News Archives

Mitchell College Faculty Prepares to Help Students Achieve Highest Potential

Sep 13, 2021 | News

Like their students, Mitchell College faculty went “back to school” on Friday, August 27, for its 2021 Fall Conference, a professional development opportunity for full-time and adjunct faculty. There, as in the classroom, knowledge was shared, ideas were exchanged and community was strengthened, as faculty prepared for a stellar academic year.

Traditionally held annually in May, the conference is now biannual, in both fall and spring. Fall conference topics focused on accessibility and universal design issues, along with Ability Based Education. Depending on the topic, presenters are in-house or hired from outside of Mitchell.

Criminal justice professor Jenna Curren, current chair of the Professional Development Committee and one of the organizers (along with behavioral sciences professors Dr. Nancy Parent and Dr. Tara Broccoli and ACE Fellow Dr. Hilton Kelly), said, “Topics for the conference are based on where we are now as a college community. We look at what would be most beneficial for our faculty. With the academic program assessment coming up, plus new leadership at Mitchell, we thought it was a good time to also have a refresher on accessibility for students. This and Ability Based Education are part of the fabric of who we are, so these things will likely always be embedded in our programs going forward. We want to be purposeful and intentional about it.”

Presenter Antaya Lee, accessibility services coordinator at Mitchell, said, “The most important information I try to convey when speaking about accessibility and universal design to Mitchell faculty is that accessibility is our shared responsibility. Think about the impact on a student’s learning when extra steps need to be taken in order to access the same materials as their classmates. The student’s disability isn’t the problem; the lack of access is.”

Lee said, “Putting some thought into accessibility when building and planning our courses take a little extra effort up front but save both time and frustration for all parties later. Often, the things to be aware of in order to foster accessibility are not complicated or complex, but simply need our awareness in order to select, build, and share accessible course materials. Awareness allows for accessibility in the physical sense as well – in how classrooms spaces are set up and how activities are planned. And, most importantly, having an accessible attitude makes the biggest difference so that we can hear and learn about the experiences of our students and colleagues so that we can continue to make our environments inclusive.”

Curren said that 20 adjuncts and 15 full-time faculty participated in the conference. The two groups met separately, allowing the time and space to ask and address questions unique to each group.

“There was great conversation among the full-time faculty. It was open and honest, informational and conversational. The new dean [Dr. Betsy Beaulieu, vice president for academic affairs] was there, and the faculty felt energized. There was also great food at lunch provided by Chartwells, Mitchell’s dining services provider.”

The adjunct faculty experienced something similar.

“I was very excited to see the addition of professional development for adjunct instructors at Mitchell College. For me, the sessions provided a better understanding of the school’s mission and culture. It also increased my sense of belonging and helped decrease my feelings of isolation associated with being a part-time instructor,” said Linda Shields, adjunct instructor in hospitality.

Business adjunct Linda Buhr said that she found learning about LibGuides, a content management and information sharing system for libraries, most helpful and looks forward to being back in the classroom with her students.

Katie Nazarian, interim library director and a conference co-facilitator, said, “What we noticed most was the networking among adjuncts. They seemed to really enjoy getting to know one another, sharing experiences, and learning about the tools together. We observed a number of them sharing contact information, helping each other, and talking about connecting again later.”

According to Curren, in addition to the biannual professional development conferences, faculty have other opportunities to connect with each other, including its Faculty Learning Community, offering a guided discussion on a designated topic, taking place six to seven times per year, and a faculty portal where papers and articles of interest can be posted.

Curren said, “In order to foster an inclusive environment in the classroom and help students of all levels learn to their highest potential, faculty professional development enables instructors to adjust their pedagogical style so they are able to engage students and help prepare them for life after college.”

The Day features Dr. Tracy Y. Espy and exciting new initiatives on the horizon for Mitchell.

Aug 26, 2021 | News

By Erica Moser Day staff writer | As published in The Day

Published August 25. 2021 6:23PM | Updated August 25. 2021 8:41PM

New London — When Tracy Espy got involved in Mitchell College’s search for a new president, she said there were just “some inklings” of COVID-19, and she didn’t know what it would mean.

Now, she’s been president for more than a year and is entering the second fall semester happening during the pandemic.

“I really didn’t know the impact of accepting a presidency during a worldwide pandemic, and also moving, so it’s been a whirlwind, but it’s been a good whirlwind,” said Espy, whose appointment as president was effective July 1 of last year.

She sat down with The Day last week to talk about her first year and what’s ahead.

One of her priorities was setting up a senior leadership team, with a goal of finding people who have a “connection to our mission and vision” and “the ability to lead during a very difficult time in higher education,” Espy said.

In May, the Southeastern Connecticut Enterprise Region announced that Executive Director Nancy Cowser was leaving to become Mitchell’s chief advancement and alumni relations officer.

Mitchell also recently has announced that it welcomed Elizabeth Ann “Betsy” Beaulieu as vice president of academic affairs and Alicia Martinez as dean of student experience and belonging. Matt Finlayson joined as athletic director at the end of June.

Hilton Kelly, professor of educational studies and Africana studies at Davidson College in North Carolina, will be at Mitchell just for this coming school year, through the American Council on Education Fellows Program, which “enables participants to immerse themselves in the study and practice of leadership.”

Espy said community collaboration is important to her, and students were able to continue internships this past year despite the pandemic. That included hospitality internships at hotels and restaurants, a marine environment internship at a beach in Massachusetts and field work with energy and environmental solutions company Veolia and the University of Connecticut.

Espy said one of her goals is to increase the number of internship partners, and the college received an anonymous gift to support the student internship experience. She said if students want to participate in an internship but faces a hurdle, such as transportation, they can apply for funds.

Also on the topic of community connections, the president said she has conversations once a month with the mayor of New London, superintendent of the Coast Guard Academy and president of Connecticut College.

Amid doing most of her meetings on Zoom last year, Espy said she spent a lot of time just walking through New London and meeting people. Coming from North Carolina and new to this area, she has enjoyed learning about architecture and the college’s history, and eating at local places like Sellfish, On the Waterfront and Ocean Pizza.

What’s ahead
Espy said faculty this year will be developing Mitchell College’s first master’s program, which will be in mental health.

For other program development efforts, she said science, technology, engineering and math are important, as is industry demand. She said she is focused on further aligning the Mitchell Ability Model, which is about teaching adaptability, with workforce needs.

Rep. Joe Courtney, D-2nd District, has secured $555,000 in federal funding for a planned digital innovation hub at Mitchell, which Espy said would provide students badges and certificates in things like data analytics, digital marketing and cybersecurity. Espy said the college also will seek private donations and do additional fundraising.

Mitchell College also recently was selected for a grant to support vocational exploration among students, with Espy saying it’s about helping students explore natural talents that could lead to a career.

Espy said Mitchell is in the final stages of looking at its branding, and is launching its strategic planning process for the next five years.

The college welcomed first-year students on Wednesday, with returning students arriving Sunday.

e.moser@theday.com

Mitchell College Welcomes Dean of Student Experience and Belonging

Aug 20, 2021 | News

Mitchell College recently welcomed Dr. Alicia Martinez as dean of student experience and belonging. In her role, she will oversee all aspects of the student experience, including the student judicial code, wellness, residence life, Title IX compliance and campus safety.

Martinez most recently served as the program manager in the Office of Diversity Enhancement & Medical Education at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, where she oversaw the Einstein Enrichment Program for underrepresented populations in the field of medicine, health and science. She also developed and ran the Community Based Service Learning Program for medical students. Martinez returns to Mitchell having served as its director of student activities and orientation from 2004-2008.

She holds a doctor of education in higher education from Saint Peter’s University, a master of science in organizational leadership from Nyack College and a bachelor of arts from State University of New York at Stony Brook.

Dr. Tracy Y. Espy, Mitchell College president, said, “We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Martinez back to Mitchell College. As dean of student experience and belonging she will work closely with all areas of the college community to provide a quality, holistic experience for our students. Her role will be instrumental in creating a sense of belonging and community for our diverse student population.”

Martinez said, “It brings me great joy to be back in New London, working on behalf of the students at Mitchell College. I look forward to collaborating with our talented team of faculty and staff to develop vibrant and enriching living and learning experiences that will enhance student life and build a culture of diversity, empathy and inclusion on campus.”

Academic Honors recipients announced for Spring 2021

Aug 20, 2021 | News

Congratulations to the following Mitchell College students named to the Spring 2021 Dean’s List (3.50+ GPA) or the Commendable Scholar List (3.0-3.49 GPA).

Students must meet the following requirements to be eligible for either Commendable Scholar or Dean’s List:

1. Must be a matriculated student.
2. Part-time students are eligible for commendable scholar status for every 12 calculable credits completed.
3. Must have a grade point average between 3.0 and 3.49 for the given semester (Commendable Scholar) or 3.50 and 4.00 for the given semester (Dean’s List).
4. May not have any Incomplete, Satisfactory (S), Unsatisfactory (U), Withdrawal or Failing grades for the given semester.

Dean’s List

Funding Positions Mitchell College to Offer Greater Access to Careers

Aug 19, 2021 | News

NEW LONDON, CT – August 16, 2021–Mitchell College could soon offer career credentialing in both STEM and mental health services through a planned Digital Innovation Hub. The $555,000 project was included in bills approved by the House Appropriations Committee, the first step in the budget becoming law.

The funding request from U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney aligns with Mitchell College President Tracy Y. Espy’s plan to help the college meet the rapidly evolving needs of our new economy. Working with Gov. Ned Lamont’s Connecticut Workforce Development Unit, the college will be part of a workforce pipeline, developing curricula and programs that are accessible, inclusive and meet the needs of employers.

“Congressman Joe Courtney’s support of this initiative enables us to answer the call from the Governor’s Workforce Council to provide innovative education programs and increase access to training in industry-demand careers. We are so grateful to the congressman and other local leaders. They recognize the pressing need for improving post-secondary education and career opportunities. This is a win-win for our students and the State of Connecticut,” said Espy.

Other Grants Awarded

In addition, Mitchell College was recently selected to receive three grants to help the college develop a strategic plan, aid in vocational exploration programming, and conduct a water study at New London’s Mitchell Beach and Ocean Beach.

Funding comes from:

The Presidential Grant to support a strategic planning process, examining institutional sustainability, innovation and student affordability. The grant was received from the Davis Educational Foundation established by Stanton and Elisabeth Davis after Mr. Davis’s retirement as chairman of Shaw’s Supermarkets, Inc.
The NetVUE Professional Development Award to bolster programming efforts to strengthen vocational exploration among Mitchell College students. The award is made possible through funds received by The Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) from Lilly Endowment Inc.
Veolia North America, LLC, to support Mitchell College’s water study, “Quality Analysis of New London Estuarine Systems.” This New London Water Authority Community Fund grant for 2021 will promote environmental research advocacy, protection and conservation, encouraging student interest in a breadth of opportunities and career possibilities.

Espy said, “Thanks to the generosity of these granting organizations, we are positioned to inspire, innovate and invigorate our campus community, curriculum and programs. We can’t wait to get to work.”

BLOOM!

Aug 18, 2021 | News

Jonathan (Jono) Babbitt, Mitchell College assistant professor of performing arts, and his wife Allison Messier, Mitchell’s voice instructor, participated in a “car safari” this summer. It wasn’t in Africa but at Sunny Meadow Farm in Bridgewater, Connecticut. And there were no animals for visitors to watch but talented performers, including Jono and Allison!

The two joined the production BLOOM! with the renowned Pilobolus Dance Theatre in 76 performances over a five-day run. Jono said the format for this year’s production grew out of last year’s COVID restrictions around live performance. Limited groups of cars traveled along a road at the farm and stopped at various sites to watch short performances by the Pilobolus dancers, accompanied by singers and instrumentalists, including two pianos, a violin and a viola.

“We were on stage 10 hours each day, on a site that is so spectacular we should be paying for the view!” Jono said.

Jono conducted a chorus of 20 voices, singing the world premiere of his choral arrangement of Ralph Vaughan Williams’ art song Whither Must I Wander on a text of Robert Louis Stevenson, and Alison sang a solo piece.

Asked about how this experience affected him personally, he said, “The opportunity for artistic expression with like-minded singers, instrumentalists, dancers, choreographers, and technical support staff ranging in age from 12 to 85 – all in the service of a public desperately in need of live, personal performance art – refueled me in ways that are beyond description. As one attendee said to me as she stood in front of me weeping openly, ‘I had no idea how much I needed this experience.’ I am grateful beyond words.”

And watch for more with Pilobolus at Mitchell. The lead dancers and artistic directors are coming to work with Mitchell College Dance/Cheer to offer an example of their astounding and outstanding work. More to come…

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