August 22, 2024
Daniel, Watson named Provost Faculty Fellows
Joshua Daniel, associate professor of English and coordinator of the Writing Studies program, and Cherie Watson, a professor of practice in Library Affairs, have been appointed as Provost Faculty Fellows for the 2024-25 academic year.
The program provides part-time academic leadership experience to a university faculty member who has an interest in academic administration. Fellows gain insight into administrative practices and procedures in the provost’s and associate provosts’ offices.
Daniel will work with Julie Dunston, associate provost for academic programs, and David Shirley, director, Office of Institutional Effectiveness, Planning and Research, to enhance student learning outcomes and assessment processes. Dunston said she “looks forward to the positive impact his work will have on our university community.”
Daniel’s fellowship project will focus on the student success and engagement pillar of the Imagine 2030 strategic plan, Dunston said. His work will involve creating a comprehensive guide for faculty on developing and assessing student learning outcomes across all degree levels. This initiative aligns with ongoing institutional changes to meet the criteria set forth by the Higher Learning Commission.
“Honestly, I’m just excited to be a part of this project and to be able to contribute to the excellent work faculty are already doing at SIU Carbondale,” Daniel said. “One of the things I heard consistently about this place before I arrived was how much students love their experiences at SIU, and I think that’s one of the reasons our university is well-suited to grow during an era where most institutions are worried about falling enrollments.
“I see learning outcomes as a good way to describe the broad range of ways faculty here already engage students and support their success at both the graduate and undergraduate levels,” he said.
Watson will work closely with the Center for Teaching Excellence and Costas Tsatsoulis, vice chancellor for research and graduate school dean. Watson’s fellowship project, Saluki Teaching and Research Success (STARS) aims to “develop and deliver a comprehensive faculty development program designed to enhance teaching and research excellence,” said Juliane Wallace, associate provost for academic administration. Watson’s work will continue the faculty development project initiated by Rob Lopez, a 2023-2024 Provost Faculty Fellow.
Watson’s “expertise in supporting the campus community in her outreach role in Library Affairs, as well as her commitment to academic excellence, uniquely positions her to spearhead this initiative,” Wallace said.
STARS is anticipated to significantly benefit faculty across disciplines, promoting professional growth and driving innovative teaching and research practices, Wallace said.
Watson said she “looks forward to supporting and empowering new and existing faculty members as a Provost Faculty Fellow.”
“The 2024-2025 STARS sessions will provide practical guidance, peer support and actionable strategies while we meet and hear from a diverse group of experienced colleagues,” Watson said. “The program’s focus on both professional and personal development will help ensure faculty are well-equipped to thrive in their roles on the SIU Carbondale campus.”