Episode 21 - Teaching as Action: Empowerment, Identity, and Impact with Dr. Leonard Richards Jr.

In this episode of the CFI Faculty Lounge Podcast, host Eric Magrum talks with a JMU alum turned professor, Dr. Leonard Richards Jr, about his journey from student to educator and how that path shapes his teaching today. He reflects on mentorship, identity, and the importance of empowering students to take action and see their impact. Listen in as they discuss: What it means to teach as a verb, not just a role Supporting first-generation students and students of color Navigating identity as a Black educator at a PWI The value of feedback, self-reflection, and growth Balancing personal life, mental health, and academic work He also shares a reminder: be yourself, trust your journey, and know you’ve earned your place. Subscribe to the Podcast listserv! CFI Faculty Lounge Podcast would love hearing from you! Do you have a question for our guests, a teaching tip to share, or a story about faculty life? Send us a message by clicking on this text. Your message might make it into a future episode.