In Pursuit of Excellence: Teaching in Christian Higher Education

Co-hosts Dr. Alexandra Barnett and Dr. Melissa Clemmons welcome Kjell Fenn, Author and Teaching Consultant in Liberty University’s Center for Teaching Excellence, for a conversation on Joyful Teaching, Joyful Learning: How the Fruit of the Spirit Shapes Teaching. Together, they explore how joy—rooted in the Spirit—can energize instructors, uplift students, and create classrooms where both teaching and learning become vibrant acts of worship. This episode highlights how joy not only sustains educators but also sparks curiosity, resilience, and deeper connections in the learning journey.

Co-hosts Dr. Alexandra Barnett and Dr. Melissa Clemmons sit down with Jake Byrd, Faculty Trainer in Liberty University’s Center for Teaching Excellence, for a conversation on Love and Learning: How the Fruit of the Spirit Shapes Teaching. Together, they explore how demonstrating the love of Jesus can reshape teaching, strengthen connections with students, and create classrooms where learning and faith grow side by side.

Dr. Tom Doss and Dr. Alexandra Barnett launch a new season with an introduction to this year’s theme: the Fruit of the Spirit in higher education. In this opening episode, they explore how the virtues of Galatians 5:22-23 can influence the work of Christian educators.

Join us in Fall 2025 for Season 3 of In Pursuit of Excellence!

Co-hosts Dr. Tom Doss and Kjell Fenn welcome Jake Byrd, Educational Technologist in the Center for Teaching Excellence. In this episode, Jake discusses how faculty can serve their HyFlex students through the use of technology, sharing practical tips on utilizing learning software, promoting accessibility, and preparing students for the future.

Co-hosts Dr. Tom Doss and Kjell Fenn welcome Dr. Jerry Pitts, Faculty Trainer in the Center for Teaching Excellence, and Adjunct Professor in the School of Education at Liberty University. In this episode, Dr. Pitts discusses how best to support adult student learners in higher education, highlighting the importance of flexibility, spiritual support, and technological preparedness.

Co-hosts Drs. Alexandra Barnett and Tom Doss welcome Kjell Fenn, Teaching Consultant in the Center for Teaching Excellence and Assistant Professor of Education at Liberty University. In this episode, Professor Fenn discusses how to engage students in the classroom through the use of active learning strategies and techniques.

Co-hosts Dr. Alexandra Barnett and Kjell Fenn welcome Dr. Jerry Pitts, U.S. Army veteran, Faculty Trainer in the Center for Teaching Excellence, and Adjunct Professor in the School of Education at Liberty University. In this episode, Dr. Pitts shares best practices for serving and supporting military students and their families in their academic pursuits. 

Host Kjell Fenn welcomes Jake Byrd, Educational Technologist in the Center for Teaching Excellence at Liberty University. In this episode, Byrd shares best practices for technological integration and tips on how to better serve students using technology.

Co-hosts Dr. Tom Doss and Kjell Fenn welcome Sarah Boettger, Assistant Professor in the College of Applied Studies and Academic Success at Liberty University. In this episode, Dr. Boettger discusses the importance of cultivating student connections with their institution, with academic success, and with their skills, sharing practical tips from a developmental educator's perspective.