Presidential Faculty Fellows
We're pleased to announce our inaugural Presidential Faculty Fellows, a key part of the Academic Innovation Initiative we launched last December. This program celebrates Bentley’s exceptional teacher-scholars who are leading the way in educational and thought leadership innovations. Our fellows are integral to the Falcons Forward 2030 Strategic Plan, collaborating closely with Focus Area Ambassadors, AIG leaders, various centers, and the Badavas Center for Innovation in Teaching and Learning.
Please join me in congratulating our inaugural Presidential Faculty Fellows!
Proposal: Pride and Purpose: Investing in the Potential of LGBTQ+ Student Innovators and Executive Change Leaders.
The purposes of Mateo’s project are (1) to establish a cohort-based model for LGBTQ+ student innovators and, in tandem, (2) design an Executive Education program for LGBTQ+ change leaders. The student program aims to create an annual cohort of 25 first-year LGBTQ+ innovators who progress together through their four years at Bentley. Simultaneously, the executive program seeks to formalize a cohort of 25 LGBTQ+ change leaders, focused on identity-based leadership, skill development, and next-generation mentorship. Each program will address barriers to advancement for LGBTQ+ individuals, both through business education and leadership growth.
Proposal: Advancing Immersive Learning at Bentley
Mark will facilitate a community of practice of faculty who will work together to explore immersive education pedagogies, VR technologies and applications, and discover ways to integrate VR into their business and A&S courses during the spring 2025 semester. Expanding Bentley’s immersive learning offerings will elevate the student experience, foster innovation, and promote interdisciplinary collaboration.
Proposal: Bentley Integrated Data Analyst Certification Series
Ahmet will create an asynchronous, self-paced technology program through which students complete practical exercises using state-of-the-art data automation and visualization software. This program will enable Bentley students to master data analytics and visualization tools and obtain vendor-issued certifications highly sought after by employers. Data analytics certifications help students credibly communicate their skills and differentiate themselves from other candidates in a crowded and competitive job market.
Proposal: Digital Journalism & Vanguard Media
David’s Digital Journalism & Vanguard Media initiative is a year-long endeavor that will introduce the digital journalism minor, housed within the Experience Design and English Media Studies Departments, and lead the initiative for the relaunch of Bentley’s student newspaper, The Bentley Vanguard and succeeding Vanguard Media platform. The proposed media layered platform will include newsprint, digital outlet (i.e., smartphone application), and media space that chronicles the institution, establishes media content for a diverse audience, builds partnerships across Bentley and the surrounding communities, and prepares students, via project-based, experiential learning in reporting, digital media production, editorial work, and promotions.
Proposal: Expanding and Embedding Transdisciplinary Wicked Problem-Based Curricula at Bentley
Dave will be leading a design process for Bentley faculty in the Fall 2024 semester to create transdisciplinary curriculum modules around wicked problems in DE&I, Healthcare, and/or Analytics. Prior to Fall 2024, he will identify teams of faculty members across business and arts & sciences departments who will develop modules in the fall and then deploy and assess their efficacy in the Spring 2025 semester.