ϡȱ�� Center for Academic Innovation - News

ϡȱ�� Faculty Named Generative AI Pedagogy Fellows for 2026-2027

admin-jennifer — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 13:36:24 +0000

The William E. Kirwan Center for Academic Innovation at the ϡȱ�� (ϡȱ��) welcomes a cohort of 14 faculty selected as 2026-2027 Generative AI Pedagogy Fellows from across our ϡȱ�� institutions.

The Generative AI Pedagogy Fellows program is led by ϡȱ�� Senior Fellow for Generative AI Dr. Casey Stratton of Salisbury University and Dr. Jennifer Potter, Associate Director of the Kirwan Center for Academic Innovation.

This initiative brings together faculty who are already advancing generative AI pedagogy in their teaching and research practices. As recognized experts in this rapidly evolving field, Fellows will serve as champions for the thoughtful integration of generative AI across the ϡȱ��. The program aims to equip these faculty leaders with enhanced skills and knowledge to guide their peers through workshops and collaborative initiatives.

Fellows will further develop their expertise in generative AI applications while establishing a cross-institutional community of practice dedicated to collaborative research and innovation in AI pedagogy. Through this network, they will create, test, and disseminate evidence-based approaches that address the unique challenges and opportunities of AI in higher education. By working together on research projects and sharing their findings, Fellows will help establish the ϡȱ�� as a leader in generative AI pedagogy.

As generative AI rapidly transforms higher education, many institutions struggle with fragmented approaches to faculty development and inconsistent access to AI tools. Our cross-institutional fellows program addresses these challenges by creating collaborative communities where faculty share resources, expertise, and advocacy strategies, ultimately enhancing teaching and learning experiences across the entire ϡȱ��.

The 2026-2027 ϡȱ�� Generative AI Pedagogy Fellows are:

Mayyada Al Hammoshi, Collegiate Faculty, Assessment and Evaluation, and Associate Professor, Cyber Technology, University of ϡȱ�� Global Campus

Michelle Antero, Assistant Teaching Professor, Department of Information Systems, University of ϡȱ�� Baltimore County

Molly Barra, Information Literacy Instruction Coordinator and Librarian II, Frostburg State University

John Beyers, Portfolio Director and Professor, Mathematics & Statistics, University of ϡȱ�� Global Campus

Renee Foose, Professor, Department of Educational Studies and Leadership, Bowie State University

Michael Geuss, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, Bowie State University

Yuanyuan Liu, Adjunct Professor, Chinese Languages, University of ϡȱ�� Baltimore County

Cynthia McGinnis, Associate Professor, Mathematics & Computer Science, University of ϡȱ�� Global Campus Asia

Neeraja Murali, Assistant Professor, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of ϡȱ�� School of Medicine, University of ϡȱ�� Baltimore

James Parris, Instructor, Department of Media and Communication Studies, University of ϡȱ�� Baltimore County

Michelle Pittman, Portfolio Director and Collegiate Associate Professor, Web & Digital Design, Department of Information Technology, University of ϡȱ�� Global Campus

Wendy Post, Assistant Professor, Department of Nursing, Bowie State University

Nate Sinnott, Associate Professor, Department of Theatre, University of ϡȱ�� Baltimore County

Shuling Yang, Assistant Professor, Department of Education, University of ϡȱ�� Baltimore County

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ϡȱ�� Announces 26-27 Senior Fellows to Drive Academic Innovation

admin-jennifer — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 13:25:40 +0000

The ϡȱ�� (ϡȱ��) Kirwan Center for Academic Innovation is pleased to announce the appointment of three Senior Fellows for the 2026-2027 academic year. These faculty leaders will play a pivotal role in advancing the Kirwan Center’s mission to foster excellence in teaching, learning, and scholarship across the system’s 12 institutions.

As higher education continues to evolve, these Senior Fellows will provide the expertise and mentorship necessary to support faculty in navigating emerging technologies, conducting rigorous educational research, and measuring the impact of innovative pedagogical practices.

Senior Fellow in Generative AI Pedagogy

Dr. Casey Stratton, Assistant Professor in Communication at Salisbury University, has been named the Senior Fellow in Generative AI Pedagogy.

As Generative AI continues to transform the landscape of higher education, the Kirwan Center is committed to ensuring ϡȱ�� faculty are leaders in the ethical and effective integration of these tools. In this role, Dr. Stratton will partner with Kirwan Center staff to co-lead a series of workshops throughout the fall semester, guiding a cohort of faculty fellows in exploring innovative AI pedagogies and best practices. Dr. Stratton will then mentor these fellows as they design and develop their own faculty training workshops, which they will deliver across the ϡȱ�� system in the spring. This cascading model of professional development ensures that cutting-edge generative AI practices reach faculty at all 12 institutions, fostering a system-wide culture of innovation and ethical AI integration.

Senior Fellow for Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL)

Dr. Karen Chen, Associate Professor in Data Science at UMBC, will serve as the Senior Fellow for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL).

The SoTL fellowship bridges the gap between classroom practice and systematic inquiry. Dr. Chen will lead the 2026-2027 SoTL Fellows cohort, providing expert guidance on refining research questions, selecting methodologies, and navigating the IRB process. Throughout the year, Dr. Chen will mentor faculty through the lifecycle of their research, from initial data collection to the preparation of manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication. This leadership ensures that ϡȱ�� faculty continue to contribute significantly to the global conversation on evidence-based teaching.

Senior Fellow for Assessment & Evaluation

Dr. Luciana Zuest, Professor in Kinesiology at Towson University, has been selected as the Senior Fellow for Assessment & Evaluation.

Understanding the effectiveness of educational initiatives is essential for sustainable innovation. Dr. Zuest will lead the design and implementation of evaluation strategies for various Kirwan Center programs. By collecting and analyzing both quantitative and qualitative data, Dr. Zuest will develop data visualizations and reporting materials that communicate program impact to internal and external stakeholders. This role is vital for ensuring that the Kirwan Center’s initiatives remain data-driven and responsive to the evolving needs of faculty across all ϡȱ�� campuses.

A System-Wide Impact

The appointment of these three distinguished faculty members underscores the ϡȱ��’s commitment to faculty-led innovation. By partnering with faculty leaders from Salisbury University, UMBC, and Towson University, the Kirwan Center ensures that cutting-edge pedagogical research and practices are shared and implemented across our institutions. This collaborative approach allows us to scale student and faculty success initiatives that meet the unique needs of our campus constituents and benefit the entire state.

To learn more about Dr. Stratton, Dr. Chen, and Dr. Zuest, visit the Kirwan Center staff page.

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Fourth Cohort of Elkins SoTL Fellowship Awardees Named

admin-nancy — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 13:59:10 +0000

The ϡȱ�� Kirwan Center for Academic Innovation welcomes the 2026-2027 cohort of Elkins SoTL Fellows – ϡȱ�� faculty will receive mini-grants and technical support to conduct projects focused on the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL).

The Elkins SoTL Fellowship Program was developed to support and elevate faculty research on teaching practice. Now in its fourth year, the program’s 2026-2027 cohort of Elkins SoTL Fellows will conduct research spanning areas such as educational leadership development, faculty grading practices, intercultural awareness and competence, and the integration of emerging technologies such as generative artificial intelligence into teaching and learning.

SoTL focuses on systematic investigation of student learning, instruction, and teaching innovations. Findings from SoTL research studies can help inform educators as they decide which instructional methods to use with students and as they design courses, helping to improve student performance and contributing to the knowledge base related to effective educational practices.

“I’m delighted to welcome this outstanding cohort of Elkins SoTL Fellows,” said Nancy O’Neill, Executive Director, ϡȱ�� Kirwan Center for Academic Innovation. “Their scholarship will advance our collective knowledge about what works for student success, and I am deeply grateful for their engagement in this important work.”

The 2026-2027 Elkins SoTL Fellows are:

Haitham Alkhateeb, Professor of Mathematics and Director of the Mathematics Program, University of Baltimore | Study: Student Views of the Arab Spring: Perceptions of Islamism, Democracy, and Rights

Ariel H. Bierbaum, Associate Professor of Urban Studies and Planning, University of ϡȱ��, College Park | Study: Cross-Disciplinary Learning for Educational Leadership Development

Eun-Jeong Han, Associate Professor, Department of Communication, Salisbury University | Study: Conversation on Food and Identity: Enhancing Intercultural Competence and DEI Awareness through Cross-Institutional Collaborative Learning

Ioan Marginean, Associate Professor, School of Criminal Justice, University of Baltimore | Study: Assessing the Quality of AI-Generated Feedback on Short Writing Assignments

Megan Rhee, Assistant Professor, Yale Gordon College of Arts & Sciences, University of Baltimore | Study: Invisible Standards: A Survey of Grading Attitudes and Practices in Design Education

Tracy L.F. Worley, Adjunct Professor, Communication, Journalism & Speech, University of ϡȱ�� Global Campus and Adjunct 1, Yale Gordon College of Arts and Science, University of Baltimore | Study: The Impact of Visual Communication and AI Integration in a Composition and Research Course

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ϡȱ�� Gen AI Pedagogy Fellowship Program (2026-27) Call for Applications

admin-jennifer — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 12:39:39 +0000

The ϡȱ�� Kirwan Center for Academic Innovation invites applications for the Generative AI Pedagogy Fellows Program for the 2026-2027 academic year. We seek faculty from across the ϡȱ�� to participate in this year-long program, which includes structured, cohort-based learning, an opportunity to lead a faculty development workshop among peers, and a $1,500 stipend.

The program is grounded in the principle that AI pedagogy is stronger when it is informed by evidence. Fellows will explore a problem of practice in one of three topic areas:

AI Literacy and Critical Thinking,
AI for Active Learning, or
AI for Accessibility and Inclusive Pedagogy

Each Fellow will develop and implement an AI-based intervention in their own course (fall 2026 or spring 2027) that addresses the problem of practice and collect evidence of impact of their intervention for the purposes of teaching improvement. They will then share their approach as part of a hands-on workshop developed in collaboration with Fellows in their topic area and delivered to faculty peers.

The Fellowship provides an opportunity for participants to deepen their own expertise in AI pedagogy and to advance evidence-based teaching practices across ϡȱ��, all while part of a collaborative community of practice. The program will expand AI applications beyond what's easiest to measure toward meaningful learning outcomes, such as collaborative problem-solving, evidence-based reasoning, ethical decision-making, and disciplinary-specific skills and dispositions.

Review the full Call for Applications. Deadline extended to 12 PM Noon on Wednesday, May 27, 2026.

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Call for Proposals: 2026-27 Elkins SoTL Fellows Program

admin-nancy — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 17:19:35 +0000

The Call for Proposals for the 2026-2027 Elkins SoTL Fellows Program is now open!

Up to 10 Elkins SoTL Fellowships of $1,000 each will be awarded for 2026-2027 (May 22, 2026-June 30, 2027). The Elkins SoTL Fellowships are open to ϡȱ�� faculty of any rank or appointment interested in undertaking a research project focused on the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning. A faculty member should serve as principal investigator (PI) on the project; a staff person may serve as co-PI provided the project originates with the faculty member. At present, we are not considering graduate students for this fellowship but may do so in future cycles.

Join Kirwan Center staff on Monday, April 13, 2026, from 1:00 to 2:00 pm ET for a virtual Information Session to learn more about the Fellowship requirements and expectations. We will also answer questions about the program at that time. Register for the Information Session. Registering will ensure you receive a link to the session recording, even if you can’t attend live.

Proposals are due by 11:59 pm on Friday, May 8, 2026, for work to take place over the subsequent academic year. More details can be found in the Call for Proposals.

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17 Faculty Selected for Boosting Course Accessibility Mini Grant Program

admin-jennifer — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 18:39:59 +0000

The William E. Kirwan Center for Academic Innovation is pleased to announce that 17 faculty members have been selected to participate in the Boosting Course Accessibility mini grant program. This initiative aims to enhance the digital accessibility of courses across ϡȱ�� institutions and help ensure that all students have equitable access to course materials.

The selected faculty will receive funding and support to redesign their courses with accessibility in mind, including implementing universal design principles that benefit all learners. Participants will work closely with Kirwan Center staff to identify and address barriers in their course materials, learning activities, and assessments.

Through this initiative, we expect to see immediate improvements in course accessibility while building long-term capacity for inclusive design across departments. The selected faculty span the System and represent diverse disciplines, resulting in accessibility course models across science, technology, engineering, and mathematics; social sciences; humanities; business; education; and health professions.

The mini grant program aligns with ϡȱ��’s commitment to creating inclusive learning environments where all students can succeed regardless of disability status. We look forward to sharing the outcomes and best practices developed through this program across the System and beyond.

Please join us in congratulating the faculty members who have been selected for this mini grant program:

Dr. Haitham Alkhateeb, Professor of Mathematics, Yale Gordon College of Arts and Sciences, University of Baltimore

Prof. Ellen Anderson, Clinical Associate Professor, School of Social Work, Salisbury University

Dr. Katryna Andrusik, Assistant Clinical Professor, Counseling, Higher Education, Special Education, University of ϡȱ��, College Park

Dr. Maria Joao Lobo Antunes, Associate Professor, Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Criminal Justice, Towson University

Dr. Amina Ayodeji-Ogundiran, Assistant Professor & Program Coordinator, Management, Marketing and Public Administration, Bowie State University

Dr. Thomas Cadenazzi, Assistant Professor and Program Coordinator, Engineering and Sustainable Technologies, Frostburg State University

Dr. Sarah Gunning, Associate Professor & Director, M.S. Professional Writing, English, Towson University

Dr. Ahalya Hejmadi, Collegiate Professor, Social & Behavioral Sciences & Gerontology, University of ϡȱ�� Global Campus

Dr. Nicole Hollywood, Interim Director of Assessment and Professor of Management, Office of Accreditation and Assessment, University of ϡȱ�� Eastern Shore

Dr. Yewon Lee, Associate Clinical Professor, Counseling, Higher Education, and Special Education, University of ϡȱ��, College Park

Dr. Isabell May, Associate Professor, Health Sciences/Science Communication, University of ϡȱ��, Baltimore

Dr. Laura Rose, Associate Teaching Professor and Psychology Program Director at UMBC Shady Grove, University of ϡȱ��, Baltimore County

Prof. Sherida Morrison Santiago, Instructor, Management and Marketing, College of Business, Coppin State University

Dr. Ellen Schaefer-Salins, Associate Professor of Social Work, School of Social Work, Salisbury University

Dr. Hany F. Sobhi, Professor of Organic Chemistry, Natural Sciences, Coppin State University

Dr. Wendy Whitner, Clinical Associate Professor & Allied Health Program Coordinator, Department of Health Sciences, Towson University

Dr. Ming Xie, Assistant Professor, Department of Emergency and Disaster Health Systems, University of ϡȱ��, Baltimore County

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Inaugural Cohort of Faculty Named Generative AI Pedagogy Fellows

admin-jennifer — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 13:43:04 +0000

Wednesday, September 10, 2025 -- The William E. Kirwan Center for Academic Innovation welcomes a cohort of 24 faculty selected as 2025-2026 Generative AI Pedagogy Fellows from across all 12 ϡȱ�� institutions.

The Generative AI Pedagogy Fellows program is led by two Senior Fellows in Generative AI Pedagogy, Dr. Diane Alonso of University of ϡȱ��, Baltimore County, and Dr. Tracy Tomlinson of University of ϡȱ��, College Park, as well as Dr. Jennifer Potter, Associate Director of the Kirwan Center.

This initiative brings together faculty who are already advancing generative AI pedagogy in their teaching and research practices. As recognized educational leaders in this rapidly evolving field, Fellows will serve as champions for the thoughtful integration of generative AI into teaching across the ϡȱ��. The program aims to equip Fellows with enhanced skills and knowledge to guide their peers through workshops and collaborative initiatives.

Program topics will include utilizing AI in course design and lesson planning, leveraging AI in the development of rubrics, Gen AI and student feedback, and building AI bots for teaching and learning, among others. By working together on research projects and sharing their findings, Fellows will help establish the ϡȱ�� as a leader in generative AI pedagogy.

As generative AI rapidly transforms higher education, many institutions struggle with fragmented approaches to faculty development and inconsistent access to AI tools. Our cross-institutional fellows program addresses these challenges by creating collaborative communities where faculty share resources, expertise, and advocacy strategies, enhancing teaching and learning experiences across the entire ϡȱ��.

The ϡȱ�� 2025-2026 Generative AI Pedagogy Fellows are:

Antonia Charles-Strowbridge, Assistant Professor, Teaching, Learning, and Professional Development, Bowie State University

Andrew Mangle, Associate Professor, Management Information Systems, Bowie State University

Jeronda Burley, Associate Professor, Social Work, Coppin State University

Denyce Watties-Daniels, Associate Professor and Director of Simulation and Learning Resource Centers, College of Health Professions, Coppin State University

Kris McGee, Associate Professor, Educational Professions, Frostburg State University

Wenjuan Xu, Professor, Computer Science and Information Technologies, Frostburg State University

Casey Stratton, Assistant Professor, Communication, Salisbury University

Jessica Walter, Associate Professor of Exercise Science, Salisbury University

Amanda Jozkowski, Associate Professor and Graduate Program Director, Occupational Therapy & Occupational Science, Towson University

Benjamin Zajicek, Associate Professor, History, Towson University

William Carter, Associate Professor, Management and International Business, University of Baltimore

Rachel Zeleny, Associate Professor and Writing Program Director, English and Integrated Arts, University of Baltimore

Scott Riley, Instructor, Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of ϡȱ��, Baltimore

Cory Stephens, Assistant Professor, School of Nursing, University of ϡȱ��, Baltimore

Yasmine Kotturi, Assistant Professor, Information Systems, University of ϡȱ��, Baltimore County

John Schumacher, Professor and Director of Public Health Research Center, Sociology, Anthropology, and Public Health, University of ϡȱ��, Baltimore County

Matt Fitzpatrick, Professor, Appalachian Lab, University of ϡȱ�� Center for Environmental Science

Zach Zbinden, Assistant Professor, Appalachian Lab, University of ϡȱ�� Center for Environmental Science

Jacob Coutts, Lecturer, Psychology, University of ϡȱ��, College Park

Dane Grossnickle, Lecturer, Institute of Applied Agriculture, University of ϡȱ��, College Park

Michael Yao Wodui Serwornoo, Associate Professor, English, Languages and Media Studies, University of ϡȱ�� Eastern Shore

Victoria Volkis, Professor, Chemistry, University of ϡȱ�� Eastern Shore

Mary Crowley-Farrell, Collegiate Faculty, Integrated & Professional Studies, University of ϡȱ�� Global Campus

Rony Thakur, Program Director and Associate Professor, Cybersecurity and Information Technology, University of ϡȱ�� Global Campus

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Kirwan Center Announces New Round of Elkins SoTL Fellowship Awardees

admin-nancy — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 03:09:02 +0000

The ϡȱ�� Kirwan Center for Academic Innovation welcomes the 2025-2026 cohort of Elkins SoTL Fellows – ϡȱ�� faculty who will receive mini-grants and technical support to conduct projects focused on the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL).

The Elkins SoTL Fellowship Program was developed to support and elevate faculty research on teaching practice. The 2025-2026 cohort of Elkins SoTL Fellows will conduct research spanning areas such as writing and literacy development, inclusive and culturally responsive pedagogy, and the integration of emerging technologies such as generative artificial intelligence into teaching and learning.

“I’m delighted to welcome this third cohort of Elkins SoTL Fellows,” said Nancy O’Neill, Executive Director, ϡȱ�� Kirwan Center for Academic Innovation. “Their scholarship will advance our collective knowledge about what works for student success, and I am deeply grateful for their engagement in this important work.”

The 2025-2026 Elkins SoTL Fellows are:

Rebecca (Becky) Anthony, Associate Professor of Social Work and Rachel Buchanan, Associate Professor of Social Work, Salisbury University | Project: Using AI Simulation in Social Work Classes

Mandee Booth, Assistant Professor, Department of Practice, Science, and Health Outcomes Research, School of Pharmacy, University of ϡȱ��, Baltimore | Project: Transparency in Learning and Teaching (TILT) in Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPE)

Melissa Bugdal, Associate Professor of English, University Writing Center Director, Salisbury University | Project: First Year Seminar and Writing Center Workshops: Understanding Dispositions toward College Writing and Writing Centers as a Retention Tool

Kelsie Endicott, Coordinator of the Graduate Writing Center, University of ϡȱ�� Eastern Shore | Project: Developing a Graduate Writing Center

Jason Farman, Professor of American Studies and Associate Dean of the Graduate School, University of ϡȱ��, College Park | Project: Making is a Mode of Thinking: Assessing the Impact of Hands-On Design for Inclusive and Deep Learning in the Humanities

Wyletta Gamble-Lomax, Associate Professor of Elementary Education, Coppin State University | Project: Our Uniqueness in Reading (O.U.R.) Book Club

Jennifer Rae Myers, Assistant Professor, Hearing and Speech Sciences, and Kristin Slawson, Clinical Associate Professor and Director of Clinical Education in Speech-Language Pathology, Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, University of ϡȱ��, College Park | Project: Enhancing Clinical Education in Medical Speech-Language Pathology through AI-Driven Simulated Learning Experiences

Lari Warren-Jeanpiere, Collegiate Professor, Social Sciences and Dominique Hammonds, Collegiate Professor, Clinical Professional Counseling, University of ϡȱ�� Global Campus | Project: Moving Beyond Diversity Training: Promoting Cultural Humility in Counselor Education through Intersectionality and Multiculturalism

Rebecca M. Williams, Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, University of ϡȱ��, Baltimore County | Project: Chart Smarts: Cultivating Critical Visual Literacy in Diverse Student Populations with Student-Curated Examples

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ϡȱ�� and Google Announce Partnership

admin-jennifer — Tue, 24 Jun 2025 01:00:11 +0000

The ϡȱ�� (ϡȱ��) and Google announced a new partnership today that will help thousands of ϡȱ�� students and other ϡȱ�� learners earn Google Career Certificates in high-growth fields including cybersecurity, data analytics, and project management at no cost. ϡȱ�� will also offer learners Google’s new AI courses, designed and taught by AI experts at Google to teach foundational skills in artificial intelligence technology. All 12 of ϡȱ��’s public universities and two of its regional higher education centers will offer this training.

The partnership comes at an opportune time for ϡȱ�� in amplifying its role in preparing learners for an AI-focused economy. By offering the Google Career Certificates program, ϡȱ�� is also providing learners access to industry-recognized credentials in high-demand fields, which can help boost learners’ career readiness across many different sectors.

Keeping pace with in-demand skills has become a defining factor in workforce readiness. A recent industry report found that 96% of a global sample of employers reported that micro-credentials strengthened a candidate’s job application, and 9 in 10 said they were willing to offer micro-credential holders a higher starting salary. In the realm of AI, 75% of these employers said they would hire a less experienced candidate with a GenAI credential over someone more experienced without one, illustrating GenAI’s impact on hiring decisions (Micro-Credentials Impact Report, Coursera, 2025).

“We’re excited to partner with Google, one of the most trusted leaders in industry certificates. This collaboration will boost the career readiness of our learners across the System and give them an undeniable competitive edge,” said ϡȱ�� Chancellor Jay A. Perman. “It supports our vision for the future of higher education and the critical role the ϡȱ�� plays in upskilling and reskilling ϡȱ��’s workforce—never more important than right now.”

The ϡȱ��-Google partnership will have a special emphasis on bringing Google Career Certificates and AI courses to active military, veteran, and military family learners. This unique emphasis recognizes ϡȱ��’s long-standing commitment to these learner populations, which recently culminated in six ϡȱ�� universities being cited as “Best for Vets” by the Military Times, which looked at student success metrics, availability of military-specific resources, and financial assistance, among other factors, in developing its rankings. Only 300 institutions were recognized nationally.

"Google is thrilled to partner with the ϡȱ�� to bring Google Career Certificates and AI Essentials courses to thousands of learners, active military, and veterans across the state," said Lisa Gevelber, Founder, Grow with Google. “This collaboration is a significant step in equipping ϡȱ��’s current and future workforce with skills needed for an increasingly digital economy.”

Google Career Certificates can be completed within three to six months of part-time study, with no experience required. Designed and taught by Google employees, each certificate includes 100+ practice and graded assessments, quizzes, or writing assignments to ensure rigor and mastery. Students who complete the program gain access to our employer consortium of more than 150 companies – including Booz Allen Hamilton, Siemens, and of course, Google – committed to considering certificate graduates for relevant roles. More than 1 million people globally have graduated from the Google Career Certificate program, and over 70% report positive career outcomes within six months of completion, such as a new job, promotion, or raise.

“This partnership signals the value of blending robust degree programs with recognized industry training and extending opportunities for lifelong learning,” said Delegate Stephanie M. Smith, Chair of the Education & Economic Development Subcommittee within the ϡȱ�� House of Delegates. “Partnering with the System to coordinate this effort will ensure that Google’s Career Certificates and AI courses reach ϡȱ��ers far and wide.”

Several schools in the system, including the University of ϡȱ��, College Park and the University of ϡȱ��, Baltimore County, also have provided access to Gemini App—Google's generative AI with enhanced security and privacy, included with Workspace for Education at no cost. Students and educators can use Gemini to assist in learning across various subjects.

"What an exciting day for ϡȱ��,” said U.S. Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.). “This partnership between the ϡȱ�� and Google is designed to support thousands of ϡȱ�� students, create opportunities to learn artificial intelligence technology, and spur innovation. As our state continues to lead the nation in technology and higher education, this partnership advances ϡȱ��'s leadership in AI and cybersecurity.”

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Kirwan Center Names Two Senior Fellows for Generative AI Pedagogy

admin-jennifer — Fri, 06 Jun 2025 19:18:07 +0000

The William E. Kirwan Center for Academic Innovation at the ϡȱ�� (ϡȱ��) welcomes 2025-2026 Senior Fellows focusing on Generative AI pedagogy, Dr. Diane Alonso of University of ϡȱ��, Baltimore County and Dr. Tracy Tomlinson of University of ϡȱ��, College Park.

In their role as Senior Fellows for Generative AI Pedagogy, Dr. Alonso and Dr. Tomlinson will help lead the development of Generative AI programming coming out of the Kirwan Center in academic year 2025-2026. This includes working closely with Kirwan Center Associate Director, Dr. Jennifer Potter, in the development of a “train the trainers” curriculum to engage a selected group of Gen AI Pedagogy Faculty Fellows from across the System. With mentorship and support from the two Senior Fellows, the Gen AI Pedagogy Faculty Fellows will move through the curriculum in Fall 2025 and then engage their respective campus colleagues in professional development in Spring 2026.

To learn more about Dr. Alonso and Dr. Tomlinson, visit the Kirwan Center staff page.

In an effort to help support faculty in incorporating Generative AI into teaching and learning practices, the Kirwan Center is developing a slate of programming for the coming academic year, thanks in part to support from the ϡȱ�� ϡȱ�� Center for Computing Education (MCCE) and Google. For updates, follow the Kirwan Center on LinkedIn.

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Efforts Will Help Faculty Use Generative AI to Advance Teaching and Learning

ϡȱ������ Center for Academic Innovation - News

ϡȱ������ Faculty Named Generative AI Pedagogy Fellows for 2026-2027

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ϡȱ������ Announces 26-27 Senior Fellows to Drive Academic Innovation

Senior Fellow in Generative AI Pedagogy

Senior Fellow for Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL)

Senior Fellow for Assessment & Evaluation

A System-Wide Impact

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Fourth Cohort of Elkins SoTL Fellowship Awardees Named

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ϡȱ������ Gen AI Pedagogy Fellowship Program (2026-27) Call for Applications

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Call for Proposals: 2026-27 Elkins SoTL Fellows Program

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17 Faculty Selected for Boosting Course Accessibility Mini Grant Program

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Inaugural Cohort of Faculty Named Generative AI Pedagogy Fellows

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Kirwan Center Announces New Round of Elkins SoTL Fellowship Awardees

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ϡȱ������ and Google Announce Partnership

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Kirwan Center Names Two Senior Fellows for Generative AI Pedagogy

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ϡȱ�� Center for Academic Innovation - News

ϡȱ�� Faculty Named Generative AI Pedagogy Fellows for 2026-2027

ϡȱ�� Announces 26-27 Senior Fellows to Drive Academic Innovation

ϡȱ�� Gen AI Pedagogy Fellowship Program (2026-27) Call for Applications

ϡȱ�� and Google Announce Partnership