DEVELOPING THEMSELVES, DEVELOPING STUDENTS Professors like Wytress Richardson, Ed.D., are pursuing professional development in order to ensure a high-quality experience for all students By Nicholas A. Love
“The possibility of having access to mentors through the program is exciting. The guidance and support will help me achieve greater productivity, offer a different perspective, and help build my confidence.” WYTRESS RICHARDSON, Ed.D. ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR
Faculty at National Louis University (NLU) are expert instructors in part because they dedicate their time and energy to learning, just like their students do. Wytress Richardson, Ed.D., associate professor and program chair for NLU’s Applied Behavioral Sciences program, was recently chosen to participate in a selective learning experience through the Leaders in Equitable Evaluation and Diversity (LEEAD) program. LEEAD is one component of the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s strategy to support projects and people “devoted to developing a brighter future for millions of children at risk of poor educational, economic, social and health outcomes.” This is exactly what piqued Richardson’s interest. The program itself, which includes a four-step application process, seeks out historically underrepresented minority scholars in the fields of research and program evaluation. More diversity in scholarship, according to the vision statement of LEEAD, means better science and innovation. Selection means access to a semester of coursework that covers how to navigate challenges related to workplace diversity and inclusion and other topics like networking and securing research contracts. Other learning opportunities include introductions to professional mentors and a six- to nine-month residency program through a partner organization.
For Richardson, all this extra time and effort is just one of the ways she helps brighten the future for her students. “Many of our students come from marginalized communities and are seeking upward mobility. Having the opportunity to participate in and create environments that promote diversity, equity and inclusion will influence the life outcomes of our students at NLU.”
8
National Louis University VIEW | FALL 2017
Powered by FlippingBook