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February 2012

New Director Seeks to Enhance Resources and Training for UCO Faculty

Jeff King, Ed.D., was recently named executive director of the University of Central Oklahoma’s Center for Excellence in Transformative Teaching and Learning.

The University of Central Oklahoma is enhancing resources and training for its faculty members under its restructured Center for Excellence in Transformative Teaching and Learning (CETTL), an advancement led by newly appointed executive director Jeff King, Ed.D.

Formerly known as the Faculty Enhancement Center, the CETTL will offer professional and academic development resources to faculty, while fostering instructional innovation, providing opportunities for faculty to discuss and evaluate student learning outcomes, and advocating and recognizing teaching excellence.

In his new role, King will provide support to Central’s faculty members through workshops, one-on-one training, classroom observations, and Faculty Enhancement Day activities, along with additional programming.

“One of the many qualities that attracted me to Central is its dedication to walking the talk of transformative education,” said King.

“Transformative learning begins in the classroom, and it’s important that faculty have a training system, along with resources, that are brief and efficient.”

A former jazz professor and musician, King brings with him a wealth of knowledge in collegiate faculty development and enhancement, having come to Central from his post as director of Texas Christian University’s Koehler Center for Teaching Excellence.

“Dr. King possesses the interpersonal skills, leadership experience, commitment to Central’s core values and a command of the latest methods in teaching and learning necessary to take Central to the next level in teaching excellence,” said Central’s Provost William Radke, Ph.D.

After just a week at Central, King is already proudly sporting the university’s colors and embracing the local music scene.

“I’ve traded in my purple ties for bronze and blue, and Central’s legacy of jazz makes me feel right at home,” said King. “I plan to visit the Jazz Lab often.”

In addition to his experience as a professor, musician and faculty enhancement leader, King’s work has appeared in national journals including Assessment Update, Liberal Education and the Journal of Visualized Experiments.

King said he is proud to be part of a university with a likeminded approach to transformative education.

“The commitment of Central’s upper administrators to the values of faculty enhancement is admirable. I am confident we will make great strides together.”

For more information about the CETTL and other teaching excellence initiatives at Central, visit www.uco.edu/fec.