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First-Year Faculty Program Content

Fall 2026 Agenda

Topics: Kickoff / Mentor mapping / Strategic Plans
Discussion with 2025-2026 FYF Alumni


Presenters:
Jeffrey Williams, Director of CAFE
Amanda Stadermann, Assistant Professor of Earth & Environmental Sciences
Dava Wilson, Assistant Professor of Social Work
Nader Dagher, Assistant Professor of Communication
Sabrina Perry, Assistant Professor of Computer Science
LeAnn Wills, Assistant Professor of Psychological Science & Counseling

Topic: Full Spectrum Learning (FSL)


Description:

  • Gain an overview of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), including its characteristics and co-occurring conditions, to better understand the diversity within this population.
  • Explore the unique strengths and challenges faced by students with ASD in higher education, focusing on key domains such as executive functioning, academic skills, self-care, social competence, self-advocacy, and career preparation.
  • Learn actionable strategies to create inclusive and supportive environments using Universal Design for Learning (UDL), explicit communication, and other evidence-based practices.
  • Develop awareness of the importance of regular contact, explicit feedback, and fostering a culture of equity and acceptance for neurodivergent students.
  • Understand the APSU Full Spectrum Learning (FSL) program's mission, resources, and role in supporting students with ASD.


Presenter:
Selena Hutchenson, FSL Program Coordinator

Topic: The Centennial Cheat Sheet: What to Know About Institutional Culture & Student Access Services


Presenter:
LaNeeça Williams, Chief of Institutional Culture and Title IX Coordinator

Topics: APSU Grants & Research Office
Chapter 7, "Navigating the World of Grants and Funding" READING


Presenters:
Chad Brooks, Associate Provost for Research 
and Dean of the College of Graduate Studies
Kelly Pitts, Assistant Director of Office of Research and Sponsored Programs

Topic: Ombuds team at APSU 
Scholar, Teacher, Human: Navigating the Intersections of Scholarship and Life


Presenters:
Margaret Rennerfeldt, Professor of Dance
Mickey Wadia, Professor of Languages & Literature
Katie Haase, Associate Professor of Biology
Luke Warren, Assistant Professor of Sculpture

Topics: Cohort Field Trip to Fort Campbell (transportation provided)


Presenters: 
Jasmin Linares, Assistant Vice-President for Military & Veterans Affairs
Walter Lord, Major General, U.S. Army (Retired) Vice-President for Military and Veterans Affairs
Ben Drummond, Executive Director of the Center at Fort Campbell

Topic: How to Peay and Academe
Chapter 2: "Your Faculty Career", Chapter 3: "Assessing Climate and Culture on Your Campus", and Chapter 4: "Building and Maintaining Positive Professional Relationships" READING


Presenters:
Jeffrey Williams, Director of CAFE
Darren Michael, 2026-2027 Faculty Senate President & Professor of Theatre

Topic: College Deans Day


Presenters:
Buzz Hoon, Dean, College of Arts and Letters
Dlynn Williams, Dean, College of Behavioral and Health Sciences
Mickey Hepner, Dean, College of Business
John McConnell, Interim Dean, Eriksson College of Education
Karen Meisch, Dean, College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
Tony Morris, Interim Dean, Honors College

Topic: Supporting Today's Students: Belonging, Connection, and Student Success


Presenter:
Zac Moore, Assistant Director of Student Life & Engagement

Topic: The Myths of Work/Life Balance & Managing Time, Energy and Resources
Chapter 10, "Creating Balance in Your Work" READING

 

Presenter: Melissa Kates, Leadership Department Chair

Topic: Watermark and Dossier Prep / Course Evaluations


Presenters: McLean Fahnestock, Interim Executive Director of Accreditation & External Compliance
Jessica D'Alimonte, Executive Assistant for Academic Affairs
Allie Michael, Director of Institutional Effectiveness & Assessment
Brandi Bickham, Instutitional Effectiveness Coordinator

Topic: Final Wrap-Up & Mentor/Mentee celebration


Presenters:
Jeffrey Williams, Director of CAFE
2026-2027 Departmental Faculty Mentors