LevelUP Fellows Complete Inaugural Fellowship
Posted on May 8, 2024 by Michelle Hale
LevelUP Fellows Complete Inaugural Fellowship, Advancing Career-Readiness and Student Success
The Office of Academic Enhancement is proud to announce the successful completion of the inaugural cohort of LevelUP Fellows. This milestone marks a significant achievement in the ongoing implementation of the LevelUP Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP), aimed at enhancing career readiness and student success.
The 2023-34 LevelUP Fellows have diligently worked over the past year to integrate reflective practices and the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) career-readiness competencies into their specific areas through their individual projects. Representing eight academic programs and two student support areas, the Fellows have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to preparing students for their next steps.
The LevelUP Fellows for 2023-34 included:
- Jaclyn Bunch, Associate Professor and Acting Chair; Political Science & Criminal Justice
- Julia Kristman, Title IX Specialist; Student Affairs
- Jeff Landry, Professor; Information Systems and Technology
- Robert O'Berry, Instructor; English
- Nani Perez-Uribe, Transfer Coordinator; Academic Advising & Transfer Services
- Laura Powell, Assistant Professor; Psychology
- Carol Sawyer, Associate Professor; Earth Sciences
- Amy Sprinkle, Assistant Professor; Marine & Environmental Sciences
- Brad Swiger, Assistant Professor and Graduate Program Coordinator; Biomedical Sciences
- Shenghua Wu, Associate Professor; Civil, Coastal, and Environmental Engineering
"The inaugural cohort of LevelUP Fellows has set a high standard for integrating career-readiness into our academic programs," said Julie Estis, Ph.D., Executive Director of Academic Enhancement. "Their innovative projects and unwavering dedication have significantly advanced our mission to prepare students for their next steps. By embedding NACE competencies and reflective practices into their curricula and support services, these Fellows are not only enhancing student success but also contributing to the long-term impact of the LevelUP QEP at the University of South Alabama."
The LevelUP Fellows showcased their dedication through innovative projects designed to prepare students for future career endeavors. Throughout their Fellowship, the LevelUP Fellows gained essential knowledge, skills, and resources to amplify the impact of the LevelUP QEP. Their collaborative efforts with stakeholders across various divisions have been instrumental in ensuring the effective and sustainable execution of LevelUP.
The LevelUP QEP aligns closely with the University of South Alabama’s mission to foster discovery, health, and learning, and it supports the strategic priority of improving student access and success. The contributions of the LevelUP Fellows are expected to leave a lasting legacy on the university community, enhancing the educational journey of countless students.
About the LevelUP Quality Enhancement Plan:
The University of South Alabama’s LevelUP: Uniquely Prepared for What Comes Next Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) is a campus-wide initiative aimed at uniquely preparing students for what comes next. Through metacognitive reflections, students will synthesize connections among learning opportunities inside and outside of the classroom as they look ahead and plan for their future. LevelUP provides enhanced opportunities for students to develop career readiness competencies that prepare them for life after their degree, as confident, ready, and capable members of the workforce or well-equipped graduate students.