Working with a collaborative research group, Dr. W. Mark Tew, Howard Payne University provost, recently coedited and contributed to a volume of “New Directions in Teaching and Learning,” a periodic monograph published by Jossey-Bass, a noted higher education publisher.

Titled “The Breadth of Current Faculty Development: Practitioners’ Perspectives,” the coeditors brought together authors, university presidents and noted faculty from Harvard University; University of Tennessee, Knoxville; Michigan State University; and University of Massachusetts Amherst.

“I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know our contributors,” said Dr. Tew. “Educators care greatly about improving their teaching ability and this desire was reflected in each chapter.”

More than four years in the making, Dr. Tew indicated the project started when he and three other researchers, Mrs. Mitzy Johnson of Mississippi State University, Dr. William Ritchie of Keiser University in Florida and Dr. C. William McKee of Cumberland University in Tennessee, surveyed the 800 colleges and universities of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) regarding current practices in faculty development.

“After making a presentation on our findings at an annual SACSCOC meeting, we revised our study and re-surveyed institutions in the southern region,” he said. “It was during the second phase of our work that we were approached by Jossey-Bass about a publication.”

Each chapter identifies areas of opportunity in faculty development. According to the editors, it is their hope that “every reader will be able to glean details that might provide a spark or fan a flame on campus.”

“We are very proud of Dr. Tew’s contributions to this project,” said Dr. Bill Ellis, HPU president. “Dr. Tew leads the faculty of Howard Payne not only by his understanding of academic programs and teaching but also by his example as a scholar-teacher. His passion for academic thought and research is inspiring. This book is a reflection of the great work he’s done as provost at Howard Payne.”

The volume edition is Number 133, Spring 2013, and can be ordered online by clicking here.

Pictured above:  Dr. W. Mark Tew, HPU provost, recently coedited a book on faculty development.