Augusta University’s Center for Instructional Innovation honored faculty on April 30 for their dedication to student success, instructional innovation, and professional growth, according to a May 21 announcement.
The recognition highlights the university’s ongoing efforts to enhance educational experiences and support effective teaching practices among its faculty. Fifty-three faculty members were acknowledged for completing structured certificate programs focused on teaching excellence, instructional technology, and tech-savvy classroom strategies.
Faculty who earned the Certificate in Teaching Excellence for Student Success completed six workshops covering topics such as cognitive science, critical thinking, and academic integrity. The program is designed to help instructors apply evidence-based strategies in their classrooms. The Certificate in Instructional Technology Essentials focuses on mastery of digital learning tools like D2L Brightspace, while the Tech Savvy Teaching certificate helps participants strengthen digital literacy and implement accessibility features into course design.
Doug Blackburn, associate vice president of Instructional Services at Augusta University, said: “Our goal with CII’s faculty development certificate programs is to provide tools that can be immediately applied. We’ve built each certificate around strategies that are grounded in evidence but immediately usable, leaving faculty with approaches they can apply the next time they step into their classroom or log into their course.”
Colleen Hergott, an associate professor of physical therapy who received a certificate this semester, praised the Center for Instructional Innovation team: “The CII faculty are so helpful and ready to support us as faculty however they can. The workshops are excellent; they’re super engaging and practical. I always come away with something to use in my classroom.”
JoAnn Edmond, director at CII along with Stacy Kluge and Jeff Mastromonico, encouraged all faculty members seeking assistance: “The Center for Instructional Innovation provides practical certificates and resources that help faculty teach more effectively and use technology with confidence. These certificate programs are designed to save time, improve student engagement and support real classroom needs. Faculty do not have to figure it out alone, just reach out! The support is here and ready to use,” Edmond said.
