I am pleased to announce that the first GEM Award of 2014 is presented to CETL for their outstanding service to faculty and staff, and ongoing contributions to the success of our University.

CETL, led by Nakia Pope, Ph.D., Lisa Hammonds, Adeline Meira and Jasmine Tuya, routinely goes the extra mile to develop and strengthen the skills of our faculty and staff, which positively impacts our students’ learning experience and University goals.

CETL’s work helps our outstanding faculty by supporting them in their work. Last semester, they contributed significantly to the QEP, which supported the reaffirmation of SACSCOC accreditation.

This semester, they are already off to a quick start with relevant, well-developed and timely workshops. Their Workshop-Palooza last Friday conveniently offered 12 30-minute sessions throughout the day on everything from Twitter and Prezi to Wordpress and how to emphasize critical thinking in the classroom.

CETL’s great work is being noticed on the international stage as well. Their presentation for the Sloan Consortium (Sloan-C) Conference in April has recently been selected for the “Best in Track” Award for innovations in faculty development. Sloan-C is a non-profit organization and the leading professional online learning society.

CETL provides resources and opportunities for professional growth to all faculty and staff.  Their programs help integrate technology into classrooms, provide support for teaching international students and even Blackboard training and certification.

Thank you to Dr. Pope and the entire CETL team for “Going the Extra Mile” and making the University a better place for teaching, learning and professional growth. We are grateful for your commitment to excellence in all you do.

Frederick G. Slabach