Ascend, a new career development cohort program for mid-career faculty from the Office of Faculty Professional Development, launches its first session in Spring 2024. Cohort members, all Academic Professionals or Lecturers, will build on their current strengths and successes and explore ways to thrive at mid-career and in the future. Using a faculty learning community model and the Appreciative Inquiry framework, participants will explore their interests, values, and goals, and create an actionable individual strategic plan while developing skills for career growth and leadership.

Members of the first cohort include

• Whitney Buser - Director of Master's Programs and Associate Director of Academic Programs, School of Economics
• Melissa Foulger - Artistic Director for DramaTech, School of Literature, Media, and Communication
• Laura Haynes - Director of Outreach, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Mary Holder - Director of Neuroscience Program, Undergraduate Studies, School of Psychology
• Christopher Jankowski - Director of Graduate Advising and Assessment, Director of Postdoctoral Teaching Effectiveness, School of Mathematics
• Ashley McKeen - EXCEL Senior Lecturer, CEISMC
• Nicoly Myles - Director of the Center for Academics, Success, & Equity (CASE), School of Industrial and Systems Engineering
• Amanda Nolen - Faculty Teaching and Learning Specialist, Center for Teaching and Learning
• Matt Nusnbaum - Senior Academic Professional, Undergraduate Program in Neuroscience
• Daniela Staiculescu - Senior Academic Professional, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Cassie Thomas - Associate Director of Undergraduate Transition Seminars, Office of Undergraduate Education
• Ruthie Yow - Associate Director, Center for Sustainable Communities Research and Development.

Participants in this application-based cohort program will learn and use the Appreciative Inquiry (AI)* model to develop a personal development plan that includes a personal vision and mission; goals for personal learning, professional development, and career momentum; and an action plan. The program is designed to support faculty as they practice skills essential for collegiality and leadership in a cohort environment and explore opportunities for growth and career vitality at Georgia Tech. Participants will also take advantage of four professional coaching sessions during the calendar year with director of OFPD and ICF-accredited coach Dr. Rebecca Pope-Ruark.

To learn more, visit the program homepage.