Second Cohort of LevelUP Fellows Welcomed
Posted on September 9, 2024 by Michelle Hale
Second Cohort of LevelUP Fellows Welcomed
The Office of Academic Enhancement is excited to announce the selection of 10 distinguished faculty and staff members to join the second cohort of LevelUP Fellows for the 2024-2025 Academic Year. This group is integral to our continued implementation of the LevelUP Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP), supporting our aim of uniquely preparing University of South Alabama students for their next steps. During their initial meeting, the new LevelUP Fellows engaged in discussions about the LevelUP QEP, the integration of the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) career-readiness competencies, and the use of electronic portfolios to support student success. The Fellows represent a broad range of disciplines, hailing from eight different academic programs and two student support areas.
“Our second cohort of LevelUP Fellows continues to bring exceptional expertise and
a strong commitment to innovation and leadership,” said Julie Estis, Ph.D., Executive
Director of Academic Enhancement. “As champions of the QEP, these Fellows will take
on projects that bring new ideas to life, driving meaningful improvements and fostering
a culture of continuous growth. Their contributions are pivotal to ensuring the ongoing
success of the LevelUP QEP as we strive to prepare our students for their future opportunities.”
The LevelUP Fellows for 2024-2025 are: Steven Clontz (Mathematics and Statistics), Autumn Courtney (Second Year Experience - Student Academic Success), Angela Doucet Rand (Marx Library), Delisa Johnson (Prospective Student Programs & New Student Orientation), Kelly Major (Biology), Christine Rinne (Modern and Classical Languages and Literature), Megan Sparks (Communication), Hunter Tallent (English), Geoffrey Hudson (Health, Kinesiology & Sport), Melissa Walter (Communication)
The new LevelUP Fellows are dedicated to helping students develop the essential skills that employers seek. Each Fellow presented a proposal showcasing innovative ways to prepare students for life after graduation, demonstrating their commitment to leading by example and supporting others as they engage with the University’s LevelUP QEP.
“The enthusiasm and commitment of this cohort are truly inspiring,” said Angela Coleman, Ph.D., Associate Vice President of Institutional Effectiveness. “Their dedication to enhancing teaching, learning, and, most importantly, student success is remarkable. I am eager to see the impact they will have on our institution and students.”
In addition to their individual projects, the LevelUP Fellows will gain the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to maximize the impact of the LevelUP QEP. By collaborating within the cohort and with key stakeholders across various divisions, they will ensure that the LevelUP initiative is executed effectively and sustainably. The focus of LevelUP is closely aligned with the University’s mission to promote discovery, health, and learning, and it supports the strategic priority of enhancing student access and success.
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.