Academic Affairs Supports Innovative Programming

June 9, 2019 • Jennifer Retter

Last November, an Innovative Programming Group was established by Academic Affairs to strengthen programs, identify areas for growth, and support pioneering opportunities. Its work led to Arcadia’s first Innovative Programming grants, designed to help faculty and staff demonstrate feasibility, develop proposals, and generate resources for dynamic projects. 

“Arcadia’s ability to continue creating innovative academic programming will play an important role in fostering a University that is as vital, forward-looking, and successful as it can be,” said Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and Vice Provost for Academic Planning and Faculty Affairs Dr. Rebecca Kohn, who chaired the group in her interim role as Special Assistant to the President. 

This year, the Innovative Programming grants will provide resources to explore: 

AGRIBUSINESS MINOR 

Associate Professor and Chair of Biology Dr. Naomi Phillips and the School of Global Business’ Assistant Professor and Chair Dr. Annette Halpin and Associate Professor Dr. Raghu Kurthakoti will collaborate on a minor for students interested in both agricultural science and business. 

APPLIED BIOLOGY TRACKS 

Dr. Phillips will also work with Associate Professors of Biology Dr. Chris Binckley and Dr. Lauren Howard to expand career options for students through Conservation Ecology, Molecular Biology, and Biochemistry concentrations. 

DATA ANALYTICS MAJOR/MINOR 

Psychology’s Associate Professor and Chair Dr. Christina Brown, Assistant Professor Dr. Katherine Moore, and Professor Dr. Steve Robbins will work with Computer Science and Mathematics’ Associate Professor and Chair Dr. Carlos Ortiz and Associate Professor Dr. Yanxia Jia to engage students interested in analyzing large data sets. 

MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING PROGRAM 

Dr. Michael Morrow, associate professor and director of the Counseling program, and Dr. Allison Harris, assistant professor of Physical Therapy, will develop mental health care approaches for physical therapy patients. 

INTERDISCIPLINARY DESIGN SPACE

Associate Professor of Art and Design Karen Misher (above) will work with constituents across campus to support 3D printing and cutting-edge design projects.

PUBLIC ART LAB AND ARTIST RESIDENCY 

Building on the success of Arcadia’s mural projects, Associate Professor of Art and Design Abbey Ryan ’03 and Adjunct Professor David Guinn will brainstorm ways to increase engagement with the Glenside community and develop an artist-in-residence program. 

BIOTECH TRAINING PROGRAM

Associate Professor Dr. Sheryl Smith and Assistant Professor Dr. Christina Swanson of the Biology Department will develop a summer research program for students who are underrepresented in biotechnology internships and careers. 

URBAN TEACHER PIPELINE 

Dr. Marc Brasof, the 2019-2022 Rosemary and Walter Blankley Endowed Chair in Education, and Director of Field Experiences and Outreach Dr. Priscilla Jeter-Iles ’09EdD will implement a pipeline to prepare culturally diverse students to teach in urban schools.

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