an Alabama Cooperative Extension System Forestry Specialist and Professor within the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences at Auburn University, Dr. Becky Barlow strives to inspire forest landowners to manage their property to meet multiple objectives.  Forestland management basics are a focus of her outreach work.  She also works in the area of agroforestry research and extension to provide landowners with options for generating additional revenue from their lands.  In addition, she teaches several upper level forestry courses in Auburn University’s School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences.

 

Dr. John S. Kush is a research fellow (recently retired) in the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences at Auburn University.  His Bachelor of Science degree in Forest Science came from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.  He received his Master’s and PhD, both in Forest Ecology from Auburn.  He conducted research for over 39 years with a focus on stand dynamics, fire effects, and restoration and taught several classes related to forest ecology. He has authored/co-authored book chapters and numerous publications. He is a certified senior ecologist and was inducted into the Alabama Foresters Hall of Fame in 2017.  Though retired, he teaches a forest fire management class and several classes with the restoration ecology graduate certificate program at Auburn.

 

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Conversations From the Front Porch Episode 11 Transcripts

Workloads for Faculty: Online and F2F

 

Dr. Simone C. O. Conceição

Dr. Simone C. O. Conceição, Ph.D. is Professor Emerita in the Department of Administrative Leadership at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and owner of SCOC Consulting. She received her doctorate in Adult and Distance Education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and her Master's in Adult and Continuing Education from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She teaches courses in the areas of distance education, use of technology with adult learners, instructional design, and adult learning.  Her research interests include distance education, adult learning, impact of technology on teaching and learning, instructional design, and staff development and training.

 

Dr. Conceição is the editor of Teaching Strategies in the Online Environment (2007). Most recently, she coauthored the books Creating a Sense of Presence in Online Teaching: How to “Be There” for Distance Learners (2010). Managing Online Instructor Workload: Strategies for Finding Balance and Success (2011) and Motivating and Retaining Online Students: Research-Based Strategies that Work (2014). She was inducted into the International Adult and Continuing Education Hall of Fame in 2018.

 

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 Conversations From the Front Porch Episode 10 Transcript

How a Pandemic can Change the Shape of Education

 

Nuala McGuinn

Nuala McGuinn is Director of the Centre for Adult Learning and Professional Development at the National University of Ireland (NUI) Galway. Nuala has over 25 years’ experience working in adult learning and development within the Institute of Technology and University sector where she has led many inter-disciplinary teams and manages large-scale projects and budgets. Within her current role at NUI Galway she has responsibility for the development and expansion of the University’s range of part-time programmes with particular emphasis on flexible models of course delivery, the development and implementation of blended and online learning programmes, partnership with industry to identify and meet the training needs of the region and the support of adult learners in their professional development journey.  Nuala is a member of the West Regional Skills Forum Steering Group and is a board member of the Higher Education in Ireland Lifelong Learning Network (HELLIN).

 

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Conversations From the Front Porch Episode 9 Transcript

The value of communication, creating community, and being gracious to students and faculty

 

Dr. Ryan J. Petty

In this episode, Dr. Leslie Cordie interviews Dr. Ryan J. Petty about the value of communication, creating community, and being gracious to students and faculty. Dr. Petty is the Dean of the Heller College of Business (HCB) at Roosevelt University, as well as a tenured Associate Professor of Human Resource Management.

Ryan J. Petty is the Dean of the Heller College of Business (HCB) at Roosevelt University, as well as tenured Associate Professor of Human Resource Management.  Ryan joined the faculty at Roosevelt in 2010, after earning his Ph.D. from Michigan State University in Human Resources and Labor Relations. As faculty at Roosevelt, he has taught graduate- and undergraduate-level courses in both Human Resources and Management. Ryan has also served in multiple administrative roles during his time on the faculty in the HCB, including serving as the Program Director for the MSHRM program, Associate Dean, and interim Dean. Ryan’s scholarly research focuses on work-life balance, the use of social media in Human Resources, and management instructional techniques, and has been published in various peer-reviewed journals and edited books, and presented at major academic conferences. He also serves as a reviewer for the academic journal Personnel Review, and regularly reviews for the Academy of Management annual meeting.

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Conversations From the Front Porch Episode 8 Transcript

“You want me to do what?” Teaching online and maintaining work/life balance

Dr. Sarah Bond

 In this episode, Dr. Leslie Cordie interviews Dr. Sarah Bond about teaching online and maintaining work/life balance. Dr. Bond is an instructional designer and online instructor at Oakland City University School of Business.

Dr. Sarah Bond roots began in Agriculture. Born and raised in east central Illinois, Iroquois County, she was actively involved in 4-H for 12 years and the FFA for 6 years. Dr. Bond attributes a great deal of her educational and leadership success to the opportunities in agriculture and these organizations. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness Economics, Master of Science in Agricultural Education and Mechanization and her PhD in Workforce Education and Development, specializing in Education, Training, and Development, all from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. 

Dr. Bond’s work experience has included the Enrollment Management Coordinator for the College of Agricultural Sciences at SIUC, Rend Lake College as the Applied Science and Technology Division Chair and Southeastern Illinois College as the Executive Dean of Student Affairs. Currently she is an instructional designer and online instructor at Oakland City University School of Business. An Assistant Professor of Practice at Southern Illinois University Carbondale teaching online for the Agribusiness Economic Department.  An online instructor for Valdosta State University, Department of Adult and Career Education.  Additionally, she is a Co-Owner of Abundant Harvest, LLC which develops customized training for business and industry as well as professional speaking.

Dr. Bond resides in Marion, Illinois with her husband, Dr. Jason Bond who is a Professor at SIUC in the Plant, Soil, and Agriculture Systems Department.  Jason is a second-generation plant pathologist, and his research program at SIUC focuses on the management of corn and soybean diseases. Together Drs. Bond serve as the Faculty Advisors for the SIU Agronomy Society.

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Conversations From the Front Porch Episode 7 Transcript

Barriers to Online Learning

Dr. Matt Simoneau

In this episode, Dr. Leslie Cordie interviews Dr. Matt Simoneau about barriers to online learning. Dr. Simoneau is an Associate Professor in career and technical education at the University of Wisconsin – Stout where he teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in career and technical education topics.

Matt Simoneau is an Associate Professor in career and technical education at the University of Wisconsin – Stout where he teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in career and technical education topics. He previously held positions as Associate Dean at Inver Hills Community College, Construction Programs Coordinator at North Hennepin Community College, and served as faculty in the Building Inspections Technology program. He holds an Associates degree from Inver Hills Community College, a bachelor’s degree in Career, Technical Education and Training from UW-Stout, a master’s degree in Career and Technical Education from UW-Stout, and an Ed.D. in Career and technical Education from UW-Stout.   

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 Conversations From the Front Porch Episode 6 Transcript

 

Remote Supervision in Higher Education

Dr. Tricia Berry

In this episode, Dr. Leslie Cordie interviews Dr. Tricia Berry about remote supervision in higher education. 

Dr. Berry is the Associate Dean and Director of Clinical and Practicum Programs for Purdue University Global. Dr. Berry is the Associate Dean and Director of Clinical and Practicum Programs for Purdue University Global.  She holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Education with a Specialization in Organizational Leadership from Northcentral University, a Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning from Kaplan University, and Bachelors’ degrees in both Occupational Therapy and Psychology from St. Ambrose University. Dr. Berry has worked in the field of online education since 2006. She's a member of numerous professional associations and serves on the Board of the Iowa Distance Learning Association and as the Director for AAACE’s Commission for Distance Teaching and Learning.

 

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Conversations From the Front Porch Episode 5 Transcript

 

Digital Teaching Strategies

 

Dr. Robert Mizzi

In this episode, Dr. Leslie Cordie interviews Dr. Robert Mizzi about digital teaching strategies. Dr. Mizzi is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Education at the University of Manitoba, Canada.

Dr. Mizzi is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Education at the University of Manitoba, Canada. His research focuses on transnational educators and LGBTQ educators in various educational contexts. Robert is the past President of the Canadian Association for the Study of Adult Education, and the current Editor-in-Chief of the Canadian Journal for the Study of Adult Education. His website is www.robertmizzi.com.

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Conversations From the Front Porch Episode 4 Transcript

Reflections from a Dean

 

Dr. Dionne Rosser-Mims

In this episode, Dr. Leslie Cordie interviews Dr. Dionne Rosser-Mims on her own reflections as a Dean. Dr. Rosser-Mims is a Full Professor of adult education and Dean of the College of Education at Troy University. Dr. Rosser-Mims is the recipient of the prestigious 2013 Wallace D. Malone, Jr. Distinguished Faculty Award and past president of Troy University’s Faculty Senate in which she served two years consecutively.

Dr. Rosser-Mims has nearly 20 years of adult education experience, including work in collegiate teaching as well as training and development. Over the past 10 years she has engaged in a range of international-related work that includes leading four study-abroad experiences, negotiating agreements with Kyambogo University and Makerere University, and serving as a workshop presenter in 2019 and the inaugural year of the Higher Education Resource Services, East Africa (HERS-EA) Leadership Academy held at Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.  She has authored four books, published numerous articles and book chapters, and delivered numerous conference presentations at the regional, national, and international levels. She is the co-founder and former coeditor in chief of Dialogues in Social Justice: An Adult Education Journal, a peer-reviewed open-access journal.

Before joining Troy University, Dr. Rosser-Mims held a faculty position at the University of Georgia’s Fanning Institute for Leadership, where she worked on projects targeting first- and second-tier counties suffering from economic, educational, and social disparities by providing program development, leadership training, and facilitation services. She continues to work with a range of audiences, including adult and youth community and advocacy groups, to provide facilitation services in the areas of team building, group dynamics, leadership assessments, conflict management, communication, board development, and strategic planning. 

 

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Conversations From the Front Porch Episode 3 Transcript 

Citizenship, Society, and Lifelong

 

Dr. Séamus Ó Tuama

In this episode, Dr. Leslie Cordie interviews Dr. Séamus Ó Tuama about citizenship, society, and lifelong learning. Dr. Séamus Ó Tuama is Director of ACE (Adult Continuing Education) and a senior lecturer in politics at University College Cork, Ireland. He is Chair of the ASEM Education and Research Hub for Lifelong Learning (ASEM LLL Hub), an inter-governmentally supported network for university cooperation between Asia and Europe. He is on the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL) Advisory Group to the international research project on ‘Universities’ contributions to lifelong learning’. He is a member of the board of EUCEN and is its Ambassador to AAACE (American Association for Adult Continuing Education). He is a member of GLLiC (the steering group for Cork UNESCO learning city), the Cork Lifelong Learning Festival, chairs Cork Learning Neighbourhoods Steering Committee. He is a member of the Board of HERC (Higher Education Research Centre) at Dublin City University. He is a member of the Editorial Board for the Journal of Continuing Higher Education. He is an External Examiner at both Trinity College Dublin and Dublin City University. He has over 20 years’ experience as an evaluator for the European Commission and national research agencies in Poland, Romania and Cyprus.

 

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Conversations From the Front Porch Episode 2 Transcript

Transitioning University Students to be Lifelong Learners

Michael C. Wooten (left) and Jason Bond (right)

In this episode, Dr. Leslie Cordie interviews Dr. Michael C. Wooten (left) and Dr. Jason Bond (right) about transitioning university students to be lifelong learners.

Michael Wooten is Professor of Genetics and Assistant Chair in the Department of Biological Sciences at Auburn University. He is a former Chair of the AU Department of Zoology and Wildlife Science.  For 30+ years he has instructed General Genetics (250 students per semester), Human Genetics, Statistics, and Population Genetics courses at the undergraduate and graduate level.

Wooten is the author of a laboratory manual for General Genetics with which he developed the first fully online course in his department (Genetics). He regularly conducts research and leads field courses in the U.S., Mexico, Costa Rica, South Africa, Namibia, and Swaziland.

Wooten’s research group has conducted work a wide range of topics from population /evolutionary genetics of fish and mammals, conservation of endangered mammals, wildlife ecology, to SQSTM1’s role in Alzheimer’s disease. He is currently collaborating on development of a new theory base for higher education teaching (Chuoagogy).  His group has been supported by funding from NSF, NIH, National Park Service, USFWS, US. Military, State agencies and Private industries. His professional honors include Outstanding Article of the Year -Wildlife Society(co-author), George Sutton Award in Conservation -- Society of Southwestern Naturalists(co-author), Outstanding Faculty member (COSAM – AU), Dean’s Award for Outstanding Teaching (COSAM – AU), and AU Presidential Administrative Fellow.

 

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Conversations From the Front Porch Episode 1 Transcript