The Adjunct Files

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When a student is struggling, faculty don't need to have all the answers. In this episode of The Adjunct Files, Dennis Kristofferson from FGCU's Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) shares how instructors can recognize signs of distress, start caring conversations, and connect students with the support they need. From anxiety and loneliness to crisis response and suicide prevention, this practical conversation equips faculty to be part of FGCU's "Community of Care" while staying within their role as educators. 

CAPS Website:  

https://www.fgcu.edu/counseling-and-psychological-services/

• Making an Appointment
• Virtual Front Desk (New)
• CAPS Hours, location and 24-hour Crisis Services information
• CAPS Programs & Services
• Groups, Resources. Outreach Events
• Informational Video
• Information for Students, Faculty and Staff, the University Community, Services Provided, etc.
• Making an Appointment
• Making an online Outreach presentation / support request 
• Meet the CAPS Staff
• For Faculty and Staff
• Common Concerns & Self-Help Tools: 

https://www.fgcu.edu/counseling-and-psychological-services/resources

Theme music composed, performed and produced by James Husni. 

Adjunct Nation is a collaborative podcast under the auspices of The Lucas Center for Faculty Development at FGCU.  You can learn more by clicking on this link:

https://www.fgcu.edu/lucascenter/

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How do you turn a student's passion for making a difference into real impact? Melodie Eichbauer and Heather Skaza-Acosta share how FGCU's Gulf Scholars Program helps students move beyond learning about problems to actively working on solutions. Through research, service, internships, community partnerships, and collaborative projects, students develop the skills to tackle the complex challenges facing Southwest Florida and the Gulf region while preparing for future careers and leadership roles.

Theme music composed, performed and produced by James Husni. 

Adjunct Nation is a collaborative podcast under the auspices of The Lucas Center for Faculty Development at FGCU.  You can learn more by clicking on this link:

https://www.fgcu.edu/lucascenter/

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What does accessibility really look like in higher education? In this episode of The Adjunct Files, Cori Bright-Kerrigan, Director of Adaptive Services and FGCU's ADA Coordinator, shares how accommodations create opportunity, not advantage. From supporting more than 1,600 students to championing universal design for learning, Cori offers practical guidance for faculty while highlighting inspiring stories of student perseverance and success.

https://www.fgcu.edu/adaptive/

https://fgcu.instructure.com/courses/53650

Theme music composed, performed and produced by James Husni. 

Adjunct Nation is a collaborative podcast under the auspices of The Lucas Center for Faculty Development at FGCU.  You can learn more by clicking on this link:

https://www.fgcu.edu/lucascenter/

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In this episode of The Adjunct Files, John and Maggie sit down with Dr. Senthil "Beejay" Girimurugan, Interim Dean of the Honors College at FGCU, for a wide-ranging conversation about curiosity, purpose, learning, and what makes honors education distinctive. Beejay shares how the Honors College nurtures students' natural curiosity through scholarship, leadership, community engagement, and meaningful faculty relationships. Along the way, he offers practical insights for adjunct faculty on working with high-achieving students, creating honors-embedded experiences, and cultivating the kind of active learning environments that challenge students to think more deeply and independently.

The conversation also explores much bigger questions about the future of higher education. Drawing on his background in statistics, programming, and machine learning, Beejay offers a thought-provoking perspective on artificial intelligence, arguing that authentic human intelligence, curiosity, purpose, and personal connection remain at the heart of meaningful education. From honors contracts and undergraduate research to the value of passion in teaching, this episode is a reminder that the most transformative learning experiences are still rooted in human relationships and the desire to understand the world more deeply.

Theme music composed, performed and produced by James Husni. 

Adjunct Nation is a collaborative podcast under the auspices of The Lucas Center for Faculty Development at FGCU.  You can learn more by clicking on this link:

https://www.fgcu.edu/lucascenter/

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In this episode of The Adjunct Files, John and Maggie sit down with Dr. Charles "Billy" Gunnels, FGCU's new Associate Provost for Academic Excellence and Innovation. Drawing on nearly two decades of leadership at FGCU and a career rooted in biology, animal behavior, and student success, Dr. Gunnels shares his philosophy of academic excellence: not simply opening the doors of higher education, but ensuring that every student has the opportunity to become the best version of themselves. Along the way, he discusses curiosity, observation, research, leadership, and why meaningful learning is often rooted in asking better questions rather than finding quick answers.

The conversation also explores the important role adjunct faculty play in advancing student success, bringing professional expertise into the classroom, and helping the university remain responsive to changing student needs. Dr. Gunnels reflects on innovation beyond technology, the importance of developing adaptable skills rather than simply teaching content, and his vision for a more collaborative and engaged FGCU community. Thoughtful, inspiring, and filled with memorable stories ranging from pronghorn antelope to ant super-colonies, this episode offers a hopeful look at the future of teaching, learning, and academic excellence at FGCU.

Theme music composed, performed and produced by James Husni. 

Adjunct Nation is a collaborative podcast under the auspices of The Lucas Center for Faculty Development at FGCU.  You can learn more by clicking on this link:

https://www.fgcu.edu/lucascenter/

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of The Adjunct Files, John and Maggie welcome Dr. Clay Motley, FGCU's new Associate Provost for Faculty Success and Academic Resources. Dr. Motley discusses his new role, his vision for supporting faculty across their professional lifecycle, and why the classroom remains "the most sacred space" at the university. The conversation explores how adjunct faculty contribute to FGCU's mission, the challenges of onboarding and supporting instructors, and the importance of creating stronger connections between adjunct faculty and their departments.

The discussion also looks toward the future of higher education, including the growing role of Canvas, digital learning, artificial intelligence, and professional development. Dr. Motley shares his thoughts on why adjunct faculty representation in Faculty Senate matters, how shared governance benefits the university, and why the voices of those teaching nearly 20% of FGCU's courses deserve to be heard. Whether you're an adjunct faculty member, department leader, or simply interested in the future of teaching and learning, this conversation offers both practical insights and a hopeful vision for faculty success at FGCU

Theme music composed, performed and produced by James Husni. 

Adjunct Nation is a collaborative podcast under the auspices of The Lucas Center for Faculty Development at FGCU.  You can learn more by clicking on this link:

https://www.fgcu.edu/lucascenter/

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What exactly does Faculty Senate do, and why should adjunct faculty care? In this episode of The Adjunct Files, John and Maggie sit down with Dr. Derek Lura, President of the FGCU Faculty Senate, for a candid conversation about shared governance, university decision-making, and the evolving role of adjunct faculty within the institution.

The discussion explores FGCU's historic decision to become the first university in Florida's State University System to include adjunct faculty senators in its shared governance model. Dr. Lura shares his perspective on faculty representation, communication across the university, the challenges and opportunities facing higher education, and why adjunct faculty play a critical role in FGCU's future. Whether you're curious about how decisions are made, how your voice can be heard, or how to become more connected to the university community, this episode offers an insightful look behind the scenes of leadership at FGCU.

Theme music composed, performed and produced by James Husni. 

Adjunct Nation is a collaborative podcast under the auspices of The Lucas Center for Faculty Development at FGCU.  You can learn more by clicking on this link:

https://www.fgcu.edu/lucascenter/

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of The Adjunct Files, John and Maggie sit down with Tami Tassler, Associate Director of Admissions and the energetic force behind FGCU’s Welcome Center and campus tours. With 25 years of experience introducing future Eagles to the university, Tami shares what makes FGCU stand out, the hidden gems many faculty never discover, and why connection and community remain at the heart of the student experience.

From residence halls and waterfront views to campus traditions, student belonging, and the challenges facing today’s students, this conversation offers a fresh look at FGCU through the eyes of the people who see it for the first time every day. Along the way, Tami challenges adjunct faculty to get out of the classroom, explore campus, build community, and better understand the students they teach.

Whether you’re new to FGCU or have been teaching here for years, this episode may inspire you to see the university—and your role in it—with fresh eyes.

Theme music composed, performed and produced by James Husni. 

Adjunct Nation is a collaborative podcast under the auspices of The Lucas Center for Faculty Development at FGCU.  You can learn more by clicking on this link:

https://www.fgcu.edu/lucascenter/

Send us Fan Mail

History is being made at FGCU. In this episode of The Adjunct Files, Jon and Maggie sit down with Emily Chaikin and Jessica Carter Peer, the first adjunct faculty members ever elected to the FGCU Faculty Senate—making FGCU the first university in Florida to formally include adjunct representation in shared governance.

Emily and Jessica share their journeys at FGCU, what motivated them to step forward into this new leadership role, and why adjunct voices matter in conversations about communication, policy, teaching conditions, and student success. They discuss the opportunities—and challenges—of representing hundreds of adjunct faculty, the importance of closing feedback loops, and what success would look like at the end of their term.

Whether you’re an adjunct wondering how shared governance affects you, or a faculty member curious about how FGCU is redefining inclusion and collaboration, this episode offers an inside look at a pivotal moment for the university—and what it could mean for the future of adjunct faculty across higher education.

Theme music composed, performed and produced by James Husni. 

Adjunct Nation is a collaborative podcast under the auspices of The Lucas Center for Faculty Development at FGCU.  You can learn more by clicking on this link:

https://www.fgcu.edu/lucascenter/

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of The Adjunct Files, John and Maggie sit down with Brian Rist—founder of Storm Smart, longtime entrepreneur, philanthropist, and adjunct faculty member at FGCU—fresh off receiving an honorary Doctor of Laws at commencement. What unfolds is far more than a business success story; it’s a reflection on purpose, resilience, and the transformative power of education.

Brian shares how Hurricane Andrew sparked the idea that would eventually become Storm Smart, a company that revolutionized hurricane protection and helped safeguard hundreds of thousands of homes. But the heart of this conversation lies in what came next: his decision to step into the classroom, mentor first-generation and regional students, and invest his time, talent, and resources in helping others break cycles and build better futures.

From ethical leadership and lifelong learning to generosity as a way of life, Brian reflects on why teaching as an adjunct is one of the most meaningful things he does—and why he gladly flies back and forth to stay connected to students. Whether you’re an adjunct, an entrepreneur, or someone searching for deeper meaning in your work, this episode is a powerful reminder that success isn’t just about what you build—but who you help along the way.

Theme music composed, performed and produced by James Husni. 

Adjunct Nation is a collaborative podcast under the auspices of The Lucas Center for Faculty Development at FGCU.  You can learn more by clicking on this link:

https://www.fgcu.edu/lucascenter/