Innovate and Educate

Episode Summary: In Season 3, Episode 2 of the Innovate and Educate podcast, we continue our exploration of teaching and learning in an AI-enabled world by asking a critical follow-up question: "How can faculty design learning experiences that help students develop the skills they will need for the future?"

Building on the previous episode's discussion of future-ready skills, this episode focuses on practical approaches for creating meaningful learning experiences that foster critical thinking, discernment, communication, creativity, empathy, collaboration, and lifelong learning.

Listen as Dawn Apgar, Associate Professor in the Department of Social Work and Public Administration, discusses the importance of experiential learning, information literacy, and helping students thoughtfully evaluate and use AI-generated content. We will also hear from Jessica Dimka, Assistant Professor of Anthropology in the Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminal Justice, who discusses the role of reflection, perspective-taking, cultural awareness, and real-world connections through guest speakers and active learning experiences. Finally, Mark Schild, Associate Dean of the Stillman School of Business and Instructor in the Department of Finance, explores how faculty can redesign learning experiences to emphasize authentic problem-solving, industry engagement, critical evaluation of AI-generated information, and long-term skill development. Together, these conversations highlight how faculty can create learning experiences that help students apply knowledge, engage thoughtfully with technology, and develop the human skills that will remain essential in an AI-enabled future. Stay tuned for the next episode of Innovate and Educate, coming the first Thursday in December!

Dawn Apgar, Associate Professor, Department of Social Work and Public Administration [00:57-11:43] 

Jessica Dimka, Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminal Justice [11:50-18:43]

Mark Schild, Associate Dean, Stillman School of Business; Instructor, Department of Finance [18:49-26:34]

Episode Wrap-up [26:38-27:34] 

Jessica Dimka, Ph.D.: Contact Information 

Mark Schild, MBA: Contact Information 

Episode Homepage & Contact Info: Website 

In Season 3, Episode 1 of the Innovate and Educate podcast, we explore faculty perspectives on a timely question: “What skills will matter most for graduates in ten years?”

Listen as Mary Balkun, Ph.D., Director of Faculty Development and Director of Undergraduate Literature Studies in the Department of English, discusses why students should focus on developing adaptable, transferable skills and how authentic, real-world learning experiences can help prepare them for an evolving future. We will also hear from Devon Corneal, M.S., JD, Assistant Professor of Law and Associate Dean for Academics at the Seton Hall University School of Law, as she explores the need for graduates to evaluate information critically, exercise sound judgment, and use technology responsibly. Finally, Dean Bryan Crable, Ph.D., Founding Dean of the College of Human Development, Culture, and Media, examines the value of experiential learning and the broader impact of technology on society, encouraging students to build practical skills through hands-on experiences while serving as thoughtful stewards of emerging technologies. Stay tuned for the next episode of Innovate and Educate, coming the fourth Thursday in October!

Mary Balkun, Ph.D., Professor, Director of Faculty Development, and Director of Undergraduate Literature Studies, Department of English [02:22-08:18] 

Devon Corneal, M.S., JD, Assistant Professor of Law and Associate Dean for Academics, Seton Hall University School of Law [08:26-14:23]

Bryan Crable, Ph.D., Founding Dean of the College of Human Development, Culture, and Media at Seton Hall University [14:30-20:54]

Episode Wrap-up [20:58-22:00] 

Devon Corneal, M.S., JD: Contact Information

Bryan Crable, Ph.D.: Contact Information

Episode Homepage & Contact Info: Website 

Listen as Mary Kate Naatus, Ph.D., Dean of Continuing Education and Professional Studies and Associate Professor of Marketing in the Stillman School of Business, discusses the growing role of microcredentials in lifelong learning and workforce development. She explores how universities can create meaningful, community-centered learning experiences that help students and professionalsbuild practical skills, professional networks, and career readiness in a rapidly changing world. 

We will also hear from Ben Pincus, MBA, MSBM, Associate Dean for Assessment and Engagement and Professor in the Department of Management within the Stillman School of Business, who shares how gamification and badging can support student engagement and professional skill development. He also discusses the importance of creating experiences that help students apply what they’velearned and communicate the value of those experiences to future employers. 

Stay tuned for the next season of Innovate and Educate, coming in Fall 2026! 

Mary Kate Naatus, Ph.D., who serves as the Associate Provost of Partnerships & Global Initiatives, the Dean of Continuing Education and Professional Studies, as well as an Associate Professor, Stillman School, Department of Marketing [01:01-10:53 ] 

Ben Pincus, MBA, MSBM, Associate Dean for Assessment and External Engagement, Stillman School of Business [10:55-20:26 ]  

Episode Wrap-up [20:30-21:55 ]  

Ben Pincus, MBA, MSBM: Contact Information 

Episode Homepage & Contact Info: Website  

In Season 2, Episode 6 of the Innovate and Educate podcast, we explore how institutions can create impactful First-Year experiences that support student success from the very beginning of their college journey. This episode focuses on the importance of designing intentional, high-impact programs that foster belonging, persistence, and holistic student development during this critical transition period. 

Join us as Karen Van Norman, Associate Vice President and Dean of Students, Omayra Arocho, Assistant Vice President of Student Services and Dean of the Center for Academic Success, and Joshua Dornbos, Associate Dean of the Center for Academic Success, share their perspectives on supporting First-Year students. You’ll hear how campus leaders collaborate across departments, the strategies they use to build proactive support systems, and examples of programs and partnerships that help students navigate the transition to college and thrive both inside and outside the classroom. 

Key topics + time stamps   

Karen Van Norman, Associate Vice President and Dean of Students [01:26-7:40]  

Omayra Arocho, Assistant Vice President of Student Services and Dean of the Center for Academic Success and Joshua Dornbos, Associate Dean of the Center for Academic Success [07:45-22:50]  

Episode Wrap-up [22:51-23:54]  

Episode Homepage & Contact Info: Website   

In Season 2, Episode 5 of the Innovate and Educate podcast, we’re discussing how authentic assessments create more meaningful, real-world connections to course content, helping students see the relevance of what they are learning. We also highlight how faculty at Seton Hall University are leveraging digital tools to support both engagement and assessment. You’ll discover how technology can help reimagine traditional assignments into dynamic learning experiences.

Join us as Dr. Randall Clemens, Associate Dean in the College of Human Development, Culture, and Media (CHDCM) and Associate Professor in the Department of Education Leadership, Management and Policy (ELMP), and Dr. Elizabeth Van Dyk, Director of the Family Nurse Practitioner program for the Graduate Department of the College of Nursing, share their perspectives on authentic assessment. You’ll hear why they switched from more traditional assignments, the theory behind their reasoning, the impact authentic assessments have had on student learning, and examples used in classes.

Stay tuned for the next episode of Innovate and Educate, coming the last Thursday in April!

Dr. Randall Clemens, Associate Dean in the College of Human Development, Culture, and Media (CHDCM) and Associate Professor in the Department of Education Leadership, Management and Policy (ELMP) [00:56-09:50]

Dr. Elizabeth Van Dyk, Director of the Family Nurse Practitioner program for the Graduate Department of the College of Nursing [09:56-20:35]

Episode Wrap-up [20:36-21:43]

Episode Homepage & Contact Info: Website 

In Season 2, Episode 4 of the Innovate and Educate podcast, we’re discussing Seton Hall’s new Innovation Hub—a collaborative environment designed to inspire creativity, experimentation, and new approaches to teaching and learning. With its wide variety of tools—from Cricut to 3D printing and more—podcast booths, collaborative spaces, STEM applications, and just-in-time learning resources, the Innovation Hub will have something to interest everyone.

We’ll have a group conversation with Mike Soupios, Executive Director of the TLTC, Renee Cicchino, Director of Instructional Design and Training, Chris Petruzzi, Director of Design and Digital Media, John Fernandes, Senior Director of IT Service Management, and Scott Bergenfeld, Trainer and Makerspace Coordinator. Together, they’ll share the vision behind the space, how it will serve our campus community, and what it means for the future of innovation at Seton Hall.

Stay tuned for the next episode of Innovate and Educate, coming the last Thursday in February

Group Conversation [01:08-28:19]

Episode Wrap-up [28:19-29:23]

Episode Homepage & Contact Info: Website 

Episode Summary: In Season 2, Episode 3 of the Innovate and Educate podcast, we explore how higher education can empower students to connect their learning with meaningful career pathways. For National Career Development Month, we ask an important question: “How can colleges and universities better support students as they prepare for life after graduation?” 

Join us as Jorge Rivera, Director of Career Services at Seton Hall’s South Orange campus, and Jacqueline Pirone, Assistant Dean of Seton Hall Law’s Office of Career Services (OCS), share their perspectives on mentoring, transferable skills, and the evolving needs of today’s workforce. They offer practical guidance for faculty, staff, and students seeking to bridge the gap between academic experiences and professional success. 

Stay tuned for the next episode of Innovate and Educate, coming the fourth Thursday in January! 

Jorge Rivera, Director of Career Services on the South Orange campus [00:40-12:56] 

Jacqueline Pirone, Assistant Dean of Seton Hall Law’s Office of Career Services [12:56-26:28] 

Episode Wrap-up [26:28- 27:15] 

Episode Homepage & Contact Info: Website  

Episode Summary: In Season 2, Episode 2 of the Innovate and Educate podcast, we explore why keeping your data safe is more important than ever. For Cybersecurity month, we discuss the question: “Why is protecting your data so important, and what practical steps can faculty, staff, and students take to keep their information safe?”

Listen as Chris Richardson, Security Analyst at Seton Hall, talks about the hidden risks of data breaches and the role of cybersecurity in academic life. He will also give practical strategies that all of us—faculty, staff, and students—can use to protect our personal and professional information.

Stay tuned for the next episode of Innovate and Educate, coming the fourth Thursday in November!

Chris Richardson, Security Analyst [00:55-23:03]

Episode Wrap-up [23:04- 24:00]

Episode Homepage & Contact Info: Website 

In Season 2, Episode 1 of the Innovate and Educate podcast, we explore faculty responses to the question: “In an age where course materials are freely available online, test banks circulate widely, and generative AI tools reshape how students access knowledge—how do we design assignments that genuinely foster learning?”

Listen as Rachel Fikslin, Ph.D., Lecturer in Psychology, talks about how they design assessments to keep students motivated and to encourage them to bring their whole selves into their work. We will also hear from Meghan Caulfield, Ph.D., Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology, who will highlight the importance of authenticity to create student engagement while completing assignments. Finally, Sara Fieldston, Ph.D., Associate Professor in the Department of History, will discuss the documentary film project and New York City blog she asks her students to develop, teaching her students real-world skills in a new way.

Stay tuned for the next episode of Innovate and Educate, coming the fourth Thursday in October!

Rachel Fikslin, Ph.D., Lecturer in Psychology [02:31-09:21

Meghan Caulfield, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology [09:25-14:31] 

Sara Fieldston, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of History, [14:36-21:02]

Episode Wrap-up [21:03-22:04] 

Meghan Caulfield, Ph.D.:  Contact Information

Sara Fieldston, Ph.D.: Contact Information

Episode Homepage & Contact Info: Website 

In Episode Eight of the Innovate and Educate podcast, we begin our exploration of faculty responses to the question: “How is AI transforming workplace expectations, and what skills should college graduates develop to stay competitive?”

Listen as Renee Robinson, Ph.D., Professor of Communication in the Department of Communication, Media and the Arts, explores the potential impact of AI on various industries – from public relations to its role in the art world.  She’ll discuss ethical considerations such as privacy, bias, and using AI responsibly.  We will also hear from Jack Shannon, J.D., Professor of Legal Studies at the Stillman School of Business, who will highlight the importance of teaching students to use Gen AI appropriately and ethically to prepare them for success in the rapidly evolving workplace, as well as discuss some areas of concern when using AI, such as privacy and data security.

Stay tuned for the next episode of Innovate and Educate, coming in Fall 2025!

Renee Robinson, Ph.D. Professor of Communication in the Department of Communication, Media and the Arts [1:10-12:50]

Jack Shannon, J.D. Professor of Legal Studies at the Stillman School of Business [12:51-22:33] 

Episode Wrap-up [22:34-23:01] 

Jack Shannon, J.D.: Contact Information  

Episode Homepage & Contact Info: Website