Navigating the PdD Journey: Insights from Dr. Lee Stadtlander

In this episode of Faculty Take Five, Dr. Amy Seckel speaks with Dr. Lee Stadtlander about her nontraditional path to earning a PhD and building a career in research and teaching. Dr. Stadtlander reflects on navigating graduate school as an adult learner, managing personal challenges, and the importance of mentoring, writing, and gaining teaching experience along the way. She also shares practical advice on overcoming imposter syndrome and building a strong skill set for academic and professional success.

Please note: This episode was recorded approximately 18-24 months ago. Some information or references may reflect that timeframe.

In this episode of the Faculty Leading the Change Podcast, we explore the power of compassionate communication and its role in building a supportive learning community. Through the lens of the online classroom, we consider the experience of students who may be struggling silently, feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure where to turn for support.

Dr. Saeid Atoofi, Core Faculty at the College of Interdisciplinary Undergraduate Studies, shares his insights on fostering empathy, engaging in meaningful discourse, and creating spaces where students feel seen and supported. Tune in for an insightful conversation on how compassion in communication can strengthen student engagement, promote belonging, and transform the learning experience for everyone involved.

Learn more about the Faculty Leading the Change Series, powered by the Office of Teaching, Learning, and Mentoring Excellence → https://tinyurl.com/flc-series

IFME E4 Publishing -Mentor Excellence Class by MyFaculty Podcasts

Episode 3 of Mentoring Excellence Classes, from the Institute of Faculty Mentoring Excellence at Walden University with host, Dr. Lee Stadtlander. In this session Drs. Stadtlander, Tammy Root, Magdeline Aagard, and Michelle Brown discuss grading in the 9000 (dissertation) classes.

Episode 1 of Mentoring Excellence Classes, from the Institute of Faculty Mentoring Excellence at Walden University with host, Dr. Lee Stadtlander. In this session Drs. Stadtlander, Leilani Gjellstad, and Morris Bidjerano explore current issues with students’ use of artificial intelligence with qualitative ressearch.

In this episode of Faculty Leading the Change Podcast Edition, Dr. Donal Hardin, Contributing Faculty, with the College of Psychology and Community Services at Walden University, collaborates with Professor and licensed Psychologist Patrick McMunn to discuss the importance of compassion in education and the vital role of mental health resources for students. You'll learn best practices for mentorship and proactive approaches educators can take to identify and assist struggling students.

Resources mentioned during this episode:

> https://tinyurl.com/Guide-to-Students-in-Crisis

> https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/friendly.php?s=success-strategies/mindset-wellness

> https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/disability-services/mental-health

> https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/academic-skills-center/success-strategies/time-management

Learn more about the Faculty Leading the Change Series.

→ https://tinyurl.com/flc-series

In this Faculty Leading the Change Podcast Edition episode, Dr. Saeid Atoofi, Core Faculty member in the College of Interdisciplinary Undergraduate Studies (CIUS) at Walden University, explores how compassionate discourse can reshape how we engage with students in online learning. He shares practical strategies for giving feedback that reduce anxiety, foster trust, and build classrooms where students feel truly seen and supported.

Learn more about the Faculty Leading the Change Series.

→ https://tinyurl.com/flc-series

In this Faculty Leading the Change Podcast Edition episode, our host and facilitator, Deb Mattoso, talks with Dr. Heather Alonge (Core Faculty, Master of Healthcare Administration) about reimagining KPIs for online learning—not just key performance indicators, but also Kindness, Presence, and Investment. Drawing on pandemic-era experiences, these KPIs demonstrate how human-centered metrics complement completion rates and test scores, and share practical tactics to build classrooms where students feel seen and supported.

Learn more about the Faculty Leading the Change Series.

→ https://tinyurl.com/flc-series

Episode 1 of Mentoring Excellence Classes, from the Institute of Faculty Mentoring Excellence at Walden University with host, Dr. Lee Stadtlander. In this session Drs. Stadtlander, Leilani Gjellstad, John Agnew, and Carole Pearce explore current issues with students’ use of artificial intelligence with the dissertation.

In this special 10th episode of Meet the Leadership, Deb Mattoso is joined by Qiana Wells-Haridat, Dean of Academic Success at the Office of Licensure, Certification, and Compliance at Walden University. Qiana shares her journey of resilience, leadership, and gratitude, offering deep insights into the complexities of regulatory compliance and programmatic accreditation in higher education. She opens up about the power of vulnerability in leadership, the importance of cultivating trust, and how staying true to one's values can guide transformative work.

Tune in to learn how Qiana navigates external challenges, fosters team accountability, and embraces courage over comfort to drive student success and institutional integrity.