JACKSONVILLE — Jacksonville State University has announced two faculty leadership appointments as part of its Jax State of Teaching initiative, a university effort focused on enhancing teaching quality and expanding experiential learning opportunities.
Beginning Aug. 1, Dr. Candice Byers will serve as Assistant Director of Faculty Training, while Dr. Laura Pitts has been named Director of Experiential Learning.
Byers, an assistant professor of teacher education, will work with Faculty Commons to implement a new faculty training model that provides national certification in teaching through the Association of University and College Educators (ACUE).
“What excites me most about this position is the opportunity to lead meaningful faculty development initiatives that directly enhance teaching effectiveness and student success,” Byers said. “I look forward to mentoring faculty and supporting collaborative learning communities across the university.”
The new training initiative will begin in early August, with incoming fall faculty participating in Effective Teaching 101, an asynchronous ACUE course. The training model was recommended by the Jax State of Teaching task force, which includes faculty representatives from across the university.
Faculty Commons Director Mica Mecham said Byers will play a key role in launching the initiative.
“I am excited to welcome Dr. Byers to the Faculty Commons,” Mecham said. “She will play an important role as we launch our new ACUE faculty development initiative by coordinating training, supporting faculty through their learning journey, and helping expand faculty development opportunities across the university.”
In addition to the ACUE program, Jacksonville State will continue offering its High Impact Learning Institute, which provides faculty training in experiential learning practices. The program, originally developed within the College of Arts, Humanities, and Sciences under Associate Dean Dr. Seth Johnson, will now expand to the university level.
Pitts, an associate professor of library services, will oversee the experiential learning initiative by directing the institute, working with academic departments to increase experiential learning opportunities, and developing partnerships with business and industry.
“I am incredibly honored to step into this role and continue building a culture where experiential learning is woven throughout the student experience,” Pitts said. “My goal is to create meaningful opportunities for students to develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence employers seek while supporting faculty as leaders in innovative teaching and collaboration. I also look forward to strengthening partnerships with community stakeholders so that together we can prepare graduates who are ready to make an impact from day one.”
According to the university, this year’s initial emphasis for experiential learning will focus on work-based learning, including internships, clinical placements and practicum opportunities. Pitts will collaborate with departments to support and expand those offerings.
Vice Provost of Academic Affairs Dr. Staci Stone said Pitts’ experience will benefit the university in the new role.
“I look forward to working with Dr. Pitts in this leadership role,” Stone said. “Jax State will benefit from Dr. Pitts’s experience as the Provost’s Fellow of Experiential Learning and her expertise in high-impact learning.”
University officials said additional information about the Jax State of Teaching initiative and new faculty development opportunities will be shared during Faculty Convocation in August.
