The Adjunct Files

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In this episode of The Adjunct Files, we sit down with KC Culver—Assistant Professor at the University of Alabama and Associate Director of the Delphi Project—to explore the evolving landscape of higher education. KC shares her journey from non-tenure-track writing instructor to national advocate for improving faculty roles, explains the concept of “vital faculty,” and highlights strategies for institutional change that support both educators and student success. Tune in for insights on policy, professional development, and why faculty working conditions are student learning conditions.

For more on the Delphi Project: https://pullias.usc.edu/project/the-delphi-project/

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 Roth and Maggie Hohne sit down with Courtney Crimmins from Montclair State University—one of this year’s Delphi Award winners alongside FGCU. Courtney shares how Montclair built a comprehensive, collaborative model to support its 1,400 adjunct faculty, including initiatives like the 360° Support Network, professional development funding, union-driven changes, and community-building programs. From orientation to teaching innovation, discover how Montclair is transforming adjunct engagement and why these efforts matter for student success.

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 inspiring episode of The Adjunct Files, John Roth and Maggie Hohne welcome Brenda Thomas, former FGCU Colloquium Director and current Faculty Development Specialist at Appalachian State University. Brenda shares her journey from adjunct to advocate, detailing her work with VITAL faculty—visiting, instructor, teaching, adjuncts, and lecturers—and the challenges they face. From peer observation initiatives to shifting departmental culture, Brenda offers practical insights and heartfelt encouragement for part-time faculty everywhere. Tune in for a rich conversation on equity, belonging, and the power of intentional support.

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 Matt Losey, Creative Commons Lab Coordinator at FGCU’s library, to explore how the library is so much more than a place for books. From 3D printing and CNC milling to podcast studios and a massive data visualization wall, Matt shares how these cutting-edge resources empower students and faculty alike. Learn how adjuncts can integrate alternative assignments, support student creativity, and even prototype research tools—no tech background required. Whether you're curious about laser cutters or just want to help students find their voice, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical ideas.

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 inspiring episode of The Adjunct Files, Andi Clemons—director in the Provost’s Office, doctoral candidate, and first-time adjunct—shares her multifaceted journey through higher education. From managing academic budgets to surviving hurricanes and navigating dissertation stress, Andi brings a unique perspective to the classroom and campus culture. She discusses the importance of building resilience before adversity strikes, the need for better adjunct onboarding, and the power of community support. Her insights offer a compelling call to action for institutions to prioritize faculty well-being and connection, especially for adjuncts.

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 engaging episode of The Adjunct Files, FGCU adjunct Chad Cumming shares his unconventional journey from tax accountant to attorney and educator, blending real-world experience with a passion for teaching. Chad discusses how he brings business law and ethics to life for his students—using memes, current events, and historical context to foster critical thinking and adaptability. From startup stories to classroom strategies, this conversation highlights the power of authenticity, autonomy, and embracing ambiguity in 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 inspiring episode of The Adjunct Files, hosts John Roth and Maggie Hohne sit down with two retired physicians turned FGCU adjunct professors: Dr. Lou Broslovsky (OBGYN) and Dr. Andrew Berkow (Radiologist). What began as a post-retirement golf friendship evolved into a shared passion for teaching anatomy and physiology to the next generation of healthcare professionals.

The duo reflects on:

• Their unconventional paths into adjunct teaching
• The challenges and rewards of transitioning from clinical practice to the classroom
• Active learning strategies like flipped classrooms, concept mapping, and clinical case studies
• The evolving preparedness of students entering healthcare fields
• The essential soft skills—like empathy, communication, and time management—that future professionals need
• The deep satisfaction of mentoring students and witnessing their growth

With humor, humility, and heart, Drs. Broslovsky and Berkow show how adjunct teaching can be a powerful form of giving back—and how lifelong learning never retires.

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 engaging episode of The Adjunct Files, co-hosts John Roth and Maggie Hohne sit down with Dr. Paul Dosal, a fourth-generation Floridian and seasoned higher ed administrator, to explore his journey from Latin American historian to student success champion. Dr. Dosal shares his personal and professional background, including his academic roots in Tampa and Tulane, his tenure at USF and UCF, and his recent transition to FGCU.

The conversation dives deep into:

• Institutional culture as the key driver of student success.
• The importance of genuine care over metrics and technology.
• FGCU’s potential to become a national model for student success among regional comprehensive universities.
• The development of a Coordinated Care Management system, inspired by healthcare models, to provide holistic support for students.
• The critical role of adjunct faculty in shaping student experiences, especially through real-world expertise and passion for teaching.
• Challenges and opportunities in course planning, enrollment forecasting, and faculty inclusion.

Dr. Dosal emphasizes that student success is everyone’s responsibility—from groundskeepers to adjuncts—and that FGCU’s size and culture make it uniquely positioned to innovate and lead.

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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Dr. Penny Edwards from University of Rhode Island discusses her dissertation research on Adjunct Faculty Vitality and her passion and advocacy for adjunct faculty with Maggie and John.  There are many similarities between her discoveries and the experience of adjunct faculty and department chairs. 

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

Dr. Peter Bergerson joins Maggie and John to discuss his more than 50 years of experience teaching higher education and with politics, seeing in the recent years a shift toward more difficulty having civil discussions with students.  Bergerson shares his experience as an intern with Mayor Daily in Chicago, his time at the 1968 Democratic Convention in Chi town, and his years at SEMO (Southeast Missouri State) where he had a fairly famous student.  (Listen and you'll find out.)

Here are two sources we refer to in the podcast: 

Pew Research on Political Polarization

https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2023/09/19/americans-feelings-about-politics-polarization-and-the-tone-of-political-discourse/

Here’s Unify America's website: 

https://www.unifyamerica.org/

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/