Beyond the Syllabus: Pedagogy and Purpose

How much of the college experience happens outside the classroom? On this episode of Beyond the Syllabus: Pedagogy and Purpose, I am joined by Amanda Ailing, Director of Campus Involvement at Wingate University, to explore how active participation in campus organizations serves as a cornerstone of holistic student development. 

Together, we break down the practical benefits of student involvement, including the soft skills employers look for, strategies for boosting student retention and belonging, and ways to overcome barriers for busy or commuter students. Whether you are an educator, student affairs professional, or higher ed leader, this episode offers actionable insights into bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world personal growth. 

Explore episode extras and more at Behind the Mic: ⁠⁠www.gobeyondthesyllabus.com⁠. ⁠

What happens when experienced industry executives trade boardrooms and budgets for lecture halls and syllabi? In this episode of Beyond the Syllabus, I sit down with Dr. Morgan Bryant and Dr. Pamela Richardson-Greenfield to explore the pipeline of corporate leaders transitioning into higher education. 

Learn how real-world experience is reshaping modern business pedagogy and what it takes to make the leap from industry to academia. 

Explore episode extras and more at Behind the Mic: ⁠www.gobeyondthesyllabus.com⁠. 

What does it truly look like to transition from the classroom to the administrative suite? In this episode of Beyond the Syllabus: Pedagogy and Purpose, we harness the collective wisdom of three exceptional higher education leaders to explore the lived experience of rising through the academic ranks.

Joining the conversation are Dr. Tarra Ellis, Dean of the Thayer School of Education at Wingate University, Dr. Carrie Hoefferle, VP and Dean of the Cannon College of Arts and Sciences at Wingate University, and Laura Hunt, Provost and Chief Academic Officer at Bluegrass Community and Technical College and former Provost at Wingate University.

Together, we dive into the unique structural challenges women face in high-ranking roles, from navigating institutional change to overcoming imposter syndrome and establishing authority. Our guests share tangible, real-world strategies for targeting impactful committees and balancing the teacher-scholar identity with administrative responsibility. Whether you are a faculty member considering a leadership track or a seasoned administrator looking to co-create more inclusive, affirming spaces for the next generation, this episode offers an authentic roadmap for purpose-driven leadership.

Explore episode extras and more at Behind the Mic: ⁠www.gobeyondthesyllabus.com⁠. 

#HigherEducation #WomeninHigherEd #BeyondTheSyllabus #WomenInLeadership #WomenInAcademia 

Being the "first" in a family to attend college is more than a technical journey through credits and GPAs; it is a profound act of reshaping a family’s legacy. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Dana Patterson,  Vice President for Community at Wingate University, to explore the unique journey of first-generation students. We move beyond the traditional challenge narrative to highlight the incredible resilience and perspective these students bring to our campuses.

Explore episode extras and more at Behind the Mic: www.gobeyondthesyllabus.com. 

Jennifer Joyner and LaToya Counts have devoted their work to helping college students navigate both personal and professional growth. LaToya Counts also extends this work through her book, 7 Step Transition from Student to Professional, her workshops, and her new tool, ForwardStack. Their guidance equips students with the self-awareness, confidence, and focus needed to step into the workforce with purpose. I was honored to have them join the conversation on “Cracking the Career Code,” where they speak directly to students about recognizing their strengths and using their unique value to stand out to employers and mentors. 

Are you a student trying to figure out how your personal talents translate into real-world career success? Don't navigate the shift alone. Listen in to learn exactly how to articulate your unique strengths into actionable career characteristics that employers notice.

As always, have a seat and join the conversation as we go Beyond the Syllabus.

 Explore episode extras and more at Behind the Mic: www.gobeyondthesyllabus.com. 

On this episode of Beyond the Syllabus: Pedagogy and Purpose, we explore the transformative power of co-curricular engagement through the expertise of Keyua McElveen, Director of Co-Curricular and Community Experience at Wingate University. 

We define the "Co" in Co-Curricular community engagement as a bridge between academic curriculum and real-world community impact. The discussion includes how intentional experiences outside the classroom foster personal growth and professional readiness. This conversation highlights how students become active "Difference-Makers" in their communities.  

Explore episode extras and more at Behind the Mic: www.gobeyondthesyllabus.com. 

What happens when your daily work aligns with a calling? In this episode, we sit down with University Chaplain Dr. Benjamin Sammons to explore the bigger picture beyond the classroom. While higher education often focuses on GPAs and graduation regalia, Dr. Sammons challenges us to look deeper at the "purpose" that guides us when the ceremonies end. 

Join us for a calming and reflective conversation about finding your cardinal direction in a shifting world and how we can help the next generation discover who they are truly meant to be.

Special thanks to my colleague and Anesu Simango for editing this espisode. 

Explore episode extras and more at Behind the Mic: www.gobeyondthesyllabus.com. 

In this episode of Beyond the Syllabus: Pedagogy and Purpose, I’m joined by my colleague Dr. Mary Jordan, Director of Career Service at Wingate University, to tackle the articulation gap, that challenging space where students’ academic experiences and professional identities connect. This conversation is about building the bridge from the resume to the interview room.

We explore how to empower students with professional language that feels authentic to truly own their expertise. Dr. Jordan shares the interconnectivity of faculty and career services in planting the seeds for a 'bouquet' of student success at the end of the academic journey.

Whether you are a student service professional, faculty, support coach, or a student looking to "name and claim" your expertise, Dr. Jordan provides actionable "marching orders" to start building your articulation bridge.

Explore episode extras and more at Behind the Mic: www.gobeyondthesyllabus.com. 

This conversation explores how students move beyond completing assignments to owning and transferring their learning into new academic, professional, and life contexts. 

Our focus is on the role of teaching design, reflection, and career storytelling in building student confidence andadaptability. 

Have a seat and join the conversation with Logan Barrett, Executive Director, Career & Academic Success & Advising at Spring Hill College.

Explore episode extras and more at Behind the Mic: www.gobeyondthesyllabus.com. 

In this episode of Beyond the Syllabus: Pedagogy and Purpose, I’m joined by my colleague Dr. Mary Jordan, Director of Career Service at Wingate University, to tackle the articulation gap, that challenging space where students’ academic experiences and professional identities connect. This conversation is about building the bridge from the resume to the interview room.

We explore how to empower students with professional language that feels authentic to truly own their expertise. Dr. Jordan shares the interconnectivity of faculty and career services in planting the seeds for a 'bouquet' of student success at the end of the academic journey.

Whether you are a student service professional, faculty, support coach, or a student looking to "name and claim" your expertise, Dr. Jordan provides actionable "marching orders" to start building your articulation bridge.

 Explore episode extras and more at Behind the Mic: www.gobeyondthesyllabus.com.