PBSC’s Summer Institute marks 5 years of impact

The Summer Institute concluded its annual faculty development program, now in its fifth year, sponsored by PBSC’s Panther Strong Title V grant and the National Science Foundation STEM Articulation and Transfer Collaborative (SATC) grant, both focused on supporting the academic, professional and personal success of PBSC’s Hispanic and low-income student population.

Investing in faculty development is key for better supporting the unique challenges and obstacles these demographics face across all disciplines with a special focus on gateway courses. This grant partnership is built on the shared philosophy of utilizing resources effectively to make a greater impact on the PBSC community through collaboration.

The Summer Institute is an opportunity for PBSC faculty, adjuncts and full-time instructors from a variety of disciplines, to come together for a deep dive into assignment and assessment redesign with a focus on increasing student engagement and success.

The largest cohort to-date of 47 faculty participants convened at the Center for Bachelor’s Programs on the Lake Worth Campus over three days to explore active learning strategies, employ high-impact responsive teaching and discuss artificial intelligence classroom tools to help foster student achievement. 

"The Summer Institute provides an invaluable opportunity for faculty across disciplines to collaborate and enhance their courses. By redesigning curriculum and assessments intentionally focusing on responsive pedagogy, active learning and technology integration, we empower educators to develop engaging learning experiences that support student success," said Dr. Emmanuel Alvarado, who serves as the faculty coaching leader of the program.

After completing the Institute, participants are expected to apply and implement what they learned during the Fall 2025 and/or Spring 2026 semesters.

“There are not many grant collaborations of this kind across higher education, many grant projects become siloed within their own unique objectives and deliverables. The SATC grant team is thankful for the opportunity to collectively focus resources and efforts alongside the Panther Strong Title V grant team to support the growth of our faculty,” said Brandon White, program grant coordinator for the STEM Articulation and Transfer Collaborative.

“I am so proud that the Summer Institute is being hosted for the 5th year in a row and that through collaboration with the NSF STEM Articulation grant we have expanded its reach to involve more faculty every summer,” said Lisa M. Walther, Title V grant program director. 

This year also featured a special guest speaker, Dr. Paul Hernandez, author of “The Pedagogy of Real Talk.” Dr. Hernandez hosted a mini workshop for faculty participants and his work served as an assignment redesign project led by Dr. Kalisha Waldon.

"The energy in the room was palpable. I observed faculty who were not only eager to learn, but who also connected with one another through openness and shared commitment,” Dr. Hernandez said. “The facilitators created a dynamic, asset-based space that made it clear how well designed and purposefully executed the Summer Institute truly was.”   

The team organizing and leading the 2025 Summer Institute included Dr. Emmanuel Alvarado, Dr. Kalisha Waldon, Dr. Lauren Chambers, Professor Megan Tomei-Jameson, Professor Rachel McDermott, Professor Julie Cisneros, Professor Shadreck Chitsonga, Professor Jenifer Skolnick, Lisa Walther, Brandon White and Jada Brooks. Other special guest speakers included former Summer Institute participants Dr. James P. Sullivan and Dr. Fils Deu Conserve.

Learn more about PBSC’s Panther Strong Title V grant (Title V ), and the NSF STEM Articulation and Transfer Collaborative Grant (SATC).