Schreyer Institute for Teaching Excellence, 227 W Beaver Avenue, State College, PA (2026)

05/22/2026

This week’s Faculty Friday recognizes Sinfree Makoni, Liberal Arts professor of African studies and applied linguistics and director of the African Studies program, as the recipient of the 2026 President’s Award for Excellence in Academic Integration. His work reflects a deep commitment to connecting teaching, research, mentorship and service in ways that extend beyond the classroom and into global conversations.

Makoni has played a key role in building an interdisciplinary African Studies program that brings together students and faculty across a wide range of fields. His approach encourages collaboration across disciplines, creating space for students from areas like political science, education, geography and the arts to engage with African studies in meaningful and relevant ways.

His research focuses on the relationships between language, power and identity, particularly in colonial and postcolonial contexts. By challenging traditional perspectives and centering ideas from the Global South, Makoni’s work pushes students and scholars to rethink dominant narratives and consider new ways of understanding knowledge and culture.

Beyond the classroom, his impact is seen through the African Studies Global Virtual Forum, a weekly space that connects hundreds of participants from around the world. The forum creates an open and inclusive environment where scholars, students and community members engage in conversations about language, justice and global perspectives, expanding the reach of academic dialogue.

Through his leadership and scholarship, Makoni continues to shape a more connected, inclusive and globally engaged academic community.

05/15/2026

This week’s Faculty Friday recognizes Lee Ahern, associate professor of advertising/public relations in the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications, as the recipient of the 2026 Teaching and Learning with Technology Impact Award. His work reflects a commitment to using technology not just as a tool, but as a way to deepen how students think, analyze and communicate in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Ahern’s approach centers on the idea that technology only becomes meaningful when it enhances learning. Through his leadership, he developed and oversees the digital media trends and analytics minor, now the largest minor at Penn State. With more than 1,400 graduates across 71 majors and over 500 current students, the program stands as a model for forward-thinking curriculum design that responds directly to industry shifts.

In the classroom, Ahern immerses students in real-world experiences. In his capstone digital campaigns course, students build and manage full marketing campaigns using platforms like Google Ads and Google Analytics, along with AI-driven tools. They move through a full professional workflow, from strategy and ex*****on to data analysis and evaluation, while also considering the ethical implications of emerging technologies.

By combining innovation with intentional teaching, Ahern continues to shape students who are not only prepared for the future of digital media, but confident in navigating it.

05/08/2026

This week’s Faculty Friday recognizes John Pachence, associate teaching professor and program chair of Integrative Arts at Penn State Abington, as the recipient of the 2026 President’s Award for Engagement with Students. Pachence’s impact extends far beyond the classroom, creating environments where curiosity and creativity thrive while actively supporting students’ growth as thinkers and contributors.

His “I do — we do — you do” teaching approach guides students from foundational learning to independent mastery, giving them the confidence to explore more advanced and creative uses of technology. Through courses in digital recording and production, students take on full-length albums and professional-level projects that prepare them for opportunities with organizations such as Yamaha, Apple and Live Nation.

As the leader of Lion Productions, Pachence expands learning beyond coursework by giving students hands-on experience in live event production, including concerts, performances and large-scale campus events. These experiences help students build both technical and leadership skills while working directly with real clients and audiences.

His commitment to mentorship and experiential learning continues to shape students into confident, capable professionals across the creative industries.

05/06/2026

Register today for a university-wide conversation on the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence, smart and medically assisted technologies, and the academic integrity responsibilities that come with them. From prescription smart glasses to smart earbuds, to medically assisted devices such as cognitive-support apps, speech-to-text systems, and wearable health monitors, “smart tech” is becoming a routine part of how students learn, communicate, and access accommodations. These tools can enhance accessibility and support student success — but they also raise complex questions about privacy, data security, academic integrity, and how instructors can navigate an environment where invisible or always-on technologies are increasingly common.

Panelists include Leah Zimmerman, Office of Student Disability Resources, Crystal Ramsay, AI Center of Excellence, Jeff Adams, Undergraduate Education, Deanna Locke, Office of Student Accountability & Conflict Response, Tiffany Petricini, JSC on Effective and Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education, Philip Voorhees, IT Accessibility Office, Michele Stine, Faculty Affairs Committee of Faculty Senate, and Andrew Peck, Office of Academic Integrity Responsibilities.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/AIROPanel.

Sponsored by the Office of Academic Integrity Responsibilities (AIRO). Contact Andrew Peck with questions at [email protected].

05/01/2026

This week’s Faculty Friday, we’re celebrating Edward “Ted” Jaenicke, professor of agricultural economics, on receiving the 2026 Howard B. Palmer Faculty Mentoring Award.

This award recognizes outstanding faculty who have made a meaningful impact through mentoring junior colleagues, and Jaenicke’s work reflects that in both depth and reach. Known for being a thoughtful listener, collaborator and advocate, he has supported faculty across all aspects of their careers, from research and teaching to service and professional development.

Jaenicke has helped guide colleagues through major milestones, including promotion and tenure, while also fostering collaborative research opportunities and connecting faculty to funding sources. Through co-advising graduate students and working closely with early-career faculty, he creates an environment where mentorship is both modeled and shared, building confidence and capacity across the department.

Beyond individual mentorship, his leadership has contributed to a strong and supportive academic community. From helping secure major grant funding alongside his mentees to strengthening graduate recruitment and advising strategies, Jaenicke’s impact extends across the college. His commitment to service and ability to recognize and develop the strengths of those around him continue to make a lasting difference at Penn State.

04/30/2026

For Schreyer Scholars, one of the most meaningful parts of their experience at Penn State is the opportunity to work closely with faculty.

From early research opportunities to the completion of an honors thesis, faculty mentors play a key role in helping students turn ideas into impactful projects. Whether it’s gaining hands-on lab experience, engaging deeply with texts, or developing original research, these relationships allow Scholars to explore their interests and grow as critical thinkers.

The honors thesis challenges students to take ownership of their work, navigate complex ideas, and contribute to ongoing academic conversations. With guidance from faculty advisers and thesis supervisors, many Scholars leave Penn State not only with a completed project, but with the skills and confidence to continue their work beyond the classroom.

04/24/2026

This week’s Faculty Friday highlights Asif ud-Doula, professor of physics at Penn State Scranton, on his selection to the Fulbright Specialist Program.

Through this prestigious international exchange initiative, Asif ud-Doula will collaborate with faculty and students at D**g Thap University in Vietnam on a project focused on advancing STEM education and research. His work will include leading workshops, lectures and training sessions aimed at strengthening teaching methodologies, expanding research collaboration and supporting the modernization of STEM curricula.

The partnership emphasizes hands-on learning, mentorship and long-term academic collaboration, with plans for joint research projects, curriculum development and continued engagement beyond the duration of the program. By sharing expertise and building connections across institutions, Asif ud-Doula’s work reflects the global impact of Penn State faculty in shaping innovative and inclusive learning environments.

04/22/2026

Behrend’s History program continues to strengthen how students engage with the past through research, analysis, and interpretation. By focusing on historiographic thinking, students are challenged to evaluate multiple perspectives and build deeper, more meaningful arguments about historical events.

Recent course updates are helping students develop these skills earlier in the semester, giving them more time to refine their ideas, engage with complex topics, and connect their work to larger historical conversations. These changes are already showing progress, reinforcing Penn State’s commitment to continuous improvement and student success.

Through hands-on learning, faculty mentorship, and a focus on critical thinking, the program is building stronger thinkers prepared to understand the past and shape the future.

04/21/2026

Penn State faculty are invited to explore ideas, policies and tools for integrating artificial intelligence into their courses at the AI and Teaching Summit on May 13 at Penn State Harrisburg. Hosted by the Center for Teaching Excellence, the Office of the Vice President for Commonwealth Campuses, the Schreyer Institute for Teaching Excellence and Teaching and Learning with Technology, this event is open to faculty across the University. The summit runs from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. with registration beginning at 8:30 a.m., and will feature sessions on AI resilient and integrated assignments, ethics, syllabus design and AI Studio training, followed by hands-on working sessions to apply these concepts directly to courses. Participants can collaborate in discipline-based groups or meet one-on-one with instructional designers.
Learn more here: https://www.schreyerinstitute.psu.edu

04/17/2026

This week’s Faculty Friday, we’re recognizing Qiushi Chen, Korb Early Career Associate Professor in Industrial Engineering, on receiving the 2026 Graduate Faculty Teaching Award.

Chen is being honored for his outstanding teaching and dedication to graduate student mentorship. Known for breaking down complex ideas into clear, meaningful concepts, he helps students not only understand what they’re learning, but why it matters. His approach blends structured learning, peer feedback, and one-on-one mentorship—creating an environment where students can grow as researchers and critical thinkers.

Through his guidance, students develop the confidence to navigate the challenges of research, explore new ideas, and communicate their work effectively. His impact extends far beyond the classroom, shaping both academic and professional paths.

Schreyer Institute for Teaching Excellence

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