Rhodes College joined the ranks of hundreds of colleges and universities nationwide in becoming a member of the National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity (NCFDD), a national organization dedicated to supporting faculty and their professional development in academia.
“We are thrilled to become a member of the National Center for Faculty Development & Diversity. This membership will be an important resource providing targeted programming, research accountability, and online access to a national mentoring community of thousands, supporting professional development at all stages of faculty careers. As stated in our strategic plan, we aim to support a faculty and staff reflective of the diversity of our student body. We expect that this network will help to foster an inclusive environment that invests in the success of our faculty with particular attention to supporting and retaining underrepresented faculty at Rhodes,” says Dean for Faculty Development Amy Jasperson.
NCFDD membership is a vital resource for supporting faculty throughout their careers. Since joining on May 26, 59 Rhodes faculty members have signed up, and 15 are currently participating in a 14-day writing challenge.
Membership affords faculty members access to expert webinars, web courses, discussion forums, and matching with mentors. They also provide professors, administrators, and graduate students productivity and work-life balance resources, as well as workshops on a wide range of topics.
“It’s important for Rhodes that our faculty, especially women and faculty of color, are able to be part of this type of national network from the very start of our careers. NCFDD enables faculty members to develop and access networks of support and mentorship both within and outside our home institutions. It also supports faculty by offering step-by-step guidance about successfully implementing strategies like making a summer research plan, writing a little every day—strategies that we all know about, but can be so challenging to actually make happen in our professional lives,” says Assistant Professor of English Stephanie Elsky.
"When I started working on my PhD, the organization that sponsored one of my doctoral fellowships—the Forum for Theological Exploration—provided me with a helpful stipend on one hand, and a subscription to the National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity on the other. The NCFDD was instrumental in helping me manage a rigorous doctoral program and flourish as a student and adjunct professor,” says Assistant Professor of Urban Studies and Africana Studies Duane Loynes.
“As a tenure-track professor, I'm excited that Rhodes is availing itself of the many resources the NCFDD provides for faculty development at every stage of their career."