Alphabetical Listing of Co-Directors

Beyrouty, Craig

Cordes, Wally

The center got off to a good start in that it was able to avoid a repuation of 'where poor teachers are sent for repair', but rather as 'a hang-out for conscientious teachers who want to pick up new and better ideas.'

In the early years the co-directors did a lot of visiting of departments to talk about teaching, and we were always impressed with the large number of really caring instructors in every department. We decided the Center was just a catalyst for getting people together to talk about teaching.

Our unique (as far as we know) organization of having three still-actively-teaching co-directors as part-time co-directors has succeeded in bringing in a constant stream of new ideas - portfolio work, summer retreats, mentoring groups on special topics, etc.

Cronan, Paul

DiBrezzo, Ro

Fort, Inza

Gay, David

Lee, Richard

The best thing about working at the TFSC was the constant interaction with faculty, faculty who cared about their teaching. With lunches, camps, bus trips, and focus groups we were with people who wanted to be there. And these faculty members were from across the university, not just in one or two departments. I like to think we made a positive difference to this University. I'm glad I was part of it.

Levine, Daniel

Working with the Wally Cordes Teaching and Faculty Support Center has opened new vistas of teaching ideas thathave positively benefited my students.  Being a Co-Director has energized my teaching more than I thought would be possible.   I have learned so much by working with UA faculty, and with colleagues from other parts of the country; I have incorporated into my classes many new and fruitful ideas.  My colleagues' talents and willingness to share their teaching  ideas inspires me, and the Center's work excites me as I work to help students at the University of Arkansas get the best educational experience we can give them.  But best of all, it is FUN to work with these great people. Professors who have fun do a better job teaching!

McKinnon, Tom

Shadden, Barbara

Finding Community

I had been at the University of Arkansas for 18 years before I became a TFSC Co-Director.  I heard months after joining the team that there had been some surprise when my name was suggested...surprise because I was not well known for involvement in campus-wide activities.  In retrospect, I truly did not have a sense of belonging to the larger university community.  My office was...well...almost off-campus physically.  My discipline had connections to many but no strong link to any one.  My professional work engaged me at the national level, so I had a strong sense of professional connection and support there.  I loved teaching, but pursued it to the best of my ability without opportunities to share with colleagues.  

I had no idea what I was missing.  With hindsight, I recognize that my three years at the TFSC were the most satisfying years of my career here at the University of Arkansas.  It's hard to put words to the remarkable experience of discovering (belatedly) what community really means.  I was amazed weekly at the extraordinary talents of colleagues from diverse disciplines.  I was thrilled to find a network of faculty who cared deeply and passionately about the teaching/learning process.  I learned so very much about life in the academy and about the craft of teaching.  Suddenly, every new activity represented an exciting opportunity for personal and professional growth.  And everywhere I turned, there was a rich network of support and caring grounded in our common mission to enhance learning on this campus.  

In theory, it was and is the Co-Directors' responsibility to help colleagues enhance teaching and learning at the University of Arkansas.  In reality, I was the beneficiary of  the opportunity to be part of such a vital enterprise.  The heart and soul of the Teaching Center is the community it fosters.  Without community, our work lives can become stagnant and uninspired.  With a true sense of community, all things are possible.  

Hats off to the Cordes Teaching Center, and special kudos to the man who inspires us all -- Wally Cordes.

Thomas, Deborah

Turpin, Jim

Witte, Ken